penelope parker

Ruffled Feathers

2011-05-24T07:29:00.001-07:00

Update on my etsy shop: some new bags are showing up there....

Check out the Ruffler, in some fabulous color combinations.
And there's more new designs to come!

motherwisdom

2011-05-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Here is what my mother has taught me:

1. Don't skimp on toilet paper. Buy the good stuff. (This rule also applies to paper towels, bread, and ice cream.)
2. Make sure that the people you spend your time with are fun.
3. Bake apple pies well.
4. While engaging with others, especially those you don't know very well, ask many questions and laugh a lot.
5. Do not be tacky.
6. When traveling, visit historical and superlative sites (the -ests and the mosts, the oldests and the biggests, i.e. the tallest stand of gum tupelo trees in the world).
7. Be correct about lane usage when driving.
8. Make things yourself.
9. Follow the rules.
10. Be a trendsetter.

Here is what my mother's mother has taught me:

1. You've got to kiss a lot of frogs to get your prince.
2. Wear short skirts while you still can.
3. Rhett Butler is the sexiest man.
4. Deal with your cuticles, and use Vaseline on your lips.
5. Bake your own bread.
6. Keep your friends forever.
7. Men who do chores are real keepers.
8. It's okay to eat just fruit or just ice cream or just caramels for dinner.
9. Shirtdresses are always a good option.
10. Good looks cover over a multitude of sins.

Happy mother's day!

Welcome, Spring!

2010-03-20T14:39:00.001-07:00

Small boy and purple crocuses: sweet moment of discovery, followed by testosterone-induced urge to step on tiny blooms, and finally a conversation about the value and fragility of all living things. Ah, the life lessons of spring and parenting!

These days of sunshine and warmth have been such a welcome respite from the grey indoors. This burgeoning belly is basking in the heat, husband raking up the old leaves leftover from seasons past, three-year-old son driving monster trucks down the driveway hill. Life is good. Spring is here.

Something New From Penny P.

2010-03-04T08:38:00.001-08:00

Two versions of the same infant dress pattern, long-sleeved and short. Made from upcycled tees and crafted with love. I can't wait to adjust sizing and cut patterns for larger infant and toddler sizes.

I'm still working on getting a collection of Penny P. clothing up in my online shop. Until then, I'll most likely be offering these pieces at craft shows this spring and summer. I'm swamped with cool recyclable knits waiting to be made into lovely new things for boys and girls. Some ringer tees coming soon, I think, for little guys. My boy has one I made for him out of his daddy's old football jersey, and he looks adorable in it. (Then again, I might be a little biased.)

New Bold Style for Spring/Summer

2010-03-03T12:16:00.001-08:00

Introducing the Bottomsider, now available in my shop. I really enjoy the pairing of speckled natural canvas with bright and bold color. These bags make me think of boating and summer and fresh clean things. Hope you like them too!

Black and White and New All Over

2010-02-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

I've been away from my shop for a while.... Being pregnant is kind of taxing, but I'm back at work now in my dining room studio, making all kinds of new things! This new purse is now available in my shop, and there are a few more just like it, with slightly different fabric placement. I love this design: two roomy pockets inside and a graphic print to beat the band. And it's pretty darn big.

Things I'm working on:

1. Items for our little babe

a. New crib bedding

b. Clothing from recycled tees

c. Tiny baby shoes made from old fabric scraps

2. Things to list in my shop

a. New line of spring/summer zipper totes

b. Baby clothing from recycled tees

c. Cozy baby blankets, now that they are all sold out

Riding this productive, creative wave while it lasts.....

New for 2010!

2010-01-01T17:22:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays to all! Merry 2010!

So I've been doing some knitting... and subsequently there are some new products set to appear tomorrow in my Etsy shop.

Stay warm.

Out of the Loop

2009-11-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

I've been away from my blog for quite some time now, and here's why. First, I discovered I was pregnant. Then I discovered all-day "morning" sickness. Then I could barely move my lazy pregnant self off the couch long enough to even check my e-mail. And now I'm eighteen weeks tomorrow and feeling up to normal life again. So I'm back, and I've started sewing again.

In preparation for my winter craft shows (and the relivening of my Etsy shop), I'm working on some new designs! Among them, a cozy eyeglass/sunglass case, a Penny P. purse for the little gals:

And a new flap purse, soon to be in two sizes:

Back to work!

Reasons to Celebrate: My Birthday and a Brand-New Fabric Mecca

2009-08-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

So I'm officially thirty-three years old and I have a bad knee. But that didn't stop me from heading zombie-like straight towards the newly opened Goodville Fabric Outlet in Pennsylvania. I don't know how my 2.5-year-old toddler was able to hold it reasonably together during the two and some hours my mother and I spent traipsing and re-traipsing the 22,000 square feet of this spiritual haven of fabric.

Reasons why this place is so awesome:
1. No fabric (that I saw) over $3 a yard.
2. Nearly half the joint filled with bolts of fabric for $ .99 a yard (marked down to $ .74 a yard if you spring for the whole bolt).
3. And oh, the shelves of trim, most of it $ .49 a yard or the whole roll (some gargantuan) for only $7.50.

Please.

Speaking of trim, here's a sneak peek at one of the things I got:
By the way, here at this fabric store, the seed was planted (and the materials bought) for my new fall/winter bag collection. Stay tuned to see how it's going to turn out. I'm excited!

My Carnival Collection

2009-07-26T07:01:00.001-07:00

Head Above Water Again

2009-07-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back after some time. I've been deep in the throes of designing my very first collection, for the Sew Me What You Got competition at Artscape. The final fashion show and judging was on Sunday. I didn't win the prize, but I sure am proud of what I made. I'm pretty sure that my collection was what I wanted it to be. It was hard to tell until I saw the video footage of the runway show because I had been too close to it as a work in progress. I am pleased with myself, if for no other reason than that I finished it. And it was good.

Now I can get back to other things, like making bags. But I'm going to start putting together some designs for a clothing line which will be offered on Etsy for the fall. I might get some summer items up in my shop to get my feet wet, but stay tuned for what's to come. I might just surprise myself.

In the meantime, here are some new bags recently listed in my shop:

What's on the Table

2009-06-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

Well, that's top secret information this week, as I'm in the thick of designing my collection for Artscape. It's going well, and I'm excited. Working through garment number one of four, resketching a new design for garment two, looking forward to meeting my models sometime soon, and rocking out to pandora.com while I work. Wish me luck.

Well. It's Official.

2009-06-10T15:33:00.001-07:00

I'm a finalist! I am planning my collection now, have done some scouting at Ikea to gather ideas for supplies, and am raring to go! Later this week, I'll be selecting and sizing models for my Artscape runway show, and then it's full-on sweatshop up in this joint. I don't want to say too much about my collection, but I hope it's beautiful. Let's get sewing!

Sofa Department Runway Show

2009-06-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

On Saturday at the Baltimore Ikea store, my dress strode down the runway through the sofa department.

It was a sight to behold. Unfortunately, I was so braindead that I didn't reset the settings on my camera prior to my gal's turn to strut, so I got one measly picture. From the back. (That's my boy turning his head to watch.)

Until I get some good shots from my homepeeps who came out to support, you'll have to make do with these pics from after the show. Voting is now closed. Thank you to all who voted for me in support of the beginning of my fashion design career (delusions of grandeur, anyone?). Let's hope it's a successful launch. (Later this week, the five finalists will be announced. We'll see....)

Handmade Mart: A Bittersweet Success

2009-06-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

So yesterday brought beautiful weather and an all-around fruitful craft fair. Our booth was crowded much of the day, and I had to part with many of my bags and Penny P. dresses. I am rather sad to see things go, but thrilled that my products will go all over the world (literally, as two bags will be heading to Japan!) into other people's open hands. I love knowing that there will be little girls out there in the world wearing my upcycled dresses and hopefully frolicking through fields in them.

It is a bittersweet loss/gain to sell what I have made, as each piece means something special to me and represents my time and effort and care. As much as I love to pass them on (and that is the whole point of selling handmade goods, isn't it?), there is a bit of grieving I do in the moment I send an item away, because I will likely never see it again. How I wish I could convince each buyer to send me a photo of my product with its new owner, just so I can keep a scrapbook of my creations' new lives. Is that weird? I think it is. But if I still feel connected to each piece I make, then I'm doing it right. I'm passing on a piece of myself to others and spreading something real and beautiful throughout an ever more mechanized world that seems to strive to obliterate the human element or human connectivity, especially in its manufactured goods. I love to sell things I've made, person to person, from my hands to theirs. And you just can't get that from Walmart.

New Photos of My Dress! Vote Again!

2009-05-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures from the photo shoot! Visit the website for Fashion Icons The Agency and vote for my dress between now and May 31st. In the Baltimore area? Come on out between 1 and 2:00 on Saturday to the Ikea in White Marsh to see live models sporting the top fifteen designs. Great work by great designers! Don't forget to vote....

Voting is Open!!!

2009-05-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

Visit the Artscape website to vote for me and my dress made entirely out of Ikea fabrics for the Sew Me What You Got competition. If I am one of the top five vote-getters, I will receive money to buy more Ikea fabric to create a five-piece collection to show on the fashion runway at Artscape 2009! Vote now and vote often!

Handmade Mart

2009-05-22T05:38:00.000-07:00

Come visit the Handmade Mart in Silver Spring, Maryland on May 31 for a day of crafts and music. My sister, The Painted Lily, and I will be selling our wares at this bound-to-be-a-blast event.

Last night the hosts of the Handmade Mart held a Vendor Party at the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center where I silkscreened some shirts for Jenny and me. So cool to meet other crafters and check out the area where the event will take place. We're so excited since this will be only the second Maryland craft show we've ever done. Seems like it will be a good crowd, even better if you come. And bring your friends!

Just a spattering of other cool vendors who will be there:
60bugs, with this ultra-cool and clever coffee cozy:

blockpartypress, with these edgy earrings:

thepaintedlily, with these new tile coasters:

babus, with this really neat felted chain for wee babes:
Come on out on Sunday, May 31st for a craftin' great time! Support local small businesses, and buy handmade!

Shop the Spring Sale!

2009-05-07T05:53:00.001-07:00

My very first clearance sale! I'm reducing prices on some oldies but goodies and trying to clear space on the shelves for new designs for summer. All day long I'll be adding items to the sale section, and hoping each one finds a lovely new home and a happy new owner. Here are a few:

This is Aunt Betty. She's soft and patchworked and quilted. She's also made from scraps I could have just tossed in the trash. But I thought they needed a new life.

Wednesday, from the old days of the week collection. She's ultra roomy with lots of pockets. And neutral, because sometimes I like neutral.

Monday. She's so pretty I can hardly stand it. I want to wear black for a week because she's so darn femme. But I mean, come on: side pockets for cell phone, keys, lipstick, two front pockets, more inside. She may look like a lady, but she's tough enough for any job.

And Sunday. The largest bag I think I've ever made. I thought it would make a great picnic or beach or knitting bag. So many pockets, you'd have to think up reasons to use them. The front patchwork: again, made from scraps left over from other projects. Check out my shop to see more details and more photos.

Handmade Mart

2009-05-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

My sister The Painted Lily and I have been accepted as vendors at the Handmade Mart in Silver Spring, Maryland. Check out their website for more information, and come see us and support the handmade movement!

Ikea Fashion Challenge

2009-05-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

So I entered this contest for Artscape 2009, sponsored by the fabulous Ikea. The challenge was to design and create a garment using only Ikea fabrics. As a die-hard fan of their bold, dramatic prints, I could not in any way resist. I ended up surprising myself, having never before seriously created adult clothing (notwithstanding that horrific beach cover-up skirt made of fuzzy cheetah print a couple years back). Come to find out, I actually love this dress. And even more, I loved making it, pretending I was on Project Runway with my imaginary Tim Gunn over my shoulder reminding me to "make it work" and "carry on." Now I'm deep into full-blown delusions of grandeur, planning to design myself an entire summer wardrobe of bold, feminine, and playful pieces. That, I've come to realize, is my design aesthetic (who knew I even had one?!): bold, feminine, and playful. I'll keep you posted on how my fashion plans pan out. Nina Garcia, Michael Kors, here I come!

Special thanks to the lovely Jenny, sister-in-law and model extraordinaire.

Etsy Day 2009

2009-04-24T05:40:00.001-07:00

When you create something with your very own hands, you leave an imprint of your intention and your experience. Inside each product of your work, your fingerprint is left behind to pass on to others. There is an aliveness in handmade goods that you just can't get from a machine and an assembly line. Life is breathed into every stitch, every stroke, every purl, every touch. The handmade item becomes more than itself; it is the hands that wove it and the person inside those hands.

Buy handmade.

Happy Etsy Day.

Sustain your Mother Earth

2009-04-22T04:49:00.001-07:00

In honor of Earth Day, let's take a look at some upcycled, recycled, ecofriendly goods that are simply delightful:

Made entirely from old sweaters, this beautiful coat by Katwise really rocks my Casbah.

From Banbutsu comes this adorable child's hooded pullover, constructed from an old wool sweater. So cozy, and I love the shape and the hues of blue.

How about this fabulous dress from Stephanie Teague's Pretty Birdie line? Antique quilt bodice, recycled leather belt, and an old feed sack skirt. And if that's not cool enough, it has pockets. I mean, it's hard to make a feed sack pretty, but I think this dress does!

SoSheSews has ironed up this very cute little card case, made of used fused plastic grocery bags. The cotton binding is darling, and so is the bold yellow button. Didn't you know that fused plastic is the medium of the future? Lord knows there's way too many of those grocery bags lying around. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

And now for a local favorite, from right here in Baltimore, TheBrokenPlate offers us a wide assortment of gorgeous jewelry and accessories all made from broken china. There's something about the broken being made beautiful and something about the small scale sliver of what used to be much larger. I just know it's all lovely.

Happy Earth Day. Be gentle with yourself, with others, and with our planet.

Color Block Dress

2009-04-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

The finished product from yesterday.... And now I've got to start working on some gift projects for the upcoming shower season. One of my sisters-in-law is getting married, and one is having twins. And in July my sister, of The Painted Lily fame, will be birthing her wee babe who will need something handmade and wonderful as well. Much to do indeed. I will refrain from posting images of the aforementioned projects, just in case any gift recipients' sneaky eyes find their way to this site. Some secrets are better left kept.

What's on the Table

2009-04-20T10:12:00.001-07:00

Gathering, gathering, and more gathering on what will be a size 2T toddler play dress, constructed from old t-shirts. Very sporty with bold blocks of red, grey, and black.

Introducing.... Penny P.

2009-04-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

My new line of infant and toddler clothing, made entirely from upcycled, salvaged materials: old tees, pants, sweatshirts, etc. is comfortable, soft, and easy to wear. Both irresistibly cute and ecofriendly, each of these pieces would make a wonderful addition to any little one's wardrobe. Stay tuned for more....

Finally!

2009-04-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! New Flap Satchels have arrived in my shop! Fabulous for spring! I'm working on one for me as we speak.

I was on the front page of Etsy!

2009-04-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

That's my Flap Satchel on the front page of Etsy! I'm so excited to have been featured!

What's on the Table

2009-04-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

An infant girl's dress repurposed from an old, salvaged button-down shirt. For only the most discerning tiny gal. I mean, come on. Crabs? Please. Could this be any cuter? Just in time for a Maryland summer....

Happy Easter!

2009-04-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

A very cozy and cool clutch made from bits of flannel from my scrap box. I whipped this baby up today to give away as one of the prizes for our family's grown-up Easter egg hunt. Secretly, I kind of hope I win it!

What's on the Table

2009-04-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

Some new Flap Satchels in progress... And might I add: I think I'm in love with zebra. Chocolate and cream, it's like coffee, it peps me up and gives me shivers.

Spring bags are on their way!

2009-04-03T06:58:00.001-07:00

The Flap Satchel: a new bag for spring, now available in my Etsy shop! Be on the lookout for another just like it in pink and green.... (I love dots!)

A Womb for Your Mother Letters

2008-12-17T05:36:00.000-08:00

I have completed a new design based on a custom order from The Mother Letter Project. These oversized clutches are fitted to hold an entire ream of paper, so you can house your copies of the mother letter collection. If you don't already know about this awesome project, it's not too late, so you better click the button down there on the left and check it out! Once you've composed your mother letter, stop on over to my Etsy shop, drop me a line, and you can order your own letter-collection bag, priced at $42. Each one is entirely unique and handmade from ecofriendly, recycled fabric scraps waiting for a reason to be given new life!

Busting into Lancaster

2008-12-09T04:21:00.000-08:00

So this past weekend I shared a booth at the Lancaster City Arts Market with my sister, of The Painted Lily fame. It was freezing, as we were stationed in an old warehouse space with some broken-out windows during a bout of absolutely frigid weather. Thankfully I brought my furry aviator hat and wore multiple layers of warm clothing. However, the windy cold did not deter this artsy crowd; this was our most lucrative show yet. My best-selling items were my Clock Hand Earrings and some aprons too.

It is certainly reviving to the spirit to be surrounded by other handmaders. Here is a sampling of some of our neighbor vendors, (in order) thepaintedlily, zeldabloom, maggiefrench, and miostudio.

I was on the Front Page of Etsy!!!!!

2008-12-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

Last night I was featured on the front page of Etsy!!! Unfortunately I don't have an image of it. I thought it was my first time on the front page, until someone told me that I had just been featured on Thanksgiving. Turns out I was too busy stuffing my face with turkey and sweet potatoes and other divine yummies to even turn on my computer, but I did get a screenshot of that one. A very cool collection of wonderful handmade goods by the very talented TickledPinkKnits! My Train Conductor Purse has already sold, but check back later for another one just like it, which will shortly appear in my shop....

Mother to Mother

2008-12-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

Here is a wonderful example of heartfelt Christmas giving: The Mother Letter Project. What has begun as one man with a powerful idea is bound to become a profound ripple throughout the world. His Christmas gift to his wife this year is a collection of letters from mothers to other mothers. Any mom out there can go to his blog and email or post her own letter and be a part of this amazing gift. If you want to, after submitting your own letter, you can ask to receive an electronically transmitted copy of the collection for yourself after Christmas. I'm excited to read the encouragements, stories, memories, struggles, and triumphs of mothers, mothers, and more mothers. What a gift indeed.

http://www.motherletter.blogspot.com/

Clutch Me.

2008-11-26T08:12:00.000-08:00

Introducing a brand-new design: the Clutch. Constructed from scraps of fabric leftover from other projects, these bags are stylish and unusual. I do indeed love some patchwork, so each is pieced together from almost-trash. They feature my beloved flap and tab closure, also ecofriendly since it requires no hardware, and it easily stays closed so nothing can fall out.
I've never been a clutch gal, but I think I'm going to make one of these babies for myself. Did I mention that inside each of these bags hides a secret beam of sunshine as the interiors are built with bright yellow-gold canvas? Sturdy, soft, and totally fabulous!
How I love putting those boxes of scraps under my sewing table to good use....

New Shop

2008-10-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

Besides my current Etsy shop at http://www.penelopeparker.etsy.com, I can also now be found at 1000 Markets. View my shop at http://www.penelopeparker.1000markets.com.