Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Flying off to England


Our stitching group is heading off to England to take a couple of workshops, visit friends and take in the sights. One week in London with visits to Jessie Chorley, Deborah Taffler, and a workshop with the wonderful Viv Sliwka of Hens Teeth at Hope and Elvis. Then a week in Cornwall with a 2 day workshop with the lovely Janet Bolton. Three of us will take a day tour to the wonderful Lake District and visit the home and garden of Beatrix Potter! Hope to get some photos for you and post when we return in July.
Stay tuned and see you soon!

Sunday, January 01, 2017

Happy New Year!


Sending all good wishes for a new year filled with peace, love, harmony and happy surprises!

Sunday, August 07, 2016

Always making things....


I've been busy these last few months....I am always making things! I love to sew, embroider, and rug hook and am always getting new ideas for things to create. I am applying for the Queen of Arts Show and Sale next November so I thought I'd better update my blog a bit to show what things I hope to have for sale. Here are some linen owls embellished with vintage lace that I am currently working on.


A bit of embroidery for various projects....


And some of my foxes made from recycled wool sweaters....



Here is a rug hooked bag I made with some of my little critters along for the ride.



I've been having fun making these little pouches from vintage quilts with tiny fabric dolls.



Elephants made from the softest cashmere sweaters are great presents for new little ones.



Can't resist making a few new pin cushions now and then.



Hearts are another favorite shape I am drawn to....


more hearts from vintage lace....



I thought it was time to make some zippered pouches and use some of the colorful fabric I seem to accumulate!



Mushrooms and birds are images that I tend to return to....



more small mushrooms and a hooked squirrel....



Dolls are fun to create...these have paper clay heads and ethnic textile outfits.



Owls are always great to rug hook and a good way to use up my wool strips left over from other projects.


Block printed sachets and  a pin cushion  filled with lavender and crushed walnut hulls with a bit of embroidery for a bit of texture. 
Right now on my work table I have rocks to paint, fiber jewelry half way done, striped cats awaiting faces, little gift cards, paper clay mermaids, and embroidery samples for our upcoming workshop in Chiapas. That should keep me busy!
Hope you all have fun projects to work on this summer and time for a walk in nature or a dip in the ocean!

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Colors of Chiapas Textile Workshop 2017


We are off to San Cristobal de las Casas for a wonderful textile workshop next February 10-27, 2017. 
We would love to have you join us for a colorful visit to this vibrant city full of art, flowers and beautiful textiles. There are just a few spaces left and if you are interested please contact
Colleen Darling, our trip coordinator at: colleen950@gmail.com for more information.

We will have field trips to local Mayan villages, a visit to the incredible new textile museum, time for shopping at the local markets and a fun workshop exploring Mayan and Otomi designs with applique and embroidery.
There is so much to see and do and we will visit artist's studios and see weaving demonstrations and enjoy the local restaurants and bakeries. 

Come join Colleen Darling, Syd McCutcheon and myself for a fun and exciting visit to San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico!



















Sunday, March 27, 2016


Just stopping by to wish you all a very Happy Easter! 

Friday, February 05, 2016

Sailor hearts Workshop- Feb.13, 2016 in Carpinteria, CA


Love to have you join us for a workshop that I will be teaching at Whimsy in Carpinteria on Saturday, February 13.
Inspired by the Sailor Hearts of yore, we will be giving ours a contemporary spin using vintage lace, shells, buttons, trinkets and trims. 

Call Karen to register at 805-684-7211

Friday, December 11, 2015

Holiday Garland Workshop


I will be teaching a fun workshop this Sunday, December 13 at Whimsy Antiques in Carpinteria!

Would love to have you join us as we create some fabric garlands made from stars, mushrooms, houses, trees, and hearts. I will have things partially made and ready for you to embellish and put together  in your own unique way.

Call or email Karen at 805-684-7211 or whimsyantiques@verizon.net for more information. Hope to see you there!

Whimsy Antiques
5042 7th St.
Carpinteria, CA 93013