Mer Girl

1.11.12

2012-01-11T21:45:00.002-05:00

hot off the machine

Best way to start the day ...

2012-01-11T21:40:00.002-05:00

... with sparkles

Getting Back in the Groove

2012-01-06T22:42:00.002-05:00

Sharing a couple of new lovelies fresh off the machine.

Spread Laughter

2011-12-28T07:42:00.003-05:00

... it's contagious .

Fresh Off The Machine 10/18/2011

2011-10-18T19:25:00.004-05:00

lacy sweater dress with cozy cowl

fun stretch mesh dress

Chevron cowl dress ... it was sold before it was even made
I wish I had more of this fabric.

I've been busy ...

2011-10-16T19:38:00.019-05:00

so has Laura ... this what we have been up to.
below are some of the details.

hand dyed fabric.

the sky inspired the dye bath.

after the dye bath.

before.

pencil skirts.

upcycled wool scarves.

wrap tops.

fell in love. I had to keep it.

scarves with upcycled cotton knit and crochet.

roadtrip to Bantam Bread Company. Very worth the ride.

taking time to be inspired.

I used Italian wool knit to make this little cutie.

purple/black long sweater

cozy blue wrap dress

new sleeves on hand dyed one of a kind tees.

made some new bags for purchased items.

Instagrid me.

getting ready ...

2011-09-23T20:47:00.001-05:00

chilly weather is on the way.

Stop by Frock this Friday eve ...

2011-09-14T20:25:00.005-05:00

We've been so busy whirling away at our sewing machines, we've barely had a chance to take our eyes off the road!

Here's the latest...

CHESTER EVENING STROLL

Come to Chester this Friday and

pop in to FROCK to see what's new!

We will be open til 8 pm

- along with the rest of the shops in town.

We've started a few FALL pieces but as always are working according to the temperature. So, we still have some lighter pieces and as you all know, the supply changes, daily.

Come Friday. Come often. We love to see you.

FROCK IN THE NEWS
We are happy to share this article about us from Patch.com
Check it out!

OPEN SUNDAYS
We've really enjoyed being open for the
CHESTER SUNDAY MARKET all summer.
If you've not had a chance to get down here for one, you must. It's great! We will continue to be open Sundays 10-1 through the last Market on October 2.

Open: Wednesdays - Saturdays 12-5 pm

a tiny spool of thread

2011-09-14T19:44:00.003-05:00

I am in love.

Dalton Ghetti's tiny sculptures... see them at Lori Warner's Gallery. Of course this is my favorite ... although the button is pretty irresistible too.

We are so lucky ... everyday

2011-09-09T17:20:00.003-05:00

There was a little spotlight on FROCK today.
Read the whole article, Defying the Odds, here.

Thank you Eileen McNamara, Patch.Com, for sharing our story!

Gray Wrap Dress

2011-09-08T19:49:00.002-05:00

Take a peek to purchase...
it's listed on Smashing Darling.

New Lace Dresses

2011-08-25T18:50:00.005-05:00

Mossy Green Stretch Lace Dress

Brown Stretch Lace Dress

Ivory Striped Sheer Dress

...as always if you can't make it into FROCK to purchase MerGirl

You can shop my online MerGirl shop on Smashing Darling.

he loves me ...

2011-07-08T18:38:00.002-05:00

to see and purchase
take a peek in my MerGirl shop
on Smashing Darling

Orange Crush

2011-06-28T20:21:00.001-05:00

Pencil skirts are back.

To purchase online

visit my

MerGirl Shop
on
Smashing Darling

Summer A-Lines

2011-06-28T11:26:00.003-05:00

Happy skirts perfect for hot summer days.

available for purchase

in my online MerGirl shop on Smashing Darling.

Happiness ...

2011-06-24T09:02:00.004-05:00

FROCK took a lovely 2nd place in the E-List’s CT Shoreline Readers Poll for Best Women’s Clothing! Yahooooo! Our friend Dina Varano also took 2nd for Best Jewelry along with a bunch of other favorite shoreline spots for vintage, food, and more – see the entire list here.

Polka Dot Sundress

2011-06-23T19:08:00.004-05:00

It's one of a kind...

The dress is listed on Smashing Darling

flowers pins for a wedding

2011-06-21T15:09:00.003-05:00

freshly made for the festivities of a friend.

waves weaving plaid ...

2011-06-20T17:15:00.001-05:00

so much inspiration ... I love the beach.

New summer skirts

2011-05-20T11:01:00.003-05:00

pop into FROCK and take a peek...

or

peek at them online in my Smashing Darling store.

new bags

2011-05-09T08:41:00.003-05:00

Friday we pulled out some scraps and sewed some new frock bags.

one magical year

2011-05-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

OK, Everybody...Today, officially marks ONE MAGICAL YEAR since we opened our doors!

We, quietly, remembered this all day...as, quite frankly, we were far too busy to shout out it! But we wanted to, again, thank each and every body for the unimaginable support of our incredibly successful and happy, little shop.

We are overwhelmed by the response. We love all of you Frockers!!!

Here's to another year...and then 100 more.

We will be celebrating on Friday at Chester's May Day Stroll.

Friday, May 6 -- 5 pm and on...(but not too late. we like to go to bed early!)

Come on down.

remnants of a day ...

2011-04-24T19:49:00.003-05:00

alpine flowers

2011-04-20T19:23:00.004-05:00

... new additions to our window boxes outside of FROCK.

things I see

2011-04-17T11:16:00.001-05:00

Wrap Dresses ...

2011-04-15T19:34:00.004-05:00

.... and tops

to purchase

new skirts ...

2011-04-14T21:33:00.003-05:00

to purchase.

thread

2011-04-14T10:57:00.004-05:00

not sure I could live without it ...

Wraps ...

2011-04-13T21:52:00.002-05:00

recycled, upcycled, nothing wasted wool. So cozy on these cool, cloudy, rainy days.

I need this book ...

2011-02-17T10:29:00.002-05:00

Like I Give a Frock
Fashion Forecasts and Meaningless Misguidance

happy valentine's day

2011-02-10T18:34:00.005-05:00

Come by for a sip of champagne this Saturday...

2/12/11

Open: Wednesdays - Saturdays 12-5 pm
Contact :frockshoppe@gmail.com

11 main street chester
www.frockshoppe.com

The beginning of a new project...

2011-02-04T08:05:00.002-05:00

MerGirl for the home

2011-02-03T12:11:00.004-05:00

I finished my first blanket. More to come.

snowday activity

2011-02-02T16:20:00.001-05:00

making blankets.

Smocking by hand

2011-01-23T19:08:00.002-05:00

There will be a lot of hand smocking in the spring/summer collection. I forgot how much I love to hand smock. I love most hand stitching. I get into a very quiet meditative state while stitching. It's so rhythmic. Each stitch, though small, is proof of accomplishment. The perfect little symbol to remind whoever sees them that someone took the time to thread a needle and create them. They could quite possibly be like snowflakes, each stitch unique, no two are alike. A tell tale sign they were made by a pair of human hands.

wool is everywhere...

2011-01-21T11:53:00.007-05:00

... even my soap is encased in wonderful wool fiber. Happiness is a handmade life.

Handmade at Oak Leaf Dairy in Lebanon, CT . email to purchase momrgoatsoap@sbcglogal.net if you can't live without it either.

What's for you...

2011-01-19T11:57:00.005-05:00

... won't go by you.

One of my best friends taught me that one. It is so true. The universe definitely heard me yesterday. I am now the proud owner of my very own pair of giant wooden knitting needles. They were patiently waiting for me to come and get them. I had seen them a year possibly 2 year ago when I walked in on a demonstration CT Yarn and Wool Company was having using these amazing needles. At the time I was intrigued me but I wasn't quote ready. I am so lucky this last pair sat patiently waiting for me to be ready. They were mine all along, I just didn't know it yet.

I have been very unsure about what this year is going to be about. I haven't felt a groove yet. I realized last night, for me, this year is about making things happen. Finding inspiration and making things happen as much as possible. Hopefully this is just the beginning.

knitting inspiration

2011-01-18T16:43:00.011-05:00

Today has been all about inspiration for me. We were iced in by a storm this morning. The wind and rain haven't stopped all day. We did venture out for a quick bit into town to grab a paper and some lunch. We were quickly soaked every time we stepped out of the car. We made our way home via the beach road. The sideways rain was creating what looked like sheets of vellum blowing in the wind. Needless to say, I am happy to be inside where it is warm and dry. This is the perfect day to be dreaming of a heavy knit blanket on your lap. The kind of blanket with the a weight that pins you to your chosen location and gives you the permission to stay there all day curled up with a cup of hot cocoa. This dreaming made me go on the hunt for just the right knit ... and I think I found it. I can't wait to get my own giant knitting needles and to start knitting covers for everything. Winter will never be the same again.

The first three photos of inspirational knit I found
via Design Shimmer.

These last four images I found when searching extreme knitting and are from Christien Meindertsma's website called Flocks.

All very inspiring.

Who else does this type of knitting? I can't get enough of it.

everyone needs a sewing kit.

2011-01-18T11:17:00.002-05:00

I love these.

The History of my Wiss Scissors

2011-01-18T09:59:00.009-05:00

I love my Wiss

Upcycled Wool Knit Skirt

2011-01-06T11:41:00.006-05:00

A nice warm cozy new skirt has made it's way off my fingertips, through the sewing machine onto a hanger on the racks at FROCK. I completely felt my way through this one like have been doing with so many pieces in my line lately.

I recycled two wool sweaters to make this new upcycled creation. The wool was pre-washed and dried to make cleaning the fun striped skirt easier to take care of... plus, I like how the thick the wool gets when it is shrunk.

Take peek at my online boutique on Smashing Darling to purchase.

Silk Coat

2010-11-29T20:04:00.006-05:00

One of a kind coat
with
Unfinished edges.

Can be dyed if ivory isn't your color.

Sweaters and warm skirts are making an appearance.
Come see them at FROCK.

Gray and beige ...

2010-11-16T14:59:00.005-05:00

New MerGirl ... warm yummy cowl. So cozy with partially upcycled piece goods.

Available for purchase
on
Smashing Darling

It is an honor to be included ...

2010-11-15T11:50:00.004-05:00

FROCK, the store/studio I own with Laura Williams was included in a post titled, The Workshop Phenomenon. It was posted by Abigail Doan on e c c o* e c o blog. This really means a lot to me. I have been finding my thoughts being expressed by other writers and independent designers lately. I am so thankful someone is finding the words that are always so elusive to me, but are dead on for what I really want to say. Please check out Abigail's other blog, Abigail Doan ... it is a blog about her life, travels, textiles and art projects. It is beautiful place to be.

Textile Confections

2010-11-11T20:46:00.002-05:00

Handmade silk flower pin
atop
a hand knit scarf
of
hand spun merino yarn.

Upcycling Sweaters

2010-11-10T21:20:00.007-05:00

I have become very inspired by upcycling and breathing new life into clothing that needs to be revamped to stay current. This is my first of many pieces to come.

Silk Cotton Cable Knit Sweater

available for purchase on Smashing Darling.

Love For Frock: VENU Magazine, CT

2010-11-10T10:04:00.003-05:00

originally posted by Mo at Smashing Darling

Frock is the storefront/studio home of independent designers Whosiepie and Mergirl (aka TrishDarling), and just may be the happiest place I have ever experienced. It just so happens to also be Darling Headquarters as we know it. How perfect. Fairfield County based Venu Magazine (page 22 for the full story) decided they needed to get to know this darling local CT fashion spot a bit better, now you can too. So...when are you going to visit?

Like the local food movement where people now want to know where their food comes from, they also want to know where their clothes come from. They like buying clothes that they know are made in Connecticut and supporting a local business. "A woman in her 60s came in and when she saw us making the clothes right here she said, 'the world is getting better'. People need inspiration like this, especially now." says Williams-Larson, and FROCK of doing that one stitch at a time.

FROCK doesn't function like the average fashion house where the designers are hidden from public view off sewing in another part of the building. Or where they go into production making clothes of full year before they are seen. Nor do they start working on their fall line before summer is even half way over. The designers remain free to catch the energy of the day which keeps their ideas fresh and flowing "if it's hot in September, we will still be making cute summer things", says Williams-Larson.

Ginter appreciates the immediacy of being able to work in the now, creating because she is inspired to create, and not because a marketing campaign has demanded that she does, as in the traditional fashion world. There are no expectations to produce just for the sake of producing nor anyone telling them what to make and when to make it. "We can continue to do summer until we feel the very first cool breeze that's when it will tell us it's time to do fall. We are in the season we are in, the way it feels this week." says Ginter.

The light in the studio

2010-10-11T09:19:00.006-05:00

... has been so beautiful lately.

Lacey Sweater

handspun bulky yarn

2010-10-11T09:05:00.005-05:00

I am looking for hand spun, bulky, soft, natural fiber yarn in winter whites, creams and blues. If anyone has seen such yarns, please send links my way.

Taken ...

2010-09-19T16:27:00.011-05:00

I didn't realize you would mistake my hospitality and graciousness when I welcomed you into FROCK today. I am so sorry if I gave you the impression that my clothing was free. I am so sorry if I made you feel welcome to come in and help yourself to what ever you wanted as if it were your own closet. Clearly there was a miscommunication because you took 2 things that weren't yours.

You felt so privileged, you took my lovely skirt inspired by the ocean and a beautiful lacy mohair sweater I had just finished making and newly hung on our rack.

I think the most important thing you took from me today was the experience and the connection I would have made with the person/people who would have eventually bought those pieces. Now I will never see the smile on the person's face who was meant have them.

Anyone on the shoreline in Connecticut that wants to share this on their blog or Facebook page it is much appreciated. If anyone sees it walking around, it was stolen. There was only one ever made.

Gray

2010-09-16T08:28:00.002-05:00

Silk

yummy creaminess

2010-09-13T09:27:00.002-05:00

I am definitely in a mode of winter whites and cozy crochet this fall.

IFB Evolving Influence Conference NYFW

2010-09-09T20:38:00.024-05:00

The Independent Fashion Bloggers, Evolving Influence Conference, was held two stories below the Hudson Hotel right around the corner from Lincoln Center, the new home to New York Fashion Week. The message today was loud and clear; be 100% yourself, 100% of the time if you are trying to build a community around your blog. The niche community you build, because of that purity to please yourself versus trying to please your community or anyone else, will be what makes your blog/community worth it's weight in gold.

the visual vibe and feel of the day ...

I also learned about Jeff Silverman shoes. Did you know you could design your own shoes?

Wednesday at FROCK

2010-09-09T20:26:00.003-05:00

... a wedding dress fitting.

the funniest part ... from the street we here someone yelling turn around ... bride's sister was driving by right as it was happening. Serendipitous, is the only way to say it ... and that kind of thing happens all the time.

ps ... no getting hopes up, I don't do wedding dresses anymore, although this is the second one in 2 weeks. The first bride tricked me, no one was more shocked than me. It's not nice to fool mother nature.

Inspired by the ocean

2010-09-07T09:17:00.006-05:00

the ocean

2010-09-05T12:44:00.001-05:00

fresh eggs

2010-09-05T12:43:00.001-05:00

a beach closer to home

2010-09-05T12:42:00.001-05:00

a trip to the beach ...

unearthed the Fantastic Umbrella Factory.

2010-09-05T12:41:00.000-05:00

remember the dill from the garden?

Dyed dresses

2010-09-02T12:06:00.004-05:00

love making and dying them.

Sleeves are making an appearance

2010-09-01T10:24:00.003-05:00

.... as we enjoy the last 3 weeks of summer ... I am happy to say sleeves are showing back up in the collection. If your in the market and starting to think about what you may need for fall, keep checking in as MerGirl make the transition to warmer clothing.

Shop MerGirl online at Smashing Darling.com

From the garden

2010-08-19T19:18:00.001-05:00

Dill seeds.
They helped me make delicious pickles.

It's still summertime

2010-08-18T21:08:00.007-05:00

until The September equinox occurs at or 3:09am
September 23, 2010.

I always find it helpful to remind myself of this fact. It helps me enjoy summer to the very end as the days start to shorten and the nights start to get a bit cooler. I love this transition... but I don't want to forget, even for one second that it is still summer.

Laying Out A Pattern

2010-08-16T07:52:00.007-05:00

Using my irons for weights.

Sneaky, Mo.
Didn't realize you were snapping pictures!

Love that you can see my Anouk tank.

ps
how lucky am I?
I was cutting vintage Liberty of London fabric circa 1978.

Summer is for playin' hookie

2010-07-28T09:18:00.003-05:00

I am such an island girl.
I gathered many new inspirations during our 4, short, hour holiday on Block Island yesterday.
many, many, many thanks Laura, for the suggestion to go.

so lucky every day.

New peices in the collection

2010-07-22T20:30:00.018-05:00

All items are available online at Smashing Darling.

Blue Floral Pencil Skirt

Blue & Aqua Floral Skirt

Honeycomb Pencil Skirt

Gray Mesh Hoodie

Black Lace Top

Pink Polka Dot Hoodie

White Cotton Frock

Two Layer Cotton Skirt

Chambray Frock

Pink Mesh Dress

Ombre Pink Silk Bias Slip Dress

Yay! My Interview Is On Madison Buyer Blog

2010-07-14T11:13:00.003-05:00

Click link to read article in full.

Fashion Backstage: Meet Trisha Ginter

Many Thank yous to WSJ

2010-06-17T20:10:00.003-05:00

Sharing some good news today ... Christina Binkley of The Wall Street Journal wrote a great article - Crafts, Clothes and Clout, in today's paper. It teaches us about the independent fashion design industry and all the opportunities available to help designers market and sell their products. I am happy and proud to say, two projects very near and dear to my heart, Smashing Darling & FROCK are included in this article. Many thanks go out to Christina and WSJ for the opportunity to be included. I have been a huge advocate for the independent fashion industry for a long time and am so happy to see it coming to the forefront like this. This is just the beginning for this industry ... first it was the slow food movement, the independent film and music industries then took hold ... and now it's our turn. The sky is the limit.

It takes a village ....

2010-06-01T19:08:00.006-05:00

I should be sewing right now but I had to take a break. My eyes are crossed at this point. It is totally so much fun ... the frenzy the week of the show ... trying to get it all done. Every day I think my shoulders get a quarter inch closer to my ears. Tension is evil. I am so excited to be collaborating with my friends on this one. Every day I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful people and even luckier to be sharing a project with them.

So here are the details:

Lori Warner (Lori Warner Studio / Gallery) printed her beautiful artwork, inspired by her recent trip to the Bahamas,on fabric that Laura (Whosiepie / FROCK) and I (MerGirl / FROCK) gave her from our stash. Ann Lightfoot (Ann Lightfoot) is designing and styling the jewelry for the show. Jonathan (River Tavern) invited us all to have lunch at the restaurant after our early afternoon soiree. How could we refuse. So if you would like to join us ... make your reservation with River Tavern, 860-526-4917. The show and the lunch are a package deal.

A sneak peek of the fabric.

This Sunday, June 6, 2010
11:00 Lori Warner Gallery for the show
1:00 Lunch at River Taven

Coming soon ...

2010-05-19T18:54:00.004-05:00

photo by Laura (whosiepie) Larson

Yes, it's true. FROCK FRAGRANCE is coming soon! Soon, like, in a week or so-ish. Think: amber bottles, organic wild-crafted essential oil blends, solid perfume and linen sprays. That's all we can reveal so far. But imagine our very own mini-apothecary, right here at FROCK.

Thank You!

2010-05-09T16:54:00.006-05:00

A BIG thank you to everyone enough who came down to FROCK to wish Laura & I well in the first week in our new shop. It was such an amazing week. One I will remember for forever. It was a week of sewing, smiles, laughter and lot's more sewing.

Keep popping in to check on us. There will always be something new on the bamboo racks, hot off the sewing machines.

We have a website ...

2010-04-25T19:12:00.004-05:00

www.frockshoppe.com

We have a new space

2010-04-18T17:06:00.009-05:00

Laura and I have moved from our cozy studio above The Local Beet across the street to 11 Main Street Chester. We are almost done painting and production of our clothing is about to begin so we can fill the racks by May 1 when we will open FROCK's doors for the first time. See you there.

Congratulations ...

2010-04-10T18:23:00.007-05:00

photos by Marco Ricca

to both Matt & Glen on a job very well done ... who new from an emu egg a flower could emerge.

Summer Seashore Soak

2010-03-01T21:05:00.006-05:00

... my favorite bath to soak in during the winter when I am missing the warmth of the sun at the beach and swimming in the salt water.

So I guess my secret is out, one of the things I love to do when I am not designing is soak in the tub. Lots of beautiful designs are the result of lolling in water. I decided to post this recipe because I feel like I have been sharing it a lot with friends lately. If you decide to make the recipe, simmering the Kombu seaweed will make your kitchen smell like the ocean. Taking in deep breaths of the salty air is a bonus to preparing this bath.

The recipe comes from my favorite bath book, The Scented Bath.

2 oz Dried Kombu Seaweed
2 c Sea Salt
1 c Baking Soda, (I use Bob's Red Mill aluminum free)
15 drops Oil of Rosemary (essential oil)
Sea Sponge
Lemon Scented Soap

In a pan with a tight fitting lid, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, add Kombu and simmer for 20 minutes. When Kombu is almost done, start your bath. Strain and discard the seaweed. Pour the tawny colored seaweed tea into your bath. Add sea salt and baking soda swirling water until all is dissolved. Add 15 drops of rosemary swirling water. Enjoy bath with sea sponge and lemon soap.
Ingredients can be found in health food stores.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

I would get the book, you won't be disappointed.

Samba

2010-02-21T11:00:00.011-05:00

What a rockin' good time it was last night. Trinity Samba & Sound of Brazil and Cantico played an amazing night of music.

I had the great pleasure of being one of the volunteer bar tenders(in 4 inch platform shoes, covered from head to toe with glitter) for the evening with Richelle, Eric and Jerry. Here are some pics of the Seaweed Nymph of the Kelp Forest costume I made for Ruth and the MerGirl costume I made myself for the festivities.
The theme of the Samba Rio - Under the Sea

.....tendrils of green and brown seaweed

...oh, and the MerGirl headpiece.

...cascades of falling water.

Love how this fabric looked like it had tiny little blue lights all over it.

Secretly, I wish I could dress this way every day.

Bye Bye ... I'll Miss What You Would Have Done Next Alexander McQueen

2010-02-11T11:34:00.004-05:00

It is a very sad day for fashion. I turned on my computer today to discover Lee McQueen had committed suicide. I am speechless, for me he represented a part of the fashion industry that is all but forgotten. He was truly creative and innovative and had the unique opportunity to create fashion for fashion's sake. In this generation of branded fashion that is hard to come by because it doesn't always fit into a pretty little boxed package. He was part a a rare few still able to achieve this. Lee you will be so missed.

Random thought of the day ...

2010-02-09T16:12:00.001-05:00

.... life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look once in awhile, you could miss it.

-Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

an exercise in stripes

2010-01-29T21:16:00.011-05:00

loved the vintage quality to the orange in this piece of knit fabric. It inspired me to create a dress with a vintage flare. I couldn't resist playing with the stripes. Treating them as I would silk charmuese by cutting them on the bias to create the chevron pattern down center front & back. The diamond shapes set into the side seam cut on the straight grain for a contrast. When working with stripes in this way, I do enjoy the engineering challenge of trying to make them match as much as possible. The most important match is center front & back. The trick to matching the side seams is balancing the side seam front pattern to the side seam back pattern. If that is done, matching the center front and back will automatically match the side seam stripes. Well ... that is, if the stripe is symmetrical.

I removed the belt to show the details.

oops ... one stripe a tad off.

Let's stay in touch ...

2010-01-27T08:47:00.005-05:00

1. Become a fan on Facebook
(everybody loves to have fans)

2.Bookmark MerGirl Blog
(or follow with google)

3. Subscribe to my online MerGirl Boutique
with
Smashing Darling
(click here to watch a short little video I made about how to subscribe)

4. Follow me on Twitter

Have a sparkling day!

random thought of the day ...

2010-01-25T15:23:00.002-05:00

... the majority of fast food portions manufactured today is five times larger than serving sizes of the 1970's.

wow.

My new ring

2010-01-20T20:29:00.003-05:00

and you guessed it ... it's by an independent jewelry designer.

It's like wearing pink candy.
Perfect for the girl {me} who really doesn't want to grow up.

When I placed my order the designer emailed me a color chart so I could pick out the color of my choice.

whatever my mood ... whatever my whim.

It fits perfect because the design is adjustable.

This delicious little nugget is designed and hand made by Natha Perkins.
Her line is called Luscious Metals.

shop the ring.

shop the boutique.

Make Your Reservation Soon!

2010-01-15T10:57:00.001-05:00

RIVER TAVERN

Local Artist's Series

featuring Laura Williams

Saturday, February 6th

12:30 pm

$45. per person
(includes wine, hors d'oeuvre and lunch)

Please reserve a spot at 860.526.9417

Laura will have a complete collection of one-of-a-kind prints
on various papers, cards + cloth
and
will give a brief talk on her work and inspiration.

January 13 ...

2010-01-13T20:58:00.003-05:00

I had the best birthday ever.

Here is what was happening in the world the year I was born.

It was the year of the Summer Of Love - 100,000 people converge on the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco.

World Events:

Biafra secedes from Nigeria (May).
Israeli and Arab forces battle; Six-Day War ends with Israel occupying Sinai Peninsula, Golan Heights, Gaza Strip and West Bank (June 5). Background: Arab-Israeli Wars
Right-wing military coup deposes King Constantine II of Greece.
Communist China announces explosion of its first hydrogen bomb (June 17).
The US and USSR propose a nuclear nonproliferation treaty. Background: nuclear disarmament

US News:

Racial violence in Detroit; 7,000 National Guardsmen aid police after night of rioting. Similar outbreaks in New York City's Spanish Harlem, Rochester, N.Y., Birmingham, Ala., and New Britain, Conn. (July 23).
Thurgood Marshall sworn in as first black US Supreme Court justice (Oct. 2).
Astronauts Col. Virgil I. Grissom, Col. Edward White II, and Lt. Cmdr. Roger B. Chaffee killed in fire during test launch (Jan. 27).

Economic:
Federal spending: $157.46 billion
Federal debt: $340.4 billion
Median Household Income
(current dollars): $7,143
Unemployment: 3.8%
Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.05

Sports:
Super Bowl: Green Bay d. Kansas City (35-10)
World Series: St. Louis Cardinals d. Boston Red Sox (4-3)
Wimbledon: Women: Billie Jean King d. A. Jones (6-3 6-4) Men: John Newcombe d. W. Bungert (6-3 6-1 6-1)
Kentucky Derby Champion: Proud Clarion

Entertainment:

Congress creates PBS.
Rolling Stone and New York Magazine debut, spawning the popularity of special-interest and regional magazines.

Movies

The Graduate, Bonnie and Clyde, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?, In the Heat of the Night, Cool Hand Luke

Music

The Beatles, Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Books

Donald Barthelme, Snow White
Elizabeth Bishop, Selected Poems
Robert Bly, The Light Around the World
Richard Brautigan, Trout Fishing in America
Stanley Elkin, A Bad Man
W. S. Merwin, Lice
Marianne Moore, Complete Poems
Joyce Carol Oates, A Garden of Earthly Delights
William Styron, The Confessions of Nat Turner

Academy Award, Best Picture: A Man for All Seasons, Fred Zinnemann, producer (Columbia)

Nobel Prize for Literature: Miguel Angel Asturias (Guatemala)

Record of the Year: "Strangers in the Night," Frank Sinatra
Album of the Year: Sinatra: A Man and His Music, Frank Sinatra (Reprise)
Song of the Year: "Michelle," John Lennon and Paul McCartney, songwriters

Science:

Jerome Friedman, Henry Kendall, Richard Taylor (US) discover protons and neutrons to be composed of even smaller particles called quarks.

The MIRV (Multiple Indepenently Targetable Reetry Vehicle), which allows one missile to carry several nuclear warheads, is developed. Background: nuclear weapons

Dr. Christiaan N. Barnard and team of South African surgeons perform world's first successful human heart transplant (Dec. 3). The patient dies 18 days later.

Deaths:

Sale!

2010-01-12T09:50:00.000-05:00

&

For Two

Saturday's Only

January 16 & 23

10 - 4

We will be serving hot cocoa
&
little treats too!

Bright new colors

2010-01-07T11:36:00.002-05:00

Nothing like a simple colorful knit skirt
to shake off the cold.

shop for it online here.

The e-list Distcount Card

2010-01-05T09:32:00.002-05:00

MerGirl is a participating merchant. Come in with the e-list discount card and you will get 15% off every MerGirl purchase of $100 dollars or more every time you shop. Details below about the card and how to purchase. There is also a link to take a peek at all the participating merchants all along the shoreline.

The e card is a discount card to the best shops, restaurants and services on the Shoreline. Use it every time you shop with participating merchants. It is not a limited one-time use coupon! Every merchant participating in the card has been listed on the e list. Erica has shopped there, eaten there or used the service.

Click here to go to the list of participating merchants. Then click on the merchant name to visit their website, or search the e list to see what Erica had to say. Discounts and offers listed are subject to change. Some services are limited to first time clients.

The cost of the card is $25 PER YEAR plus $1 shipping and handling, (10% of which will be donated to local non-profit organizations). Purchase the e card online now, by clicking here. You'll receive it within 7 to 10 days.

We think it makes a great gift, too. While they're devouring the free oyster sampler at Liv's Oyster Bar, or taking 10% off a cashmere sweater at Khaki and Black, or drinking a free mini martini at Restaurant L&E, they'll think of you! Just tell us where to send it.

Wishes from the studio

2010-01-03T15:02:00.002-05:00

may everyone
have a colorful
and
prosperous new year.

Today is the last day to enter and win

2009-12-30T10:29:00.000-05:00

WHATdesigners is hosting the 2009 INDEPENDENT DESIGN BLOG OFF with $500 of prizes from Smashing Darling. We will be selecting our favorite blog posts and announcing the winners in the first week of January.

The Prizes:
One First place prize of a $250 Smashing Darling gift certificate
One Second place prize of a $100 Smashing Darling gift certificate
Three runner up prizes of $50 Smashing Darling gift certificates

The Rules:
1. Write a blog about independent design or an independent designer
2. Include a link to the 2009 INDEPENDENT DESIGN BLOG OFF in your post
3. Leave a comment on the Whatdesigners Blog original post about the Blog Off - here, with a link to your post.

Deadline:
December 30th, 2009

ummm ... hello

2009-12-10T12:13:00.004-05:00

I want them all.

Look at this crazy collection of Dina Varano rings. Love them all. Just can't make it into downtown Chester to purchase one of these lovely rings? There is still time to purchase online.

DOT

2009-12-09T17:02:00.006-05:00

Has found a happy home in San Francisco.

Shipped it out today.

Let me know if you spot it out and about.

The Latest Colors and Textures

2009-12-07T16:35:00.013-05:00

From the studio

There's a lot going in here.
Stop by and take a peek.
Something new every day.

In The Studio With Friends

2009-12-07T15:55:00.001-05:00

sharing a sip of wine ... a bite of sandwich ... and lots of laughs.

Dot Sells Out at Scope Art Fair

2009-12-05T18:59:00.007-05:00

I am so excited Dot is included in with a long list of other emerging fashion designer items in the Smashing Darling Pop Up Boutique at Scope Art Fair in Miami. Today I found out Dot was a favorite it and has already sold out in Miami. I love the idea of wearers of Dot running all around the globe. Take a peak at the other designers included in the pop up shop. Even if you aren't in Miami, you can still shop the designers. The lovely bonus of the internet.

It's Dec. 3rd and 65 Degrees

2009-12-03T12:43:00.009-05:00

One day soon I will be able to wear my newest arrival.

My lovely new felted scarf has arrived.

By Designer Sarah Brundage
Thistle Down Wool Design

This is my second annual felted scarf from Sarah.

... and anyone who knows me, knows I am always wearing a scarf during cooler weather.
I love the color and texture it adds to whatever I am wearing.

This particular scarf will be just what is needed on a blustery, sub zero day. It is so thick and yummy. Ain't no wind getting through this puppy.

Sarah is an amazing designer. Visit her blog to keep up with life on her farm.

A Thanksgiving Breakfast With Friends

2009-11-25T12:17:00.011-05:00

Our breakfast destination was this beautiful, red, houseboat docked on the Connecticut River.

Thank you Jeremy for hosting breakfast.
I love your boat.
I can't wait to see the upstairs when it is done.

It was a perfect way to kick off the holiday.

New Skirts

2009-11-20T14:08:00.005-05:00

just in time for holiday cuteness.

shop for it.

Sunday Holiday Market

2009-11-19T21:46:00.003-05:00

Join Laura and I for the next 5 Sundays, Nov 22 - Dec. 20.
We will be all set up inside of the Lori Warner Gallery.
Make sure to pop in and say hi.

cheers.

Raspberry Ruffle Dress

2009-11-19T15:38:00.003-05:00

This is the second MerGirl dress within a week to be making it's way to Texas. This one is for a silent auction somewhere in or around Austin. The other, a black a-line tank dress went off to Edinburg, TX. I'm going to start putting pins in a map of all the great places my dresses are traveling to. It's kind of fun to think my clothing is bopping all around the globe.

Jeanie's Dress From the Beginning

2009-11-11T21:04:00.014-05:00

It all starts with a piece of muslin.

Draping the front panel.

Center front to princess seam, complete.

Each panel was cut out separately...

...to strategically place the pattern of the fabric on the dress.
Pinning the panels on the dress form as I worked.

The bottom of the sleeve reminds me of a Chinese lantern

It's all in the details.

...and when you can't get the pattern where you want it by repositioning the pattern piece, move the pattern. Applique works wonders.

This dress is for Jeanie Rapp. She is wearing it to tomorrow night's premier of Wild Black Yonder. A play by Lary Bloom.