I am busy getting ready for CHA, the Craft and Hobby Tradeshow in Chicago. One of the big events of the show for me is the Crafty Couture Runway Challenge where teams of designers are creating mixed media gowns to be displayed at the show. I am very fortunate to have the talented team of Michelle Zimmerman, fabulous clay artist and Marie Browning, the craft goddess!

The theme of our dress is inspired by the art of Zentangle and the Zen Tango dance. We are creating a black and white ruffled gown of reclaimed fabrics, clay, ribbon, trims, dyes, stamps, coffee filters and dryer sheets. With the talent and creativity of the CHA Designers there will be stunning gowns. Six of the gowns will be featured in an upcoming issue of Cloth Paper Scissors!

Have I mentioned before that I love dresses, I have been sewing dresses since I was five when I made doll dresses with my Mom's help at my tiny sewing machine. When my first daughter arrived I sewed her entire wardrobe and made many matching Mom and me dresses. I have always loved ruffles, feminine romantic inspired dresses. There are incredible romantic gowns and accessories found on the beautiful site  Bonzie Designs

On Mother's Day my daughter posted a picture of us together in a dress set I had made from fabric strips. It is a hot summer day late in the afternoon so we both look ready for a nap but it brought back "sew many memories!" Follow the Joy always, Debra!