One year into the Pandemic
I have begun to see the seagulls again flying around above the new Moynihan train station on my bike rides to my studio. The other day I was stopped at a light while I and a road crew worker stared up at them, amazed by the beauty of these so-called scavengers.
I have felt like a scavenger too, plumbing my store of fabrics and collecting new ones from far afield (Jaipur India) and close at home in the garment district. I’ve used this time to explore some new paths and let them lead me where they will.
I love these bike rides- I’ve ridden in all weather and even through sleet, though that was not pleasurable, and I’ve fallen on snow patches until I learned that you cannot ride over snow, but some ice is OK. I love seeing the landmarks I pass each day and the shopkeepers opening up their stores and working on the ubiquitous restaurant huts that provide pandemic dining. (Although I have never sat in one) It is sad to see closed and empty storefronts, but there seems to be a real resiliency, at least on the route I take down 9th Ave and up 8th Ave . Lincoln Center is still closed, but plans some outdoor concerts soon, and and the theater district is struggling for sure although eerily, the signs still flash in Times Square.
In my studio, my sanctuary, work goes on -Clients come safely for fittings, (though many of my projects have been understandably delayed to post-pandemic times) and I continue to create.
It’s been a difficult and long winter, but hopefully Spring will bring some hope and solace to the many who are struggling.
Neptune at Columbus Circle
Wax prints from my archives
Patchwork tent dress made from Batik and wax print pieces - sprained wrist from fall in the snow from bicycle
I used a vintage cotton nightgown from the early 1900’s as the pattern for this tent dress. I then used the same pattern to make variations on it.
This dress came from a drawing I had done for a client in 2019 - although for different fabric- I had some of the green stripe linen and was able to find more to complete the dress- amazed that they still had it!
I wanted some light cotton joyful prints looking forward to the time when we will feel light and joyful. These fabrics came from Jaipur, though the colors were not always what I expected. The first was a yellow print. I was strongly attracted to the pattern, but did not realize why until after it arrived and I saw the resemblance to my Grandmother’s Chinoiserie bowls that I had loved so much as a child and still treasure.
And from one of my newer wax print fabrics ordered from Eliebea in Texas
Long Dress made from a single print of Vlisco wax-print fabric which contains stripes of different patterns.
Placing the green stripe panel down the middle of the dress is what made it come together for me- The sides and back are an unbroken length with another piece of green inserted at the bottom of the center back to form a small train. In the picture on right you can see all the different stripes in this pattern.
Please still stay safe, wear masks and social distance- I can’t wait to see you all in a pandemic-controlled future. And do contact me if you’d like to visit in a safe and controlled way with masks and air-circulation at my studio. I am also happy to work long-distance. ❤️ Stay tuned for Spring Sale coming up!