June Showers and Pink Flowers

It has been a week of studio work and wet weather. I have been preparing some new patterns (stay tuned) and organizing for two weeks on the road, but in the meantime Mother Nature keeps putting on a spectacular show! Rain and rumbling sky have been predominate for days, contrasted by sudden splashes of sun.

The peonies and irises are in their glory and the roses are just starting to bloom. Both iris and peony were transplanted from our tiny city yard and have finally settled magnificently into their new surroundings. And, of course, filling our home with fragrant bouquets.

So this week has been a celebration in PINK! Yes, pink, the color that I sneered at for years...

that girlie color. But I have had a change of heart and now I believe that it is one of the most extravagant colors on earth. Pale pink, especially, can take my breath away!

Of course, our fabric project for the week is pink, too! I have been looking for the perfect smock pattern for years, when I discovered Indygo Junctions Classic Coverall designed by Secely Palmer. It is a happy combination of nostalgia and style. The great front pockets make it very practical, plus the ties at the waistline make it flattering, too. 

In this first version we have used two Hothouse fabrics. The dots almost look like a psychedelic animal skin. The contrasting pockets, ties and collar are highlighted with a pastel jungle motif. This could bring out the pussy cat in any girl.

Next, Fair Claire swings into summer in another coverall of Hothouse pastel willow leaves and accented with diamond checks from a few seasons past. 

I think this combination is really pleasing. This pattern has great potential for mixing and matching fabrics. It would make a wonderful housewarming or wedding shower gift. Next time I plan to line it to give it more body and perhaps narrow and shorten the ties, so it could become less of an apron and more of an everyday work outfit.

You may want to check out http://www.indygojunction.com for this and other interesting "in the pink"patterns. Thanks again to Susan for her skill and vision!