Patty Van Dorin

5-1-13

journal page

-spray paint
-monoprinting
-packing tape transfer
-markers and ink

spray paint journal pages

spray paint is my favorite medium
it can be a bit of a challenge when working small like in journal pages

perfect weather for a good messy spray paint day outdoors

spray paint
stencils and masks
monoprinting
wet paint manipulation

1988 called

Still stuck on making blouses, especially with vintage patterns.
Sometimes I find the pattern first and then look for fabric and sometimes the fabric comes first and I look for just the right pattern.

a grafitti inspired fabric **from EOS** as of this post there is still a bit in stock

It was love at first sight, I love an unusual fabric.

Then I found this pattern from 1988 and I think it will be perfect for the fabric above.
The one piece front with dolman sleeves will showcase the fabric nicely.
I will use the shawl style collar option.

I had been looking for a simple pattern to use with french seams and I found this one, circa 1990.


When I came across this really loud fabric, I knew it was just what I wanted for the Vogue pattern above.
I haven't decided on which option yet but I am leaning towards the simple pointed collar, no pockets.

This is a really different fantasy type floral and I like the wild color roses.

It's a big print.

Still working on the Chanel Style jacket, it is a slow process but that is fine as I have given myself the entire summer to work on it.

Using this pattern

A fancy tweed in wool

this silk lining

I am at a stand still with the jacket as I haven't found the trim that I want to use and I am putting off the hand bound buttonholes.
The trim, I may just have to make by braiding some fibers and I have made several successful test runs with the buttonholes but buttonholes are always my biggest hurdle.

Always been fearful of buttonholes, completly unfounded but there were a few miserable failures decades ago.
The trauma remains.

Rainy Days and Sundays always gets me grounds

Getting coffee grounds from Starbucks is a competitive sport in my area.
It's a great item for anyone who gardens and I love Starbucks for this offering this recycling program.
Today is rainy and a big storm is moving in so I knew it was my chance to score coffee grounds.

So off I headed while singing the popular Carpenters song with a bit of a twist to the lyrics, "Rainy Days and Sundays always get me Grounds".

It is recommended to compost the grounds but I just sprinkle them over the garden.
The number of worms I have working for me now is quite impressive.
I think they have the word out and are having parties.

Whatever it takes to keep them happy as my garden is so much better for all the work the worms do beneath the layers of leaves and mulch.

flagstone path

The flagstone path is finished.
A big project as it wraps around the house and goes down a couple of the flower beds.
Now the fun part can start, more planting and moving of plants, the good stuff.

The roses are waking up nicely from their winter rest and the winter veggies are at their peak.

owl with succulents

make stuff

That's my motto - Make Stuff and then Make evener More Stuff

The altered military bag that I worked on today.
What I had intended to use on the front flap wasn't working.
Then, I remembered some fabric journal pages that I made years ago.
While it is not the look I was going for on this bag, I like the fabric collage and I am happy with the results.
I may add some charms and more fabric appliques.
It's nice having half finished projects that finially find their way to a finsihed project.

The back using my favorite Lee Jofa fabric from many years ago.
A smaller size than the backpack I just finished, this will be my every day bag.

pattern and color

vintage kimono fabric with a modern design fabric
no plans yet for these fabrics, still gathering and thinking

summer blouse made from a cute Liberty Arts fabric
waiting to find just the right buttons

happy spring

monarch nebula

This journal page started as just a couple of squiggles trying to get the ink in a stuck pen flowing.
Inspired by a photo of a detail of a butteryfly wing, the one little scratching of a pen became more.

a little sweet spot
fueling my craving for color and pattern.

spring

While I am away doing some spring cleaning and studio maintenance, here is an old journal page to bore you with.
Dots, they are a recurring element.