The Perfect Dress?

Imagine my delight at finding this vintage, handmade beauty in my size! Vintage dresses rarely fit my cornfed, modern body so whenever I find one I squeal, snap it up and spirit it away to my closet where I will sigh over it repeatedly like a lovelorn schoolgirl. This gem may have to make its debut at the annual Hanson's Grove Open Air Antique Show on July 4th!

Look at the darling rick rack embellished collar with a wee bit of girly ruffle detailing!
There are ties at each sleeve and also at the back to ensure a perfect, and adorable bow laden, fit!

There is a flattering band at the waist and two front pockets (with the same detailing as the collar) which can carry a Zune, a peach, or maybe a tattered photograph.

The skirt has a nice fullness to it, perfect for spinning in the middle of a meadow!

Jewelry Slimdown Blitz!

Can I girl ever have too many baubles and bangles? NO! And yet I am trying to live with less and therefore am slimming down my own personal jewelry collection via my Etsy store @ http://www.heatherlucille.etsy.com/
Please peruse it if you are into awesome deals, charming adornments and the cuteness. I am trying to post a few items in the store daily and there's a long way to go!

Fighting Suits For Sale!

These Fighting Suits are now available for purchase in my Etsy shop!

www.heatherlucille.etsy.com

Baby Turnip's Fighting Suits

Late last night I finished making this set of fighting suits comissioned for a friend's baby. It was the first time I've done applique and used a blanket stitch. Most of the fabric is from my vintage scrap collection except the digger body, bunny body and elephant body pieces which I got at Home Ec.

Home Ec July Classes

LIMITED SPOTS!
Special workshop with GUEST ARTIST MARIA SCHUTT
Saturday and Sunday, June 28 – 29
10 AM – 1 PM Saturday
Noon – 3 PM SundayWorkshop Fee: $60Supplies Fee: $30
Designed for both sewers and new sewers, this workshop presents easy techniques for dyeing cloth & making collaged or pieced Book/Journal covers. Saturday’s dye series includes: value study, color blend, and color wheels- dyeing 21,12”x12” swatches, simple resists: shibori & paste, photo printing on cloth: cyanotype, and African American quilt tradition of flexible patterning. Sunday includes cutting & piecing cloth, piecing journal cover, introduction to two embroidery stitches.

HOME EC. WORKSHOP APRON CONTEST and Fundraiser: Make and donate an apron and help raise money for the Breast Cancer 3-Day and support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. All donated aprons will be on display at Home Ec. July 1 -7. Stop in during the first week of July and cast your vote. The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Home Ec.

JULY CALENDAR

LEARN TO KNIT
Monday, July 7
7 – 9 PM
Beginners of all ages can learn to cast on and get knitting and purling in no time!
$10

SEWING: CABO HALTER
Mondays, July 21, 28
7 – 9 PM
“Simple and breezy. Casual or dressy. A simple halter with refined lines to enhance the romance of warm weather!”
Learn how to layout and cut this Amy Butler pattern, insert an invisible zipper and stitch up a beautiful summer top! No sewing experience necessary.
$25 + supplies

FELTED SOAP
Tuesday, July 8
10 – 11:30 AM
What do you get when you felt wool around a bar of soap? A baa of soap? No! A soap and exfoliatingscrubby all-in-one. We'll use all natural soap and Lamb Lane wool from a sweet flock in S.E.Iowa. We've decided to make two because you'll loveit so much, you'll want to share.$20, supplies included. (If you prefer to bring yourown soap, that's ok too!)

SCREENPRINTING BASICS
Wednesday, July 9
12 – 2 PM
Print cloth with your favorite drawings and images! In this class you will learn how make a silkscreen and print your designs on fabric.
$20 + supplies

TEST DRIVE A BERNINA
Thursday, July 10
5:30 – 7:30 PM
On the hunt for a new sewing machine? Staff from Pine Needles Sewing Center in Cedar Rapids will be here to introduce you to Bernina sewing machines. Attendees will each get the chance to sew on a Bernina while completing a small cosmetic bag. This is a fun way to learn more about a great sewing machine!Cost is free, and materials are supplied, be sure to sign up early as class size is limited.

FABRIC DYEING AND SEWING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
July 11, 12
Friday, 12 – 1:30 PM
Saturday, 2 – 3:30 PM
This two-day class will involve learning various resist dye techniques on fabric. On day two of the workshop we will use our dyed fabric to sew a
pillowcase.
$40, supplies included

HAIRPINS WITH HEATHER
Saturday, July 12
10:30 AM – 12 PM
Make three pairs of hairpins using vintage clip-on earrings, fabric scraps and buttons....
$30, supplies included

KNITTING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, July 15, 16, 17
2 – 4 PM
Learn how to knit, dye your own yarn and complete your first project. We make it super fun and easy!
$60, supplies included

HEMMING with Joyce McKinley
July 17
6 – 9 PM
Learn how to hem your own pants! Bring in one or two pairs of pants or jeans and Joyce will teach you the techniques to make them just the right length.
$35, bring your pants/jeans and thread. We have special thread for denim!

SKIRTS WEEKEND!
July 18, 19
Friday: 6 – 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Make an A-line skirt with an invisible zipper, a wrap around skirt or choose from our other new pattern styles. Enjoy the beauty of a custom fit.
$30 + supplies

HEADBANDS WITH HEATHER
Tuesday, July 22
5:30 – 7 PM
Make two headbands from vintage millinery supplies.
$30, supplies included
You can see photos from the first headband workshop here:
http://flickr..com/photos/haatkinson/sets/72157603989405416/

MESSENGER BAG
Saturday, July 26
11 AM – 5 PM
Come in and learn to sew a messenger bag using the Sew Liberated Messenger Bag pattern. This pattern allows for embellishment (if you choose!) by using various fabrics and appliqué.
$35 + supplies


SEWING DECORATIVE PILLOWS
Tuesday, July 29
7 – 9 PM
Learn a variety of techniques to make two decorative pillows for your home. Techniques include piping, trims, button holes and more!
$18 + supplies

Home Ec. Workshop

207 N. Linn Street

Iowa City, IA 52245

Call 319.337.4775 to register!

Check out our website and blog: www.homeecworkshop.com

Baby X

Welcome Jonas Xavier Loy!

Born on Tuesday, June 17th at 8:37 AM

8 pounds 13 ounces, 20 and 3/4 inches long

My BFF4Ever Jill gave birth to her second son - congratulations to the Loy family!

A Little Peek into Our House

In the living room - lamp (one of two) is from Bed, Bath and Beyond many years ago, rosewood credenza filled with booze and barware from auction, chair (on of a pair) from Artifacts , pillow from Target, deer head vase from Goodwill.

Inspiration wall in my studio - magnetic strips from Ikea, cheerleading trophy from thrift store.Old printers drawer in my studio filled with little porcelien OMG ponies, printers letters, numbers and varios olde letterpress blocks.

Corner of desk in my studio - squash lamp from Artifacts, owl planter used as pencil corral and green girlie salt an peppers from Goodwill, assorted artsy-fartsy-craftsy books from thrift stores and Prairie Lights.

Egg and nest (real and faux) collection on top of Steelcase bookcase in basement media room.

Anonymous flora painting and blue Italian glass vases on burea in guest bedroom.

Ladies of Letterpress

You can still catch the Ladies of Letterpress show at Home Ec! You can view the show and purchase prints by some of the artists including my personal fave Jessica C. White.
If you are a new fan like me or have an interest in letterpress check out Jessica's blog: http://bittersweetnessandlight.blogspot.com/

Chicago Summer Sites

If you are planning a trip to Chicago this Summer here are two not-to-be-missed sites!:

The Museum of Science and Industry exhibit "Smart Home: Green + Wired" conceived by Iowa native Michelle Kaufmann features a modular "green" sustainable living home.

http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/smart-home/

The Jeff Koons retrospective at the Musem of Contemporary Art - be sure and take a guided tour of this exhibit also! This show is exclusive to Chicago and it is well worth a trip to see - for me it was easily the highlight of our Chicago visit.

"The major contemporary artist-provocateur Jeff Koons is one of the most well-known and intriguing artists of the 20th century. His works, with their seductive surfaces and flawless execution, transform everyday objects and fantasies into high art. The artist is working closely with the MCA to create a carefully selected survey focusing on his most iconic sculptural works. The MCA presented Koons's first American survey in 1988, before he began his often controversial series of works in porcelain. It is fitting for the MCA to revisit the career of this now-seminal figure in contemporary art and to explore his work's significance for a new generation. Many of the works to be included in the exhibition will come from the MCA's own collection with in-depth concentrations of Koons' work. Additional new paintings by Koons will also be included. Jeff Koons is developed as a unique presentation for Chicago, which will be its only venue."

http://www.mcachicago.org/exhibitions/exh_detail.php?id=178

How Highs the Water Momma?

Huckleberry riding in my lap and checking out the flood waters after we picked him and Buddy up Sunday after our return from Chicago at the Lucky Pawz evacuation location.

The last bridge open in Iowa City across the Iowa River - we are driving on Burlington Street.

Burlington Street bridge over the Iowa River.


Wall of sandbags on Burlington Street in Iowa City.

Crossing the Cedar River on I-380 - to get back to Iowa Ci ty from Chicago we had to go through Dubuque, Cedar Rapids and Ely. A drive that normally takes 3.5 hours took almost 8 hours.

Quaker Oats plant seen from the last open bridge on I-380 over the Cedar River.

Little China Doll Hair

161/365 - Doll Hair
Originally uploaded by Heather Lucille

My extraordinarily talented friend and hairstylist Sorayah gave me a super chic make-over today! May I present my new cut (anime bob) and color (espresso). I love it! It looks like doll hair!

If you live in Iowa City or the surrounding area I highly recommend seeing Miss Sorayah at Buzz for all your cut and coloring needs! She's like butter.

http://www.buzz-salon.com/

115 S. Dubuque St.
319.466.4270

July Workshops with Heather Lucille

The following are dates and details for my Home Ec Workshops in July:

Hairpins with Heather

Saturday the 12th

10:30am - 12pm

Make three pairs of hair pins using vintage clip-on earrings, fabric scraps and buttons

$30 - supplies included

Headbands with Heather

Tuesday the 22nd

5:30pm - 7pm

Make two headbands from vintage millinery supplies.

$30 - supplies included

You can see photos from the first headband workshop here:

http://flickr.com/photos/haatkinson/sets/72157603989405416/

Register by stopping in or calling Home Ec Workshop:

207 N Linn St
(319) 337-4775‎

Thrift Finds: Fine Handwork

Charming embroidery handwork found at the Solon, Iowa city wide garage sales today. The top three are pillowcases and the bottom image of the peacock is a tablecloth. Linens have been a favorite gift of mine since someone gave me a set of psuedo-suede napkins. These lovingly embroidered linens would make wonderful hostess gifts!

Home Ec Classes for June

LEARN TO KNIT
Mondays, June 2, 9, 16
7 – 9 PM
Choose your own project. We’ll help you from start to finish.
$30 + supplies

MAE DRESS
Saturday, June 7
1 – 4 PM
Make an adorable little girl’s summer dress in one afternoon!
$35 + supplies

APRONS!
Tuesday and Wednesay, June 10 – 11 (meets twice)
7 – 9 PM
Make a cute half or full apron and turn the heat up in your kitchen.
$25 + supplies

IT’S A CREWEL CLASS
Wednesday, June 18
10 AM – 12 PM
Get your Wool and Hoop crewel embroidery here! Start a project and learn some stitches to make your crewel nicer.
$15 + supplies

READING PILLOW for Young People
Wednesday, June 18
2 – 4 PM
Make this cozy Montessori By Hand lap pillow and chill out with your favorite summer book.
$15 + supplies

SCREENPRINTING BASICS
Wednesday, June 18
7 – 9 PM
Print cloth with your favorite drawings and images! In this class you will learn how make a silkscreen and print your designs on fabric.
$20 + supplies

FABRIC COLLAGE for Young People
Friday, June 20
3 – 5 PM
Play with colorful fabric, shapes and designs and work it into a fabulous piece of original art.
$20, supplies included

BIRDIE SLING BAG
Saturday, June 21
11 AM – 4 PM with a lunch break
We can’t take our eyes off this fantastic Amy Butler bag. It’s perfect for a day at the beach, vacationing, or hanging out around town. We’ll help you whip it out in a day.
$35 + supplies

SKIRTS!
June 25, 26, 27 (meets three times)
6 – 8 PM
Make an A-line skirt with a zipper, a wrap around skirt or choose from our other new pattern styles. Enjoy the beauty of a custom fit.
$30 + supplies

Special workshop with GUEST ARTIST MARIA SCHUTT
Saturday and Sunday, June 28 – 29
10 AM – 1 PM Saturday
Noon – 3 PM Sunday
Think fabric and surface design including dyeing and cyanotype! MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW...

FREE EVENTS:

Knitter's Breakfast (Crocheters and Embroidererswelcome too!)
Saturdays, Starts at 10 am

Join us for breakfast on Saturdays! Our fresh hot mama Heidi is baking up fresh hot quiche, blueberry coffee cake and cookies. Eat, enjoy a hot OR cold drink and knit in good company.

Knitting Nurse

Fridays, 2 – 6 pm

The Knitting Nurse is in. She'll give you and yourproject the tender loving care you both deserve. Get help on a pattern or fixing up a boo-boo. Give it a shot. It won't hurt a bit.

WORLD WIDE KNIT IN PUBLIC DAY!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
10 AM
Kick off World Wide Knit in Public Day with Breakfast at Home Ec. Workshop, get your free knitting wrist bag, and take your knitting for a public tour of downtown. Tour leaves at 11:00 AM. http://www.wwkipday.com/

Apron Sewing Circle: Free workshop time and help!
Sunday, June 22
1 – 3 PM
Let’s get together, make aprons, and donate them for a great cause! 100% of the proceeds from the sale of your apron will go to the Breast Cancer 3-Day event and support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Enter our apron contest and have a chance to win great prizes.

Home Ec. Workshop207

N. Linn StreetIowa City, IA 52245

319.337.4775

Class policies:

Cancellations received 48 hours inadvance will receive a full refund.

Cancellations received 24 hours in advance, no refund, but you can sign up for a future class.

Just Like Stephen Hawking, Yeah But I'm Walkin'

I was recently required to spend some time conducting top secret experiments/helping humanity in an intellectual think tank (see photo above for indisputable evidence) . One of my very important experiments resulted in my former highly acclaimed blog cuppycakegumdrops being sucked into a black hole. The loss is tragic but never fear - I am unveiling this new black hole proof blog. Viola!