What the heck is a skiff?
Images from Firehouse Pipes and The Columbus Dispatch
I've heard that a couple of the names I've given my fabric prints are mysterious, so here's a clarification. The print above is named Calliope. Not after the Greek muse of poetry, but after the musical instrument powered by steam. They were often housed in ornate wagons pulled by horses in circuses.
Renoir's "The Skiff" from Renoir Gallery and a wooden skiff from Lowell's Boat Shop
As for my Skiff print, it's a type of small boat. But if it pleases you to think of this design as a wink, a smile, an eyelash, or waves, go right ahead. If you're generally a grumpy sort, you can turn these upside down and think of them as frowns. But the light blue and yellow colors might be a little too peppy for that to be very convincing.
24 comments:
Love these fabrics! Where did you find the calliope?
You mean these photos of the instruments? Yesterday I did a Google image search for calliope.
If you mean the fabric, I designed it a couple years ago.
Very clever! There is a reason you are good at what you do.
Sometimes she asks her Mum for ideas for names. Sometimes she even USES my ideas! Sometimes. ;)
her Mum
Yep, you're my sounding board. I should compensate you somehow. Hey, I know. I'll buy you some fabric. Oh, and I gotta give credit to my buddy Emily Berna for the idea to name the Oslo colorways Dawn and Dusk. Love that.
I always always love learning about the meaning behind names!
P.S. I just purchased a pattern and in the background of the photo was a gorgeous pillow in your calliope fabric!
Oooo, that's fun!
clever! thanks for explaining :)
Hi Jessica. Beautiful creations! I found you via Cindy -Art Making in the North-
What is a skiff?? yes, besides the boat, here in Alberta we call a dusting of snow cover, a skiff. As in.."we had a skiff of snow last night"..:)..
Great fabrics.have a wonderful weekend.
Trish from Alberta
I loved your comment in your post directed at the grumpy sorts. Made me chuckle! :) your fabric is abs gorg, btw.
Where can you buy the calliope fabric? I love it!!!
Cute. I love the names. They fit perfectly with the fabric.
I LOVE your pattern designs. Might need to make a few purchases soon. :o)
Of course! Now that you've pointed it out, I can see the calliope!!
This really is a lovely collection.
Great fabrics and info! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to learning more.
Brianna Olds
CoolProducts.com Social Media Marketing Manager
they are all very beautiful !!
Actually, referring to a skiff as a small smile or a wink pleases me immensely. The way I see it, there isn't really a good word for that... the cheeky, but pleased sort of knowing smile? Now I can be accusatory when I see it, like, "I see that skiff!! What aren't you telling me???!!"
Great designs- I see several yards in my near future :)
We love the Calliope Ribbon at Ribbon Jar... It has been very popular in our store!
totally justified!
I just had a brain storm about how to use that skiff print: stenciling our boat name on it and making it into napkins or maybe tea towels. Perfect gift for my husband(who also cooks). Thanks for the inspiration!
Gorgeous fabrics!
Scissors and Spice, you can buy Calliope fabric at www.jcarolinehome.com in the fabrics section.
to me the skiff fabric looks like eyebrows when its upside down, not frowns. guess I'm not grumpy enough. lol
Thank you for this entertaining post.
How can anyone say 'What does this word mean?' these days. Don't you own a dictionary? Ever heard of Google?
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