Things I Got To Bring Home (and a Little Bit of Smocking))

Batik

and more batik


ikat (of course)

drawstring cord by the rolls

and lots of bag hardware and notions

that I'm too embarrassed to photograph

like these zippers, which we can buy in bulk,

(and which I sorta did).

But the nicest stuff I got to bring home were gifts

from mum, like her stash of lovely vintage cotton lace

and old, old children's clothing catalogs left to her by grandma

and a part of another old, old catalog of vintage clothes and dolls


that includes fabulous inspiration sections on embroidery,
some of which I remember doing as a child,

and smocking.

Speaking of smocking,

here's my first practice piece on gingham

(the tension needs a lot of work)

and Auntie Laura's gorgeous sampler on dots.

Check out those upside down hearts in the bottom row!

Coming up are photos of mum's free-motion embroidery work,

including The Tablecloth, and a tutorial from Dad!