St. Patrick's Day Giveaway!

We have a fabulously GREEN giveaway just in time for St. Patrick's Day!

Stop in to Boutique 208 between now and March 10, 2016 to receive an entry to win this great assortment of items donated by several of our artists. No purchase necessary for the first entry!  Get one entry just for coming in to see us, then earn 1 entry for any purchase, and then additional entries for every $20 you spend! 

Come down and see us!

Prize includes: a pair of Kiss Me, I'm Irish earrings and card from Jenn of Charmed by Jenn, a green floral cotton baby bib from Jody of The Point Needlecraft, a bath cupcake and green silly soap from Bethany of Indulgence Bath & Body Products -  all wrapped up nicely in a lovely reversible fabric bowl from Lynn  of Textile Gifts!

Winner will be randomly drawn the morning of Friday, March 11th and notified via phone call (or email address depending on which the winner provides on their entry form).

We'll be having more giveaways in the coming weeks - stay tuned!!

A Different Take on Japanese Kimono by Lynn Forman

{{ Our Artists Speak }}

- - an ongoing feature  - -

 

I became interested in reusing vintage kimono pieces several years ago when I discovered the work of Kumiko Sudo.  She is a Japanese fiber artist who incorporates asian influences and sensibilities into her quilts.  I began to work through two of her books, Fabled Flowers, and Flower Origami, learning how she uses fabric origami, sashiko embroidery, and hand-stitched applique. 

 

 

 

I began to wonder how kimono silk would fare with origami techniques as embellishment for clothing, so I ordered assorted vintage kimono pieces from a shop on etsy and got started.  I quickly realized that the beautiful prints were lost in the folding process and switched to using solid satin in the folded embellishments I use on some of my scarves and small purses.

 

 

I adapted her hand sewing techniques to machine sewing.  Here are some of my interpretations:

  

 

 

 

 

I then experimented with piecing prints together for my scarves allowing each individual print it’s moment(similar to when it was part of a kimono), but also having it becoming part of one beautiful patchwork combination, ( a totally new life).  

 

 

 

When I discovered wool and cotton kimono pieces, I wanted to try heavier scarves and fabric bowls.  I used solid wool to offset the beautiful colors and patterns in the wool kimono pieces.I also made which could be also used by men.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now for the bowls..... Kimono fabric is approximately 14” wide, perfect for fabric bowls.  In order to showcase each beautiful design, I chose a very simple square or slight rectangle with minimal shaping.  The backing is either hopsack cotton, linen, or denim, all of which are heavier woven fabrics and complement the weave and design of the cotton kimono pieces.

 

 

 Stop by Boutique 208 to see these creations in person.

 

 

Artist Bio Lynn Forman of Textile Gifts

Ok.... get in your closet and dig out your Grandma's old hankies, or if you're like me and your kids do every activity under the sun, then pull all of their sports and activity t-shirts out and put them to good use. Next, make sure they're clean and get them to Lynn.  She will turn them into something useful and lasting. She also offers workshops, so you can learn how to make your own personally designed bowl or basket. Read up on what she does and then stop in the store to pick up a pre-made basket, custom designed bowl, or to take a workshop. Have fun learning a little more about Lynn.

Enjoy!
Amy Levier

I have always loved beautiful fabric and interesting shapes.  By selecting fabric that is fun as well as functional, I try to create the perfect gift for you or someone special in your life.  Since I only create one or two of an item using the same fabric, each purchase is unique.   I welcome custom work, especially when it involves preserving memories by repurposing vintage crochet pieces, antique handkerchiefs, or favorite jeans and t-shirts into individually designed bowls or baskets.  I also refashion treasured fabric into one-of-a-kind scarves and purses. I am excited to add that I just finalized a deal with Simplicity Pattern Company.  They will be publishing a jeans/t-shirts bowl and mirror pattern in Spring 2013.  

Check out some of my designs online at www.textilegifts.etsy.com. 

I will also be offering workshops at Boutique 208 in the fall of 2012, so please check

www.facebook.com/boutique208 for the schedule.