THE GALLERY

Notes from Candy:
I bought the Bali Dragon fabric first, then shortly saw the wallhanging pattern, "Imperial Dragon" by Susan Ervin Smith. I shopped around for coordinating fabrics, with the "Debbie Mumm" stripe being a questionable addition until I started putting it together. I collected dragon charms, embroidery designs, etc. until I had a sizable palette to work with. Several fabric combinations, and actual construction details (the lining is now part of a coordinating top, and the vest is now unlined as the Bali Dragon print was beautiful on both sides) were changed and or altered as I went. The "Artist Vest" gave nice clean lines (princess just won't do!) with a very workable canvas. I made up the vest pattern in a border edged batik, to play with the sizing and drape I wanted first. This was well worth my time here (narrowed the side panels by 2 inches, straightened them slightly), and I have another great "duster" vest. I put in over 80 hrs. on this vest (part due to changes in re-construction). The dragon is ultrasuede, with the dragon body showing embossed scales (self carved stamp from the pattern) and is glued in place with Fabri Tac (best choice in durability & flexibility with multi and teeny pieces, often layered). The triangular ornament on the back Dragon panel is an old 80's earring piece that I attached a dragon charm to, and which wraps around a black tassel to hide the nonmatching tiny stripe mitered corner (the other border would match but NOT this one!). Also this vest was delayed a month as my 18 yr. old saw the Dragon fabric, a week before his birthday & asked for a Hawaiian shirt out of it (completed with a Dragon head on a black pocket, topaz crystal eyes!), so I had to order more fabric before I could complete my vest. Also same kid asked that I wear this to his HS graduation ceremony at the Tacoma Dome (463 kids + parents, relatives!), to show his friends that his Mum did make his shirt!

Candy Cox Blann
Auburn, WA
SnCBLANN@aol.com