The weekend of June 27th I was with the Sisters of the Cloth: Order of the Flying Needle. This is a dynamic doll group in the Manhattan Beach area of Los Angeles County. Their members come from all over the county and meet in Manhattan Beach. They chose my Penny Cassandra pattern as a class. It was terrific seeing all the different fabrics chosen for this sewing caddy doll. But, what I loved was their challenge. They received a packet of fabric and were to make a doll with the theme My Inner Juanita.
The variety of dolls is truly unique to this group. You can see a sock monkey at the far left, along with more "normal" cloth dolls.
With the heritage of southern California being Mexican you can see why this theme was chosen. And, the colors are my favorite - primaries and bright.
The Sisters had asked me to judge the challenge. This was extremely hard for me to do as each doll was beautifully made. So, everyone was a winner. Along with the prizes pulled together for the challenge we found enough other goodies to give to each person who participated.
To see larger images just click on the photo's.
The 3 phases of Freda Kahlo's life was a true work of art.
Looking at the dolls you can see why it was hard to judge.
This shows a few of the members working hard on the beaded flower for Penny Cassandra.
The Sisters of the Cloth have a retreat each January at a beautiful place in Temecula, California. This next January Cyndi Mahlstadt will be the teacher. I'm going to have to join the Sisters so I can be guaranteed a spot at the retreat.
While in Manhattan Beach our daughter and son-in-law arrived from Belgium. Raphael had a conference he had to attend in Anaheim. Heidi flew on down to San DIego. She and her dad had a good weekend of catching up before I arrived Sunday night after the class. Monday we went to the Del Mar Fair. One of our favorite things to do in the summer.
Each year the fair has a theme. This year it was Music Mania. The robot you see with Heidi (on the left) and Laura (on the right) was one of the attractions. Actually, one of the attractions promoting the many celebrities performing at the fair.
If you are ever in San Diego from the middle of June to the weekend of July 4th, do go to the fair. My favorite exhibits are the gardens and the Home Arts. But, I do hit the vendor areas, too. My kitchen is full of gadgets purchased each year at the fair.
Everyone have a safe and fantastic 4th of July.
Happy Birthday America!
What a lovely,lovely time you must have had Patti. Love your work!! I have just spent 6 months working through your Fabric Explorations Book (birthday pres). I just couldn't put it down when I got it.I took it on drives, to cafes, while eating dinner...Looking forward to your next book? I still have all your others to work through.Hope I live long enough.
Posted by: Judith McCarthy | July 04, 2009 at 12:23 AM