Florida Scarf Expanding: Now Two Machines

Hey kids. Does anybody know what this is? Yes, that's right, it a Serger. I'm pretty stoked on this because it means a lot for the biz. Now I can sew extremely secure seams which will give the pieces more durability. It also trims as it sews so I can be more efficient. This means more product in less time...happy me...happy customers. As with all new machinery there will be a learning curve, for sure. I haven't started any scarves yet. This is me making a runner for my dresser. It turned out fabulous, you'll love to know. Now I don't have to worry about the mini cannon sitting on the dresser scratching the finish. After the holiday I plan on tackling a scarf project with the new machine. Please stay tuned. Have a great holiday weekend!

I Spent My Time on Buttons

I just read an article about a blogger who spent hours and hours researching his latest posting. He investigated 68 years worth of microfilms at the Municipal Archives in NYC that mapped out Greenwich Village. He did this to try and locate the exact position of a diner depicted in an Edward Hopper painting. I think Nighthawks is captivating, but not deserving of such intense research. I am sorry to disappoint any reader who wants me to give any one posting that much attention. When would I sew?

I am just here today to inform everyone that another bunch of buttons has been created. This time they were made out of wood. My husband has been busy in the garage refinishing a dining set. I think I may have been a bit inspired by all of the sawdust everywhere. I decided to do a round of buttons in various sizes and shapes, with varying amounts of thread holes. I enjoy switching up the amount of holes for different looks on pieces. One of my favorite  things is to put extra holes in the buttons and attach smaller buttons as decoration. If you are lucky the next time you buy a Florida Scarf with a wooden button you will still be able to smell the stain.

Coffee and Cherries

My new thing is recycling old wool sweaters for hoodies. It's been really fun. They make me sad that it is only summer. I love winter, but only when it snows. I don't think I'm going to get much satisfaction out of an Alabama winter. None the less, it is only June and there is plenty to be thankful for in June. Most importantly there is a ton of great produce. I got crazy-inspired by a certain fruit last week, the rainier cherry. Don't you love it? Not only is it refreshing with just the right sweet/tart balance, but it has great color too. For anyone that isn't familiar the cherry is covered in pink and yellow hues. The two colors blend together and seperate, and the surface of the cherry is so adorable. Drinking dark roast coffee (with a touch of Ovaltine) and snacking on some cherries makes me happy. In my delight I was inspired to create this hoodie.

Extra Excited About Plaid

So I've recently started to make hoodies not just for women, but for men too. For some reason a lot of them are ending up with plaid in them. I love plaid and know other girls that do too. Why am I more inspired to use it for men? In this particular piece that I just finished I used a triple plaid combo. What I am finding is that it's never too much. Here the potential over use of print is balanced by the dark wool sweater on the outside. This style of hoodie is my warmest yet.

My recent escapades with plaid prompted me to do a bit of research on the subject. Here's what I found:

In America we call it plaid, but everyone else calls it tartan. Its origins date back to Celtic populations from around 100BC to 400BC. Tartan was made most useful by the Scottish to identify clans, or different regions where people were from. Color used in dyes had a lot to do with this. With punk music in the 70's tartan became an anti-establishment symbol. The youth of the British Isles wore this fabric to voice their disgust with the ruling class. In America, plaid is apparenty associated with the hipster movement. Since these kids shop at thrift stores, and there is usually an abundance of plaid shirts at thrift stores, the print has come to represent their movement as well.

What does this mean for Florida Scarf? Nothing, but I'll keep using it in the pieces. Hopefully it will add character and warmth.

Florida Scarf Moved Again

This is an important message to all my loved ones:

I have moved to Alabama. Please do not be alarmed. For the most part this will not affect business. It's actually growing. There's more good stuff for next season than you can shake a stick at. I've got some new personalities sewing for you. These girls will be making their debut on the website by September. Also, it will be much easier to shop Florida Scarf online! There could even be a new retailer closer to you. Please stay tuned.