Dye

I've had a small scratch in my throat so I've been using this tea recipe to help soothe the pain. Aside from it being delicious -- I've been intrigued by the pomengranate. This is the first time I've ever messed with the fruit and it produces one of the most beautiful berry colors I've ever seen. 

It started me thinking about natural dyeing and using fruit instead of your typical box dyes. I found this little video of Audrey Louise Reynolds (via daily candy) that is a nice introduction to natural dying.

Here are few hand-dyed pieces that are really goregous. Not quite sure if they use natural dyes but nevertheless, still gorgeous. The first two images are from Upstate, the last by Shabd.

Playing Shop

Remember how over a year ago my mom decided to open a fabric store in my hometown in western North Carolina? She originally opened Gloria Sews on the second floor of an existing store to help her get started...after one year in, she finally signed a lease on her own store front and moved in last month! 

While we were visiting over the holidays, I helped her with a bit of organizing, rearranging, and played around with a fun window display. 

Denim Dress

While I was originally hoping to get a few pieces ready this fall for my little shop -- I've been side tracked with school, photo jobs, and quite honestly, making things for myself. I recently put together a simple denim striped dress. 

This guy makes it even harder to get anything done :)

Breezy Blue Dress

Several months ago, I found this blue floral fabric at a thrift store in Providence, RI. I placed it in my pile of fabric remnants and quickly forgot about it. But I was recently in the mood to make myself a comfy, day dress...something light-weight and with big pockets. My vintage blue fabric was perfect.

The fabric itself is some type of poly-silk blend ... but I love how cool it feels especially during this extreme heat we've been having.

Bhalo

Aren't these pieces just lovely from Bhalo. Pattern and color...that's all I need. 

Favorite New Things

I've had time over the past few weeks, time to relax and catch up. Here are a few things that have kept me occupied.

When Ellie blogged about this book (The Art of Manipulating Fabric) weeks ago, I promptly headed to B&N and purchased it. Who knew there were so many ways to twist, ruffle, tie, and pleat fabric. Talk about eye candy.

On a recent trip to Providence, I picked up this vintage sewing manual at a thrift shop. Enough said, right?

And a little something I've been cooking up. I fell in love with this double-faced jersey knit fabric (certified organic) and had to design something to make out of it.

Good news, I'm planning on opening up my shop in a few weeks with a few summer garments! Stay tuned.

Summer Skirt

Did I just say summer? I made this simple straight skirt with patch-pockets in anticipation of warmer weather.

Purl Soho

The lovely shop, Purl Soho, has combined its two locations into one and I can't wait to check out the new space, it looks so cute. I've signed up for a knitting workshop this Saturday during their Customer Appreciation Party, and yes, I'm going to FINALLY learn to knit! You can find the new Purl Soho store on 450 Broome Street.

photos via purl bee