Julianne

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embroidered hamsa

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In October I noticed that my trusty old purse was falling apart. It was linen with a tree embroidered on it, and I wound up selling a replica to a friend. Oh well, out with the old and in with the new!

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I thought about sewing another tree, but instead I went with a hamsa. I’ve always been fond of hand designs, because they are full of positive connotations to me. First, I use my hands in all the wonderful things I like to make. I also like an open hand as a representation of sincerity and honesty. Also it is a Jewish and Muslim symbol of fertility. When I was in Barcelona in April 2009 I bought a little silver hamsa pendant that always draws comments.

This was originally white linen. I painted the hand silhouette a light yellow and then color the rest of the fabric with a pthalo blue. I like using paint to dye fabric sometimes because it doesn’t bleed. It took me a few hours to add in all the embroidered details. The purse is lined with a blue floral scrap and has one inside pocket.  I’ve had that single brass button for years and I feel like this is the perfect use for it. All of the sewing was done by hand.

I’m really happy with the design and colors, and so far the bag has held up wonderfully.

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biased blouse and black pants

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I LOVE this blouse! This is the first time I’ve cut a garment on the bias. I drafted the pattern myself, the only way I make things nowadays. When I did the neckline and the hem I was somewhere in the lovely grey area between tipsy and drunk, so that’s my favorite part. Gots to have my rum.

in the alley the back of the blouse

RUM + SEWING MACHINE = ADVENTURE ON THE SEWIN’ SEAS

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All the fabric is 100% cotton. The floral fabric is pretty thin, and if I were to wear anything dark under the shirt it would be visible. Like I said, it’s cut on the bias, and there are darts in the front and the back that give it a fit that I love. One of my favorite things about this blouse is that it was all made of scrap fabric. The only thing I bought for this project was the cording that went into the green piping, so I spent about $.75 on my new favorite shirt. Incidentally, the green floral is leftover from the first garment I made without a pattern, a dress way back in early 2006.

the neckline underarm piping the fabric detail of the keyhole neck

Working with the bias definitely presented its own special set of challenges. Making the front and back darts even took a surprising amount of time. The original sketches for this shirt included sleeves, but once I attached them I wasn’t wild about the look, plus is made the body of the blouse fit very differently than it had without sleeves. I love the way the armholes came out and impressed myself with how neat the piping and red trim came out.

my black pants black pants

I made the black pants too, and no pattern for that either. I can’t remember ever having owned black pants before. I wish I’d been able to find some heavy weight fabric with a bit of stretch in it for these. Hopefully in LA I will find some awesome material to cover my butt in.

i am also a monster

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a collection of tables from 2007

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First, let me say thanks to Jason for the new logo and banner!

I love experimenting with color and pattern and think that furniture is a great canvas for this work. Coffee tables can be pretty run of the mill, but it’s not too difficult to spice one up. My space is filled with this kind of color and it’s pretty invigorating, but these tables look pretty great in a more sedate setting, next to your neutral sofa or what have you.

These tables are recycled, usually from garage sales or thrift stores but sometimes from the trash. They often require a bit of repair, but it doesn’t take much to make them sturdy enough to stand up to day to day life. In fact, they are usually outcasts because of their looks, not because of any structural problems. I use latex and acrylic paints, and of course some high durability sealant.

I always paint every part of a table, including the underside. One reason is that I want my art to be beautiful at all times, when you are moving it into your house and carrying it upside down; also I imagine that kids exploring their spaces would appreciate that consideration. Another reason for covering all sides in a good coat of latex paint is that it acts as an extra barrier between the wood and mold spores, one good thing I discovered while going through my apartment post Katrina. Form + function = happiness!

I love making patterns with dots! The up and down dipping motion with my brush relaxes me, and I’m always pleased with the result of the meticulous process. This table was high enough that it could have been used by small children, but it is currently on a covered balcony patio in my New Orleans neighborhood.

This table is one of my favorites. I loved the idea of a table top serving another function as a game board, as well as the grid of squares being composed of so many dots of paint. The pointillism took quite a lot of time and patience! I also made a set of playing pieces for a stylish game of checkers. This table has a nice, vaguely Deco design, and I was happy when my neighbors bought it for their post-Katrina remodeled home.

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