Pine Needle Felt

In April, we were thrilled to bring Leiko Uchiyama to The Thimble Classroom to share her unique felting technique, Pine Needle (or "Matsuba" in Japanses) Felt.  The results were FABULOUS!

A hearty "Thank You!" to Leiko for traveling over our way and sharing her knowledge with us.  Everyone's projects were just beautiful and we look forward to having Leiko back!

2013 Handmade Summer Wardrobe Fashion Show

Hello there!

It's Hannah sharing with you today. It was our Fourth Annual Handmade Summer Wardrobe Fashion Show on Saturday and we wanted to share some photos for those of you who weren't able to make it. It was a wonderful show (they just seem to get better and better every year!) and we were so thrilled to have multiple students participate. Thank you to everyone who did attend, we appreciate your support and sincerely hope you enjoyed yourselves! 

Our loosely translated "steampunk" theme allowed us to use all of our cool, industrial looking pieces from the shop. Mom also constructed some very neat pieces that included gears, wheels, washers, springs and other rusty pieces that looked fantastic in this old packing shed. 

Here are the pictures of the outfits Mom and I wore and the patterns that accompany them. We  love to share how our patterns and fabrics are transformed into the garments themselves. Please feel free to comment and ask questions about the pieces. We love to answer! 

Simplicity #7876 wrap skirt made of 100% cotton Chambray (available at The Tin Thimble) and a t-shirt hand stitched by Emma in Alabama Chanin style. 

Folkwear pattern based on Edwardian fashion of 1910's. Hand dyed 100% silk fabric by Mom. So, so, SO beautiful in person. Here's a detail shot. 

Marian Martin pattern #9005. Adorable culottes made with both Vintage and new fabrics. 

McCall's #8291 for the pants that were made with new cotton denim (available at The Tin Thimble) and McCall's #1254 for the blouse. That cute little number is made with vintage plaid and buttons up the back. 

1970's Simiplicity #9725 made with new fabrics available at The Tin Thimble in store (not online, sorry girls). Adorable double sleeves are fluttery and feminine. 

Feather blouse that was constructed using several different patterns (and several additional alterations by Hannah) and 100% linen fabric by Anna Maria Horner available at The Tin Thimble. New Look #6902 and New Look #6696,

Vintage pattern (that was mail-ordered in the 1940's) and vintage fabric. Mom got all fancy and even made the little hat and completed the outfit with vintage gloves and vintage shoes from the same era!

100% silk blouse (loosely) based on New Look #6784.

Awesome vintage reproduction Butterick #6582 and great vintage fabric. Click here to see a post on Hannah's blog for more info on this dress. 

Reflections

April 7th was the anniversary of an AMAZING 6 years in business for The Little Thimble That Could.  We celebrated with our yearly tradition (since we moved to High Hand) of a Student Art Show and Reception.  It has been such a blessing to have the space to hold this event every year!  We love to see our students/customers/friends/family/patrons admiring the work that is created in and out of our classroom.  We are humbled that our small efforts to teach and share our love of fiber arts culminate in an art show so full of talent and beauty every year. It has been such a fantastic experience to be a part of so many people's creative lives for the last 6 years.  From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You.

Nuno Felted Scarf by Kim

Wet Felted Vessel by Julie

Wet Felted Purse by Ardith

Sharon and Julie

Nika, Lisa, Julie and Ardith

Judy, Emma and Pat

Felt Covered Lamp by Nika

Nuno Felted Scarves

Nuno Felted Adornment by Leslie

Wet and Needle Felted Wall Hanging by Lisa

Nuno Felted Bolero by Denuta

Wet Felted Vessel by Judy

Wet Felted Table Mats by Gail, Jean and Pam

You can view the entire gallery of this year's Student Art Show HERE.