Tropical Fabric

Yes, we're still supposed to re-roof the studio, but it rained all Labor Day weekend. We thought if it was only spitting for a while that we could put a new window in our bedroom, but we weren't even able to do that. Instead we worked on making our bedroom into a tropical retreat. We painted walls that we have not touched in over 30 years (and boy, did they need it.) We bought and installed lighting and put up pictures. I bought fabric and sewed curtains. Then I started on the duvet cover. I had bought over 7 yards of this fabric – rich reds and greens and peaches in a hibiscus/banana leaf motif. I was scared to start. Yesterday I screwed up my courage and began. I'm amazed at how far I've gotten. Yes, it is just straight seams, but I'm putting in piping and making toggle closures with flaps – things that I haven't done in years, maybe decades. Still, it's going well. As I was ironing I realized that I chose this fabric because it reminds me, not only of Hawaii, but also of the fabrics that my grandmother Danner (whose namesake I am) used to sew. She made her living sewing curtains and pillows (and dresses and alterations) for people. Many of the early Christmas and birthday gifts that I remember were hand-sewn by her and she made pillows for my parents that I can still remember. OK, just another sappy memory, but what else is a blog for?