Just got done planning and hosting my little sewing workshop for Transition PDX. We made these beauties:

Patchwork was popular in the Great Depression as a way to save money and turn old clothing and scraps into something new.  I expect it will become more and more popular as our resources continue to dwindle, hence the patchwork + Transition Movement connection!  (If you don’t know about the Transition Movement, check it out!  It’s a community-building network aimed at preparing ourselves and our communities for the myriad consequences of peak oil and climate chaos.  A large part of their approach is based in DIY self sufficiency, so it’s a crafter’s paradise…)

I thought that these little 9-patch pin cushions would be a great way to teach basic sewing skills and get folks acquainted with the principals of patchwork construction.  It really got people’s creative juices flowing and some beautiful creations that got made that day.  Thank you to Henry for ring leading this workshop - I had tons of fun doing it!

In other news, Julia and I finished our coffee table top mandala!  We bought this messed up table at the Bins a few months ago for $3.  I stared at it for a long time until I figured out what to do….

…and now, OOOOO!  I love it.

I did the top in a combination of cheap acrylics, sharpie squiggles and dollar store glitter glue.  I varnished the whole thing with this awesome water-based (read: non-stinky) varnish I bought for weather-proofing an educational display I made for the Fruit Booth at Oregon Country Fair 2 years ago.  Still good!  Love this stuff.

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