My daughter is getting married in April and last fall that got me to thinking about what I was going to wear as mother of the bride. I decided I wanted to make my dress and I thought about some books that I had purchased about Natalie Chanin and her design line Alabama Chanin. I heard her speak at a Surface Design Conference a few years ago and loved her design philosophy and business model. All of her designs are hand sewn from 100% cotton jersey made in the USA and sewn by artisans in their own homes. I hadn't made any clothes in many years but this fall and winter I have made two dresses, a bolero, two long skirts, one short skirt, two tank tops and one corset. I have revamped my wardrobe and these were also practice for figuring out what style I want to make to wear to the wedding. In the photo, you can see the red dress and bolero.

I carved a new printing plate and used it in my weekly quilt. A dress and I printed it in red, thinking about my latest handmade clothing. You can also see two vintage/antique (?) baby dresses that I have been sealing to make into printing plates to continue my studio art quilts series based on children's clothing.

I don't usually think about my clothing but I certainly am enjoying sewing these items completely by hand.