resonance

res·o·nance: the comparatively large-amplituted vibration that results whenever the frequency of some driving force closely matches a natural oscillation frequency of the system on which it acts

1. Untitled, 2. Untitled, 3. 02.02.08 birds {2}, 4. boots by sink

Thanks everyone. Some links and images with which I felt particular resonance lately:

• Rethinking wardrobe through Abby's discussion of uniforms.
• Yet another amazing artist collaboration. I love that this one was started with an awareness of difference, not similarity.
• Taking stock of the time in ceramics
• My current fashion inspiration: natural, nerdy chic
• Jen's daughter is clearly every bit as cool as her mother.
• It's my birthday this weekend. I wonder if it's too late to add this to my wishlist?

I had a post all planned on how I was going to thank you all for your lovely bits of encouragement, whine talk about my lonely-hearts Valentine's Day, and share some links of courageous creativity.

But then earlier this week we got a call about a sudden death in my family, a cousin of mine. It's come as a shock, and I'd appreciate your prayers for his family and ours. In the meantime, I'll be taking a bit of a break. Take care all.

courage and creativity

"But courage and creativity are linked, for all serious creation requires intellectual courage. It is frightening to enter your workroom early in the morning and face an empty canvas, a blank sheet of paper, or a score sheet, knowing that must inscribe the marks of a completely original work. The fact that you have done it before helps, if only in the sense that you know you can do it. But this never quite removes the fear."

~Paul Johnson, Creators

Bugger. I had already written this quote to post today when I got some discouraging news. The play for which I was hoping to intern (in costumes) this summer was cancelled. I'm not sure where that leaves me - I'll have to email my contact and see if they'd still be needing an intern. I hadn't even filled out the aps yet, but I've been looking forward to it for some time so it's discouraging nonetheless.

On a happier note, thank you all for the ENcouraging comments on my latest dress. Some people expressed interest in techniques for sewing with knits, so I may post that soon. Take care all!

she sews, she knits, she sews knits

After wearing this dress twice without any decent pictures, today I finally snatched it off my bedroom floor (where else would it be while waiting to be washed?), put it on the dress form, and snapped away. Please excuse the lint and wrinkles.

This is my first time working with a knit fabric, something I've been meaning to do for some time. As is my tendency, I did a fair bit of research before starting. Some of it was helpful, but most of it only succeeded in intimidating me. Instead I ended up working from my observations of ready-to-wear garments, with healthy dose of instinct thrown in.

I still need to work on my finishing techniques (is there a way to finish crosswise seams without rippling?), but for a first try I'm really, really, happy with the results. And in love with my twin needle. And stabilizing elastic.

Also, this was my first Built by Wendy pattern (lengthened and altered for knit, of course). There's a lot of good stuff I could say here, but I think I'll save it for another post. Let's just say I'm eagerly looking forward to her next book.

I love, love, love this dress! The fabric is a very fine black cotton rib, heavier than a jersey but not quite a sweater knit. It's so comfortable, and it's the perfect dress up/dress down piece. Now I just have to come up with a name for it. Did I mention that I love it?

Okay, so these pictures are decent, just my hair isn't! Thanks, Dad!

but let a splinter swerve -

I love getting mail. So you can imagine how ecstatic I was when a package came last week from my dear friend Heidi, containing (among other things) a new inspiration journal. With blank, unlined pages. In eggplant purple.

Thank you, my dear. It's perfect. I inaugurated it by copying this poem into it.

Speaking of poems, I've also added a booklist to the sidebar on my blogger account. Although it doesn't come up much here, my training is in literature. I think the main reason it doesn't come up much is because my artistic expression doesn't match my training: I'm no writer.

Still, my study and enjoyment of story heavily influences my work. I love reading the textures and nuances of the page and interpretting them in fabric. With a pen I will never match the wit of Austen, the poignancy of Dickinson, or the raw honesty of Eliot. But with a needle in hand and their words in my heart, at least I can attempt it.

I've just finished This Heavy Silence, a new novel that speaks of remorse and forgiveness without ever falling into sentimentalism. Next up: Creators by Paul Johnson. What are you reading lately, and how does it influence your work?