Batik Doll Inspiration

batik_inspiration
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.


soft_toys_book
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.

These are the dolls that inspired my adventures in batik. As you can see, I borrowed heavily in the stripes and checks department. This idea was in one of the many books that I got at an estate sale awhile back. I swear, the woman had every craft book spanning the 60s, 70s, and 80s — I bought nearly all of them.

In the past few years I've been lucky enough to happen upon, or be passed down, several people's craft stashes: Peggy's mom's yarn, Bob's mom's sewing supplies, Kathy's mom's vintage fabric and patterns, to name a few. I feel very honored to be able to give these things a good crafty home. I enjoy thinking about these woman and the things they made with these same supplies. I hope that when I'm gone that my stash finds a welcoming next generation to inspire.

Back To Basics

moccasin_closeup
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.

book_cover
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.


moc_pattern
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen. Made these mocs a while back, just in time for my son to wear them to a powwow. I just happened to pick up the book and flip to this pattern. I had all the supplies, too. Of course *having* the supplies and being able to *find* the supplies are two different things. Luckily the craft gods were with me that day and I readily found all that I needed. The pattern comes from this great book that our family has had forever. There's so much info in that book: canning, dyeing, tanning, house building, adobe making, metal work, spinning, everything! My next read is going to be natural dyeing, of course.

Crochet "Crazy Quilt" Afghan

crochet_crazy_quilt
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.

Wow! Have you ever seen something so crazy good? Does my mom know me, or what? She picked up this old McCall's leaflet the other day, specifically for this afghan pattern — not really a pattern, more like loose instructions. I must make one. Now, if I could just find the two unencumbered weeks...

Quilts--Inspired by Amy Karol

Bird with Nest Quilt
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.

One of a series of small quilts I did for holiday gifts, inspired by Amy Karol at kingpod. At first I was hesitant to post these online because I felt that maybe I would be infringing on Amy's craft territory, but after reading Eireann's plagiarism post and related comments I thought it would be OK. My thinking is, that if we are inspired by other artists and crafters, it's a great compliment to be copied--as long as it is done with sensitivity and awareness. A nod to the original source is requisite, links to sites a must. Let's not let a few idea-stealers ruin the beauty of the generosity amongst this amazingly talented pool of artists, illustrators, photographers, painters, sewers, spinners, felters, crocheters, knitters, jewelers, cooks, and writers. The sharing is a large part of the beauty of this online community.

More quilt photos here and here.

See more of Amy at Whip Up where she'll be contributing to Kathreen of Red Current's new multi-author craft site. Watch for the first installment to be whipped up on Feb. 1st, tomorrow!