Cocktails and Summer Produce

 As I prepare for the garden,  

I dream about warm summer nights sitting in the yard, 

after an afternoon of picking and pruning, 

sipping a fresh lemonade 

or cocktail 

with friends. 

Last week my fabric from Sweden arrived. 

In the spirit of summer produce, 

I sewed these bright cotton napkins.

Just a few more weeks.

 

8 cotton napkins

13 x 13 inches

Merrimack River Reflection

A few weekends ago I went to cheer on friends and capture some photos at the Merrimack River Trail Race. I can't claim I miss running fast, especially on this course, but I do miss traveling through the trees dodging roots and rocks and effs. 

After the racers passed, I walked along the river and watched the water. I thought of the girl who drowned and the poem my mother wrote about her. I remembered another story from a friend who said that during his runs along the Deer Jump he found letters and bouquets of flowers— at the same place and same time, year after year. 

Then the leaders came through, breathing as if shy of a lung, and then the mortals and they too pass.

 Still, the river is constant.

New Spring Fabrics and 10th Hair of the Dog

My fabrics arrived (finally!!!!) and I am pleased with the color and image quality. Of course, some fabrics are better for particular images over others and I am learning the difference before ordering. I love how my art reproduced on the cotton-linen and silky faille.

Last week I stayed up too late and figured out how to make a repeat pattern, which is of the pencil drawing  I sketched last spring at an open house at the Essex Art Center in Lawrence, Mass. It makes a great repeat! I will make a pencil case but perhaps that is too expected. Let me think on it.

I've been working on a variety of "Trail Pixie Studios" labels for my sewn creations and have a few irons in the fire—here is one flavor:

 I just couldn't wait! 

Below is a tea towel &/or wall art hanging I completed and listed in the Etsy shop. Look what a little packaging can do ... how fancy pants.

 

"Home"

cotton-linen, 11 x 17 in.

From 6-9 pm on May 2, 2014 I will be at the

 Hair of the Dog Wine Tasting and Art Show. 

(Essex Art Center, 56 Island Street, Lawrence, Mass.)

A percentage of all sales is donated to the MSPCA.

Get your tickets as they are limited.