Here’s my hand made peacock fascinator:

Here’s our scariest family portrait to date:

Here’s my bestest friend Allegra and her hubby, Alyn.  They made rockin’ costumes.  Allegra’s is soooo Alejandro, I couldn’t stand it.

At the Ball……

Note the tornado in the background…

After the Ball…

Want more? Check out all my Tacoma Monster Ball pics here.

OMG there’s Gaga….

And this is me stalking her after the show…note my fellow queer in the background also vamping before the bus…

As you can see, I did not wear pants. I know I told you all earlier that I was making the pointy-shoulder padded dress by Jeremy Scott that she wore on this one TV appearance….you remember, this one:

Well, I was totally all set to make that.  I had already developed the pattern and made a short blue version without the bolts.  What happened??  Well, a crazy heatwave hit Portland for several days right before the show and it made me not want to wear so much clothing to the show, which I already assumed would be HOT.  I had to throw this telephone-inspired ensemble together the afternoon of because I’m silly and of course I spent all the days leading up to the Portland show working on my outfit for the Tacoma show.  (You’ll see that doozy in a couple days!!)

Anyways, enough about my personal costume drama.  The show was amazing!!  When Gaga told the crowd that she had been biking around Portland I almost died.  (I crossed my fingers to see her at the Dollar Tree earlier that day in Oregon City but no dice.)  Julia, Kelly and I tried to stalk her and get her to sign our records after the show but I guess she ran away before we got there. Luckily, we are going to the show in Tacoma, WA tomorrow (Hello, Washington!!!!!!) so we’ll get another honest crack at it.

Next time: Binoculars.  Water.  *Successful* signature-getting.  More pictures of the crowd’s costumes!  I have to say the highlight of the whole evening was my on-going mutual lovefest with the other costumed folks.  So much FUN!

We saw the Bonneville Dam and Hydroelectric Power Station here in Oregon! (<—Click here for even more photos from the dam in this Flickr set)

Ever since I built my housebus and wired it for 12v and 110v power I’ve had a love/hate relationship with electricity.  I’ll be blunt: It disturbs me.  But I also use it and love it.  I’m totally fascinated by the way it works and the way we think of it in our society and the history of how it was first discovered and harnessed.

After moving to Oregon City, I realized that the first long distance transmission of power in the world (!) happened right here ~ from Willamette Falls here in Oregon City to Portland.  People at the time laughed at the newspaper reports because they didn’t think it was possible.

What does it mean to harness power from a river?  The more aware I’ve become of the rivers in this area, the more I understand the natural sprawl of my surroundings and it’s unique flow.  I consider the rivers we’ve added: freeways, railroads, powerlines, telephone lines, sewers.  I think about the energy that courses through those false rivers and wonder how it affects animals, humans and the actual river.

On another note: I want to make my own magnets and build a dynamo with them so bad!

<3 <3 <3 Erin

P.S. I updated my portfolio to reflect my most recent phase of designs.  Check it out! (You can still find all the old patchwork clothing designs here.)

First, I want to send out a big thank you to the many folks and organizations (namely the Queer Crafter’s Collective and the Queer Etsy Street Team) who I had the honor of interviewing ~ what an interesting, well-spoken bunch!

For further reading, I recommend checking out Meaghan O’Malley’s thoughtful response to the article on her blog, Oh Meaghan, right here.  If you’ve found and/or written other responses, please let me know because I’d like to link to them here.

What do I think?  Well, I love the title for this piece (I’m sooooo clever!) but I’m not crazy about the tagline.  I think it was changed to make the article fit the theme of the issue which makes sense…except not really.  The article is about the growing community of queer crafters (like me!) who make a business of pursing their art/craft.  Saving money while doing that is nice, but it’s not really the (vegan) meat and potatoes of what we’re talking about here.  Oh, well - can’t have everything.  Frankly, I’m just stoked to see the words “queer” and “crafting” right next to each other in a major magazine.  (And OMG, the topless dready lesbian on the cover?  BONUS POINTS!)

I think you can tell from the pic that I was happy with my outfit this year!  My favorite part?  It’s a tie between the crocheted garter belt and the towering hat/headpiece.  Such a great fair this year - I’m still recovering!

I wanted answers so I gave them a whirl. Two times over.  Behold, my new Ginghers Spring Action Dressmaker’s Shears in the locked position:

And my new Ginghers Pinking Shears:

As a thrifty lady who is not into buying unnecessary stuff, the thing that most appealed to me about Ginghers was the idea of forever scissors. Unlike cheaper scissors, Ginghers razor-sharp blades can be sharpened – either by a professional sharpener or by Ginghers themselves ($7.50 a pair) - again and again.

I sew lots, like many hours every day. So I wear scissors out fast. I’m all about having a dedicated pair of “fabric scissors” that I only use for fabric – no paper, no fusible, no nothing; just fabric. Even with this type of discipline my scissors end up dead eventually. The blades separate or get bowed slightly, they stop cleaving together like they used to, they start loosing their sharpness at the tip…and then in the middle…until finally you are just cutting at the way back part of the scissors…and then sooner or later they stop cutting altogether. Sound familiar? Dull dressmaking scissors are the pits and dull pinking shears are completely useless.

The good news is, I still haven’t made a dent in the razor sharpness of either the Ginghers Dressmakers’ or Pinking shears. I even grabbed the blade of the Dressmaker’s shears accidently one time and yes, it is RAZOR sharp.  Mmm…razors…

Also, I really like the weight and look of my new Ginghers. They feel good in my hand and fit my fingers well. It just feels like quality. They cut along the entire length of the blade every time, even with fiddley fabrics and heavy fabrics. Also, even non-sewers are super impressed by their shiny-ness and their over all sex appeal. When I invite friends into my sewing room, one of the first things they mention is my “fancy scissors.” (Then I brag about how they were made in Italy…and how fancy I am, WOW.

Before my Ginghers, I used a pair of Tonic scissors with a bent handle for cutting along fabric.  Here they are:

I liked these scissors a lot but I had concerns about the plastic handles – they are made of the jelly-type plastic and I was worried about phthalates. I have no evidence that these scissors contain that type of chemical and I have no evidence that they do not but they jelly handle seemed unnecessary either way. After a while, they started to dull and I switched scissors anyways.  With my Ginghers, I’m purdy darn sure we’re talking about 100% stainless steel.

Now for smaller pieces (like applique shapes) or for smaller jobs (like clipping into a round seam allowance or even trimming off stray threads) I definitely prefer the small needlework snips I just bought at Joann’s 50% sale.  They were only $2.50!  How could I resist?  Here’s a picture of them:

I wear them around my neck, laced to a long piece of ribbon. Believe it or not, I got this idea from Joan in the TV show, Mad Men. You know how she always sashays around the office halls with a pen on a string dangling from her neck?  So sexy!  My partner, Julia, is slightly disturbed about my “wearing a weapon around your neck,” as she puts it. (Total buzzkill - I thought I looked stunning!)  I might think about trying to make a sheath for it in the name of safety– maybe out of leather?  (Update: I just checked on the GIngher’s website and they have a similar pair and it comes with a nice leather sheath…darn it!)

In other news, the dress I was working on for the Lady Gaga concert is DONE!  Pics to come…

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.

Gillian is a wonderwoman crafter and mama who makes beautiful, sexy AND super comfy hemp clothes right out of her home studio outside Eugene, OR.  Ever since the first day I met her, I have always been inspired by Gillian’s professionalism and work ethic.  This is one seriously savvy businesswoman.

Oh yeah, and I LOVE her clothes!  I am the proud owner of one of her purple womyn wraps, one of her pixied-out watermellon-colored skirts AND one of her racer-back tank tops. So comfy!

OK, I think I’ll let Gillian take it from here.  My questions in bold.

What do you create?

I design, sew an dye every item sold from my Indigo Inspired clothing line.
I am committed to making clothing out of sustainable hemp/organic cotton fabrics.

When and how did you decided to pursue your craft full-time?

I have been a full time designer/seamstress for most of my adult life, I never had the drive to take it very far tho and mostly just made ends meet and had fun sewing and traveling with my designs.

In 2006 I gave birth to my very radical son named Indigo.

Shortly after he was born I became a full time single mom and had to figure out how to create a life for my son without struggle and too much hardship.
I knew I wanted to continue to work at home so I could be around to experience his first “milestones” and I also knew I was an experienced seamstress the next step was just to take it to the next level.
I officially named my business Indigo Inspired and invested in high quality machines, threads, dyes and fabrics.
I started busting out a production line with a few designs and over the years I have tried to keep at least 25 constants in my on-line shop. At the moment I have 36. I have to say I have really been inspired this year..

How did you come up with your business name?

Hmmm, my son I suppose. I really wanted my business name to reflect my passion for being a independent single mom living life for her son. I am truly inspired by his youth and energy.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in starting your own crafty business?

Take time to look streamlined and professional.
Stay true to my roots and support other small businesses for my supplies I use (labels, business cards, fabric, dyes).

What inspires you most?

My son and I live in a super sweet cabin on some acerage in the woods outside of Eugene Oregon. Life in the woods is super influential in my designs; paradoxically so is my growing up in Los Angeles. I love to read European high fashion magazines while sitting in my garden. It’s all about balance I suppose.
Indigo inspired me in all ways.
He is a fearless, happy, delightful little soul and I love to take lessons from him in my acceptance to trying new things and putting myself “out there” without the fear of failing.
Being a tomboyish mama also inspires me to design clothing that looks fashion forward but is also easy and comfortable to run with the kids/friends and play hard.
Right now I have been loving on some looks from the early 70’s punk days and also Thai/Burmese/African body mod styles.
Ancient dieing tribal styles mixed with earth mother mixed with rock and roll.
Music is always on! At the moment Minor Threat is fueling this interview. I also have very strong roots in a fabulous spiritual center down in Los Angeles called Agape. It is a simple and beautiful message they walk and talk. I listen to the music from Agape and sermons most of the time when I am sewing. I have even added a line from one of my favorite songs onto my labels~ Blessed Always.
I need to feel happy and grateful when I am working. I will not attempt to sew, cut, dye or design if I am in a bad mood. I don’t want to put that energy into my clothing, and I find I make tons more mistakes. Having a simple mantra I can repeat is a great way to lift my spirits and help me create and be the working mama I want to be. Blessed Always.

haha.

Do I sound insane Erin?
A spiritual/punk/tribal/high fashion/city/woods/mama? hmmmm

What’s your favorite tool, technique or project?

My favorite part of my process is for sure the designing. Most of the time the designs come to me in dreamlike trances. I love figuring out how to transform an idea into a real live flattering comfortable item of clothing. Divine!
My favorite tool is a silver sharpie to make marks on black fabric.
I also love my big super power magnet for catching up all loose needles and such.

What the biggest challenge (if any) you’ve had to overcome in pursuing your craft?

Making a schedule and sticking to it.

Narrowing down my designs I make for my online shops to what I want to sell in my art fair/market and festival booths.
I am always unsure of what to consolidate into actually making for production for my shows since I vend in an 8by8 or 10by10 space on the weekends. There is really not that much clothing you can squeeze into a space that small…

Learning how to be a business woman when all I really want to be is the artist ♥

If you had time, what new medium would you want to learn/new thing would you want to do?

Oh boy. Time.. I wish I did have it!
I used to have a hand in all sorts of creative endeavors but now it seems like I really only have time for this since I am still doing every aspect of it all.
I would love to learn screen printing, carpentry/woodworking/general handy*womyn stuff..
I wish I could skateboard like a pro.
Hammock weaving!
I have a trombone I really want to have more time to play.
And I just know I would be a damn good craps player if anyone would teach me how to hustle.
For reals.

THE END!

Thanks, Gillian!!  Be sure to check out all of Gillian’s work at her etsy shop!

Wow, where the heck have I been??  This looks like so much fun and I had no idea it was even happening - I’ll be there tomorrow night with bells on!

In other news, I’m getting back into this blogging thing.  I have tons of fun planned.  So much fun, I made a list.

• Review of Ginghers Dressmaker’s Shears and Pinking Shears (Is it, like, really worth all that $$?)
• Ginghers GIVEAWAY - Brand new, unused Dressmakers and Pinking shears yours FREE! (Oh, YES.  Stay tuned for more details…)
• Update on my old review of the Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 (1 year into sewing machine ownership = new joys, new beefs!)
• Gripping interview with the lovely clothing designer/all-around diva rock-star Gillian Smithline of Indigo Inspired (It’s gonna be GOOD…this lady is a genius!)  I mean, seriously, look at this romper:

Sew on!  ~ Erin

Sorry internet, I have been hard at work moving to Oregon City, getting hitched with Julia…(witnesseth:)…

…and finishing my first book, tentatively called Stripped Down Patchwork, for Leisure Arts.  (Yes!  So excited!  Keep an eye out next Spring for my little book of sweet modern patchwork goodies!  Lots more details to come…)

Phew, that was a lot of stuff. It didn’t seem like too much at the time but when I was finally done with all that I found myself on my face for a week or so after wards wondering what happened.  Still trying to get it back together…

Ok, the wedding.  Well, we don’t really know if it was a wedding, a hand fasting or a domestic partnering (barf) but it was fun.  We’re doin’ it for the fame (fame)!  I mean, er, health insurance.  You can see all the pics of our big day here.