My sister-in-law and brother-in-law visited on Friday. They had a beautiful weekend to be in New England for a whirlwind visit.
Walk photos-
And on Saturday was the Tiny World class. It was wonderful. There were 6 plus me, sitting around my table.
As always, it was so much fun to see the different directions that people go in. Here are photos from the end of the class- no one finished, but they were close.
If I get better photos, I’ll post them.
I am getting prepared for my tiny world class on Saturday-
and working on the owl pattern. It is not coming together as straightforwardly as I had hoped. Things that work well when I am in my groove, are now not working at all. I’ve got to step back and rethink how some of it goes together.
I’ve been cleaning the house because of family visitors and the class on Saturday. Yes. it really needs to be done, every once in a while! Anyway, I love the little messages I find on the refrigerator door. I assume, left by one of my kids.
I seem to be doing everything possible to not work on my owl pattern, including getting sick for a week. I am still not totally clear-headed. But I have started. And, I did work slowly on some other projects while my energy level was low.
I love how the bird lady came out and wanted to work more with the colors and design. I have a feeling I will be revisiting the interlocking birds again and again.
bird baby-
in this one, the birds are all basically the same size and shape.
She will be going to NYC too.
I love this vintage fabric. It came from the estate of a seamstress- someone I know bought the house and the attic full of fabric and unfinished projects (among other things). This was a smallish piece, about 1/3/yard. I believe she used the rest to make kids’ pajamas. I would guess it was from the 50′s? I am so happy to find a good use for it- a perfect fabric to go with the argyle!
I love this one.
I redid the face. I should know by now that if I wonder if it is right, it isn’t. The only question is, what to do to fix it. Face-ectomy.
I like her little shoes too.
The red bird fabric and the russet hair fabric are ones that I over-dyed. I always enjoy using them- the uneven color (I am NOT an expert at dyeing!) adds interest for me.
Yesterday morning-
I feel like I am running in place here- lots of things started and I am not sure what direction to go in. I am working on the Luv-able and Hug-able pieces in a very different way then usual, since I am making one of this and one of that- not my usual practice. I should be back on track soon though. And back to the pattern. Well, as soon as I’ve gotten over this bad cold. Then I’ll see if I can figure out how to use the new scanner.
Here is my desk today. I am making a kitty with a skirt made of the vintage fabric in the bottom photo.
Amazing, isn’t it!
I have one piece almost finished but with my head feeling all fogged in, I can’t decide if she is good yet. I might have to change her face.
A gray owl made from the softest cashmere sweater ever. This owl will be going to NYC for the Luv-able & Hug-able show in December.
I was going to work on a pattern for the owl this week, but my scanner broke and I realized that I was being haunted by the deadline for this show. Better to get the pieces done. And, I took notes as I made this one.
I am doing a Tiny World class on Saturday, October 30 at my house. I had 2 people drop out today. Is anyone interested in joining us? Info here.
This was my carry along project when I went to Chicago for Renegade Craft Market. You know, in case I got bored. HA HA! Yes. The poor little thing has been sitting in a ziplock bag for more then a month now. Finally, finished.
The fabrics are mostly heathery and soft. The bird is a blue-grey piece of cashmere fabric that I dyed a while back.
I got the owls back from the Hoot! Show at the Renegade Spotlight Gallery and they are now in my Etsy Shop. And yes, I am working on a pattern. No promises for how long though… since I am afraid to open Photoshop and InDesign… once I get over that hurdle, things might proceed more rapidly.
First an announcement! Tomorrow, Wednesday October 13 is Crafty biz meet-up day at Diesel Cafe in Davis Sq., Somerville. All are welcome. Contact me if you need more info or want to be informed of future meet-ups.
My personal economy has improved a bit lately and I have treated myself to some sewing presents. I re-subscribed to Selvedge magazine. My first copy showed up the other day. I had a subscription a few years ago and I’m happy to be getting it again. It is a beautiful magazine.
Next I bought a new pair of scissors- 5″ Ginghers
I love them. They are the perfect size for cutting out applique pieces and clipping curves. If you saw how many pairs of scissors I already own (many of them originally from my mom), you’d be wondering why in the world I needed another pair. But, even though I have so many, there is just a few that I ever use. I became much more aware of that when I was working with my intern this summer. So, it turns out that I own a lot of decorative scissors and just a few functioning ones. I am very happy with with this gift to me.
And, I got my machine serviced. We are both happier now!
No more chunk, chunk, chunk noises when I sew. The tension is looking good too. I had a list of problems when I took it in and I have forgotten what they were- that is a good sign. When I was at the shop to pick up my trusty friend, I remembered that I’ve been wanting an extender table for my machine- like this. I am waiting for it to come in so I can pick it up.
And lastly, some new needles. I know, it seems like such a small item, but really, good needles make such a difference! I ordered them from The Colonial Needle Company.
I am trying out the small size Chenille needles (#24 and 26) with crewel wool. So far (they just came today), I really like them. I have been a fan of John James needles for a while, but my local store stopped carrying them so I was happy to find another source. Good tools are such a pleasure.
I must be getting tired of these guys. I can’t come up with a title for the post! Time to move on to the next thing. But first-
