gray sky daydreaming

While the midwest simmers away at high temperatures beneath a conversion layer, we here in NW Oregon are experiencing coastal weather: overcast skies, temps in the 70s if we're lucky.  It has rained more often than usual for the summer.  I won't complain, because I certainly prefer 72 degrees to 102 degrees, and it does make you appreciate every little bit of sunshine that comes along.  This morning, it also makes it a good time to look at blogs, which I haven't done much of in a long while.  And blog cruising leads to daydreaming...

Visiting one friend's blog led me to see some new places.  I won't copy and paste photos from these artists, but I do encourage you to look at the art of Antonio Alvarez Gordillo, a Spanish artist who does wonderfully detailed whimsical landscapes.  It really makes me want to get out my paints and PRACTICE!  Also look at the wild illustrations of Dani Torrent here.  I love how this artist portrays light and the variety of perspectives in his work.

Some blogroll cruising led me to sewing sites.  I love the way this person combined fabrics to make this blouse (I wish I could show you her photo here, but you'll have to click on the link).  After much searching I did find the pattern on eBay, so I bought it up, because I think with long sleeves it would make a really cute folkloric blouse a la lulu.  What do you think?

While I was searching for that pattern I came across these newer ones, which would also be cute. 

Are they too much alike?  Maybe I'll just make the one I bought already. I'm also very antsy to stitch up a pattern from a Japanese sewing magazine, and another one from a Norwegian magazine..

but I am at the condo today and there is nothing here but this computer, not even paper to draw on.  So I will just have to daydream for now.

p.s. Please visit my friend Janne's blog and send blessings to the people of Norway.  Thank you.