Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Jasmine Beckoning Spring

Colette Jasmine blouse


Awhile back I finished this Colette Jasmine and never did a post on it. So here it is in all its glory, at Maquoketa Caves State Park. Caving has a magical quality to me and I have always loved this park.




The onset of spring always makes me want to tear my winter coat off and hide it in a closet. Weather in Iowa is still quite cold, today it was in the thirties. Spring is in the air though, I could see it all around me - in the icy pools of water spilling from the caves and in the first glimpses of green under the snow.

Water bubbles up and travels through the cave, as icicles cling to the slowly warming rocks.


I rested my coat and purse on a small obliging tree. 


Goofing around  :)



Colette Jasmine blouse
I had fun mixing patterns on this shirt.

The blouse is made out of quilting cotton. They tell you to avoid quilting cotton because it produces "crafty" looking clothes - but who with a heart and eyes could resist all the fun prints?? I could not resist - true this blouse isn't ready for a fancy event, but it is perfect for an exploratory hike through the woods.


The caves make really interesting ice formations!





Colette Jasmine blouse


Happy first day of Spring one and all! Hopefully it is warmer where you are!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Dandelion Embroidery



I am making my friend Emily a purse! Full disclosure - I started this purse two years ago... opps. Another one of my scary "I don't know how to finish this" projects. I bought the handle online and designed a purse shape to fit it. Then I sketched out an idea for the embroidery. They are dandelions with their petals blowing in the wind! 


Cute lining - slightly wonkily attached.

I lined the inside with leftover quilting cotton from a quilt my sister made years ago. I love the bright-light blue with the yellow and navy.




Now I just need to add a handle and send it off. I will post a picture of the finished piece!