It's Spring 2025 and the world is burning (symbolically and actually). We wanted to create a display that showcased the wonders of the sea using the materials on hand. Not only is this window whimsical and a wonder, it's also a spark asking each person who looks into the shop, "What impact do I have on the one precious planet I call home?"
For those of you curious about the patterns and materials we used to create the various pieces in the window here's a round up! Note that we used fabric remnants and scraps from workshops and store samples even using the small cuts from quilting workshops to stuff the starfish. (Those are incredibly dense pieces that weigh far more than you imagine.)
The giant octopus was designed by Rita Van Tassel Studios. The pdf pattern was easy to follow and Meghan (Bernina Technician) found it to be a straightforward, fun project. The final octopus made its rounds in the shop before landing in the window... providing everyone with lots of laughs.
The starfish were one of the highlights of this window, using lots of flannel remnants and leftovers from pajama pant workshops. The pattern from Crafty Kooka Sewing Patterns, was easy to follow and the final results were fabulous. Great for fleece, felt, and flannel.
Another pattern we loved was the Whale Shark by Three Silver Trees. We scaled the pattern to make it larger, once again using remnants and fabric scraps as well as recycled poly fill to keep the larger piece light weight.
The jelly fish are crocheted - some freehand, some using patterns we found on Ravelry. Like the African Flower Jelly Fish. If you aren't familiar with the Crochet Coral Reef, a project by the Institute For Figuring created by Christine Wertheim and Margaret Wertheim, you should check it out! A celebration of the intersection of geometry and handicraft and a testimony to the disappearing wonders of the marine world. There are lots of coral patterns available online and Jaimee, who spearheaded this crocheting project experimented with creating seaweed and various organic shapes to further "fill the ocean floor".
We were all inspired to take up our crochet hooks and create our own Herman the Hermit Crab after Sophie brought in the one she made on her honeymoon. It's currently part of the window as well as her manatee! Both patterns feature Kelbourne Woolens Germantown yarn.
Make sure to check out the various sea creatures crafted by the gather here team and perhaps craft your own. A plush pal made from your scraps to provide you with comfort and remind you that making things matters.