Digging in

The weeks seem to fly by, but then again it is Spring.  It is a time to get out and get it done.  I can't say that I really like a lot of yard work but I can do it before the weather gets too warm here in Florida.  I have committed myself to making a new planted garden area.  The irrigation system has never worked well in this area and seems to be a tangled mess.  The only way to correct is all is to dig it up and start fresh.

As I was digging I noticed a view of our lake.  It occurred to me that maybe this space might be better suited for a hot tub.  After all a view of the lake from your hot tub???  How about tropical plants around the hot tub???  This project that was to be quite simple is expanding with each shovel of dirt.  I have a few days to think about this project as I await someone to correct the irrigation system issues. It is fun dreaming and scheming!

I have not forgotten my feltmaking and patternmaking thoughts.  Actually as I work in the yard I think things through.  I ponder the 'what if' of garments made with felt.  You see handmade felt is an unusual textile.  It does not always act or react the way of woven yardage.  Seamless garments also have fitting issues as well.  Digging in dirt is a good time to think things through and one can easily forget how difficult the task of shoveling earth.

In March I became reacquainted with some garment and fashion information in a book called "The Body Shape Bible" by Trinny and Susannah.   Many people do not know what silhouette is appropriate for their body.  This book details the many many shapes of the human body and what fashion silhouette creates the most flattering look.  

I will be incorporating more body shape information into the next eBook on seamless felted garments.  I have seen so many felt garments that simply do not flatter a person's body. Huge open collars that flap across most of the person's chest is not flattering to anyone.  A lovely shaped jacket that gaps in the front is not flattering, it speaks poor fit.  We see gorgeous clothing made for the very slender and shapely model, but does that translate to the average person?  How about a wool wrap vest over bare shoulders because the maker did not know how to fit the garment?  I don't know about you, but if I am wearing wool as an outwear item, bare skin makes me shiver!

I will be working on additional and sensible seamless felt garment designs this summer.  They will  be published into another eBook.  I am also contemplating single pattern instruction for a particular design.  For example a pattern drafted off of your template to make a swing jacket, or  a cape with hood.  I have a lot of thoughts on what I will do next, but maybe I need to go dig some dirt!

Don't forget if you are interested in learning how to makes custom seamless sleeveless felted garments, visit my website at https://www.kathyhaysdesigns.com