Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Home Again, Home Again


Photo Link

Yes, I had a wonderful time in Chicago, and I thank you all for your good wishes, and many suggestions. We saw 2 concerts in the Northwestern Winter Chamber Music series, The Merry Widow at the Lyric Opera, and Ramsey Lewis in a MLK Day Performance. All of the music was just what you'd wish when you go to a concert, and I have many lovely memories.

The fabric shopping was TDF of course! I knew you'd be most interested in what came home with me, so I put it first.

Clockwise from Left.
Pink wool crepe & washed Rose Duppioni was a gift from Patti. (!)
Autumnal knit with bias stripes of a lacy knit from Vogue Fabrics.
Olive Jersey from Fishman's.
Olive/Black Crossdye Superfine Mohair/Wool from Fishman's.
Terracotta/Blue 'holey' knit from Vogue Fabrics.
Blue-green Animal print knit from Vogue Fabrics.

The knit with mesh lacey diagonal stripes in autumnal colors is something I hadn't seen before, and while they were cutting it for me, another clerk came to see what was left, as a customer had noticed it and wanted 15 yards, so I guess it was appealing to at least two of us. The terracotta/blue marbled print has narrow oval-ish 'holes' filled with a sheer mesh. The effect makes me think of columns. It looks holey, but it isn't really.

I am very excited by all of these pieces, and I am planning tops out of all the knits, with scraps heading for the lingerie-ready pile. The wool/mohair is slated to be pants. There were so many great fabrics at both Vogue and Fishman's that it was difficult to make choices. Before I got there, I had decided to attempt to limit myself to things that I was likely to make up very quickly and wear right away. I don't think I'm ready for a major project yet, but my wardrobe is lacking in certain things. These fabrics/garments should fit in very well.

We had such a great time just visiting as well as shopping and going to cultural events, and meeting Patti's friends was a great pleasure. We attended a weaving retrospective which had quite a few interesting and inspiring items. I have photos, and will put them into another post, or perhaps a couple.



Finally, the Peep was glad to have me at home again. My brother very kindly came over to make sure he had cat food, etc. while I was gone, and Peep was glad to see him, but apparently seemed puzzled over the sudden change of routine. Cats like everything to stay the same, and he'd never been home alone for more than a day before.

14 comments:

Vicki said...

Sounds like you had a good time :) Nice fabric too. The autumnal knit looks like one I have but in a teal/brown combo.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

So glad that you had a good time! And I love the pieces of fabric you brought home with you.

Sally said...

So glad you had a good time. Isn't it nice to get away for a while--but coming home is always nice also. And you'll no doubt make some lovely garments to help you remember your trip. I'll be anxious to see the finished projects. Sally

Mary Beth said...

Love those fabrics!!! esp the wools and the blue/green animal print

gwensews said...

you have awesome fabrics! There's a lot of dreams there. Enjoy your new purchases.

Diana said...

I for one am looking forward to seeing your creations. I've always loved visiting your photo site to what you've been doing.

ACorgiHouse said...

Glad you had a good time, and I love the fabric! Sounds like you and the Peep are getting to new normal, looking forward to the creations! K

Summerset said...

The fabrics are beautiful and it sounds like you had a good time! I see that the Peep is another orange boy. You're so right, cats are creatures of habit and even though they don't seem to care, they do love their owners.

Anonymous said...

Liana,

So glad you had a wonderful trip; a change of place can be quite a "shot in the arm." Your Chicago fabrics are all lovely; I especially am attracted to the stripe on the top right. And the best part will be seeing all your wonderful creations from your lovely fabrics!

Karen (aka Karendee)

McVal said...

Ooh! I love that black/red watercolor thing!

Stash said...

Oh, Liana! I love the pink and rose fabrics. The colors are TDF. So glad you had a fabulous trip. Trips give a new view and a new outlook. And Peep is so cute.

sewsy said...

I'm glad that you had a good time. The fabrics look wonderful!

K.Line said...

Hi Liana: I couldn't find your email address here, so I'm leaving a comment instead. Re: Your excellent suggestion on the Lingerie sew along post about my first attempt at the Linda (or any) bra, I'd love to do the pin method for my next experiment. I'm sure I saw a post about this on the sew along blog, but now I cannot find it anywhere. Can you direct me? Thanks so much. Kristin (kristinm100@yahoo.ca)

deb said...

Beautiful choices!!! Wow. I wondered where they were from and yipeee, Chicago! I have to take your photo to Vogue. When I visit Vogue, maybe I lack "the eye" but seems I don't find these sorts of things there. Maybe a Personal Fabric Shopper would be a great service. Beautiful cat too. We once left a cat home alone for 2 weeks with neighbors checking on her daily. She was MAD at us when we got home.