My thinking spot

Everyone has one. Mine is in the shower, usually. I love to get a project to a certain stage, and leave it. Better ideas will come to me in the shower. Some ideas take a little more work and leave, work and leave, work and leave than others - my table runners have turned into a small tote, and now a larger tote - with several material changes as well.

I am getting it to the point where other people - the people who buy my patterns - will be able to duplicate what I have done in a reasonable amount of time.

Sometimes I get a little carried away with the tools and materials that are available to me. Then (in the shower) I realize what a tiny portion of the worlds sewing population will go to the trouble of turning a yard of Crypton Suede fabric into a hundred four inch circles, spend hours sewing them and have only a table runner to show for it. Then you have to clean your house and invite people over to see this amazing thing you made.

I was telling Megan Cooley a little about this when she interviewed me for her DwellWellNW blog. That got me thinking about the creative process in general and one of my most creative (and highly successful at it) friends, Kathleen Cavender. (If you are in Spokane, you can join us to listen to her sing Jazz tomorrow night at the Max at Mirabeaux.)


With all of this in the back of my mind, I went to the gym. A little sweat before I shower and have ideas. On the treadmill I had such a brain storm I had to get right back home to sketch it. If I am ever able to turn it into a reality, I will let you know and you will see the connection to Kathleen. Click on her name up there to see her art! Now I have 2 thinking spots, how wonderful.

Bedroom makeover motivates messy daughter

Bedroom makeover motivates messy daughter
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

When she opened this duvet on her birthday morning, she actually cleaned her room - really well - while I made the pillow cases and the cover for her window seat cushion. She wanted everything just right for her birthday party. Her room was not dark before, but I am amazed at how this fabric brought a whole new level of light into it. The back side of the duvet is flannel and the pillow cases are flannel too, except the trim. I will post more after I finish the curtains and the big pillow (not pictured.) Need more fabric...I can't believe I just said that.

New in the Shop

So excited to have sunlight today for photographing the little I have that is new. Wanted to share. Back to sewing now.

Waterrose Embroidery

Waterrose Embroidery
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I asked my friend, Rose to make a small embroidery for me to frame and hang on the tree. (A little late for a Christmas post, I know.) Her embroidery is exquisite. My photo certainly doesn't capture it. I think this could be a hot item for her, don't you? What would you embroider to hang on your wall or on your tree? See more of Rose's fine work in her shop.

Like Twitter Almost

Passed 2 reader boards this morning. One at a bar and one at a church.
Pithy vs. Pious: what saying gets your vote and why?

Indecision is the key to flexibility.

indecision capelet from fringe - we are not voting for the items, but for the sayings! Although this item sure has my vote.

versus

The secret of my success- I get up when I fall down. - Paul Harvey

fancy boxer print by PinkyToast - you know she's getting up!

Ask Yourself Questions

and answers are provided... Last night, Rory and I were at a dinner function with speakers and AV presentation, etc. During a break in the proceedings, I watched as one by one, the people at my table pulled out their blackberries and their iphones. Becoming absorbed in the little screens they peeled away and left me sitting alone. (I have to tell you Rory was not on his phone - he was connecting with live humans.) One man, a college student who hadn't strayed far or long from the table, came back and we had a meaningful conversation. One out of 10. I remembered attending similar functions 15 years ago at which an entire table full of people made live connections. It would have been considered rude to pull out your phone for no apparent reason and ignore the actual people in front of you. How did we get this way? What happened to people? Then the Storque posted this video and an opportunity to hear this speaker. Ah, some answers...

Life Inc. The Movie from Douglas Rushkoff on Vimeo.