Tie Mee

Orange Fire Wall

2012-02-22T19:42:00.000-08:00

I've been driving past this magnificent bright orange flowered covered wall for a couple of weeks on my way to work and finally got the chance to stop and take some pictures. There were a lot of bees enjoying this delightful display of color as well as me!

Fern Wannabe

2012-01-31T14:27:00.000-08:00

This glorious picture of a fern looks so awesome hanging in a frame. It looks as if it is real as it juxtaposes perfectly against the black background, making it really stand out. The sun was shining on it in just the right way on that beautiful day.

Boogie On Reggae Woman

2012-01-25T20:28:00.000-08:00

"I'd like to see you boogie right across the floor." -Stevie Wonder

The sky that divides us

2011-12-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

The sky that divides us

reflects us.

Reverse Tie Dye

2011-11-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

My old work shirt, someone else's old shirt around my neck. Wash, gather, add bleach and reverse tie dye is the solution.

Rustic Vibrations

2011-11-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

The colors have a rustic kind of feel with their earthy hues--my favorite.

These pieces are inspired by the word "choreiform," which I learned of while studying Cerebral Palsy (CP). Choreiform movement is a writhing, involuntary motor act yet I was picturing a rhythmic wave while drawing the designs on the blank garments.

My dear trees

2011-10-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

whether citrus

or broad-leafed

I love you!

Red and aqua unite!

2011-09-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

These are a few of my favorite things....red and aqua that is! Thanks to my lovely friends Jen and Mary for the gifts!

Perseverance

2011-08-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

We persevere

We strive for more

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ladybirdimages?ref=pr_shop

Is it an innate quality we have as human beings to keep us going, searching for higher ground?

Freedom!

2011-07-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Free at last, thank goodness sweet mama, I'm free at last! No more ponytails--just cute embellishments for the hair like the one in the first pic from http://www.monkeyandsquirrel.etsy.com/!

Sometimes the grass is really greener

2011-07-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

Echoes of a new home surround me

A cacaphony of thunder

alerts me

There's more to this bliss

Some thoughts about George...

2011-07-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

As George says, 'sometimes clothes do not make the man.' But I have to disagree with him on this one because this poncho is totally freakin' comfy and cool and makes one feel quite 'free!'

Naturally Yours

2011-06-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Inspired by pure anatomy, imagination and a whole lotta color...

The Last Ken Standing

2011-05-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

On one leg or two, "OT Bob", or "Ken" is standing strong as my last "Barbie" that has been passed down to my daughter. He is awesome!

De Colores

2011-05-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

Paradise Found

2011-02-21T23:44:00.000-08:00

"I bet she's taking my photo!"

"She's doing it alright."

"I guess I'll roll over for her and then she'll let me go back to sleep!"

The Plank Tee

2011-01-11T16:44:00.000-08:00

Plank:

Let us

Empty our hands

Get down to the ground and feel the earth

Inhale

Exhale

Blow away the gunsmoke

And be

The Circle Game

2010-12-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

"We can't return, we can only look behind from where we came,

and go 'round and 'round and 'round in the circle game."

There's no denying--we're all captive on the carousel of time.

Here's to winter--the days are getting longer again!!

Thanks to Joni Mitchell's song, 'The Circle Game," an inspirationally evocative song. Her musicianship proves that "songs are like tattoos," for sure!

Holiday Shopping: A Guide for the Perplexed

2010-12-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

"It's holiday shopping time--whatever am I to do?"

If you are feeling perplexed regarding this year's gift giving list here is some advice:

Be colorful and have fun!

And think LOCAL!!! Check out local artisans at craft fairs, independent grocery shops and your Farmer's Markets! There is a lot of creativity brewing all around you!!

Wink!

Liquid Metaphor

2010-11-19T23:01:00.000-08:00

elgarboart

I have felt a recent connect to water more than ever as of late. It may be due to the fact that I recently went surfing a couple of weeks ago. Yes, surfing in November--totally crazy some may say, including myself before I stepped foot in that tight wetsuit and walked out into the delightfully crisp (I'm being nice) waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

A certain regeneration was felt as I tumbled through a couple waves holding on and sometimes standing up on a 10' board. Connection with a wave was an absolute blast--and addictive. The push and momentum of a wave is what drives the surfer back out to pursue another and attempt to ride longer with the powerful surf. It is a thrill. And I'm talking about 2-3' waves, dude.

Rebirth and rejuvination is something I've felt in association with water--mainly in cold conditions. A shock to the system; a cool, cleansing principle I've felt in 'polar bear' like jumps into pristine blue waters.

Liquid Metaphor Velour Hoodie by Tie Mee

I stumbled across some interesting quotes related to 'liquid metaphors' and literature that definitely call for introspection:

"A genuine human symbol is characterized not by its uniformity
but by its versatility. It is not rigid or inflexible but mobile."

--Ernst Cassirer

"Contact with water always
brings a regeneration--on the one hand because dissolution is
followed by a new birth, on the other because immersion
fertilizes and multiplies the potential of life.”

--Mircea Eliade, The Sacred and the Profane

Crochet Crazy

2010-10-05T21:40:00.000-07:00

I've been having so much fun picking up stitches with my fellow crochet folk that I had to share some new creations called 'Granny Cowls'. They are hip, colorful and were made by numerous hands. Granny Cowls are unique because when buttoned they have a distinct look each time. Gorgeous!!

Sweep

2010-09-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

I came across a wonderful yoga book called Twist in the kids section of the library the other day. I absolutely love this poem because I believe it to be true!

"Breath" by Janet S. Wong

Breath is a broom
sweeping your insides

Smooth and slow:
You pull scattered bits of dream fluff
and heart dust into neat piles.

Short and quick:
You coax shards of broken thoughts
out of forgotten corners.

Breath is a broom sweeping you fresh.

Fall Approaching

2010-08-29T23:02:00.000-07:00

Summer seemed to slip by as a leaf does floating through water.

Loving Shibori

2010-08-21T01:20:00.000-07:00

The Japanese resist method called Shibori is so intriguing! This Tie Mee Motion Top was wrapped around a makeshift pole, scrunched and wrapped with kite string. Voila, here is the final product!

Dance Dance Dance

2010-07-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Dancing is essential in Tie Mee's Tunics!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52122915/tie-dye-tunic-in-poppy

Mountain S'mores

2010-06-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Father's Day, this post satisfies our inner cravings for 'Mountain S'mores'! What are 'Mountain S'mores'??, you ask! Well, they are a camper's delightful alternative to the traditional S'more. Made over the campfire, these delights are made not with a hanger or twig or branch. Oh no, they are made with a cast iron Mountain Pie maker. So sit back, relax and kick your feet up (by a campfire, preferably) and watch the Mountain S'more maker extraordinaire, Mr. Joe 'Mountain Pie' Irvin! Yee-ha!

Graham crackers, check. Slice banana ever so tenderly.

Cast iron mountain pie with one half slice of bread.

Arrange banana slices.

Add chocolate!

Add graham cracker!

One more slice of bread on top, then clamp that puppy down!

Add fire!

Open the pie up!

Serve it up!

Enjoy that Mountain S'more goodness!!

Pure serenity experienced after eating!!

Thanks Papa Joe,

Happy Father's Day!!

Ode to the Fuca Fest

2010-06-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

After spending the weekend at the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts, literally bouncing from venue to venue hearing all sorts of music, I needed a day of unwinding and slowly re-wiring my brain to commonality mode. Ahh, such a pity.

Hearing the first strums of the guitar during the opening act to the last reggae beats and lyrics of 'Exodus', I truly feel it was 'a movement of the people'.

There were a few banners with the festival's logo hanging in the darkened main stage area that appealed to me. A jet black background with an avocado-lime green striking through the middle. What a great tie-dye idea!

Bam, the lights go on after the last beat and the banner's true colors are revealed: royal blue and turquoise! What differences we see in the dark!

Here is my ode to the festival in all of its racerback tank glory!! I can pretend they are the festival's true colors!

Bright Colors!

2010-05-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to spend the weekend in San Francisco soaking in all of the culture, color and funky window displays while browsing Haight Street. Bright vivid colors certainly are a theme in SF and here are a few pieces of my own unique and handmade accessories boasting tangerine orange and vivid yellow--earrings by http://www.naturalamber.etsy.com/ and funky cowl by Auntie Alissa!

Community A-Brewing

2010-05-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

With the summer market season here, I find myself reveling in the thought of community happenings and the concept of community itself. I feel a sense of community when attending a public market and also as a vendor. Why is this important to us as individuals?

From a sociological standpoint, one theorist suggests we need a 'third place' (aside from the home and office) to hang out and gather with others--a community gathering place. A hub for people with common interests and likes to come together and socialize and feel connected. This is essential to us as humans, to feel this connection to our environment, to eachother, to what ever that something is that links us, empowers us, and makes us feel whole.

With this philosophy in mind, a Farmer's Market, Friday Night Art Walk or planting seeds in your community garden can exemplify a sense of connectedness and social networking for people in the community.

It behooves us to take advantage of resources in the community for our own well-being and sense of fulfillment, which in turn boosts the vitality of the community in which we live. Supporting local artisans, bakeries, grocers and farmers to name a few, is a great way to promote the notion of a sustainable community.

Having that 'third place' isn't so hard after all. In fact, you may have five or six of them! Here is one of the owners of one of my favorite 'third places'--the Red Rooster Grocery!!

Happy Occupational Therapy Month--Now Where's My Tee Scarf?

2010-04-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

Oh, the joys of being back in the throws of full-time work!! What will I have my patients do for their
Occupational Therapy treatment? I love to put hands to work--so why not twist and braid! I worked with some residents today on the five-element braid with strips of jersey cotton t-shirts. It was a challenging task. When analyzing this task, there are many components that come into play. Visual-spatial, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination to name a few.

This was a bilateral hand task--everyone who joined in had the use of their two hands, at varied levels, of course. One can ponder how challenging this could be with one hand. That is the beauty of Occupational Therapy -- adaptation. Each task that a person is faced with can be adapted to facilitate independence and enhance the quality of life for that individual! Sounds like a reason to celebrate!! Happy OT Month!

Inspired by Nature

2010-03-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

Everyone come on down to the Red Rooster next Friday for a sneak preview of the new grocery store and check out some nature-inspired tie-dye designs with lots of photos, too!!

Perseverance

2010-03-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

It is National Women's History Month and I am paying homage to a courageous, artistic and talented woman--Louisa May Alcott. She is the writer of one of my favorite books, "Little Women". I have stepped foot in her family's house in Concord, MA and it was a delight indeed. Having seen the lush green foliage in Concord, I see why she so loved a brisk walk in the woods and what it did for her psyche.

I bought a lovely card as a memento from the gift shop with a quote reflecting Louisa's love for 'a run in the woods' that strikes a cord with me as I am awed by the beauty of nature in similar ways. She details it so rapturously here:

"I had an early run in the woods before the dew was off the grass. The moss was like velvet, and as I ran under the arches of yellow and red leaves I sang for joy, my heart was so bright and the world so beautiful...A very strange and solemn feeling came over me as I stood there with no sound but the rustle of the pines, no one near me, and the sun so glorious, as for me alone."

I agree whole-heartedly that a walk in the woods can make one feel invigorated, refreshed and maybe even reborn. A spectacular sunset, a glimmer of sunshine on a beautiful lake--perhaps with billowy white clouds above--makes one wish they could soak up the moment forever. This may be a bit of a transcendental outlook--and I don't have Thoreau as my neighbor, either.

http://www.louisamayalcott.org/witandwisdom_women.html

Cherry Blossom Dress

2010-03-04T21:41:00.000-08:00

I love how the new longsleeve sheer jersey dress came out--the colors of the cherry blossom are so inspiring!

Drawing Inspiration

2010-03-03T22:13:00.000-08:00

Many walks taken this day taking in inspiring views and smells from all the Spring foliage. I love it! All the colors are so beautiful and I cannot wait to transform these ideas and color combinations onto clothing!

Tie Dye Socks!!

2010-02-14T19:58:00.000-08:00

A wonderful array of Tie Mee's thigh-high socks! Tie Mee's booth was up in Sequim for a show over the weekend and the socks were a definite draw!!

As well as this cutie hiding!

Introducing Ms. Tomato

2010-02-04T23:09:00.001-08:00

Tie Mee's Tie Dye Thigh High Socks in Ms. Tomato!

http://www.tiemee.etsy.com/

Electric

2010-01-25T20:27:00.000-08:00

Tie Mee goes 'Electric'--shown here on sheer jersey scarves. Bright colors pop when set against the jet black. One of my favorite things to create!

Tie Mee -- the meaning behind the name

2010-01-22T19:52:00.000-08:00

I've been having fun creating these "tied" pieces out of recycled t-shirt fabric. It makes me think that there was some reason that I picked the name Tie Mee. My hands love to stay busy making and creating these funky necklaces. I got a book at the library with hundreds of ways to tie, loop, or knot. I was immediately drawn to the knotting section--here are some examples of some of the knots and weaves that turned into fabric Tie Mee Tee Necklaces!

The Many Faces of Tie Mee

2010-01-14T17:27:00.000-08:00

Tie Mee has a Facebook page!! Now people can become 'Fans' and can be in tune with all the latest and greatest happenings with Tie Mee!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Tie-Mee/240617332831?ref=search&sid=1239415842.3707153983..1

Speaking of faces--check out Lady Zebra, a versatile Tie Mee Tee Scarf which is deconstructed jersey cotton that loops, twists, or just hangs elegantly around your neck.

I recognize the cohesiveness of all the sites I am using--for example, Facebook links to my Etsy shop as well as to this blog. That is access to three sites at the click of a button. I see it as an extravaganza--a one stop shop on the information highway for your eyes to see so much in so little time. The importance of bold, beautiful pictures for your product is essential, I believe, to keep the attention of the browser in the midst of the extravaganza.

Enjoy!!

As Is

2010-01-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

My new tie-dyed American Apparel Leisure Dress with the name inspired by one of my fav folksinger's songs...

"When I look around I think this,

this is good enough

and I try to laugh

at whatever life brings.

When I look down

I just miss all the good stuff

When I look up

I just trip over things..."

Ani Difranco

Yeah, more scarves!

2010-01-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to have some scarves done! I like the way these have come out, yet I realize how hard it is to replicate designs...I truly miss my turquoise and brown one!

Click here for the collection of scarves:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tiemee?section_id=5946156

Giveaway Leggings are Ready!!

2009-12-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

Lovely leggings for the raffle--here they are, folks, can't wait for the drawing. Good luck!

Congrats to Hilary!!

They're Here!

2009-12-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

Announcing the arrival of the thigh high socks!! Hoo-ray!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37403247

The leggings that will be raffled on New Years will be announced shortly....

New Tee Scarves

2009-12-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

Introducing Tie Mee Tee Scarves! How grand they are made from new and recycled knits--mainly cotton jersey tees--joined together to produce a beautiful scarf to be wrapped to your delight.

Click here to see all of Tie Mee's Tee Scarves:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tiemee?section_id=6644122

And they're off..

2009-11-30T20:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a Tie Mee dedicated shopper, Jennie, who is the first entrant in the New Years Raffle. The photo was taken at Tie Mee's booth at the Sequim Open Aire Market's Indoor Holiday show that took place over Thanksgiving weekend.

Remember to send me your pics, folks--by New Years, please! Time is ticking away. By the way, the prize for the raffle is going to be thigh high tie dyed socks!! Hooray!! Doesn't Jennie look great in her scarf?

Calling All Scarf Wearers!

2009-11-23T20:38:00.000-08:00

Tie Mee is calling all scarves! All of Tie Mee's scarf wearers, that is!

Tie Mee's humble oompa-loompa, aka Kate, is so excited to announce the New Years Raffle!! (Applause, cheers, all smiles!) If you have a scarf, be proud, and show me how you wear yours. Email a pic of yourself wearing the scarf (proudly, of course) to kate@tiemee.com and you will enter to win a prize--a Tie Mee original....more details to come.....stay tuned.

With Love

2009-11-11T16:02:00.000-08:00

Michaela's new curtains--I can't believe they were white for so long!

A recipe so delicious it tastes like it took hours, yet it is ready to eat in less than 20 minutes! I have to share this because it is so dang good! This stems from one of Rachael Ray's recipes which she made for her pitbull! This is Mac n' Cheese with a twist--added butternut squash soup which gives it a nutty flavor perfect for this time of year. Michaela approves with over 15 "mmmmmmmm's" during the meal, so I know it is good. Here it is...

Michaela's Mac n' Cheese

1 box of your favorite pasta--spirals, shells...
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
2 cloves of garlic
EVOO
2 cans of butternut squash soup (Organics from Safeway is what I used)
salt and pepper

Boil water and add pasta, cook according to directions on box. Drain and let sit in sink while preparing sauce. In same pan used to cook the noodles, heat the EVOO (a tablespoon or so) and add the chopped garlic and saute about a minute over medium-high heat. Pour in the soup and stir. Let mixture warm-up, then add the cheese and stir in a figure eight motion to combine cheese till it melts in with the soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the noodles back in and combine. Voila! Time to eat!

2009-10-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

Tie Mee welcomes back model Joe--he's been on hiatus since last February! Where have you been, baby?

Shibori

2009-10-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

A method called 'Shibori' has been popping up over this last year and I've finally taken some action and got a book about it at the library. 'Shibori' is the Japanese word for a variety of ways of embellishing textiles by shaping cloth and securing it before dyeing.

Little did I know I had a natural affinity to this method that is a centuries old tradition in a variety of cultures--the Japanese use Shibori to detail their kimonos, they've been doing it for centuries.

When I look back on my first pieces, the tank pictured above comes to mind and it was one of my favorites. I like the opposition of colors and I like the vertical stripes and bands--a classic 'shibori' folding technique.

Nine months later, I have completed a long sleeve shirt (above) that I like--accomplished by folding into continuous pleats, then binding with rubberbands. Yet now I have a specific 'Shibori' term to associate this technique--tazuna shibori--stripes and bands. On my shirt I have hand-folded the pleats and alternated colors, giving it that tazuna look.

I am drawn to this method and want to explore more techniques associated with Shibori. These are centuries old traditional methods of dyeing textiles and I feel my own personal technique is 'Shibori-esque' for sure. The element of surprise is always nice when you are unravelling a piece. I take pride in each piece and am drawn to this quote:

"With shibori the dyer works in concert with the materials, not in an effort to overcome their limitations but to allow them full expression. And, an element of the unexpected is always present."

Crab Festivus

2009-10-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

What a weekend down on the pier!! Tie Mee met its goal, having a very successful weekend and dressed many happy people in tie dye. A fine weekend, indeed!

Inspiration

2009-10-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

I love coleus. Beautiful lush colors--I've been looking at the vibrant leaves daily with the plant in my kitchen sink window and these shirts are inspired by these incredible colors! 'A New Leaf' sure made a beauty!

Another piece inspired by nature and a vivid imagination--"Fall Rainbow"--the sheer jersey cotton scarves are so fun!

Active

2009-09-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Tie Dye volleyball shorts on the Roughrider Volleyball Girls Team! Fun and they look great. What a way to share the love for tie dye and be active. Speaking of active....

These great new 'Motion' tops from Tie Mee are a crowd pleaser for sure--take a look at this unique piece in 'Plane'!

New Beginnings at the End

2009-09-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

These last weeks, months even, have been great at the markets in Port Angeles and Sequim. Recently, this picture was posted with the weekly newsletter for the Wednesday market in downtown Port Angeles. I was pleasantly surprised. What a year it has been with producing all of these colorful clothes and watching beautiful Michaela grow! Michaela is now running(!) around during the market hours and all the vendors and patrons have loved watching her run and dance around! I have learned a lot about community at the markets--especially when Joe is not there! I have learned a lot about eating great local produce and I have learned a lot about selling a product having my own booth. It has been a great summer and my dreams in color are still happening--I have shows lined up in October and November, not to mention the Port Angeles market continues throughout the winter. No doubt, nothing will beat the sunshine. I feel the times a-changing nonetheless. Fall is in the air. Toddlers will run faster. Rain will start coming down. Yet tie dye will be there. Oh yes!