More Studio Frenzy II

Thinking back to my childhood brought memories of my grandmother and great aunt sitting in front of the fire quilting, and I couldn’t help but think she might be smiling at my crazy quilt stocking.    With that in mind, I decided to explore another technique, a simple one that would combine handwoven and purchased fabric.

Remembering Grandma  sewing strips of random fabrics together for what she called a string quilt was my influence.

The stitched strips were layered with a piece of batting and the shape cut from a template made to fit the styrofoam cone around which the strips would be wrapped.

To embellish the seam lines, once again I relied on the embroidery stitches found on the sewing machine.  It is such fun to try all the patterns, and it doesn’t take long to find that some work better than other.

Finally, the pattern piece is wrapped around the cone and hand stitched where the sides join.  A little sparkle is added at the top, a twig became a trunk which is mounted on a scrap piece of board cut into a small square.  Scraps really do come in handy!

Hmmm, now that I look at the trees I see the makings of a centerpiece for my nontraditional holiday table.  Come back tomorrow to see how it turns out.

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More Studio Frenzy

Having an organized place to work is a treat, but I must confess that it’s hard to keep it that way.  Putting things back as they are used is a challenge, and the vacuum cleaner is running almost as much as the sewing machine!

What has been great fun is pulling out the scraps, finding pieces that work together and using them in creative ways.  Here’s what’s happening today.

Christmas stockings made from a collection of handwoven fabrics, cut and stitched on to a piece of muslin in a crazy quilt pattern.   When completed, it was laid atop quilt batting and a lining fabric and cut into a stocking, which can be any shape you desire.

Rather than hand embroidery, I tried a variety of sewing machine stitches and for embellishment added zippers and hem tape.

The back of the stocking is nothing more than a piece of complementary fabric.

The same is also used to bind the top edge.

Now, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care hoping that St. Nicholas will soon be there.

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Sewing Small

It’s been a long time since I sewed anything small, like really small.  In fact, the last time was when I made Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for each of my girls.  (Hmm, wonder why they are still here.)  After a long absence, the pain of sewing small is but a dim memory , so  the time is right for another try.

The impetus for this craziness is the granddaughters’  collection of American Girl dolls that are referred to as the girls and with whom they share many activities.  FYI, this photo from their 8 year old friend is for the girls’ Christmas card!

Clothes for the girls are always important, so surely a new outfit is a good idea for a Christmas gift, so it’s off to the pattern store to see what is fashionable in the world of dolls.  Patterns for these gals are readily available, some quite fancy and surprisingly pricey.  I chose this one not only because of its variations but because it lends itself to being made from material that is in my studio.  Using what I have, you may recall, is one of my goals.

Cutting the pattern…..no difficulty, but once again I found the sewing to be challenging.  Now, these aren’t complicated pieces, but I found myself ripping out almost every seam which made me wonder if I’ve lost my touch at the machine!  

I think I could have made a full sized garment in the time it took to complete two outfits.  Please let them fit!  I’m not sure I have it in me to make an outfit for each girl, so I hope they don’t mind sharing.

And for the big girls?  Outfits are out of the question, but they will have headbands to match the girls’ new clothes.  Oh what fun!

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Studio Frenzy

Now that we can actually find our way into the sewing room, let’s get to work!

The granddaughters are here spending the night which makes it a good idea to find a project we can do together.  We’ll start with yarn, scissors, styrofoam balls in various sizes and a hot glue gun.

We’ll wrap the balls with yarn securing the end with a drop of glue.  It’s more important that all the styrofoam be covered than it is for the wrapping job to be perfect

After a few practice wraps the process becomes very easy, even when a change of direction is required.

With the balls all finished, they are glued to a wire frame, part of which is wrapped with ribbon and voila, the girls have their own special wreath to hang on their door.

I continued playing with the concept to make a wreath for our back door. I found that by cutting some of the balls in half it was possible to layer them thus creating more dimension.  Before glueing the balls in place, I arranged them, making a few changes here and there to get the right balance.

Putting  found objects among the balls adds interest.  Here I used some small ornaments that were hiding in a drawer, a couple of berry clusters and a spindle that was sitting on a shelf.  With each addition I thought of a new idea and can’t wait to make more of these wreaths using different elements reflective of the seasons.  Won’t it be fun to use mussel shells?  And what about buttons and wooden spools, game pieces and……..well, you get the idea.

The process is a simple one and is an opportunity for creativity to shine.  If you use materials you already have on hand, the only expense is the purchased balls and wreath form.  Speaking of the wreath form, there are several that can be used, but I like the metal one because it lays flat on the  surface where it hangs.

Here’s hoping you’ll come up with your own creation and share it with the rest of us.

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Looking Back

“A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.”

Moslih Eddin Saddi

Over the years I have been fortunate to travel to a number of places, and while there have been many to enjoy, Italy remains at the top of my list of favorite destinations.  Here are some of the reasons why.

The countryside which seems so precious to the Italian people.

Artistry that has passed through generations.

Markets with everything from soup to nuts.

Food made with oh so fresh ingredients.

People whose warmth is  welcoming and contagious.

Laundry drying outside windows.

Color and texture.

Gelato.

Wine.

Tell me, what are your favorite places?

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Pumpkin Delight

Years ago these pumpkins were purchased at a luncheon benefiting The Women’s Home, and year after year they appear on one flat surface or another from October through November, and each one of those years they seem new all over again.

Can you guess what they are made of?  If you guessed dryer ventilation hose, you are correct.  This material is readily available at Home Depot, Lowe’s or a hardware store.  Here’s how you make the pumpkins:

Cut lengths 24-26”; glue the ends and spray paint with diluted acrylic paints or purchased spray paint in your desired colors.  If you use more than one color as shown here, let each paint color dry before applying the next. For the stem, stick a twig in the hole left in the top when the ends are joined, glue a few fake leaves around the stem and voila, you have pumpkins to enjoy for years to come.

Easy enough, huhn?  If you have other ideas for dryer hose, do pass them on.

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Quilts Galore

If the International Quilt Festival is any indication, things are definitely bigger in Texas!  Houston’s huge George R. Brown Convention Center was as filled as filled could be with vendors, exhibitors and breathtaking quilt displays.

As a fiber artist, I like anything done by hand with fabric and threads, so an afternoon wandering in the exhibition area was a treat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As one would expect, there were traditional quilt patterns, some made with more contemporary fabrics and colors to give them a new twist.

The quilts that left me breathless, however, were the art quilts, amazing creations of which I am totally incapable.

There is as much skilled art ability in these as in any painting, yet fiber creations don’t seem to receive the same appreciation in the art world.

Just take a look at some of the work which combines such elements as machine stitching, embroidery, dying and photo transfer.

Standing in front of these pieces, I kept asking how.  How could the stitching be so controlled, so perfectly placed to create the desired images and depth of field?  How much time did it take to combine all these elements and achieve such perfection?  How are threads able to achieve such color shading?

Obviously, a lot of questions and if for me there are no answers, I can enjoy standing before the wondrous pieces and saluting their creators.

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Art is Where You Find It

You never know what you are going to find when you are exploring back roads, and I have learned you should never pass any place by.

A faded old sign, antiques it said so maybe there’s some treasure waiting inside.

The shop appeared as old as the sign and was tended by an old, 93 to be exact, woman who was glad to have a visitor.  Her wares were kitchy and looked to have been around for a long time.

Hanging on the back wall, however, was one of the most stunning creations I have ever seen, a quilt made with WW II military insignia and woven labels. Those are something we don’t see any more!  This dear lady made it in the early 50′s, and there’s no telling how much time it took to stitch all these little pieces together.

Looking at her creation, I knew it had to be mine.  The labels, the satin backing, the intricacy of the construction, its history made my heart beat with desire, so I asked how much, afraid to breathe until I heard the answer.

“Oh, everyone wants to buy this quilt,” she said, ” but it is not for sale.  When I am gone it will go to Colby College.”

I do hope the college appreciates this unique and precious gift.

And then she chuckled and asked if I would like to buy one of the Christmas items sitting beneath it.  ”I tried to have Christmas in July, but it didn’t go over too well.  I guess next year I will have to try something different,” she said.  Now, that’s what I call optimistic!

I hope you found something special this fall Sunday.

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Common Ground

Each year Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association (MOFGRA) sponsors the Common Ground Fair in Unity, Maine.  What fun it is!

To enter, you can go by wagon

or walk through the woods.

You will see winners of the biggest, most unusual, newest vegetable species,

entertaining exhibits ,

produce to buy,

and tempting handmade goodies.

All this and so much more to see and do in three days.  Let’s go back next year!

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Making Do

A tablescape?  No, at least not in the traditional sense. This weekend the dining room table and chairs and other flat surfaces in nearby spaces are transformed into display units for the weekend’s  Artisans Tour in which my daughters and I are participating.

The table started out like this, but when my very talented friend Leslie came in she said, “No, no, it’s too busy!” and immediately began disassembling, pulling pitchers, gourds, decorative pieces off shelves and out of cabinets.  All I could do was stand in awe at what she gathered and dust the places from which they came.

With all the stuff out, we began arranging and voila, the entry and dining room became a work of art, and the furniture took on whole new definition.

The bench from the mudroom became a wonderful display for handwoven scarves.

So did these funky hands.

A wooden crate given to me by a daughter for my birthday was just perfect for “binkies” and soft toys.

And the back side was the right backdrop for lovely cards from LLH Designs.

Chairs have new purpose

and look at the pieces that became the complement for fiber necklaces.

The bright colors of the felt flashcard sleeves from Tembo Studio popped on the wood surface, and the flashcards and softie cupcakes…well, you need to take a look.  They are terrific.

Even this carved wood cello became part of the picture.

Who would have guessed that making do would result in such a creative and stimulating presentation.  Now that I think about it, the same is true for real tablescapes.

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