Mountain Ash Design

Norwich Winter Market

2012-02-10T19:07:00.004-05:00

I enjoy winter doses of the farmers market scene at the monthly indoor market at Tracy Hall in Norwich. Please join me and many other quality vendors of yummy edibles and dry goods. The market occurs on the second Saturday of the month, through April (that's tomorrow!).

After the January market this photo appeared in the Valley News. The caption heading reads "Farmers Market Fashion Find" and goes on to tell that my cute customer was here from Pennsylvania taking a course at King Arthur Flour and that she bought two of my skirts. She was so friendly and fun to visit with. I so enjoy the social aspect of my work (getting to know my customers face to face), and don't get enough of it at this time of year.
So, the rest of the story is that she's a farmer planning to open a farm to table restaurant. She thought she should brush up on her baking skills (thus the class at King Arthur). The photographer also ended up buying a skirt. I'll have many more for offer tomorrow, in both the lengths you see here.
If you can't make it to the market, or if you are looking for a special deal, there is an inventory reduction sale going on right now in my online shop. Feel free to check it out, and I'll be adding fresh new skirts to the shop soon, so stay tuned.

MAD at Alchemy Initiative this weekend

2011-11-30T09:55:00.004-05:00

If you are near the Berkshires, don't miss this unique, high quality show in an truly singular setting, the old Notra Dame church in downtown Pittsfield, which now houses Alchemy Initiative.

Alchemy Initiative is a multi-faceted organization supporting local activities including community arts and urban farming.

They provide a thorough preview of all vendors plus other features (i.e live music) of this show on their blog here.

I will be displaying festive skirts, aprons, belts and more facing the vestry again this year. Come find me next to my friend Ellie Kreischer of Winged Rabbit Designs and across from the luscious holiday greenery (pictured above). Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Craft Vermont at the Sheraton

2011-11-18T13:18:00.008-05:00

Happening right now! MAD is open for business at the Sheraton Conference Center in Burlington until 8:00pm tonight and through this Sunday, November 20th. Find my display in the center isle upstairs in the Emerald Ballroom.

If you'd rather shop closer to downtown, find me at the Queen City Craft Bazaar tomorrow, Saturday the 19th.

Double Booked

2011-11-14T09:09:00.005-05:00

Coming right up this Saturday: The best indie craft fair in Northern New England = Queen City Craft Bazaar! Come see me and over 40 other totally fab makers at Union Station in Burlington from 10-6 for gifts and self-treats that are fresh, local, high quality handmade and totally unique. Free admission and free parking, too.

*silly segue alert* You know that Groucho Marx joke: "I have standards. And if you don't like those I have other standards" ? Well, read on.

Mountain Ash Design will also be selling this weekend at Craft Vermont Fine Craft and Art Show. This is a first for MAD, and I bought a professional booth and 16(!) pieces of track lighting to meet the display *standards* of this show. I'm really looking forward to it! I'll be exposing my work to a whole new market and I'll be in the company of many seasoned artists I admire, like Marie Davis, Ellen Howard, Sandra Bomhower Jewelry, Lee Greenewalt handweaver, Elissa Campbell of Blue Roof Designs and so many more. Come see us at the Sheraton Conference Center this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Free parking. Print out a coupon for $1.00 off admission here.

2011-11-11T10:52:00.002-05:00

Plaids, florals, birds, butterflies, sailing ships and sea turtles. Come see what my latest batch of skirts are made of at Twist, today and tomorrow in Nothampton. This is a stellar show full of fresh and unique talent.
To see my complete holiday show schedule, spanning Vermont and Western Massachusets, click here.

new downtown studio open this weekend

2011-09-29T12:01:00.006-04:00

Two weeks ago I moved my workshop to a former yoga studio* in downtown Bradford, Vermont.
*As my dad says, "So it's got good vibes." Here are a few snapshots taken in my new space.

Ever since I started my business I've planned to move to town someday. I am so happy to be here, to have professional neighbors and be part of the business community.

Every day I see people I know on the sidewalk. I love living out in the countryside, but I am relishing this regular interaction with humanity during my work day.

I'm getting ready to be open for business with the public this weekend. Look for my sandwich board on the sidewalk near North of the Falls gift and local craft shop and the Local Buzz coffee shop, both right downstairs from me.

There will be many wonderful artists' studios to visit in the area Saturday and Sunday as part of the Vermont North By Hand Open Studio Tour. One is my very talented neighbor on the third floor, painter Stephanie Gordon.

Feel free to bring up your coffee and hang out. I've got comfy furniture : >

at Revolution

2011-09-28T09:43:00.003-04:00

New MAD skirts on the racks at Revolution in White River Junction, in two size ranges fitting all you lovelies size 0-18.

Flora and Fauna into the Fall. Why not?

Hey, do insects count as fauna?

Vermont Farm Relief

2011-09-27T01:53:00.006-04:00

Sincere thank yous and warm regards to all of my summer customers. I had a fantastic season and you all made it possible for me to raise almost $200 for the Mad River Valley Community Fund and the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund. Irene did a serious number on Vermont and none of us saw it coming. Farmers are hard-working self employed people who have no unemployment to fall back on when their crops are ruined.

It's been such a positive experience for me to participate in the Waitsfield Farmer Market. The Vermont small farm culture and local foods movement are very dear to my heart and convictions. I'm including here my socialist revival style propaganda photo which aims to glorify the small local farmer, the farm wife and the home cook, shot at the Tunbridge Hill Farm and The Frozen Butcher stalls directly across from Mountain Ash Design at the market.

12 foot rug

2011-07-19T11:51:00.005-04:00

I finished my rug. I had no idea how long it would be when I took it off the loom. It is 12 feet long. Not really long enough to be a full stair runner, but it fits perfectly in the hallway of my house. These photos were taken at Altus Healing Arts in Chelsea Vermont.

I'm happy with it. During each weaving session I was having my doubts. Being the frugal gal that I am, I used all my discard fabric for this rug, things I did not like enough to use for other projects. When weaving, the materials are a foot or so from my eyes so I was having many thoughts along the lines of, "These fabrics are so ugly. I am making an ugly rug."

But now that it's on the floor I am not seeing the "ugliness" of the prints, just areas of color, and it's pretty nice. I'm happy with my choice of the "peacock" and "duck" colored warps which I alternated to get a light teal-ish color that unifies the whole thing. Don't I look proud of myself? I hope to get back to Altus to do more weaving in the fall.

Domestic Robot exhibit at Frog Hollow

2011-07-12T09:12:00.004-04:00

If you find yourself in Burlington this month (that would be July 2011) take a stroll down Church Street to Frog Hollow, the Vermont State Craft Center.

Through the front window you'll see captivating and comical robots by John Brickles attired in sustainably created aprons by yours truly. It is a great honor for me to be paired with John in this two person show at the gallery.

For this series of retro-inspired aprons I collected skirts, button-down shirts, and home textiles from local thrift stores over the past year, then added vintage fabrics from my own stash and trimming from my production of wrap skirts.

Each apron is one of a kind, made entirely from textiles that may have otherwise been wasted, certainly transformed from their original intent.

Also on display and for sale in the front of the gallery are my signature wrap skirts, HotHolders(tm) and key fobs. Show runs through July. If you can't make it to Burlington have a look at the photo album of the aprons I created for the exhibit.

Craft Fair Couture: Twist 6

2011-05-11T14:26:00.000-04:00

Twist 6 kicked off my Spring/Summer vending season last weekend. There were many well-dressed vendors there and by the end of the show lots of well-dressed customers, too. I had empty bins to bring home!

Enjoy the looks below:

Crispina ffrench wearing one of her sundresses made from soft upcycled t-shirts. I have been in the process of owning a Crispina sweater since Twist 5 (the mysteries of barter, folks) and then I made one at one of her workshops. I think that's when I realized I am officially a collector of American handmade apparel.

Vermont's own Nicloe Carey at her first Twist!

Nicole Blum of one golden apple. When I arrived on Friday to set up I spied a few apparel-makers who were not at Twist 5 and immediately started scheming about trades. Nicole walked away with a white paisley MAD skirt and she's making me a dreamy blue dress.

Best Dressed Crafter at the show, Shannon Herrick of The Spun Monkey. I dig the way she rocks those grass socks and fringy cut-off jeans under her skirt. She is also very well accessorized.

Another trade/score was had by me and Caitlin of Jupitergirl. Her skirts made from t-shirts are so comfy and fit really well. That's the teal/green/charcoal one I picked out lying on her table there. My daughter asked to borrow it before she even saw it based on my description alone and she wore it to school today.

The super cute Heather Toupin of Heatherjeany rocking her Vans, tattoos, and feather hair extensions.

Maeg of Edison Rex in a perfect fit dress from the Salvation Army.

Last but certainly not least: Shahan Rose at her display of hand-painted handbags. She's wearing the MAD skirt she got at Twist 5, plus a really cool wrappy top. Quite adorable.

If you would like a wardrobe update also, visit and "like" the Mountain Ash Design page on facebook soon. I am about to launch a Spring Special there: free domestic shipping for facebook fans and 10% off if you are involved in hooking up new fans. This special is through June 15 so go ahead and get in on the action Now. See you there!

Twist preview

2011-05-02T08:07:00.005-04:00

Twist VI is coming at the end of this week!

Come see me and lots of other unique and lovely handmade items at the Northampton Center for the Arts on Friday night and Saturday. I'll be in the West Gallery this time. Make your way through the party in the disco ball-adorned middle room, then take a breather and enjoy some elbow room in the relative cool and quite of the windowed West Gallery. There will be plenty to room for trying on skirts.

At Twist V last November there was a "Vermont Block." I don't know exactly where my home-state peeps will be set up, but I'm super excited to be there with them. Be sure to check out the Vermont talent: COOB Originals, Recycle Moe, and Nicole's Threads.

I have been blessed by all of the time I've gotten to spend in the studio lately. I'm bringing many new prints to my Twist customers, and have been enjoying pairing them with vintage fabric finds and cast off clothing in need of repurposing. These photos are a little sneak peek.

Whoops - Windy! I had the barn door slid wide open to let in all the good spring daylight for this photo shoot. All the other pictures were taken between gusts. See you in Noho.

Earth Day Upcycle Fashion Show at Alchemy Initiative

2011-04-20T14:12:00.008-04:00

My assignment from Alchemy Initiative: "Create upcycled garments using only locally sourced repurposed materials." So I made these three aprons from button down shirts I bought at the Listen Thrift Stores of White River Junction, VT and Lebanon, NH. I trimmed them with the piecey remains and collars from other button-down shirts plus bits cut from vintage curtains and dressed. Materials used for interfacing and linings used to be household linens.

I had to go out and buy shirts, even though I have piles of previously scored ones in my workshop because..."Provide high-resolution photos of the original materials before deconstructing them, to be part of the backdrop slide show playing during the fashion show." All my piles of thirfted shirts already have the collars and cuffs carefully removed and serged for trimming skirts. Those piles are dwindling fast as I convert the shirts into sashes for skirts.

These aprons plus many more wonderful inventive upcycled creations by a whole bunch of designers will be featured in Alchemy Initiative's Earth Day Upcycle Fashion Show this Friday.

Come bid on them as part of their Silent Auction fundraiser directly after the show, then boogie down with me and all the other folks at the Dance Party to follow. Come back the next day for a Clothes Swap extravaganza!

Having a Grandma Moment

2011-03-01T11:24:00.004-05:00

I have started weaving a rag rug. A really, really long one. In my grandmother's house in Maine there was a rag rug stair runner going from the kitchen up to the long chamber. This was the indoor realm of young grandchildren during summer visits before we graduated to the barn bedrooms as teenagers. I always loved that stair runner. I don't remember there being any other woven rag rugs in the house, but there were many beautiful hooked rugs and a few braided rugs, all of which she made, of course, from repurposed materials. As I have said to anyone who wants to talk to me about my creative inspiration, my maternal grandmother, Marion Brown Curtis, Is It. She was a necessary DIYer of a different generation and she had a great aesthetic. When I was very young she still had two floor looms set up in the long chamber, one quite large. She wove that stair runner on one. She also wove fine wool yarn into subtly patterned cloth which she then made into smart suits that she wore to town and church.

The prominent staircase in my home is in great need of an upgrade in covering. I have a lot of clothing and other cast off textiles I have accumulated over the years that I know I will not use for sewing projects. So I recently started taking a weaving class at Altus in Chelsea, VT. I've never woven on a floor loom before. After the warp was on and I had a few hours of weaving under my belt (and as much time prepping my materials - I hadn't thought about how long this aspect of the project would take) I realized it is going to take me a long time to finish this project. And that's okay. I imagine it probably took Grandma many weeks, if not months, maybe even a year, to finish her rug. She had a lot of other things going on in her life, too. I expect it to take me much of a year to finish my rug, if not longer. I like that I'm going to have a similar experience I imagine Grandma did. When I can I will make the time to prepare my materials: further deconstructing shirts I've taken the collars and cuffs of off, stripping old skirts and curtains, sewing these together into long lengths when I know I'll soon have time to weave. I'm feeling very happy and fortunate on many levels to have this going on in my life.

blooogerrrrzz

2011-02-28T12:54:00.003-05:00

I want to extend a sincere appreciation to Jen and Jean at Gingham Style. I met them at the Cabin Fever show and we instantly bonded over our shared love of gingham. I thank them very much for the charming write-up they gave me on their blog. For the best guidance and the most fun antiquing in Brimfield, MA I would sign up for their bus tour!

Also, Lauren at You Had Me At Handmade put me in her recent "weekly obsession" collection of skirts. Take a peak - my grey kiku is in good company.

Blog on, you all.

Craft Fair Couture: Cabin Fever at the Catherdral High School Gym

2011-02-25T14:55:00.011-05:00

Love was in the air at SoWa's Cabin Fever Indie Craft Fair in Boston last week. And it took place in the Cathedral High School gym. Kind of weird for me since I attended a Cathedral High School (in Duluth, Minnesota). There were all the banners on the walls chronicling their victories in the Catholic Urban and Suburban Leagues.

Since this is part of my Craft Fair Couture series I'm going to write about what people were wearing. Here are Sara and Phil of Rocks and Salt; Matt rocking his purple sweater and plaid scarf, Sara forever cutting an elegant tomboy figure. I seem to have been following them around to shows this past year: Twist, BUST, now here we were neighbors at my first show in Boston since Bizarre Bazaar in 2005. I had hat shopping frustrations during BUST where I couldn't get away from my table long enough to pick one, so I made a decision right away here.

I am so happy about my new hat! And my new collapsable, rolling, tough-as-nails garment racks.

Jen of Zooguu in her Mountain Ash Design skirt that she got at the Queen City Craft Bazaar last November in Burlington.

My little Zooguu elephant. Wearing his perfect birthday suit and fancy ears.

Here is AnYa BredBeck of RequiemFineArt pulling off all her statement pieces. It's a statement outfit really. Her ethereal spoon pendants with bits of long lost and forbidden love letters are complete treasures. It's a very compelling story and creative project.

2011-02-11T11:39:00.006-05:00

Preparations are in the final stages for a weekend of vending events for Mountain Ash Design. Get your apron-inspired wrap skirts in Norwich and Boston. Don't forget: Sashes are made from vintage and recycled fabrics, mostly button-down shirts I source from local thrift stores. Trimming below the sash are shirt collars and cuffs. Skirts are made from new designer fabrics. All skirts are one of a kind, just like you.

I've really been enjoying my recent time in the studio and have many new one of a kind skirts to offer this weekend. Locals can find me at the Norwich Farmer Market tomorrow from 10-1 in Tracy Hall.

Bostonians can find me at the Cabin Fever Indie Craft Fair on Sunday.
I'm excited to try out my new super sturdy collapsible racks. Figuring out how to fit it all into my 7' x 7' allocated space at Cabin Fever.

Not sure where my awesome new mirror will fit in. Richard built me a handy easel to hold it at just the right angle and height.

The MAD stall at these shows will include a traveling winter clearance department! Featuring winter weight skirts in three lengths, plus super summery lovelies for your upcoming warm climate vacation. Like the Waldorf-inspired rounded corners on my signs?

Can't make it to Norwich or Boston? Visit my online shop any time of the day or night (find a coupon code on the front page of this here blog). I'm listing new items regularly so check back often.

2011-01-23T09:57:00.003-05:00

Shake off those mid-winter blues with a trip to the Cabin Fever Show in Boston on February 13th. I'm planning my sale rack for the show as I write this. You can get a jump on that by visiting the Clearance section of my Etsy shop right now. Get an additional 9% off any item by using the coupon code BLOG09 at check out. Just a little something to say, "Thanks for checking in," to my blog readers. Happy Winter!

sweater chop shop

2011-01-12T17:40:00.005-05:00

Greeting from snowy Vermont!

I am here to report on the build-your-own-sweater workshop I took at Crispina's with my friend, Noelle Horsfield, this past Saturday.

At this time of year when production demands have loosened up a bit and skirt and apron making are not keeping me creatively satisfied, I get to explore other mediums during my R&R time. I still seem to be drawn to textiles projects, but I am branching out.

Crispina ffrench walked us through the process of deconstructing several felted wool sweaters and constructing the pieces into a brand new one-of-a-kind unique one. Here's mine, made from parts of five sweaters that were no longer terribly stylish or useful:

I didn't actually finish it until Monday morning. The person in our day-long class of 10 who finished hers first, and before class time was over at that, had never sewn a stitch before in her life. Here she is wearing her finished warm cozy with Crispina in one of hers.

Other than the recycling element which I really dig, one of the aspects of this project that I enjoyed was hand-sewing the entire thing. I love to use line as a design element and I had fun choosing a yarn color that really popped against the subdued wool fabric of the sweater.

During much of the time I was stitching, especially when I was back home, I kept thinking about Wylie Sofia Garcia's work. She's a couture installation and performance artist in Burlington. I love her work and the hand stitching is a big part of what I love about it. She has the most amazing project going on right now involving dresses that evolve daily. Check it out here.

Some other in-progress creations by workshop participants:

This blue one is Noelle's. Visit her website for some wonderful visual treats. She's a cut paper artist with a wonderful way with color and inspiring subject matter.

Next up: Weaving class. I'm going to attempt to make a rag rug stair runner like the one that my grandmother made that ran up the stairs from her kitchen to "the long chamber" upstairs.

Time Out New York

2011-01-07T17:21:00.004-05:00

I am starting to catch up on a few things after a busy end of 2011 and a little break thereafter and have some things to report. My trip to New York with Kelly McMahon of May Day Studio for the BUST Craftacular last month garnered some online press (oxymoron?). Time Out New York's online fashion + style correspondents conducted a little interview with me and snapped some pictures. My skirts (okay, and me, my outfit, my no-regrets tattoo, my super cool wrist cuff made from an Iowa license plate by Aaron Stein of Revival Studio, etc.) comprise the last three photos of their rather brief "Street Fashions" slide show. Check it out by clicking here.

Handmade Holiday Festival Part 3: Fiber Arts Junky

2011-01-06T13:51:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year to all! I've been saving this post for the eve of my return to Alchemy Initiative, this time for a Crispina ffrench workshop this Saturday. Here's Crispina at the Handmade Holiday Festival, wearing one of her signature sweaters and the MAD skirt she acquired at Twist in November.

At her stall full of sweaters, xmas stockings, potholder rugs and wool scrap wreaths, Crispina's sister, Sofie, inspects the skirt. I had to buy one of those wreaths. Every year I am always late getting an evergreen wreath on my door. Problem solved. And the trees whose branches I'm not going to be cutting off in future - well, I think I solved their problem, too.

Let's get a better look at what Sophie is wearing. It is a Crispina sweater - a hand sewn composite of parts of various felted wool sweaters that were no longer very useful or appealing on their own. I don't know if Crispina made it for her or if Sophie made it herself under Crispina's instruction. Either way, it's cool! And suits her so well. It is just such a sweater-making instructional event I am attending on Saturday. I'm very excited.

More handmade attire. The folks at Alchemy Initiative came up with a brilliant way to repurpose t-shirts into useful aprons. Just right for those people who want something soft and fun, but not too "pretty" to freely wipe their hands on. I watched the truffle-maker whose stall was next to mine buy this Elmo apron right off of this volunteer.

Another Alchemy Initiative t-shirt apron worn by co-founder and painter Diane Firtell, who created the trademark image of the bell tower for AI. Her studio is in the church basement and I hope to see her again when I'm there for the workshop.

I am such a fiber arts junky. At the HHF I kept going to visit Christine Fromm's booth three down from mine (pictured here wearing her own creation), which was also full of repurposed sweaters. She makes the most beautifully finished skirts, dresses, hats, capes and more. They are stunning. This photo does not do justice to her work.

Hey, speaking of what people are wearing, here's Suzi Banks Baum of Fe-Mail wearing her MAD skirt. I loaned her my grandmother's red petticoat for the day to keep the skirt from sticking to her black jeans. I have found it's good to have such things on hand at a show.

No group of posts about the HHF would be complete without my home-state pals Moe and Matt of Recycle Moe. We spent a lot of off hours together when in Pittsfield for this show, enjoying food together, comparing consumer xmas philosophies and sharing stories of thrift store scores. In keeping with the fiber arts theme of this post, I would like to tell you that Moe makes those cute birds from recycled sweaters (there are plenty to go around, folks) and Matt crocheted his hat. In fact, I can't think of when I have ever seen the top of his head. Stay warm, everyone!

Handmade Holiday Festival, Part 2: The Wares

2010-12-07T08:20:00.006-05:00

Here are some up-close photos of some of the wonderful and unique products that were for offer at last weekend's Handmade Holiday Festival at Alchemy Initiative in Pittsfield. Above, hand stitched dolls by Claire Fox.

Imagine my happy surprise when I found my own Richard's paper in the work of my new pal, Suzi Banks Baum and her creative partner, Karen Arp-Sandel of Fe-Mail.

Knives are not usually my thing but these were right across from my stall. Amazing materials and craftsmanship.

These great little paper collages are so much like quilts and so much like fish scales. They were made by Ellie Kreischer, (below, on the right) of Winged Rabbit Designs.

Ellie was one of my close neighbors at the show and I bought good from her right away (shhh - stocking stuffers). She and her friends Alison and Emily were such great company, during the show and after hours at the Red Lion Inn ("the Den"?).

Birch bark and twisted, burly wood lamps by Warren at Roots and Rust.

These hand dyes, spun, & knit hats by Linda Clayton of Lulu Knits were even more amazing live and in 3D.

Doria Polinger of BiscuitsBones had these cute rag dolls and and animals at her stall and also a variety of truffles that satisfied by chocolate needs on Saturday afternoon.

Text is necessarily rather brief on this post. I'm taking a short break from finishing up skirts for Thursday's Upcycled Fashion Show at ECHO in Burlington. I'll try to come back later and add the links.

Handmade Holiday Festival, Part I: Scarves

2010-12-05T19:27:00.004-05:00

Every new show is an adventure for me. This weekend I was in Pittsfield, MA for the amazing Handmade Holiday Festival. As I kept telling the locals who rolled their eyes when I said I felt like Suzi Muppet from the farm visiting Sesame Street, I have to drive many hours to reach this much pavement!

In continuing my series on Craft Fair Couture I had fun snapping photos of vending artists. This is Michael Vincent Bushy, MVB Printmaker and bookbinder.

One of the clear style trends of the weekend was artfully worn wraps to keep necks warm in this inspiring and unique venue. The festival took place at Alchemy Initiative, which is housed in an old church in downtown Pittsfield. It looks like this post is going to have a duel focus: scarves on artists and church as craft fair venue.

There were a few young couples running booths together at the festival. This is Molly and Aurel of Moho Designs. Note the stained glass windows behind them. Their women's line is quite elegant, and their underwear would bring anyone a chuckle and get the localvores nodding and smiling.

The show started on Saturday morning with a silent auction to raise money to help restore the church's beautiful windows and other Alchemy Initiative projects. Pews can be purchased to support the same ends. To get one call 413-236-9600 or contact them online.

Wendy Akroyd of Artemesia staying warm in her boot cut leg warmers (great over clogs) and similar what-you-need for your arms & hands. All her beautifully crafted goods are repurposed from cast off sweaters.

The view directly in front of my booth. I did not get their card but their work was lovely in a Martha Stewart kind of way. I managed to score a little pot of paperwhite bulbs with catkins twigs and moss packed around the base before they sold out. I always need to have these around during the holidays. They bring back fond memories from my childhood. Each year my dad had a secret project in his basement workshop of planting a pot or two of paperwhites in wide shallow bowls. They would appear under the tree on Christmas morning and were always a delightful and a surprise.

Pretty cute, huh? This is Stephanie Iverson before her jewelry display (Sundance would love her work). She knows how to rock plaid against black. In fact, even after a few friends tried to steer her towards prints, she bought a solid black MAD skirt with red plaid sash.

There's the view from the stage facing the back of the church, with my racks of skirts and aprons and Winged Rabbit (to be included in an upcoming post) up front. A big thank you to all of my new customers, all the very welcoming AI people and friendly vendors, to Crispina and Suzi for wearing their MAD skirts (stay tuned for pics), and to Moe and Matt for being my family for the weekend. I hope to return soon for more Alchemy Initiative adventures!

Stuck in Vermont

2010-12-01T15:59:00.007-05:00

I got Stuck in Vermont at the Women's Festival of Crafts! Check out the resulting video by VT State Treasure, videographer Eva Sollberger. If you watch all the way to the end you can hear me talking about my grandmother (by biggest influence) during the closing credits.

Click here to watch the video (it's only 5 minutes long). Or possibly here.

Also, this just in: I got a call today to come join the team of artisans at the Handmade Holiday Festival at Alchemy Initiative in Pittsfield, MA this weekend. I am so excited to be part of an event produced by this inspiring collective.

Craft Fair Couture: Women's Fest O' Crafts

2010-11-29T10:12:00.010-05:00

Inspired by the creatively dressed artists at my last show, I present the first of what might be a regular series, Craft Fair Couture: artist in their creative attire in front of their vending displays.

Whatcha got in yer boot pocket, Claudia? She made the hoodie tunic, cool obi and little sweater cape that she's wearing via Claudia Venon Designs.

Our fearless leader, Megan Humphrey of Sweet Basil Cards wrapped in a beautiful teal shawl.

Kacey Grasso-Freel of Subsixstudios in lovely layers, including hat by Red Thread, cargo apron by Mountain Ash Design plus necklaces and earrings by Subsixstudios.

Rachel Laundon in her one of a kind appliqued jeans.

Terry Zigmund of Burlington Community Glass Studio. This outfit is all about the shoes. ...but that picture didn't turn out so... Actually, it's also all about this rad shirt and necklace.

Upcycled Fashions star designer of central Vermont: Janice Lloyd of Red Thread Studio. She made that skirt - and more below!

Genius painter Jess Graham in her Red Thread hat. Last year it seemed like half the vendors bought them.

The always attractively attired Jennifer Kahn. Dig the belt.

Fellow seamstress Emily Riesenfeld of Red Clover Handmade in her Red Thread skirt with hennaed hand by Rebecca Freedner of Heartfire Henna.

This outfit is also all about the shoes. Joanne Kalisz of Happy Fantastic Designs.

Susan Luce of Luce Creations rocks her vintage crocheted sweater.

Indie Craft Fair Report

2010-11-23T17:44:00.006-05:00

I'm two shows into a nice holiday vending schedule this year. My wares seem to appeal to different groups of people so the shows at which I exhibit have different flavors also. I've sold at two great "indie craft fairs" so far. What does that mean? As Kelly McMahon of May Day Studio puts is, "This is the craft fair where there are tattooed girls crocheting." Last weekend was such a fair: Queen City Craft Bazaar in Burlington, VT, illustrated here. I had a few moments to snap some pictures. Above, a super awesome rhino made from recycled skateboard decks by Calvin at COOB Originals.

I live in quite an out of the way, very rural part of Vermont. After working alone all week, getting rather lonely and feeling isolated, I really look forward to some artistic camaraderie at shows on the weekends. I was really looking forward to seeing every one's work. Once I parked my car and started to unload and catch a glimpse of a few of the other vendors I immediately realized I was really excited to see what everyone was wearing. Attire is of course one of my favorite modes of creative expression and the QCCB artists did not disappoint. No hunter orange or even Carharts to be seen anywhere. Above is the hi guys! creator who was wearing a stunning dress with surprising purple striped socks. It was such busy day I didn't have time to think until the drive home that what I really want to do is take pictures of the artists in front of their displays.

Dan Seigel of danmade pottery rocks his hoodie and vintage Western plaid shirt and specs. Get your ceramic ninjaware here.

Get clean with Clean City Soaps. Maker Missy Bly is one of the best dressed women in Burlington, but alas I didn't get a picture of her. QCCB was a great show. It's a great community of artists and we had a terrific turn-out of enthusiastic shoppers. I greatly appreciate producer Kacey Grasso-Freel for pulling these events off.

But first there was Twist in Northampton. My neighbors are illustrated below.

Rachel Hooper and Erinn Simon with scruptous donuts, cinnamon buns and kitties crocheted by Erinn of urban farmgirl.

Sweet family of octopi by Erinn.

The view from the Vermont block: Recycle Moe engaged with the crowd at her table.

Up next in the vending schedule:

Women's Festival of Crafts in Burlington's City Hall this Friday eve, plus Saturday and Sunday all day. Check my schedule for more shows here.

Slow Fashion

2010-11-11T16:53:00.009-05:00

Join me and two other Vermont designers as we present an evening of Slow Fashion at Burlington’s ECHO Center. The ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center is branching out to expose their public to other environmentally-minded movements going on in our fair state.

We Vermonters are highly conscious of, and feel a lot of pride in, our hot shot local foods movement. [above, my neighbor's Bourbon Red heritage breed turkeys, coming to a Thanksgiving dinner table near you soon.] We are second only to Italy, right? And "green" design/build companies don't have to do so much explaining anymore about how they can help you reduce your footprint on the earth.

Now ECHO wants to help folks make the connection between ecologically-minded consumer choices and that other basic necessity: clothing. I feel very honored to be included in ECHO's UpCycled Fashion Show happening on December 9th from 6:30 - 9:30.

Gyllian Rae Svensson of The Bobbin, Rebecca Mack of Flying Hen Studio, and I will talk about our production methods, materials and philosophies and be available for a Q & A session after a runway show highlighting our latest lines of Slow Fashion. For more details call 802.864.1848, ext. 135 or check ECHO’s website for updates.

Holiday Shows 2010

2010-10-19T10:14:00.006-04:00

As they say in my home state of Minnesota, there are only two seasons: Winter and Winter is coming.

The strongly pressing Winter is Coming feeling these days is inspiring me to add plaid trim from red to teal to beyond preppy for the festive season that is just around the corner.

My Holiday vending schedule is shaping up and it includes a few dates in the Burlington, Vermont area, a weekend in Northampton MA, a pop-up shop in Central Vermont and possibly a stint in the Upper Valley.

To start out the season I'll be at Twist Fair in Northampton on November 12th and 13th. Find me near the food, beer and DJ. Seriously!

I'm super excited to be back at the premier show for Vermont's indie craft movement, the Queen City Craft Bazaar on November 20th. Find me at the bottom of the stairs. The following weekend, just after Thanksgiving, I'll be in City Hall, Burlington at the Women's Festival of Crafts. Come see me again in Burlington's City Hall at the Holiday Artist Market on December 17 & 18. For a full schedule see my Vending Events page.

Ongoing outlets for Mountain Ash Design aprons and wrap skirts with sweet bows include Artisan's Gallery in Waitsfield, VT, Revolution in White River Junction, and Art on Main in Bristol, VT. Find my wares at Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT during their holiday member show. Details to come so...stay tuned!

New Work

2010-09-27T12:55:00.004-04:00

The Vermont Life Artisan Gift Catalog came in the mail the other day and I am very happy with the way my "Classic Kitchen Apron" is presented.

The description starts, "Sarah Green's creative calling is sustainably handmade apparel, sewn from vintage, recycled and new designer fabrics." You can get a free catalog by calling 1-800-455-3399.

I've had some exciting sessions in the studio recently in preparation for the Peru Fair (Sept. 25) and the VNBH Open Studio Tour (Oct 2 & 3) and am sharing pictures of some of the results with you here.

Note the new fall/winter fabrics. More new prints and some inspiring solids (black is inspiring, right? "Yes, but is it a color?") are coming so stay tuned.

Richard the paper maker who provides the paper I use for my shopping bags will be open at the very same address on the Open Studio Tour.

Visit the Vermont North By Hand website to check out all 20 artists and see a map of the tour.

The foliage will be at its peak in our part of Vermont so come out for a drive and give your eyes a feast, inside the studios and outside, too.

An Apron for Your Vermont Life-style

2010-09-20T10:11:00.006-04:00

Autumn greetings from the hills of Vermont. The cool air outside breathes like a tall class of cold fresh spring water going down in mid-July. The leaves on the trees are starting to turn. All of us veggie growers are on the alert for frost warnings from the Eye On The Sky guys. Artists and craft makers around the state are gearing up to bring you an ample selection of wonderful unique gift options for the coming winter holidays.

Mountain Ash Design received the opportunity to reach folks far and wide this year with the inclusion of a limited edition full apron in the 2010 Vermont Life Holiday Gift Catalog. Buyer Jan Hubbard scoured the state searching for extra special Vermont-made gifts to offer in this year's "new and improved" catalog. I sent her five aprons to consider and Vermont Life settled on this little number.

I designed this full apron with a wide skirt and ample bib to catch the splatters and keep the flour off your black pants. This fabric combination is available exclusively through the VT Life catalog. It features a skirt and bib of new designer fabric in a cream print with soft pink dots and the sharp silhouettes of black birds perched on branches. The trim is a sophisticated black, violet and frosty blue vintage print of vining roses. The back waist ties are classic blue gingham repurposed from button-down shirts and other textiles saved from the land fill. The bib lining is soft vintage floral percale like you'd sleep on at Grandma's house. The result is a harmonious combination of vintage, recycled and new designer fabrics. Wearing this apron I feel entirely comforted and cosmopolitan, modern and retro at the same time.

And have I mentioned lately that aprons are all about role-playing? You know someone who needs to put on their time-to-feel-smashing-while-getting-dinner-on-the-table costume, non? To request a free catalog and get yours (and one for your aunt/sister/mother-in-law/bff) call 1-800-455-3399 or visit www.vermontlifecatalog.com.

These pictures were taken by Inger Swingforth in the Tunbridge Hill Farm stand at the Waitsfiled Farmers Market. A big thank you to Inger, Jean, Wendy and Rudey!

New Stores

2010-09-07T13:35:00.004-04:00

I'm very happy to announce that the Artisan's Gallery in Waitsfield, VT is now carrying skirts, full aprons and handy Cargo Aprons by yours truly. If you can't make it to one of my vending events, add this to the list of where-to-find-them. For skirts that list includes Revolution in White River Junction, Art on Main in Bristol, and North of the Falls in Bradford. These fine establishments are all in my dear home state of Vermont. Just so everyone knows -> I am ready to serve the discerning masses in all major cities so if you know of any boutique buyers in such places send them my way.

Here's a peak into my visual record keeping system. Since the skirts are one of a kind, I try to take pictures of what I send out into the world, especially to stores so I can restock in an informed way. This is what went on the racks at the Artisan's Gallery last week. The charming Lori Klein stopped by to see me on Sunday at the Mad River Valley Craft Fair and picked out 5 more. These include three M/L ones so Artisan's Gallery is now carrying skirts to fit all the ladies from size zero to 18.

While I'm revealing the inner workings of the MAD machine, here's a record-keeping type picture of what I delivered today to Revolution in White River Junction, also in size ranges to fit anyone from a wee size zero to a lovely size 18.

More exciting news coming soon so...stay tuned!

Fall/Winter Preview

2010-09-06T20:18:00.002-04:00

Waitsfield Farmers Market

2010-07-12T09:42:00.004-04:00

It has been a long time since my last post but that's because I've been so gosh darn busy! I enlisted some sewing help in the spring which has been wonderful. The way the skirts have been flying out the door, so to speak (tent? stall? booth?), it has still been a challenge to keep up with inventory.

Each year (this being #4) I seem to hone in on, and gain access to, my market more effectively. The Waitsfield Farmers Market is turning out to be a great addition to my vending event line-up. Every Saturday I meet people vising Vermont for weddings or vacation or cherishing the time at their country abode. I imagine planning a wedding in the supremely beautiful Mad River Valley as not only a romantic dream location for the happy couple but also as a real gift to all the guests. In any case, they are all having a great time on Saturday mornings before the ceremony checking out the farmers market.

Here are some pictures from last weekend's market in Waitsfield, featuring an adorable customer who ditched what she was wearing before and kept her new skirt on to hang around the market.

This was the third Saturday morning market I've done this summer that started out on the rainy side. A light rain does not keep away the regulars determined to get the fullest selection of glorious fresh veggies when the market opens at 9:00. They just don their raincoats and shopping bags/baskets and head out. Each time the rain has subsided within an hour or so. I've been happy to experience each time that plenty of people are not deterred and are ready to buy skirts, even in the light rain.

I can not say the same for the afternoon market I did in Hanover, NH last week in the middle of the 10 year heat wave we were having. Not only were the potential shoppers staying indoors or at their swimming holes, but the people who came out were just too hot to touch anything...carry anything...much less try on anything that is going to wrap around their waist more than once, if at all. You get the idea. I think the lemonade and gelato sellers did well though.

Because I can handle the heat much better than many people it was still worth it for me to be there. People's eyes were still functioning and my work received many admiring comments. It's all good exposure. I know it is best for me to think about something for a while before actually purchasing it, so I understand that repeat exposure can be an essential part of the buying process.

Summer, summer, summer! I hope you are all enjoying it to the fullest. Until next time...ta ta!

PS. This is Tunbridge Hill Farm stall across from me, always full of customers. They are consolidating their display the entire time as the veggies get snatched up by lucky people. I am amazed at all the early vegetables this year. Farmers have had potatoes for at least two weeks. These guys had plump full heads of garlic with long firm green stems and leaves that people were carrying around the market (you can see them on the low table on the left). I'll have to get a picture of that next time.

Garden Inspired

2010-06-02T07:45:00.004-04:00

I'm excited and honored to be participating in the Garden Inspired Show now up at Art on Main Gallery. The show includes a delightful garden room of "living art" pieces right inside the gallery plus work by member exhibitors as well as special guest artists. It was all artistically assembled and arranged by guest curator, Alena Schnarr of alena botanica in Waterbury, VT.

Mountain Ash Design's Gardening Aprons (aka Cargo Aprons) made from new and vintage sturdy home decor fabrics are my contribution.

Visitors are calling the show "very impressive." So get yourselves to Art on Main in Bristol Vermont to see the show, up until June 30th.

Twist recap

2010-05-19T05:25:00.007-04:00

I realize 10 days have gone by but it feels like only yesterday that I finished up at the wonderful and fun Twist Fair.

Show director Lexie Barnes and Co. sent many communiques to vendors leading up to the show and it seemed like there were an awful lot of rules. I decided to adopt a "let's see" attitude. Sometimes rules are for a good reason.

Although I balked when I first heard this, it ended up not being a complete handy cap that my display had to be on a table and only 24 inches high. I didn't sell a single full apron. Maybe because I had to display them folded in half. But I sold oodles and oodles of skirts and people from across the room could see all the lovely ladies trying them on. The beautiful ballroom space was pleasantly airy (because of the display rule, see?)

And the perks they provided to vendors - let me recount them for you. Beer tickets on Friday night, breakfast, lunch and dinner provided to vendors on site with a "lounge" to nosh in, free chair massage in said lounge on Saturday, and a great DJ all show long. I wasn't sure I'd want free beer during the Friday night hours but it was just the thing and I was able to give a beer ticket to my very handy assistant, Jeff.

The food was yummy and the masseur's style really worked for me. On the application she asked "what other vendors do you want to be near?" and I love, love, loved having recycle moe next to me as a result. I felt very well cared for as a vendor. If this is how it's gonna be, I say bring on the rules!

I met so many great people - customers, sweet friends of my cousin, Colee's, and other vendors. Some were very helpful in giving me an idea of what to expect from my next big adventure - the BUST Craftacular this Sunday in Brooklyn. Big Props to Casey of The Candy Thief and the Sara and Phil at Rocks and Salt for that!

These pictures are just a teaser. Hop on over to the Mountain Ash Design facebook page to see the complete albums.

Two Shows this Weekend!

2010-05-05T15:22:00.012-04:00

I've never done this before but, you know what they say: there's a first time for everything.

I'm just finishing up the sewing (I think. I always feel there's more I could make!) of some very pretty skirts in new fabrics I've picked out for Spring. To kick off the season MAD will be vending at TWO awesome shows coming up this weekend!

I'll be at Twist Fair in Northampton, MA this Friday 6-9 May 7th (that's the "Market Party" folks, when they give free beers to the vendors. Not sure how this is supposed to help sales. I'll give a full report here next week.) and Saturday 10-6 May 8th. This is my first time as a vendor at Twist and I'm excited to experience it from "behind the table" so to speak and to meet some of the other artists who will be there. Check out the impressive vendor list and floor plan here. I'll be packing up my tabletop display for Twist (here's a picture of my trial set-up on my dining room table) and heading down tomorrow. Come see me in the central isle of the big room.

AND Mountain Ash Design will be joining two floors of vendors brimming with local talent at the Queen City Craft Bazaar in Burlington, VT on Saturday May 8th. Last weekend I got my alternate display and the other portion of my inventory to my stellar assistant, Lauren, who will be running my booth at QCCB. Come say hello to Lauren and many of my friends selling their amazing wares.

And just two weeks later come see me at the BUST Spring Fling Craftacular at the Warsaw in Brooklyn, NY on May 23rd (that's a Sunday folks). Check out the very animated vendor page here which includes some big names in the indie craft world. Big steps for this country mouse!

Farmers Market collection on Pie Bird

2010-04-30T15:33:00.005-04:00

My Farmers Market belt was recently included in a similarly-themed blog post by Katy at Pie Bird.

I have one of these. As she says, it "vents while baking." It is so cute and useful for juicy apple and rhubarb pies.

This is just a teaser. Go see her wonderfully curated collection. Almost farmers market season here in VT (now that the snow has melted. again.) Yay!

Vendor Special on Handy Cargo Aprons

2010-04-29T14:41:00.004-04:00

Whew! I have been feeling both overwhelmed and blessed by opportunities lately. In order to share the joy I'm offering a special to vendors of my May shows: $10 off one of my Handy Cargo Aprons (details below).

In a week I'm going to try doing two shows on the same day - in two different states. I'll be a newbie at Twist Fair in Northampton on May 7-8. But I couldn't bear the thought of leaving behind my home state scene: the Queen City Craft Bazaar in Burlington on May 8th. The latter consists of a exciting community bursting with fresh creativity. I feel like I have grown up with these artists the last few years.

I sure am going to miss my homies while I'm in NoHo, but Mountain Ash Design will have a presence at QCCB - my usual spot at the bottom of the stairs. Please stop by and say "hiya!" to my lovely assistant, Lauren, as she holds down the local fort so to speak, and go check out all the other fabulous goods by other artists at the show.

I am full of giddy anticipation about Twist. My dearest cousins live in NoHo and will be helping me and I'll also have fellow VTer Recycle Moe right in the next booth to hold my hand. Come see me in the center isle of the big room.

To tie these events together I'm offering a Vendor Special on my Handy Cargo Aprons. I started making them a year ago as Gardening Aprons for the Floribunda show, but I have since sold them to nurses, teachers and plenty of vendors. Four roomy pockets hold your receipt book, calculator, pens, business cards, bank, with room still for a handkerchief and Cliff Bar. Never again experience that feeling of disease as you walk away from your cash box. Uber-knitter Kathleen Dowd-Hill says, "I don’t know how I’ve managed all these years at craft shows without my new apron, it is awesome!"

The regular price is $42. For co-vendors they are $32. Bring your business card to my booth and I will be happy to set you up. The ones pictured here are brand-spakin' new, made from sturdy vintage and new home decor fabric, double-stitched and bound on all edges with contrasting colors (black is a color, right?). I have one of each and will be splitting them up between the two shows. Click on the pictures to see them in detail. If you'd like me to reserve one especially for you leave a comment here or email me at sarahogreen@gmail.com. I am packing up for QCCB on May 1st so let me know before then. Otherwise, stop by my stall and check them out.

Delectably Pink on Haute Whimsy

2010-04-29T05:32:00.004-04:00

My Black Birds Skirt was recently featured on a pink-themed post on the design blog Haute Whimsy.

Right near this Squirrel Girl by the Black Apple.

Foxy Apothecary

2010-04-26T20:32:00.004-04:00

Mountain Ash Design was recently featured on the design blog Apothecary Fox. "Remedies for a More Lovely Life." Blogger Sarah Fox loves pink&green, red gingham, and vintage influences, so she totally gets me! Click on the "my brother" link for a special treat ; >

I recommend her other posts, too, and her profile has a very nice tone. She's a Vermonter, too so I hope to meet her someday.

BUST Spring Fling

2010-04-23T14:24:00.002-04:00

This just in: Mountain Ash Design has been accepted as a vendor at the BUST Spring Craftacular on Sunday, May 23rd at The Warsaw.

Brooklyn, ho!

penpal potential?

2010-04-16T11:07:00.004-04:00

Interesting tidbit: The most frequent locations I ship to from my Etsy shop are Maryland and Australia.

2010-04-15T19:58:00.004-04:00

Join me at Twist Fair in Northampton on May 7th & 8th and at the Queen City Craft Bazaar in Burlington on May 8th. Wait a minute...

patron of the arts

2010-04-15T11:20:00.009-04:00

This post is dedicated to Jack Thurston, news reporter extraordinaire for our own local WCAX. Not only is Jack a sharp reporter (CNN picks up his stories from time to time), he is also a patron of the arts, an encouraging supporter of upstart craftspeople like myself, and an advocate for recycling and other "green" actions.

You can see him in action in some of his stories from last winter by clicking here for the Champlain Bridge demolition reaction, here for a Made in Vermont feature, and here for Jack reporting on the mysterious disappearance of Pearl.

Jack is admired by many for his pointed reporting, but he is also beloved by those who get to know him for being a very warm, classy and adorable person. I first got to know Jack a few years ago when he featured me in his Made in Vermont series on WCAX.

When he he came over for an interview and filming session we developed a friendly connection over the course of his visit to my then bedroom/work space.
[I cannot believe I was in production where I slept. Those were the struggling early days. I am so glad I made the move out to the barn studio. Separation of certain parts of my life is essential to my well being.]

Well, one Saturday last summer when I was peddling my wares in City Hall Park Jack stopped by with a bag of hand me downs. He knew I liked to repurpose cast off clothing and decided to skip the step to Goodwill Industries and bring his cast-offs right to me. Jackpot! Did I mention he is one classy guy? The pictures you are enjoying here are of skirts and aprons trimmed with bits of the shirts of Jack Thurston (sashes and pockets). There once was a time, it went on for many many years in fact, when I couldn't bare to cut up a pretty shirt. Well, I got over it and all to spread around the love. Jack's shirts do not get made into single aprons, but are cut into strips so they can be spread over as many projects as possible.

Jack was in de-cluttering mode last year. He told me in December, as he dropped off a bag of particularly stunning shirts, that he hasn't bought a new shirt in a year. (I wonder if his fast is over?) Not only is he generous towards me with his cast-off, I happen to have it on good authority that he has provided Recycle Moe with enough raw materials to produce a significant number of baby bibs.

Now time for a quiz: Which of the skirts in the following sneak peek photo include an element that used to be Jack Thurson's? Answers will be given in an upcoming post on this here 'ol blog.

Now remember, like all photos on this blog, if you click on them you can see them blown up and get the detail of the beautiful fabrics.

Megan + me

2010-04-13T11:15:00.009-04:00

I was going to call this post "Experiential Learner" but I'd rather dedicate it to Megan Humphrey. I got to spend the entire day (and night) with her on Saturday as peddlers of rare handmade goods at the Vermont Women's Expo.

Here's Megan of Sweet Basil Cards, her line of incredibly charming vintage collage and sweetly transporting photographs.

After the show Megan and I went to see the Green Mountain Derby Dames thrash the Calamity Janes of Maine. Two of Megan's neighbors are skaters on the VT team. We hung out with their boyfriends, who were wearing "roller derby widower" t-shirts, in the beer corral. It's too far from Topsham to go home that late at night (ahem 8:00pm) so I spent the night at Megan and Terry's house, where I slept in until noon on Sunday, something that would not have happened had I been at home. She took very good care of me <3.>

Though the artsy-craftsy types were far outnumbered at the Expo, we were in good company. Folks filled Stacie Mincher's booth the entire day, as is usually the case : >

Loree Gunn of ZeZu & Company had a sharp looking display at my opposite corner.

Painter Kimberlee Forney showed off her cows and friends downstairs in the main exhibit hall, you know, near the Chi Machine display and demo (!?!).

Claudia Venon got the word out about her new boutique and studio location in Burlington.

Here I am holding down the fort. I love it when I get to use my quilted banner. This was not the kind of vending event I usually do. Since I know I am an experiential learner, I'd rather try things out than sit at the computer and make lots of phone calls doing research. I do some of that, but on the ground learning is my way. Can we call it field research?

Check this out - the crowds waiting to get in before the gates opened at 10:00. Traffic was Very Heavy for a few hours on either side of lunchtime. Absolutely packed isles. I have never been asked so repeatedly by different people, "Do you have a store?" It took me the entire day to realize how I should be responding to this, since Bruce Baker advises that the last thing you want to tell an in-the-flesh-and-in-your-booth potential customer is that you have an online store they can shop at later, unless it is the last thing you say to them.

Okay, the hidden agenda for this post is to show you the brand new bloomers I wore for the very first time at this Expo. I have problems with slips. They are always showing, and not evenly all the way around, which would be cool in the case of my grandmother's red petticoat that I usually wear at shows. Also, my legs get cold and I need something pretty to hide my snuggies. Plus I am usually standing on my bar stool at some point fiddling with my display and I am quite modest. So there you have it. I searched on Etsy and bought four pairs from Loulahbelle, which is in England. They are very well made and comfy enough to wear as pajamas. The shipping was surprisingly fast. This is the only satin pair I have. The others are cotton and different lengths. The shop is very fun to browse. Just so you know I didn't buy any with extra ruffles in the back, though maybe I should have!

presser foot 5

2010-04-01T11:36:00.007-04:00

This post is both how-to tip and confessional. I hereby declare without shame that I am completely dependant on presser foot 5.

It came with my Bernina 1031 when I bought it many years ago.

I use it to hem all my skirts with a tiny hem folded over twice...

...and to hold the bias binding in place when edging belts...

...and my half aprons with the big pockets.

Last fall I had a production crisis when my machine needed to visit the warranty place for repairs. Fortunately my Bernina dealer lent me a newer model with it's own version of foot 5. Saved my skin.

Does anyone out there use a different brand of machine that has a similar foot?

new venues

2010-03-22T11:49:00.006-04:00

It’s so great to get MAD back out into the world. I haven’t done a vending event for over three months. It’s all been planning, executing some of those plans, production, design, computer and desk work for me the second half of winter. I’m thinking very big for 2010. It’s going to be a real growth year for MAD. But when I’m plugging away in a mostly isolated way as artists do, I have those moments of wondering, “How is it all going to turn out? Am I really going to have the success I’m planning for?”

And then I have my first vending event of the year, which happened to be the benefit beCAUSE Show this past Saturday. It was not terribly well attended, and I didn’t expect it to be, but I received so many strong affirmations from people who were just seeing my work for the first time live, sales were much stronger than I expected for the crowd, and my feelings of impending success are stronger than ever. Of course now my to-do list is longer than ever also!

One thing at the top of my list is to meet with a contract sewer in VT to explore the possibility of helping with my production. If anyone else out there knows of sewers doing professional quality work who would like to partner with me, please let me know!

It’s always good to try new things. This was my first year doing the beCAUSE Show. What a sweet scene: hula hoops, chocolate popsicles, antique button jewelry, creative people young and old selling a wide variety of goods to raise money for a slew of worthy causes. I was able to send a nice big check to the Vermont Food Bank after figuring out exactly what 50% of my profits were by day’s end. I had a large space because the vendor who was supposed to be next to me cancelled.

The next new thing I will try, in terms of venues, is the Vermont Women’s Expo at the Sheraton in Burlington, VT April 10th. More details to follow as the day draws near.

the next level

2010-03-18T10:11:00.008-04:00

In this post we announce that prices on many Mountain Ash Design products will be going up in 2010. We are ready to move beyond the early product-development and market-testing phase of this home grown enterprise and into the offering-our-popular-products-to-stores and making-a-reasonable-profit stage. We are excited to move into a growth stage and offer employment opportunities to skilled local stitchers.

We are proud to offer one-of-a-kind sustainably handmade apparel and accessories to increase your domestic bliss and personal style. All production happens right here in the USA, and currently exclusively in Vermont.

We are seeking relationships with galleries and boutiques who are committed to offering unique items of impeccable quality to their customers and supporting independent artists with high standards of craftsmanship and individual design.
We invite interested retailers to get in touch by emailing sarah@mountainashdesign.com

from a green planet

2010-03-02T10:00:00.013-05:00

Here are some skirts I've been making, photographed by my illustrious live-in child protegee. The fabric I used for the skirts is new but the sashes are all made from vintage or recycled materials and I've trimmed each one in front with a button-down shirt collar or pair of cuffs.

As the text for this post I've decided to share the copy I just sent to Crafty Planet in my own home state of Minnesota.
I've been working on my contribution to the upcoming book Crafty Planet Goes Green. In it I have a project for a Virtuous Baby Quilt. I recently sent my updated bio and artist statement, plus answers to the editor's questions, for a possible artist bio section in the book. I thought it would make a nice way to get acquainted/reacquainted with any of you infrequent visitors to this here blog.

Bio:
"Sarah O. Green has been honing her craft for 30 years. She was taught by her mother to sew clothes with a sewing machine at age 10 and started creating her own wardrobe at age 12 when she stole her dad’s t-shirts to make a mini-dress.

"As an art major in college Sarah began to see the expressive potential of home furnishings, though her professors thought she should stick to painting and photography. In 2006 she founded Mountain Ash Design, under which she sustainably creates a variety of one-of-a-kind wearable and functional art objects.

"Since her adolescence Sarah has secretly harbored a desire to be a fashion designer. The enthusiastic response to her current line of retro-style aprons and apron-inspired wrap skirts has been encouraging. When composing her work, Sarah tries to channel her Victorian grandmother, who was a master of many textile arts and made wonderful quilts from her store of diverse scraps.

Artist statement:
"I am inspired by quilters from the 19th and early 20th centuries who produced beautiful and dynamic work from the limited fabric choices they had. Like quilters of my grandmother’s generation who reused materials that were readily available to them, it is important to me to find and use beautiful quality materials that might otherwise be wasted.

"While I do use some new designer fabrics that I find particularly appealing, I try to use recycled materials as much as possible. I especially like to use woven cotton button-down shirts and older fabrics resurrected from the cast off fabric collections of others. I enjoy the nuances that the history and uniqueness of these fabrics add to my finished work.

"I strive for simplicity in composition; to marry fabrics in unexpected, humorous and beautifully harmonious ways, with attention to colors and associations evoked by prints. The fabrics I use often depict scenes or characters that take the viewer to another time and place.

"I enjoy including an obviously recycled decorative element in my work when I can. I want people to experience the realization, 'Hey, this used to be a shirt!'"

This is honestly the best picture I have of the project I sent to Crafty Planet. I sent my finished quilt for the publishers to photograph and take to publicity events, without photographing the finished piece. What was I thinking? Well, I am getting the quilt back, so I'll have a chance eventually, and I hope to have access to the pics they take of it for the book. This picture is of the components of the quilt: four button-down shirts I got at local thrift stores, a pair of vintage gingham shorts and a vintage dish towel. At least two shirt pockets ended up on the front of the quilt.

Now, for your viewing pleasure, back to skirts...
(feel free to click on any picture to get a closer look at the details, or get a really good look at the prints towards the end of this post.)

Q & A time with Crafty Planet Goes Green:

When did you decide to “Go Green”? Why?
"I come from a long line of frugal Yankees who I believe inspired my tendency to make creative and resourceful use of whatever materials happen to be available. My parents have been environmental activists since the 1960s so I’ve had a conscious awareness of “green issues” my whole life. There are so many useful textiles languishing around out there that can be given new life and kept out of the waste stream."

What is the best / most satisfying thing about working with recycled materials?
"I have always been intrigued by the mysterious history that a pre-loved bit of textile has, whether it’s a garment or a piece of vintage yardage. Just the look of vintage prints evokes certain associations that are fun to play with."

What has been your favorite project design or material to work with? Why?
"I love to make quilts and aprons because I have a lot of freedom in terms of the unusual fabric combinations I can get away with. "

snow day photo shoot

2010-02-26T10:31:00.013-05:00

It was one of those lemons-into-lemonade days. Yesterday was my daughter’s second consecutive snow day and I had a lot of work, looming deadlines, to-do list a mile long. You know the scene. Fortunately she likes to help with photo shoots so we did the one I had planned for this Saturday.

I am also very lucky that she is one of my biggest fans so she gets excited to see the new work I bring to the shoot. And she has an excellent eye - a real gift for fashion photography. Here’s a little story with pictures of how the shoot went. I chose the above red checked skirt as an outfit for the darker aprons, but it looked a bit too Dorothy-in-Oz in the finished pics. This picture makes a super sweet portrait of photographer and model though - Edie's own brilliant composition.

This is one of my favorite aprons so far. Blue gingham is a big part of my visual vocabulary. I spliced together two button-down shirts to make the skirt. The sash and pocket are from a piece of vintage home-décor fabric. I cannot bear to part with this one just yet. I picked up these shoes cheap at a thrift store and thought they might work for photo shoots, but I just cannot manage the heels. I’ll have to re-shoot this one later.

Then we tried these sandals. No, not quite. A bit distracting. I think they will work with the spring/summer skirts, though.

We decided these classic mary-janes would work the best. They blend in with the dress to make the background outfit more uniform.
This is another favorite apron. The fabric combo just sings for me: repurposed orange linens, new flame roses print, striped sash and pocket from a button-down shirt, surfer-print shirt collar trimming below the sash. Some, like this one, I need to photograph in poses appropriate for a variety of juries. “Tattoo alarm,” said my photographer.

Trying another pose hiding the ink.

This lovely Springy apron was made from an XL shirt. I kept the line of the hem along the back and side which I used for the skirt. The sash and pocket are a vintage print in fantastic Florida-orange colors, trimmed with a blue gingham collar.

Another pose.

Catching the model tying one on. We both love the soft percale lining all the bibs. Just like the sheets on the bed at Grandma’s house. Very cheery. I use this on the black and earthy aprons, too.

I call this pose the "apron salute." This apron is rather...unusual. Sometimes I make something and I think, I’m brilliant! Then immediately I think, No one will ever buy it. It’s too weird. Time will tell. This is new mustard fabric in a print of frogs, turtles, and lily pads-with-flowers, the sash and pocket are a vintage 70s (?) floral in murky mud-at-the-bottom-of-the-frog-pond colors, and I trimmed it with a bright pink plaid collar.

Trying different props. I am wrapping this up with one of my photographer’s fave aprons. I cut apart, then pieced the shirt back together so I could have a large enough piece for cutting the skirt in the circle-skirt-like pattern. The pocket and sash are from one of Jack Thurston’s shirts (more on him in an upcoming post). Here is Edie’s analysis:

"The green collar brings out the wonderful green in the rainbow stripe. The blue thread noticeable on the pocket blends the pocket and the stripe together wonderfully. The light purple fabric is perfect for the blue thread on the front and the red on the back. The paisleys on the trim and pocket have superb detail and the gingham is a beautiful summer green."

"Oh, they're ART."

2010-02-25T07:05:00.012-05:00

This post is dedicated to Anders, a snowboarding dad who co-chaperones our kids’ downhill program with me at Ascutney Mountain. We’ve been spending the past five Fridays there with several other parents and lots of kids. Our children are in the same class and are friends.

Anders and I were getting to know one another and as I told him about my work (”I make aprons and skirts and etc, etc,…blah, blah…”) he seemed attentive so I continued “I use new designer fabrics but I like to combine them with vintage and recycled fabrics that I get from local thrift stores…”) and he jumped right to the core of it by interjecting in a lightbulb-just-went-on-over-his-head manner “Oh, they’re Art.”

And I instantly felt so grateful to him for his perception and I don’t know if I said “Thank You,” but I certainly felt it. I know I went on to confirm his statement by telling him everything I make is one of a kind. It’s important to me to make functional items that people will touch and wear and find useful in their everyday lives but I am not mindlessly cranking out multiple look-alikes of any certain product. Though I want you to wear it in your kitchen and wipe your hands on it, it is not “just an apron.” It is special. Like you. There are sometimes groups of sisters but there are no two exactly alike.

When I see vintage aprons they are always very interesting and unique. I think this is because they were all made, not bought. For the most part, vintage aprons were made individually, as a creative outlet, with the wearer in mind. It is this kind of special one of a kind item I am trying to make available for those of us who don’t sew our own.

Though I am constantly striving to make the construction process more time-efficient, the process of hunting down and selecting interesting materials and composing them together is a very thoughtful and inspired one. And it builds in an exciting way for me. First I pick individual fabrics that I like. Then I decide what they are appropriate for. There are piles in my workroom labeled “aprons,” “sashes,” “skirts” etc., plus five or six big trays of collars and cuffs arranged by color.

The next step is more exciting: pairing 2 fabrics in a not altogether obvious matchy-matchy way to be the basis for each piece. Lots of cutting, sewing, and other mysterious processes ensue until I have a pile ready for the next, most exciting step of all: finding just the right collar or pair of cuffs to trim each piece and stir it up. That third element changes all and brings the piece to another, higher level of interest. And then marrying the three with the finishing sewing steps and seeing the results is very satisfying.

I am not much taller than these 6th grade novice shredders and their skier friends. That's me on the far left.

vintage fabric inspired body art

2010-02-24T13:16:00.017-05:00

Happy, happy.

This post is dedicated to Audrey, my very young at heart, 70 year old customer from Florida. When we met at the Norwich Farmers Market last Fall I noticed a small rose tatto on her wrist and asked her about it. I was doing research at the time (conducting a informal questionnaires about people’s tattoos and their experiences getting/having them) in preparation for getting my first one.

I’ve spoken with Audrey on the phone several times since then and she’s always very encouraging of my business and tattoo plans. And I love the non-specific orders for aprons she places such as “Just pick out the prettiest. I trust your judgment.”
This is her latest order: two of the prettiest Gardening Aprons.

She called me again this morning and I was finally able to report that the tattoo is finished and I have pictures to send her.

Why am I showing off my ink on this blog? The design of my tat is all about my passion for vintage fabrics. When you get a tattoo the design choices are endless. It’s going to be there forever. Now how to decide? I first thought I wanted a tattoo of a beet because I saw a couple of cool beet tattoos and I was really appreciating our fantastic beet crop last summer. But I soon realized that was just a whim.

I asked myself: what have I always loved visually, emotionally and spiritually and will probably continue to love? Answer: vintage fabrics, especially florals. So I gathered together my very favorite prints and considered what aspects of them I liked. I like the definitive, yet delicate outlines, and the distinctly vintage coral pink colors in this group. I brought them all to my consultation appointment with Jim DuVal of Yankee Tattoo in Burlington, VT to help impress upon him my aesthetic vision.

Actually Jim is a big reason why I finally got a tattoo. Though I’ve always enjoyed seeing them on other people, I hardly ever saw one that I liked enough to want one like it. But I became familiar with Jim’s work through facebook and so much of his work had qualities of line and color that I loved, I knew he was the man for the job. Here's Jim at work (one of the few non-hammed up pics from this session). Also of note: I am wearing a sweater crocheted by my grandmother, Marion Curtis, who I try to channel in my textile work. She made it for me when I was in middle school. I totally snubbed it at the time but have gotten a lot of wear out of it now that I am old enough to know better*.

Here’s the fabric I took the design from, side by side with the finished work. It needed to lose the trellis and gain some black outlines to give it a sweet-but-with-an-edge vibe (hey, it’s a tattoo on my muscle-y arm after all). And, ta-da!, the finished ink below. As my friend Michelle astutely observed, “Kind of bad ass but really beautiful at the same time. Hey, kind of like Mountain Ash Design!”

* tip-o-the-nib to Eva Sollberger!

about my staycation

2010-02-08T12:22:00.011-05:00

Well, there has been a bit of a hiatus on this here ol’ blog, but don’t worry, folks, MAD has been happily thrumming along. It’s time for an update.

Since this blog is a chronicle of the unfolding adventures of my start-up, home-based, be-my-own-boss craft business, part of the discovery process is in figuring out how to integrate it into the rest of my life, while still having a life.

And what I have been working on with intention in 2010 is creating a guilt-free balance in my life between work, non-work commitments, and personal time.

My business being thus far mainly focused on retail sales at vending events there is a distinct annual cycle to my life and work flow. During the past three years it has looked a bit like this:

Starting in early January and going until sometime in March: turn down no opportunities to play outside in the snow or socialize with the friends I don’t have time to see enough from July – December; procrastinate on doing taxes, then eventually do them; tinker around a bit with new product designs; start getting applications in for farmers markets and Spring shows.

Then, a couple weeks before the first vending event in late March, start sewing like crazy day and night until said show has occurred. Then continue all aspects of the business at a fairly reasonable pace until the Summer vending events begin in earnest.

From July until mid-late December continue to sew madly between vending events to restock inventory. Also often get inspired to tweek and invent products based on customer feedback & new ideas taking very few full days off other than pre-scheduled family vacation time away.

Time off gets more and more scarce and sales increase in proportion until my last show around Dec 21st, after which I collapse, congratulate myself, and get into holiday nesting mode. This is not my ideal work/life balance.

So what happened this year, meaning - in early 2010?

Well, Since early September 2009 I’ve been visioning plans for expansion in 2010 that promised to make much more “productive” (read: work-oriented) use of my time early in the following year. But when the kids returned to school after their holiday break, I couldn’t seem to bring myself to kick back into full gear work-wise, despite my intentions to do so.

During this time my friend, glass artist Terry Zigmund, kept posting on facebook about the 3 week trip she was on in Costa Rica. Realizing I needed more exhaling and rejuvenating time, I decided to enjoy a staycation for as long as Terry was away.

I dabbled in my year-end bookkeeping and filed my 2009 sales taxes, but I let myself off the hook and I saw my friends, enjoyed a lot of time with my family, escaped to mid-century Mexico in Barbara Kingsolver’s new novel, La Lacuna (can’t get myself to use the English definite article the title was published with), xc skied over to my neighbors’ several times for friendly visits and went snowboarding as much as possible.

I was good about keeping my Puritan work ethic at bay and not feeling guilty. I was making up for all those times last Summer I didn’t go to the beach with my friends! I thoroughly enjoyed this time of physical, social and spiritual replenishing. Plus we had great snow.

Towards the end of the 3 weeks I was starting to worry a bit if I’d be able to get back into a disciplined work schedule but when the appointed Monday came along, it wasn’t a problem.

I love my work and I feel very blessed and lucky to be able to swing this alternative lifestyle and make so many of my dreams come true.

So here I am happily working away, for about three weeks now.

Much of my work time so far has been spent timing my production of skirts and aprons so I can accurately figure out my labor costs, an important aspect in pricing as I prepare to offer them for sale in stores this year. I am making HUGE batches to be extra efficient and this timed production will be going on for a while. Sneak peeks of the batch in progress are illustrating the post you now read (if you’ve gotten this far – wow).

Other than the valuable data that will come from this project, I just happen to be building up my inventory and that’s terrific, too.

This is also a big spending time of the year as I order all the supplies I don’t have on hand and can’t get at my local thrift stores: serger thread, bias binding, (*ahem*) bolts of gorgeous new designer fabrics. (feeling the palpable excitement?)

I’m very excited about what the year may hold in store. I have plans to work hard, but also to keep striving for balance. 2010 feels like a good strong number. Plus it’s the Chinese year of the Tiger. Powerful, positive things are going to happen. RAOWR!

2009-12-21T03:24:00.003-05:00

Happy Solstice and Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and my heartfelt wishes to everyone for a warm and cozy winter indoors, (when we aren't outside playing in the snow!).

I would like to give a Big Thank You to my supportive family and friends, fellow artists, and all my wonderful customers for making 2009 such a great year for Mountain Ash Design. I am feeling very encouraged and have big plans for sustainable expansion in 2010 (don't want to grow too fast now and loose my family and playing-in-the-snow time). My plans involve some new venues for getting out into the world many, many lovely/fun skirts, aprons to increase your domestic bliss, belts for men (new!) and women, HotHolders featuring Tommy, Oscar, Lars, Steve, and Chad, and maybe even some new designs for women's tops made from reconstructed clothing. Early 2010 will see me re-writing my business plan, timing my construction process, and re figuring my costs so I can offer more goods to stores and add shows in Waitsfield, Northampton and New York City (gulp).

I think I'll include an image of the inside of the mysterious and initially baffling serger in an upcoming post. Now that I think of it, I'd also like to thank the serger for making it possible to restock enough aprons between shows this holiday season and not have to pull grueling all-nighters. "Sustainably Handmade" means many things to me.

Happy New Year everyone!

(felt and sequin xmas stocking above made in the early 1970s by my "Grandma," Marion Curtis)

last show - Holiday Artist Market

2009-12-16T09:49:00.003-05:00

I am working on a sweet batch of aprons on Colee's miraculous White serger and looking forward to my last show of the season, BCA's Holiday Artist Market. That will be in City Hall, Burlington, VT this Friday, Dec. 18th from noon - 8, and Saturday the 19th from 10 - 6.

The Norwich Holiday Market was totally worth holding the date for. I'm working hard to restock the 17 aprons I sold there (in 5 hours!!). I guess they make great gifts. Skirts are still selling well, as gifts and self-treats for shoppers. All one of a kind, like you.

I'll try to get some pictures up in the next few days. I'm very excited about what I've been making. I'm dipping deeper than usual into my vintage fabric collection for girly apron trims and big Gardening Apron pockets. The colors and prints are lovely and so inspiring for me. And I'm also thrilled to report I've had another breakthrough regarding the serger as I figured out the other day that I can piece together bits left over when I cut out skirts - enough to make, what else? - aprons!

I won the lottery

2009-12-10T11:44:00.006-05:00

...to sell my wares at the Norwich Holiday Market!

I've developed some nice relationships in the Hanover/Norwich area by having a stall at the Spring/Summer/Fall outdoor Farmers Market, but the Holiday Market is hard to get into unless someone cancels.

Well, someone did, and straws were drawn to determine who on the waiting list would get the spot. It's me!

Here are some new aprons I'll be bringing, plus apron-inspired wrap skirts, HotHolders, belts and more. (Did you know that if you click on a picture on my blog you will get a blown up version of it? Go ahead - try it!)

Hope to see you in Tracy Hall, Norwich, VT on Saturday the 12th of December from 10 to 3.
And if not, my last show will be the Burlington City Arts Holiday Market at City Hall on Friday, Dec 18, noon to 8pm and Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 to 6.

Happy Winter!

one of a kind

2009-12-04T14:10:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures of some of my newest work for you to enjoy. I'm taking them all to the Lake Champlain Waldorf School Holiday Fair right now: Friday, Dec 4 6:30-9pm, Saturday, Dec 5 10-3

New aprons patiently waiting for the photo shoot to take place in front of the barn.

holiday preview + vending schedule

2009-11-23T23:21:00.010-05:00

I've been feeling like a good little elf lately. A tired yet driven one. Sometimes I'm impressed by my own stamina at this production thing. I'm three weeks behind schedule because of family illness including my own wisdom teeth finally getting the chisel, er, boot.

Time for a little show and tell since I've been doing quite a bit of sewing the past several days. All gift oriented, though I suppose they could be for you. I say, if you can indulge in American handmade goodies, why not? especially if you share.

Item 1: leather iPod holsters (and that's what we call "Stick Season" in the background. it has actually been a gloriously warm and sunny November here.). two belt loops in back. made from recycled leather and bits of jacquard trim. I need to get a hold of some different size iPods to measure...

Item 2: flask jacket. this is just the prototype. should I make more? I like it, but how big a demand is there for such a thing? are other people's flasks a different size and shape? should I be providing the flask also? and what about what's inside? ????

Item 3: new belts. cast-off vinyl + jacquard trim; loteria cards and vintage bark cloth with D rings (and black vinyl on the back). Richard has been urging me for a while to make loteria belts for the guys so here I am trying. I made two, but I sold one within a few hours to a friend who came over to pick up a duck and some squash (they gave us a lamb). Then I went in the house and got on the phone and ordered a gross of steel D rings in antique brass. (ugh, so compulsive sometimes. I think I do it to ensure I'll have to keep making stuff.)

Item 4: marsupial aprons. most of these have two pockets now after I posted this picture on facebook and asked if I should sew a seam up the middle. the feedback was unanimous in favor of the seam except for the cutie pie who said she wants no seam so she can hold her own hand. But I really think it's because she wants to have secret thumb-wresting wars against herself.

Item 5 (not pictured): new "Gardening Aprons." four big pockets. not just for gardeners but nurses, teachers, child-care providers, vendors and other types of folks seem to like them too. heavy-duty fabrics such as bark cloth, denim and home decor fabrics. think basic rectangles with lots of contrasting bias binding around the edges. I sold my last one the other day sooo...Time for a new batch.

Item 6: new "BBQ Aprons." the style that a man would likely wear. though I sell most of them to women, so I can't call them "Man Aprons." all repurposed and scavenged (okay, just cast-off yardage I actually paid money for) fabrics. reversible. I sold my last one today, so I stayed up late making a few more.

Item 7: Holiday Vending Schedule
Nov 27-29 Women's Festival of Craft, Burlington City Hall
Dec 4-5 Holiday Fair, Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne
Dec 12 Norwich Holiday Fair, Tracy Hall, Norwich, VTDec 18-19 Burlington City Arts Holiday Market, Burlington City Hall

Want more details? Ask and ye shall receive.

good night now.

movie deal

2009-10-27T11:20:00.005-04:00

There's been an exciting result of my participation in the current Featured Artist show at Art on Main in Bristol, VT (through November 13th): NYC costume designer and Bristol native Ciera Wells, stopped by on a recent visit and checked out the wrap skirts I have in the show. She liked them so well she called me that night to arrange for one to be made for the leading lady in the film she's currently working on. And she added that she might need an apron as well.

The movie is called When Harry Tries to Marry, directed by Nayan Padrai. It's an indie romantic-comedy-meets-Bollywood sort of piece, set in NYC and India. From the Los Angeles Chronicle:

"...a top ten finalist from this years (Screenwriting) Expo, When Harry Tries to Marry, has announced that they will begin filming this week. A romantic comedy about a young Indian-American college student who shocks his assimilated Indian family when he insists that he wants an arranged marriage, the film will be shot on location in New York and India under the direction of Nayan Padrai from the original script by Ralph Stein and Nayan Padrai."

You can read a short article about it in the Hollywood Reporter here.

It's been interesting working with Ciera as I've never before had a look into the creative process of a costume designer. She told me that the character would be wearing mostly reds and turquoise, and in order to help me grasp her vision for this character's style she sent me an image file of her "research," which turned out to be a collage of fashion photos cut from magazines and catalogues like Bowen and Garnet Hill. It was really quite helpful, as words can only describe so much.

These are the aprons I made from primarily vintage fabrics for possible use in the film. The skirt I made for her is similar to the one pictured here, but with a firey red/orange collar and a black gingham waist and back ties. It will be exciting if I get to see it on screen.

More publicity for this movie:
Screen Daily
Los Angeles Chronicle
Hollywood Reporter

frosty NFM

2009-10-18T10:47:00.005-04:00

Here's one of the beautiful displays of veggies at the Norwich Farmers Market yesterday. This was right next to my stall at Your Farm of Fairlee. Get a load of those enormous Brussels Sprouts.

But the frost in this picture was the real inspiration for this little picture essay. When I arrived to set up at 7:30 the heavy crunchy frost was all over the market grounds, and didn't leave the shadows until after 9:30. I was freezing my tail off.

Here's where I get my usual morning sustenance of croissant and coffee: The Baker's Studio of White River Junction. I ran in to my husband, Richard, there. He arrived early for his Animal Behavior class at the Montshire and came over to hang with me and take in the scene at the market.

Giant Banana Slugs - I mean Squash, lolling in the frost at the Red Rooster Farm stall.

"Look Ma, no racks!" Oh, the packing of my car is so much more efficient since I rigged up these thick dowels with curtain rod ends for hanging the aprons and skirts directly from my canopy. I can see out my back window. It's awesome. Of course this is my last outdoor show of the year. I have to figure out how to incorporate the curtain rods to my indoor display (with no overhead infrastructure).

More pretty displays of the excellent produce at Your Farm. I got a bag of salad greens and arugula from them at the end of the market. It was just the thing to add to Richard's grated raw carrot and beet salad for our neighborhood pot luck last night. Many savory hot dishes were served and the salad made a good balance.

sneak peek

2009-10-16T15:21:00.005-04:00

Well folks, I have really had my nose to the grindstone lately.

I suddenly realized at my last Norwich Farmers Market three weeks ago that I
was really low on most of my items, and needed to focus some time on buliding up inventory.

I don't really have much to say, just images to share of this creative/productive burst. It's been alternately exhilarating and exhausting. Several holiday show applications came due during this time also, and another exciting something that I will share if it all pans out.

Here are results of my efforts in the form of the aprons and skirts, most made primarily from new designer fabrics, with vintage and recycled accents. All are one of a kind.

Next week: HotHolders(tm), followed in future weeks by key fobs, belts, gardening and Super Pouch aprons and who knows what else???

I'll be at the Norwich Farmers Market one last time tomorrow, from 9am until 1pm. Then back to my wood-stove toasty, high-ceilinged workroom in the barn.

exhibit at Art on Main in Bristol

2009-10-02T07:38:00.004-04:00

Please join us for the artist reception today from 5 to 7 in the charming town of Bristol. My quilts are on the wall alongside Jess Graham's wonderful windswept leaves and lovely mountain-biker. And there are plenty of skirts on the rack. The show will be up until November 13th.

Fall & Holiday sched + past & future to-do

2009-09-14T10:44:00.005-04:00

I think I'm going to make it. Um, maybe. A lot has happened since my last post and many preparations are underway for future events. Here's a summary:
behind me:
1. Got a Virtuous Baby Quilt with instructions and photos off to Crafty Planet for their upcoming book: Crafty Planet Goes Green.
2. Send the remainder of my fringe belts to a sweet little shop of "handmade, eco, misc" in Brisbane, Australia called nook. Hope to get some edged belts to them before too long.
4. Experimented with making skirts with drawstring backsides for those who might be tentative about wrap skirts. Anyone want to weigh in on this issue?
4. Adapted (somewhat), with the help of sewing machines borrowed from my dear friends Birdi and Rowan, after my Bernina broke down last Tuesday. It's fixed now and I'm picking it up tomorrow.
5. Acquired a great pair of display racks at Mainly Vintage in
White River Junction "it's not so bad!", VT.
6. Sold aprons, skirts, key fobs and belts at the Fashion and Accessories Extravaganza in the SEABA tent as part of Burlington's South End Art Hop. The STRUT fashion show followed in the same tent: A wonderful diverse group of very creative VT designers, including Gyllian Svenson of The Bobbin, Ava Bishop, and the very adorable and serious furry black-strapless dress clad fifth-grader, Rebecca Berlind of reBecca reWear and her brilliant leg bands. So fun to see all the fashion collections on the beautiful and expressive models. Can't wait for STRUT 5!
7. Got artist statement and bio plus images for poster, etc. off to Art on Main in Bristol for my upcoming show there (October 1 - November 13) with none other than the inimitable genius painter of Wolcott, Vermont, Jess Graham.

8. on the Langdell-Green homestead big harvests of squash, carrots, onions, corn, and beets are underway. If you want to see more pics you can friend me on facebook (Sarah O. Green) and view my growing "harvest 2009" photo album and be subject to other foibles of my personal life (snore).

ahead of me:
1. finish designing and ordering new business cards
2. sand, paint and hinge display units and print & assemble portfolio for Art on Main show.
3. figure out Mail Chimp and put out first e-newsletter.
4. Pick up Bernina from Buzz and sew, sew, sew! I feel so behind on production. belts, key fobs, skirts, and aprons all desperate for restocking. That's what I get for taking on a vending event every weekend.
5. Undergo a product development session experimenting new reconstructed tops for ladies. Plenty of long back (and front) ties, mixed up fabrics and who-knows-what are swirling in my head. I really do wonder what will come out of this.
6. Case out a few shows to possibly do next year.

My fall and holiday vending schedule will be more reasonably paced. Though now that I look at it, if seems almost thin. Here's what I have lined up so far:

Sept 26 Norwich Farmers Market, Norwich, VT
Oct 2 Reception at Art on Main, Bristol, VT
Oct 17 Norwich Farmers Market, Norwich, VT
Nov 21 Wellspring School Holiday Faire, Chelsea VT
Nov 28-20 Women's Festival of Crafts, Burlington, VT
Dec 5-6 Burklyn Arts Council Holiday Market, Lyndonville, VT
Dec 12 ?? Norwich Holiday Market ?? If someone cancels, maybe I'll get a spot. You never know.

Keeping my head above water.

Mid-Fair Update: Mad River Valley

2009-09-05T19:33:00.007-04:00

I'm half way thorough a glorious weekend outside at the Mad River Valley Craft Fair in Waitsfield and it is a sweet happening. I am happy to report that I remembered to take pictures of some of my customers while they tried on the goods that they bought.

Here's my first customer, Terry, and her friend, Mary, wearing the two aprons she bought. You might recognize these aprons from the Sweet Batch of late May. Sometimes I make things that I particularly dig and it take a while for the right customer to come along and dig them along with me and claim them as their own. The items in this post are like that. It's a wonderful moment when I finally meet these kindred spirits to these particular parts of my aesthetic soul.

Another woman came along and loved my strawberry skirt as much as I do. It is darling on her! She was clearly psyched, which is so gratifying for me, as the creator, to witness. Her boyfriend was psyched. And I was psyched. I love it with the boots. And we all got to enjoy seeing her wearing it during her entire prolonged stroll around the fair.

There was lot's of talk at the show among customers and vendors about the wonderful weather, how much we deserve it, and how long it's going to last. Yay! More vitamin D for us all. I'm already planning another few days of mini mid-day sunbathing breaks while the kids are back at school next week.

Time to rest up for tomorrow. Hours of the fair will be 10 - 4. Off to call in those credit card sales, read some Harry Potter to Edie, and get vertical for several hours.

Good night, folks.

MAD goes over to the Dark Side

2009-08-26T14:55:00.007-04:00

Sometime I get requests from my customers for aprons made from dark fabrics. You know, to hide the inevitable stains. I'm glad these people are thinking about spaghetti and chocolate sauce and splattering hot oil meat fondue in this way because, My gosh! What could those yummies we love to cook and eat do to our clothes?? Who has time in this day and age to Stain Stick everything before the next load of laundry? Much less change clothes just to make dinner after a long day at work??

Well, now you don't have to Spray'n'Wash your pink gingham apron, you can get a dark one from Mountain Ash Design and the tell tale signs of meals that came before will just, you know, blend in like the beaten egg whites into your angle food cake batter. It will just be an improvement in substance.

Many of the aprons pictured here were made primarily from button-down shirts. See them live this Saturday at the Art Market, along side the Farmers Market in Burlington City Hall Park.

Other vending events coming up soon for Mountain Ash Design:

August 29 Burlington Artist Market

Sept 5-6 Mad River Valley Craft Fair, Waitsfield, VT

Sept 19 Art Hop Fashion & Accessories Extravaganza, Pine Street, Burlington, VT

Sept 26 Norwich Farmers Market, Norwich VT

Oct 17 Norwich Farmers Market, Norwich VT

Art Hoppin' to the Fashion Extravaganza

2009-08-26T14:21:00.004-04:00

This just in -

Mountain Ash Design will have a stall at the Fashion & Accessories Extravaganza on Pine Street in Burlington, VT as part of the annual South End Art Hop on September 19th.

This is a great opportunity for me. While on my recent vacation I had some inspired visions of fashion tops I can make by repurposing button-down shirts and choice vintage pieces. It's been somewhat of a psychological (and psychosocial, as my spell check suggested?) obstacle for me to get over these past years - moving into actual fashion design. But it's actually what I've always wanted to do. Three years ago when I decided to start this business with just the HotHolders on deck I was very curious to see how the creative aspect would unfold for me and what I would end up making over time. I've gotten a very enthusiastic and encouraging response from the skirts I've been making this summer (seen here on Colee. I had the pleasure of seeing her in this skirt often during our joint vacation).

I'm excited to gauge feedback from a fashion-centric audience at this event, and to network with the other Vermont designers there. Vending hours at the Art Hop Fashion and Accessories Extravaganza in the SEABA tent will b from 9:30 - 3:30 on Sept 19th, followed by fashions shows in the same tent at 5:30 and 7:00. Hope to see you there!

a working vacation

2009-08-20T08:55:00.006-04:00

...but not too much.

I've been away on vacation and spending a few strenuous days putting up the huge string bean harvest that demanded our attention when we got home.

I had a warm, relaxing time in the sun with many of my favorite people on my recent family vacation in Maine. The warmth and sun are significant to me as a Vermonter. We hadn't had two days of warm sunny weather strung together before the second week of August (or so it seemed). It was as if Summer finally arrived once we were on our trip and it didn't let up the entire time. Thank you, Sun Gods!! I promise you many more sun salutations in the future!

While on my annual trip to mid-coastal Maine I spend an afternoon or so on a quest for vintage and thrifted fabrics I can use in my creations. Here are some interesting pieces I scored.

The two on the bottom and left could possibly be for belts, clothespin bags. The two on the top and right for new fashion tops I am dreaming up.

Maybe for aprons, linings for apron bibs...

This is only a portion of the bean harvest, maybe about half or less even.

Basic supplies for dilly beans. (I didn't cook them on the wood stove.) We also froze several quarts (not dillied).

Some finished jars. Well, they aren't really finished until they've had a couple weeks to pickle. Can't wait to taste them then. A few jars in this batch were mixed veggies the kids put together.

VBQ on Aedriel Original

2009-08-07T13:02:00.004-04:00

My Custom Virtuous Baby Quilts are featured on Aedriel Original.

Cool! Thanks, Aedriel! I love her plates. Have a look here.

Dearest Dad

2009-08-07T11:37:00.004-04:00

I'm off this weekend to the biggest show of my sewing career to date, Art In The Park, produced by the Chaffee Art Center in Rutland, Vermont. The forecast is...not horrible. I always enjoy getting to spend all day outside at a vending event, interacting with the public, getting direct feedback about my goods, getting to know other artists. On Monday, I'm headed to Maine for a much anticipated extended family vacation for 10 days. Ahhh...

No pics to illustrate this craft fair (yet) but here's my adorable father in my kitchen on a recent visit from my parents. I put him on strawberry-rhubarb crisp duty. When he asked for an apron the natural choice was this rock&roll/vintage-y number custom made for me by my Etsy mentor, Joan Strohl of momomadeit.

Competent, cheery men in the kitchen - a beautiful scene we should all see every day. If only I could get Richard to wear a girly apron...
That's a bucket of raw honey on the floor behind Richard, from Honey Gardens Apiaries. We LOVE all of their products.

Etsy spreading more MAD love

2009-07-22T16:05:00.006-04:00

Etsy, there you go again spreading the MAD love. This time of the organic cotton batted Virtuous Baby Quilt variety. Thank you.

This quilt of mine was featured in yesterday's daily Etsy shopping guide with a "Light and Sweet" theme that also includes stuffies, shnazzy men's and women's apparel (and lace-trimmed panties), a baby sling fit for a dad, and so much more unique handmade-in-the-USA goodness.

And that's not all. My billfold was included in this sweet Farmers Market themed treasury by Etsy seller MissMooseDesign. It's made from a repurposed gingham shirt and one of my favorite vintage fabrics ever: a smashing 70s print of fruits and veggies in somewhat odd colors with wonderful thin black lines. So glad others appreciate it too. And the farmers market is a great theme!

minor celebrity dons MAD apron for the camera

2009-07-21T09:33:00.007-04:00

Okay, Etsy certainly has it's drawbacks, like the fact that it is so swamped with sellers that one must relist constantly to get noticed during customer searches. But the cool thing is that lots of interesting folks do search around Etsy and I've been "discovered" by store buyers, creative xmas card creators, book writers (stay tuned for upcoming post about this) and even Minor Celebrities!

Yes, Tracy Metro (ever heard of her? Nope, I hadn't either, but what a great name, huh?) asked if she could wear one of my aprons during filming of her new cooking show and here are some pics she just sent me. She's pretty adorable. And she's a green fashionista and eco-crafter in her own right.

Nice cabinets, too.

Outdoor Lovers Apron

2009-07-05T13:41:00.006-04:00

Items from my etsy shop have appeared in a couple of recent treasuries, including this one full of beautiful warm-toned handmade items:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=68934

skirts!

2009-07-05T13:19:00.005-04:00

This is a whole new market for me. And an opportunity to employ a somewhat different aesthetic to my fabric combinations. Different combos seem to occur to me for actual apparel than for aprons. This a a wrap skirt style I am trying out. LONG ties to wrap around a couple times and meet in the back to make a big apron-inspired bow.

To be honest, all the skirt styles I am trying are directly influenced by my concept about aprons. Big surprise there, huh?

Here's a two-piece style. One back panel that discretely ties in the front with light twill tape. The front panel is very apron-like and ties in the back with a big bow.

The two panel overlap at the sides.

I made this one just for me, with an attached apron made from part of a vintage tablecloth.

Skirts ready to bring to market. I sold several of these yesterday in Lyndonville. The bird ones are especially going fast! I may have to buy another bolt.

Enjoy looking! Next stop: My first trunk sale on July 11 in Burlington. I'll be set up on the sidewalk on Cherry Street near Penny Cluse, warmly hosted by Heather Beal and The Clothing Line. Please come by and say hello!

Summer into Fall vending schedule

2009-06-19T12:29:00.011-04:00

Where will I be this summer? In my workshop, in the garden, enjoying my beautiful rural neighborhood with my family, friends, and dearest dog, Blacky, some traveling to other beautiful locales to be with family.

And (let's be realistic now)... at the computer.

But many of the highlights of my summer will be on the weekends when I get to interact with the public from the Mountain Ash Design stall at farmers markets, street festivals, and craft fairs. I love these events, the creative growers and artists who are their main draw, and being part of the festive vibe.

If you can't make it to one of these outdoor events in the lovely Green Mountain State (plus nearby Hanover, NH), I am participating in an on-line craft fair right now until July 11.
It's at i heart handmade and you can visit my stall and even say hello here.

otherwise, here's my schedule:

June 27 Norwich Farmers Market
July 4 Burklyn Arts Council Craft Fair, Lyndonville VT
July 11 Trunk Show @ The Clothing Line, Burlington VT
July 18 Hanover Street Festival
Aug 1 Burlington Artist Market
Aug 8&9 Art In The Park, Rutland VT

Aug 29 Burlington Artist Market
Sept 5&6 Mad River Valley Craft Fair
Sept 12 Art Hop Fashion & Accessories Tent, Pine Street, Burlington, VT

Sept 26 Norwich Farmers Market

That's all (WHEW!).

If you visit the Artist Market in City Hall Park in Burlington be sure to look in the alley between City Hall and The Firehouse. There might be artists tucked away in there, including yours truly.

these apron and skirt photos were all taken by my very talented 11-year-old daughter

Tie One On

2009-06-10T10:46:00.006-04:00

Great article on apron wearing, both in and out of the kitchen, by Suzanne Podhaizer of Seven Days. I am widely quoted, and it features this sassy/adorable picture of my friend Rachel from The Bobbin Sew Bar + Craft Lounge.
Click here to read!

Talking Kitchen Fashion with Suzanne Podhaizer

2009-06-03T13:53:00.007-04:00

This is the apron I wear on a daily basis at home. Here I am looking a bit tough with one of my cast iron frying pans. I took this picture for contrast after taking my make-up off from a particularly girly photo shoot (see below) in March. This apron was an experimental cut with the skirt shaped at the hips. It was one of two aprons I made from one red gingham dress. The bib was the front top of the dress. I took the buttons off and sewed the two front halves together. It is trimmed at the waist with one of my favorite Denyse Shmidt vintage-inspired Flea Market Fancy prints in a cheerful spring green plus a dark, dark shirt collar.

Suzanne Podhaizer, who write about food for Seven Days, got in touch with me today. She's writing about kitchen fashion. We have a phone interview scheduled for tomorrow, but she gave me a couple questions to think about. The words just started flowing so I thought I'd share them here:

How did you get into kitchen fashion?

I've always loved working with fabric. I was also very interested in fashion design when I started. Then I got into quilting. I was making small crazy quilts by putting together all the fabrics I loved into one piece, but I ended up thinking they were ugly, too chaotic. I gave myself the aesthetic challenge of combining just two fabrics in a way that was really dynamic, or wonderfully harmonious to the point that the fabrics really hum together: not boring.

I’ve always been stuck on making objects that have a practical purpose (i.e. I’ve never made a quilt with the intention that it be hung on a wall and not used for warmth on a bed). I think the object is appreciated more and on many more levels when it can be a useful tool or add comfort in everyday life.

So I started making potholders out of two fabrics only about 15 years ago as this aesthetic exercise and giving them away mostly. I was working with vintage fabrics, old bark cloth, interesting prints that were obviously from a different time period and combining them in unusual ways. I started selling HotHolders as a business 3 years ago. My customers have been most drawn to the ones with characters on them: firemen, kittens, owls, day of the dead skeletons, and the pin-ups, so that’s what I make mostly now.

I’ve also always loved aprons. My aprons came about as a marriage of my interest in fashion and the kind of quilt-appropriate fabrics I’m drawn to working with plus my desire to make helpful, attractive objects used in everyday life. I’ve met a lot of women who didn’t grow up using aprons, or their mothers didn’t, but I did. We had a drawer of aprons made by my grandmother, who was born in 1898. It’s not that I’m out to promote a women’s-place-is-in-the-kitchen agenda. Food preparation and clean-up and laundry are inevitable facts of life for most people. When I tie on an apron, I feel purposeful and organized, and they protect my nice clothes. If I feel cute wearing my apron, I’m enjoying my tasks more.

Meanwhile my family life has become more and more food centric over the years. My husband of 15 years and I have always had vegetable gardens, and they have grown every year. We raised lamb for a few years and started raising meat chickens about 10 years ago. It got to a point a few years ago that most of our meals were comprised of food we had grown ourselves. I’d say 70% of what my family of 4 eats year round is from our own land. The stance I have while preparing a meal is less of drudgery and more of profound gratitude and celebration. Tying on the apron to set about making the evening meal is a little ritual, marking a shift in the day away from my work-for-money and towards the task of nourishing my family with food I feel so incredibly appreciative to have available to me. Preparing a meal feels special to me, and having a business making special tools to aid other people in their culinary adventures feels appropriate.

Stay tuned for Suzanne's article on kitchen fashion in her food column in an upcoming issue of Seven Days. Of all the regular columns, I can be most relied upon to read hers, plus the "Side Dishes." Oh, and Mistress Maeve, who is always right on!

Sweet Batch

2009-05-27T09:18:00.011-04:00

I've been finishing a particularly sweet batch of aprons with accents featuring pheasants, wranglers, vintage calico, purple feathers, Mexican style embroidery and plenty of charming blue gingham.

This after a solid week of focused time in the "ladycave" (aka studio) while I put all other aspects of the business off to the side.

Still more aprons are on the table ready to be assembled...

...or hanging on the walls with non-committal collars and cuffs pinned on. Sometimes I have to look at the combo over time before it tells me if it's right or wrong.

Time to get back to that other part of work now. *sigh*

Queen City Craft Bazaar is tomorrow!

2009-05-08T06:20:00.002-04:00

Hey, I'm really excited about my first show kicking off a busy summer schedule. Head on down to Union Station at the bottom of main St. in Burlington tomorrow for the
Queen City Craft Bazaar! Myself and 39 other indie/alternative crafters from all over Vermont will be offering up our hand crafted wares to you from 10-5. Be there or be square! ; >

MAD behind glass at the Howe Libray in May

2009-05-05T10:16:00.006-04:00

If you are in or around Hanover, NH in the month of May, stop by this top notch public library and view some of my creations in the display case near the teen room. I was up until 1am the night before I installed the display finishing these aprons in a wonderfully inspired post-yoga sewing session.

Top shelf: 9"mats, and HotHolders. Hanging below that (from clothesline with clothespins, of course...any excuse I can get, you know) are full aprons.

On the bottom layer is one of my new Laundry Day aprons...

...a clothespin bag from barn board fabric trimmed in vintage 1980s Alexander Henry and rick rack, plus the article on Mountain Ash Design in Upper Valley Life, and also a few HotHolders in the back. I always see somebody I know there when I'm arranging the case. It's nice.

When I was in high school I applied for a job designing window displays for a fashion clothing store. The really memorable part of the application process was getting to go through the store picking out clothes and putting together an actual display in their window. I didn't get the job, but I think it's because I was only 17 at the time. I thought my display was rad!

2009-04-14T15:18:00.003-04:00

This Virtuous Baby Quilt of mine was selected for the Eco-Friendly item pole on Etsy, going on for the next 6 days. Go here to vote for my quilt before April 20 at 10pm!

It's made from all vintage and recycled fabrics with a 100% organic cotton batting. You can even see the shirt pocket on the left in the vertical photo.

Midwinter Projects Part III: Custom Mexican Inspired Aprons

2009-04-08T12:01:00.003-04:00

One of my fun mid winter projects was to make these custom aprons for Jeff and Colee to go with their new Mexican inspired kitchen (note the tiles below the cabinets). Colee likes the antique-trimmed loteria cards and chose a sweet vintage-y floral for the skirt and neck ties. I added a blue/green piece from my collection as waist/back ties and a pair of powder blue shirt cuffs.
Jeffry's apron was actually a surprise birthday gift. I made it from a length of a new "Paseo do los Muertos" print on black. The rest I repurposed from a variety of textile objects: brown side panels that were a fancy (though not soft enough to rest your sleepy face on) pillow cover, the neck strap was a button-hole placket of a shirt, the back waist ties were the ties from a wrap-around skirt and the entire thing is lined with light drapery fabric with a botanical illustrations. The apron is reversible.
Levi in Jeff's very own "man sling." Colee never wears it.
Awww! Love in the kitchen. One of the many places it belongs.

Floribunda 2009

2009-03-30T22:25:00.011-04:00

I had a stall last weekend at Floribunda, a flower and garden show produced by the Women's Club of Norwich. It was my first time attending at all and I was very impressed by some of the displays, especially by the growers and florists. Here are some, plus others of special note.
Above, Killdeer Farm had a sweet raised bed-looking box with corn plants, beans, tomatoes and it looks like squash and other veggies, too. They had some sweet vintage victory garden posters on their back wall.

Cedar Circle Farm. One of their employees painted this mural of the Connecticut River Valley, the river seen from VT, and hills rising in NH beyond; pretty much the setting of the actual farm. I came home with two bags of their tenderest baby greens on Sunday, including a few pea sprouts. I must ask Betsy down the road at Spring Chicken Farm what organic pea seeds to get for sprouting my own.

My friend Chris Esten, aka The Green Reaper. We carpooled from Topsham on Saturday and Sunday morning. Have a look at her lovely new prints of Blue Hydrangea petals when you get a chance. Sublime.

Orchids by Genera, always amazing. Louise and Vince were great neighbors to have across the isle.

I love this arbor by Petals of White River Junction.

Grape Hyacinths and other sweet growing things.

The "Wacky Worm Sisters" of Down to Earth Worm Farm showing a worm/compost cocktail (I think) for your plants.

Another pretty booth by Cider Hill. The whole place smelled really great, too. There were lots of daffodils, and lavender and rosemary plants around, too.

Very fine glass in understated elegance by Simon Pierce, right next to my booth.
Filling out the evaluation form the Norwich ladies provide about the show. You know; what was the most challenging part of the show, what do you think of these ideas we have for next year, etc., etc. I always write in the blank spots they provide because I believe in feedback. Want to give me some?

Laundry Day Aprons

2009-03-26T11:13:00.005-04:00

I've been wanting to make these big pouch pocket Laundry Day aprons for a while now. Just put all your clothespins in the big kangaroo pocket and they are as handy as can be at your clothesline. Don't let my single purpose limit you though. These are great for holding whatever you need to have on hand, anywhere you need to be. Aprons are the new backpacks! And much cuter than fanny packs also. Made from a combination of new and cast-off fabrics and repurposed clothing.

Enjoy looking. I'll have these at Florabunda this weekend at Tracy Hall in Norwich, Vermont and more throughout the vending season.

Gardening Aprons

2009-03-25T09:57:00.006-04:00

Hot off the press! (or whatever the equivalent is coming out of ye ol' sewing workshop): Gardening Aprons just in time for my first flower and garden show. This weekend, March 28 and 29, I'll be selling from my stall at Florabunda in Tracy Hall, Norwich Vermont. Plenty of room in four big pockets for tools, seed packets, little pots now empty after the sets are settled in the ground, and even stashing bits of last year's plastic mulch you find as you do your first diggings.

These aprons are made from heavy home-decor weight wood grain fabric by designer Joel Dewberry and trimmed out with some of my favorite vintage and vintage-inspired fabrics. also I'm loving the bias tape edging. Structurally it tightens everything up very nicely. And I have always been compelled to add borders in my designs. I wonder why that is?? Desire for more organization and containment in my life? Or just highlighting the wonderfulness to be seen within? The viewer gets to decide.

Enjoy looking and please stop by Florabunda and say hello!

MAD in the current Food Issue of Upper Valley Life

2009-03-20T09:48:00.002-04:00

Hey all you foodies: Upper Valley Life has a great food-themed issue out right now. The recipes sound tasty and the restaurant reviews are very compelling. Bunten Farmhouse Kitchen in Orford is definitely at the top of my to-try list. And I am so honored to have my aprons and HotHolders included in one of the Quick Looks articles. Get a copy at a newsstand before they sell out and on page 25 is Kim J. Gifford's article, "Something's Hot in the Kitchen." I am so pleased with her writing. She really gets what I'm up to aesthetically and conceptually in terms of my products and even has quotes from some of my customers. Thanks Kim and Laura!!

MAD quilt featured on poetry/craft blog

2009-03-15T13:28:00.003-04:00

This was among other lovely quilts illustrating a poem by Nikki Giovanni on the JBlack Design blog today.

Work In Progress Part II: Clothepin Bags

2009-03-03T10:32:00.011-05:00

It is like a frozen tundra outside but it's Spring in my workroom. One of the products I want to have ready for my first show later this month (Florabunda in Tracy Hall, Norwich, VT, March 28 - 29) is a fresh crop of clothespin bags. For these I'm combining new designer yardage with various salvaged fabrics. Gotta have plenty of florals and otherwise plant themes for this garden and flower show! Above is one of last year's bags to show you the finished product. It has 4 big openings for easy access to your pins from any angle. My grandmother had one of mattress ticking at her place in Maine, and I liked the design.

Here they are at the stage after I've lined them. Some will be trimmed with rickrack and strips of contrasting fabrics for $30 and some will be just the basic lined model for $24. All will have their corners sewn up with vintage buttons to a hand forged wrought iron hook. I had these specially made by a metalworker in nearby New Hampshire who builds fair rides.

This year's pink and green. The green is headed towards olive, and the leaves are bright spring green. It's a pretty dynamic "colorway" as the fabric people say.

Little birds sitting on delicate branches. I've been pairing brown with blue lately.

More for the lovers of blue.

I have a whole bolt of this chocolate wood grain fabric. Is it super versatile, or just super woody? Haven't decided yet.

And now for something a little different. This print is called "Coriander."

Work in Progress Part I: Aprons

2009-02-21T07:30:00.011-05:00

I am having a lot of fun playing with the fabric over here <-- (to be read with a tone of barely restrained glee.) Above is new gingham (a bit pinker than I expected when I ordered it, but I'm getting used to it) and a vintage Liberty print.

Gingham just makes everything look so sweet. The blue on the right is an almost electric shade in the middle of turquoise and royal. What is that shade of paint we all had in oil painting class? It's one of the basics on the pallet. Well, whatever it is called, this is it. I like both ginghams with this - another vintage floral. Winter is not bothering me lately as it is spring in my studio now. I think it sprang because of Florabunda, which is my first show for which these aprons are being produced.

Apron production is going really well - all the skirts are hemmed, rolls of wide twill for back neck ties arrived from my new supplier - and I've been dabbling in pairing waistbands to skirts. This is the most creatively exciting part of my work - marrying up prints.

One of my goals for 2009 is to increase the efficiency of my production process so I can continue of offer one-of-a-kind American handmade aprons at such a low price. One of the unfortunate realities I discovered in 2008 is that it is considerably more expensive to hunt down, buy and repurpose textiles that are already out there in the world. I now know why my favorite sweaters at Preloved are $90. I have had to embrace that other meaning of the word "sustainable," as in, "In what way do I have to work to make this business sustainable?" I have known for a while that I'd have to write about this here and have been hesitating... But this feels like a joyous context in which to bring out the truth of my use of *gasp* bolts from the factory. I am still incorporating thrifted scores where I can: shirt collar and cuff trim, some waistbands and pockets, the lining of the apron bibs, special aprons made entirely from vintage table clothes, and when I can get big enough pieces, whole aprons from repurposed fabrics. But the fact is that I can use new fabric for a fraction of the price of repurposed and that's what I need to do to keep the aprons at $39 for another season.

Here are some other fabric combos I've been playing with:

The blue and white stripes here are vintage Marimekko. Note on the right the excellent company I keep in the studio ; >

I am so keen on this dark chocolate wood grain and the fun pairings for aprons. I keep thinking: "Picnic in the Woods." The fabric's a heavier weight and cost me twice as much so these will be at a somewhat higher price point.

Lovely vintage table clothes reborn as very special aprons. All the edges of these (except for the pink on the very right) will be finished with bias tape. They will have that *special* price point also.

This might not be even half of fun, so I think I'll post again when I get to the other fabs. More Mid Winter Projects coming too, so...stay tuned!

Mid-Winter Project Series Part II: Custom Market Apron

2009-02-15T12:02:00.010-05:00

During my holiday shows I got a fun commission to make a market apron for a local grower who sells at the Montpelier Farmers Market. Boots and his partner, Chris Esten (also a fantastic grower and botanical artist as "The Green Reaper"), had an upstairs booth at the Norwich Holiday Market (mine was downstairs) and "demonstrated" a couple of my aprons to drum up interest. Boots really liked the house-painter style one I had for him to wear, and wanted me to make one in a fabric with an appropriate theme for him. Well, I happen to have just the thing.

Boots is one of those very rare men who can wear shorts (vintage I'm sure) that show off his thighs. I was given specific dimensions for the apron: 18 inches wide and no more than 5 inches tall. The idea is that the bottom of the apron not be below the bottom of his shorts. Apparently he already causes quite a stir at the Farmers Market and we don't want him looking like he's wearing no shorts at all! I put a seam in the middle dividing the apron into two large pockets. I'll try to add a pic of Boots wearing it this summer so stay tuned!

Meanwhile if you would like to order a decidedly sharp, durable and super useful apron of your own for your vending events I have enough of this heavy canvas and fruits and veggies fabric (and other interesting fabric options) to make a few more, made to your specific dimensions to show off your legs...or not.

This is one of my favorite fabrics and I've used it in some wonderful billfolds and belts also.

This belt was recently featured in a treasury on Etsy.