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Jul 30, 2014

Challis Winters? + Garbage Find of the Month!



Friends, just look what I found in my building trash yesterday evening.

It's a large (48" x 36") abstract expressionist painting by the painter Gino Hollander.  If it looks like something that might have hung in a doctor's office or corporate lobby circa 1967, it's because a lot of his work did.  This piece is dated 1962.  You may have noticed that we have almost nothing on the walls aside from the odd spider web.

Hang it or return from whence it came?







In other news, there's new fabric in my life!

Have you ever sewn with wool challis?  I haven't, but I've always admired it, particularly in men's ties and women's scarves.  I bought two yards thinking I'd make a shirt.  The pattern is kind of Haight-Asbury does Art Nouveau, particularly the colors.  Any art majors out there able to describe it more accurately?









I can't decide whether this is something I want to tackle soon or to wait until the fall or winter.  (The fabric is lightweight but might be too scratchy to wear without an undershirt.)  I know I have a few other things in my queue but they may be pushed back (again), alas.

The design is a little out there, but look who chose it.  I think how I cut this is going to make a big difference in how it comes across in the finished garment.



Oh, before I forget: I don't know if this (below) is something to be happy about or not; it makes me a little nervous, frankly.  (Once you get that promotional, people start to expect it.)



I popped in briefly today but didn't buy anything; this will definitely be a stop on MPB Day.

Are you a Paron's person?

Have a great day, everybody!

39 comments:

  1. LOVE LOVE LOVE the fabric! It's gorgeous!!!!! I'd frame THAT and hang it on the wall. ;-) Speaking of hanging on the wall....the art is a keeper!! Hang that baby up there! It's lovely!

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  2. Hang that art - or send it here if you decide not to! GREAT find!

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  3. Definitely keep the painting! It's fabulous!

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  4. btw....don't chuck it back into the dumpster...check out the going prices on the old ebay! You could sell it and buy yards and yards and yards of fabric!

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  5. If you love the painting (I certainly do) then hang it and enjoy it!

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  6. OMG I LOVE IT! You must keep it and hang it. And your fabric is in a complementary palette...

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  7. Give the painting to me if you don't want it!! I love it!

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  8. Paron!!!! I told them not to let me in unless I'm wearing something I've made from the last fabric I bought on sale!!!! He said he'd be out of business if he did that

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  9. That painting is AMAZING! I fantasize about finding something like that on the streets of Fogville!

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  10. beautiful painting--definitely a keeper

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  11. Love the fabric! To die for! The painting…are you kidding. AWESOME :)

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  12. Hang the painting! The fabric is beautiful - love those colors.

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  13. That fabric is kind of Beardsley meets Mucha. Shirt? with lots and lots of chains. Painting is great. Not overpowering, just mellow and blends in. Great find.

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  14. Hang the painting. Look how it compliments the cushions. I say you're a grownup when you have a real painting hanging on the wall.

    As for Paron's I still have a shopping bag from the 57th St store and my current project was purchased there in the sale last summer. I will be there on MPB Day.

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  15. I don't know if anyone is actually getting those asking prices on ebay, but if you decide you don't want it you should list it on ebay and see what happens.

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  16. Psychedelic? Don't care for the painting--reminds me of the offices I worked in in the 70s. Sell it!

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  17. Love the painting - and it fits into your decor with or without cobwebs.

    I covet the wool challis - it's hard to find at the best of times let alone in such a great print!

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  18. The painting is bitchin! Definitely a keeper. I would hang it in my living room in a heartbeat. On the wall with alternating vertical cedar planks and mirrors. It would look so keen. (I know... I'm giving away my age with those adjectives. Lol)

    Love the fabric print but I can't abide scratchy against my skin. Can't wait to see your finished product though. I'm sure you will figure out an awesome pattern placement.

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  19. That's lovely fabric Peter! I found wool challis very easy to sew, but watch out for seam slippage if it's a light weight and a loose weave. Leave a nice wide seam allowance on seams that may be under stress.

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  20. Keep the painting - it is a true treasure.

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  21. THAT painting is a "keeper". My dentist's office was awash in that style, along with those kids with big eyes (Keane) - ugh!

    While the fabric is lovely, to me it screams, "Bea Arthur cast as Ann-Marie in 'THAT Girl!'".

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  22. Your apartment already has such a mid-century vibe, why WOULDN'T you hang it? The fabric is...nice.

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  23. https://www.artbrokerage.co.uk/Gino-Hollander

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    1. Wow. You found quite a treasure Peter! You need to find out when the Antique Roadshow comes to NY. You could end up on TV!

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  24. Okay, the painting is not my thing, personally, but I think it's an awesome find! If that photo is accurate, the colors in it seem to work well with your sofa, so if you're at all cool with the midcentury look, I'd definitely hang it.

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  25. What a great find, hard to imagine someone tossed it away.
    Love the fabric, it's beautiful!

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  26. If you love it, hang it, if you don't sell it. Love the fabric.
    Like someone suggested frame it or make something that showcases it.

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  27. Good grief, hang that painting! Have you read up on Hollander? And it *does* look great on your wall there. The fabric, is not my taste but if you love it, great!

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    1. Since this painting is dated 1962, then it is one of Hollander's earliest paintings. Very cool.

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  28. I can't help but worry about Paron, too. They recently offered a Groupon - not their first. And they seem to be having regular sales... I may have to stop in asap. They have such beautiful fabrics.

    I'm currently working with rayon challis, which is gorgeous to work with and wear, and just a bit lighter than wool versions.

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  29. Love Paron Fabrics! I happened by the same sale when they had it in the Spring and I also go some type of deal when I was in there a couple of weeks ago, maybe not 40%, but it was still good. They are my absolute favorite, I hope this isn't a sign to be worried about. I still miss their old location.

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  30. Hang the painting on a trial basis. One day it will strike you that you did the right thing or you think, "What was I thinking?"

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  31. The painting goes great with the sofa. Hang it, enjoy it ,contemplate it for awhile, and then if you have had enough of it. Sell or goodwill it.

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  32. The painting is great. Definitely a keeper. I'll gladly take it if you don't want it. I love it! The fabric is interesting. Looking forward to seeing what you make with it.

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  33. In MM Don Draper buys a similar painting from his artist ex- lover. He dumps it if I recall right. Everyone is right keep it. The fabric is quite stunning.

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