3:10 on a Friday Afternoon

I'm having a cup of tea, Mango Ceylon, my fave.  I love a cup of tea in the afternoon, mostly in the winter.  Which is what it feels like today.  I know.  I have no room to complain.  It's not still snowing like it is somewhere in the middle states.  The temperature is above freezing (barely!) at 50 degrees, or some such nonsense. 

I'm over it.  I'm wearing a turtleneck, wishing I were wearing flip flops.  My fingers are freezing, hence the cuppatea. 

Anyhoo.

I've been on a stitch-a-thon, so I thought I'd take a little break, and show you what I'm up to.  I'm working on some yummy things for The Farm Chicks. 

I've been making, well "wonky fabric" is what I call it.  I cut strips and strips of fabrics, all different  kinds, from vintage fabrics, to reproductions of vintage fabrics, to a tired old 1940's-era tablecloth.  I cut strips in different widths, and then I sew them all back together, all "a-wonk", higgly-piggly, askew.

Then I cut those strips up, and wonk-them-up again.

It's great fun.

Eventually I end up with a piece of fabric that I can use. 

Then I have to just sit and admire it for awhile, because I love all of the colors and patterns, all jumbled up together.  It's like gumball machines.  I could stare at those little sugary orbs all day long.

Once I'm strung-out on eye-candy, then I'll wonky-quilt the whole mess up, and throw it in the washer so it looks comfy and lived-in.

Then it's ready.  Ready to be built into something like this.

Oh, I've got other ideas, too, you betcha!  But, wonkin'-up fabric takes a bit of time, my friends.  You've got to be patient with it.  You've got to let it simmer, ferment, wonk-i-fy.

But this little market tote is finished.  It's a prototype.  I'm "wear-testing" it, as we used to say "behind the berm".  I've already made some notes for modifications at production.

But, even though it's only me using it, I had to give it one of these.

It makes it feel more real.  More serious.  More official.

Because, it's not easy to be real, serious, or official when you're talking about wonky fabric.

But I try.

And then I laugh a lot.  Loudly.

Comments

[Littlepinkstudio]

Well I love the wonkified market tote. Seems like it'd be a good one to take to a flea market.
I love your labels too! And you're right, it does make talkin' wonky more official like.
You always make me smile Miss Tammy!
~Cerri xo

[Maija Lepore]

The Mango tea is my favorite, too! I love buying is ready made in those gorgeous long glass bottles!
I am digging your wonky fabric reconstruction!

[Maija Lepore]

The Mango tea is my favorite, too! I love buying is ready made in those gorgeous long glass bottles!
I am digging your wonky fabric reconstruction!

[Vickie]

Wonkify, h--mm. Okay then, I just have to smile! Love it and the tote is very cute! I haven't tried that tea before. I'll have to figure out where I can get it, if it's to be had locally.

[jennifer Paganellli]

can't wait to catch up in Portland..Jennifer

[Camille @ Heart-Shaped Rock Cottage]

I want one!!! Awwwww... Wearing flip flops here. Wishing you sunshine!

[Sweet Cottage Dreams]

Hi Tammy! Thanks for stopping by my bloggy and leaving a comment! L-O-V-E your blog and will add you to my list of favs.

Great idea for the wonky fabric mix-match!! Love it when an idea comes into mind and works out beautifully!

I could not agree with you more about being creative is not tidy! Tis true! I need a sign over my sewing space that says just that. At least I have a very understanding family!

Becky

[tiffany]

Oh my goodness, are you a fellow washingtonian also? I have been going to the farm chicks shows since before people knew who they were! I am happy to see you will be participating this year, I'll have to introduce myself, I'll be there too! I am south of seattle...
Tiffany

[Melissa]

I think your new tag line should be Tammy Wonka and the Fabric Factory! LOL!!! LOVE your bag!