Kanzashi Flowers, New Books and Fabric

I belong to a sewing group called Designer III, an offshoot of another sewing group.  Funny, how sewing clubs grow and have babies!  The group issues a design challenge one month, and the following month, you are supposed to have worked on the challenge and have something to show.  This time, the challenge is fabric flowers.  I'm working on Kanzashi flowers.  They are Japanese silk flowers, traditionally worn in the hair.  The technique has been simplified and being used for embellishing clothing and accessories.

Recently, I bought a book called "Kanzashi in Bloom".

And I made this:  It's yellow and coral cotton fabric, artificial stamens and a button in the center.

What fun!  It's basically origami, using fabric.  I have some other fabric set out to make another.  There are several folding techniques that I want to try.  I'll probably wear these on suit jackets.  Making them is addictive, but what a fun way to be out of control!

I have "new to me" sewing books.  I have the original Couture sewing book by Claire Shaeffer, but couldn't resist buying her revised edition.  Twinkle Sews and and Pattern Magic 2, I bought just to study the drafting.  The Couture book by Linda Maynard is a beautifully photographed book, full of very good techniques. 

There is a new fabric store in town!  For the Michigan people, it's called "Sew Many Things", in Clinton Twp.  It's small, but has some nice fabrics with Haberman's prices.  I couldn't leave without buying something.  Three pieces-one navy knit and two cottons for lightweight, summer jackets.

Off to make a flower.  Since I can't grow them, fabricating them is the next best thing. Plus, your hands don't get dirty!