Give Yourself Gems

(The following article is reprinted with permission from the Art You Wear newsletter, Winter/Spring 1999 issue, published by Rosalie Cooke, 3567 Benton St., #430, Santa Clara, CA 95051; subscriptions US$18/year). Today, I pulled out bags of silk scraps so that I could play. Thai Silks sells this $2 hodge podge--different colors, a variety of weaves. On my budget, this is the closest I come to devoré velvet and other beautiful fabrics! I was reviewing Nancy Restuccia's Jambalaya™ pattern and wanted to see what else I could add to my mix. I decided to use silk organza as a foundation rather than paper. Why? Because I'm handsewing. Why? Many people think I'm crazy when it goes so quickly on the sewing machine and holds better. But sometimes speed is not what it's all about. I have found there is nothing so soothing as holding a fine needle in your hand and making little stitches. I'm not a quilter, I'm an embroiderer from long ago. I'm a child of the '60s who did the requisite knitting, crochet, needlepoint, crewel embrodery, and cross-stitch. Give me beautiful fabric, colorful threads, a comfortable needle and I'm happy stitching. I even love basting these days. Add a variety of silk fabrics to choose from and you can see why I was happy. I hope you give yourself little gems like this. They make up for a lot that life sends our way. To email Rosalie Cooke: Rosekcooke@aol.com Thai Silks Web site: http://www.thaisilks.com A note from Nancy: In the same issue of her newsletter, Rosalie reviewed Jambalaya (very favorably, I'm happy to say) and mentioned that her collection of 3" fabric squares--those samples you get from fabric clubs that you can't throw away but really don't know what to do with--were perfect for making Jambalaya blocks.