Hunting

It isn't easy to slip away from the shop but the lure was strong to see what was going on out at the Stitches and Craft Show.  We arrived and meandered through beads and paper stalls but were seemingly drawn up to the light of the third floor.  What was happening you ask, well a gathering of designers in a forest of creativity.  The nature of the beast has changed slightly to include lots of passionate women, and a few men, making things...opening up the world of possibilities for all of us by the light of their vision.  My all time favorite...

Cloth is a special find.  The concept is so strong and gorgeous and all about organic shapes and fabrications.  We had a good browse and grabbed a few bits with new challenges developing in heads.  One has to wonder how bags of little bitty scraps of fabrics could be so enticing when someone looking at them has so many bags of them stored at home.  However, the heart still pounds as  a little bit of something new makes all the old stuff look different so we spent a while drooling over bags and then picked a few out.

There are so many gorgeous ideas growing here and the Cloth ladies were so friendly.  Of course I have a narrow focus on quilts but the lampshades, handbags, pillows and hanging drops of cloth all called out to be caught up in the game.  Go say hi then come show us what you picked out...darn, I now see something in this photo I need to go back for...

So many of the designers are young women having a go at creative endeavors while staying home with the kids.  This is something to be considered.  It's such a time of reflection and development and for some, a huge change in the direction of life.  I know for myself when I abruptly moved to a new country and left work and had kids....it was mind blowing. Without the security blanket of all people, things and career that were familiar I found myself completely without identity.   It was a time that opened up my life to making new things from baby clothes to home ware items..to a new me.  We silk screened, sewed, painted and crafted our way through the toddler years showing our kids how to make as we went along.  It was wonderful now to see such an industry developing as an outlet for this redirected energy.

 I ramble here after briefly talking to one such mother.  We asked about her stall and she quietly stated that she didn't have much stock because she was a "stay at home mom with two little kids".  I overheard the statement and was stunned by the memories of what that time was like.  The time and no time all at once!

Obviously, Mon Alissa has creative talent overflowing and there she sat, doodling in her stall surrounded by gorgeous things.

So this morning, timeless despite my "grown" up kids, I reviewed my stack of stuff gathered on the hunt through the designer woods.  Organic is the trend for sure in design and fabrication.  Gorgeous colors of shadows and sunsets, bursting spring buds and a hint of folk art.  First purchase of the day, the heavenly tulip panel from Prints Charming.

oops, there were two piles...so much to think about.  So  many clever people creating a home grown feel to our busy world.  Congratulations to all the efforts of all the hardworking hands out there.  Aren't we lucky to see and make! kathy

Comments

[Karen Beigh]

For some reason, the pink horse fabric strikes my fancy!

[Lyn]

Thanks for sharing your photos of the show with us.

[wishes, true and kind]

Wow! So much inspiration! Thanks for sharing.

[Jan]

Is that a two tiered skirt? Love the look!
(Sounds like a wonderful day!)

[Caroline]

Thanks for giving me a peek at the show....won't be able to make it this year as the 2 small people are with me and it is just too hard with them in tow! But it was lovely to live a little vicariously for a few minutes!

[kathie]

wow the fabrics look interesting...
Love the horse fabric and that green funky tulip fabric in the second picture looks awesome.
Looks like a fun show and a great place for inspiration
oh and do I see a new ruler?????
Kathie

[Heather Bright]

Hi Kathy, I too was so impressed by all those creative young girls on the top floor and the gorgeous things that they were making. It was a joy to wonder through it and of course I just had to buy some all of their beautifully made treasures!

[Juanita]

I love your style and the identity that you have created for yourself. I sometimes wonder about a do-over! Love the delicious finds that you are enjoying, thanks for sharing!

[pamela]

What a great time. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall!! P.s. love your skirt!!