Yes I Needed a Vaca. Yes I took it, even if I tried to talk myself out of it!

 Yes.....

I am coming clean, I am a workoholic.

Some might think my idea of a vacation is nutty.

But I was able to relax.  I was able to have my pup Jackx with me.

I was able to see & HEAR the ocean 24/7 for a week!

This view is from my balcony.

Salad with peaches and avocados, courtesy of a farmer's market!

3 mile beach walks.

Jackx was ready to go every morning!

The goal was to walk to this big rock, then beyond & further each day.

I was super surprised to find it was almost 3 miles,

walking in sand.

View on the walk.

There is something about being where the land meets the sea.

It was heaven to set up a quicky studio.....

I brought too many projects, and listened to myself when I needed to just relax and not work.

It was ok not to do work and enjoy a movie/binge a series.

I was really inspired by an easy dress i stumbled on.

This is the top of the frock. "Map" Fabric in purple by Tim Holtz.

I LOVE Tim's fabric, where he uses vintage elements in his designs.

I am such a sucker for old looking stuff.

This was the inspiration garment.

 

I did make changes to the top edge, and traded patch pockets for on-seam pockets.

Here are the patch pockets with some topstitching in Ephemera.

I am still perfecting and putting my own spin on the sample.

In response to the current economy I have been working on ways to inspire and to save $$, make items that are equally fabulous, yet resilient for a budget.

Simple new inexpensive PDF Paradiso patterns are coming.

Ideas for substaniable design: 

Vintage linens that give a lot of material to work with, they can be blank canvases to be dyed or surface designed with paint OR bleach.

I want to give options to makers that are easily doable to create special clothing and handbags. 

There were 2 thrift shops i went to, and I was able to find vintage linen table cloths at both.

60 x 60 - $6

68 x 84 - $10

I got all the hankies for $1 ea for a future project  

These vintage linens are damask, woven with plant & floral designs.

And they have some weight to them. They are so beautiful.

Many designs were woven with the edges finished, then the lengths were cut and hemmed.

Anyway that is where I am at, and I cannot wait to show you finished projects!

I will close out with the sunsets that I got to enjoy for a week straight.

What a gift and so much to be grateful for!

xoxo, Cheryl