Sunny days are here!

Salvage ideas

 So I have been playing around a bit with some spot covering ideas.  And thought getting the opinions of a few more people would maybe help me narrow it down.  Apologies in advance as this is going to get a bit wordy.  The first picture is the entire dress--it is an empire waisted, full-skirted ballerina-esque raimie/cotton dress.  The stitching remained white because it was polyester (pretty common when overdying).  I think the white top-stitching makes the dress a bit more casual. One of the reasons I am dissapointed that it didn't dye evenly (see picture of spot) is that a solid colored dress is a blank slate that allows for an infinite number of accessory/occasion mixing and matching. And I value that type of "fashion diversity." So, I would like the finished product to allow me as much of that flexibility as possible. That being said,  any adornment, in my opinion does restrict the garment a little.

So on to the pictures, my camera is being a little tempermental thus the last picture was shot horizontally like the others but flipped in my camera's memory.  Sorry about that.  I am thinking about using a light gold (metallic) thread for the green abstract dots and floral.  I am still playing around with the purple doilies and the navy lace.  I really do like the delicate white flowers (they came off an almost destroyed vintage dresser runner) because they seem to compliment the white thread. 

So thoughts??? Suggestions? Scrap it all and start again??

Spikey green things and Forgetting about Springing forward

This time of year always tantalizes me with a few days, maybe a week even, of absolutely glorious weather. Blue skies, warm breezes, the first sprouts of daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and other Spring lovelies. And then, because it is only March after all, the grey sky weather returns. Of course, in my impatience for warmer temperatures, I invariably begin to pack up all the winter woolens, organize the closets, and shake my rag menacingly at all the dust bunnies and cobwebs.  While the cleaning and organizing is always a decent way to spend a day I usually end up regretting the exodus of merino and cashmere to the bottom of the cedar chest. Yet, call it stubbornness if you want, I refuse to unpack it even when I probably could use a heavy sweater. Because deep down, I believe that if I give in and pull out the toasty sweaters and skirts that I am delaying the arrival of those beautiful, true Spring days with my lack of faith.

Which probably means I will be a bit chilly not to mention very layered and funnier looking than usual. But so be it.  I certainly don't want to be blamed for Spring's later than usual arrival.

On a different note, I have been busy in the crafty department, or as I like to call it, "Why won't you just dye?!" See, I have this minor obsession with RIT dye.  And yes, I know that procion dyes are way better. But, they require a lot more planning, whereas, when I get the itch to change the color of something, I can get RIT dye at either of the local craft stores. And I get "Easter Egg " syndrome frequently.  But here is the catch, something ALWAYS goes wrong.  Most recently, I decided to dye a few sweaters, a skirt, and (ominous music playing) a white dress that with a new color I could wear to an upcoming wedding. I should have known, that since I had plans for the dress and since there was absolutely nothing wrong with it, that the dress would be the one thing that didn't dye well.  And yeah, I know, pictures would probably have been good, but I was too mad. So use your imagination and think yellow, navy, lime and parrot green blotchy spots all over the once pristine dress.  So, more dye was procured, a few contingency plans were thought up and it was back to square 1.  The second time, it dyed evenly, except for one odd yellowish spot on the right side of the bodice.  I am currently playing with a few vintage appliques, some lace, possibly fabric paint (is that too 80's or does it have a certain Anthropologie-esque possibility?) gold metallic thread, and who knows what else.   I don't think I will wear it to the wedding anymore, but I just can't toss it into the garage sale pile. I really liked the dress and feel the need to salvage it.  Anyone feel like weighing in if I post pictures of possible spot-hiding adornments?  My biggest worry is it looking too busy or too fussy and twee. Ideally I would like it to have that handmade, Alabama Chanin/Anthropologie artwear look, but to be sturdy enough for wearing as a daily sundress this summer.  Photos to come if I can get some feedback on what looks best : )

A few new corners

Oh, how fun it is!

Everett let me give him a faux-hawk this morning. It was pretty much worth waking up for. He thought it was kinda cool too.

Looking for signs of life

We went to The Farm last Sunday. It hardly seems that long ago when I look at the pictures.  Since then however, the weather has warmed up considerably.  I am certain that this being Kansas we will still get some more snow, but it has been lovely to see the sun shining and green things starting to peek out through the greys and browns.

It is always such fun to see Everett out in the fields and creek beds that I played in. I hope that he and Beatrice feel the same connection to the land that Russ and I do. Just getting out and running around seems to brighten everyone's day.

These stones reminded me of our little family.

There were a few places where green things were growing.  About this time of year, my hearts starts to yearn for life and the smell of Spring.  It is coming, I know it.