Italian Graffiti Fabric

I have had this cotton fabric with what I THINK is Italian writing on it for a long time and had almost given up on finding something I wanted to make with it. Then I read Marcy Tilton's blog post on all the printed pants she saw in Paris paris-trend-pantalons-des-celebrations and decided it was perfect for that.

I know that tight pants are in fashion now but because of my figure and this particular fabric I decided to go with what Marcy calls a "soft" pant.  Though I like my pant legs roomy I do NOT want them to look like long wide bags and found the perfect pattern in Vogue 8499, which were designed by Marcy herself.
                                                                        

These were just what I wanted for several reasons.
1.The 4 pattern pieces for each leg allowed for gradual tapering at the bottom.
2. Both the side pockets and horizontal darts near the knees gave some extra shaping to the pants, and added some interest to the length.

Needless to say, I didn't even consider trying to match any of the writing on the different pieces!

I drafted a basic top that would echo the irregular shapes in the print, but that would be short enough in the front to show the top of the pockets.

I had a hard time photographing them so that the print showed very well but here are several attempts with different lighting.

Since I don't read Italian, I am wondering what the writing says? Hope it's not too bad!

ORIGAMI and sewing

I am so glad warmer weather has arrived! Most of the winter found me with an ongoing cold/cough, lying on the couch reading and knitting with skinny yarn that took forever to evolve into a finished object. (how's that for an excuse for nothing to show?)

I did have the energy to experiment with my new "folding" habit, which is a term Origami enthusiasts like to use for their art.  It is quite a steep learning curve but here is a pic of some of my beginner projects
                                      

I've found that origami gives me some of the same satisfaction that sewing an intricate pattern does, so it is reassuring to find something else I like to do---plus it costs a lot less.  I finished all the models in the book on the left below and now consider myself an "advanced beginner". I'm working through some of the intermediate patterns in the middle books, and dreaming of the day I'll be able to fold some of the models in the Robert Lang book on the right.         Just like fashion, different designers use different techniques and Origami enthusiasts talk about "folding a Lang".  LIke most arts, there is an interesting history surrounding the different techniques that are done in different countries and it's been fun to read about those.

Stayed tuned, because I am suddenly really ready to SEW! I'd also like to include some summer weight self-knitted and crocheted tops in my new outfits.    Sewing Room here I come!