NPRINS

Dear readers, Hooray - a new Japanese fabric and yarn store only a mile from my house!! I'm so happy!! Now, I have to get the word out!  The owner, Kelly is fantastic - and has run an successful Japanese fabric internet business for quite some time now (over 6 years) - check out Super Buzzy  - I'm just thrilled she has a store front on Main Street.  If fact I've bought from them online - and she has the best selection of Japanese fabrics - I've even purchased from her before. I bought some fabrics with the intention of making and posting some pictures of bright summer shirts/dresses! Extra wide cotton Soft Gauze (linen cotton) In all honesty - I'm happy our little hippy beach town of Ventura is inspiring artful entrepreneurs to start up their own shops!! This made my day!

Dear readers, I am an impatient quilter and am happy to be finished.  It was a beautiful day today (but cool) down at Emma Wood State Beach in Ventura.  Since I have the day off - I headed down to take some pictures:  The quilt is just sewn and remains unwashed.  Of course I did sew it using steam pressing (against my local quilt shop owner's wishes).  It should look even better when washed!  I could have designed some abstract design on the back - but was simply too lazy:)  If it was a bit warmer I could have stayed out all day.  Wonderful breeze.  Our little bridge connected the two beach state parks in Ventura.  Close up of the straight line stitching.  Not perfect.  But I enjoy the imperfections. The Bernina 430 is really as good as they say for quilting - a beautiful stitch.  I think the all metal insides make a big difference - especially in the bobbin. Wow!  I wish I were in the water.  I'm a bit fatigued ...

Dear readers, I am certainly in love with some of the the new Marfy designs - although I have not sewn with them yet. First - here are some of my favorites for Spring/Summer: Marfy 2540:  A wonderful coat - I'd love to make this. Marfy 2763 - Color blocking - so in this year and traditionally this style is flattering on me - I can see this in a sporty type of wicking fabric for the summer.  Marfy 2798:  I again, love the suggested color-blocking - and I am dying to make an off-the-shoulder dress such as this.  Marfy 2828:  I love the cowl top -  It just looks so comfy. Now, I use a custom flat pattern (or sloper) for my body to modify the patterns.  So, the no hem allowance, no seam allowance, pre-cut isn't seemingly a big deal.  With Marfy (as I understand it) you must also figure out how it goes together (which is fine with me) - that is to say - no directions.  They are apparently Italian high fashion patterns that are for the "experienced...

Dear readers, I've been halfway through finishing the quilt for about a week - overloaded with work concerns right now. I'm ready to finish and engage on more clothing related work (and perhaps some bicycle accessories) . . . Here are the pictures of where I'm at - as you can see I'm using the straight line quilting method to retain the modern geometry of the quilt: Hope all is well for you!  I hope to finish today or no later than the end of the week! Happy April 1st!