Classes

I am going to be the Artist-in-Residence at Gather Here in Cambridge in mid-January. I’ll be teaching a bunch of new classes! I knew if I said yes to doing the classes, I would have to finish some new patterns- you know, deadline incentive!

I’ve posted photos of examples but what we will make in the classes will all be unique because everyone will choose their own fabrics and colors. Here is what the week looks like.

I’m teaching the Owl on Tuesday, Jan 22 (although that one looks full already!)

On Wednesday, Jan. 23, I am teaching the Swaddled Baby. I am working (or maybe mostly procrastinating) on that pattern now. The class (and pattern) will include directions for needle-sculpting the face. Also a variety of designs from very basic using pretty ribbons, a design that includes a new baby’s name embroidered on the ribbon, a folk-art type design and one like this picture which I think of as a puzzle pattern (fit all the pieces together).

On Thursday Jan. 24, I will try to convince you that the patterns aren’t sacred and you can cut them up and tape them back together, make them bigger, make them smaller and generally take charge and get what you want. I will be specifically referencing the dog toy since dogs come in so many variations. On Friday, January 25 we will be making the dogs.

This is the basic design-

And above is a long version. Obviously there are lots of options to play with. This design is a basic toy with the clothing as part of the body.

On Saturday (1/26) and Sunday (1/27) will be a two-day class to make foxes. This class will cover constructing the fox and then dressing. You can make a girl or a boy fox. The clothing options will include a vest, jacket, dress, and/or skirt. You could make a kitty instead since it is the same basic construction and fits the same clothing.

This is my first adventure of 2013. I want to teach more so I am pushing forward full steam ahead! I’ll be teaching all these classes for the first time so there will be some unknowns- the biggest mystery for me is always how long a project will take another person. I’m hoping we’ve scheduled the right amount of time for the projects but I’m willing to be flexible and relaxed and hope we will all have fun. My teaching philosophy is that most people who take a class from me are looking to have a little time away from their everyday life and want play with new materials and tools- a mini-craft vacation. I hope to see you there!

The patterns will not be available for sale until after the classes so hopefully at the end of January.

Red Lady

It is rainy here. The rain is suppose to last all week and is keeping me from photographing outside like I usually do. That is why these pics are a little “shadowy”. But, I don’t want to wait until next week to post her!

Using more of my beautiful silk ribbon.

and her sister

You can see the wavy fabric print here-

A vintage button-

I think they look like sisters, maybe even twins!

I will be putting these 2 ladies into my Etsy shop today and also this fine fellow. I never heard back from the person who commissioned him. In case you wonder why I don’t usually take commissions…

And, my toy designs are on sale over at Land Of Nod if you’ve been holding off on purchasing something.

Winter worlds

It has been feeling pretty wintery around here. We’ve had a few dustings of snow and some cold days mixed in with days in the 50s. Very New England. And, I’ve been making Tiny Worlds, because, you know, they were started and in a bin and I am cleaning my studio *wink wink*

A big one and a littler one. These cups come from the thrift store and it is hard to find cups that work for the winter scenes. I wouldn’t use a flowery cup for one of these and cups decorated with flowers are the most common. Sometimes they don’t come with saucers, in case you are wondering.

I will be putting these into my etsy shop at the end of the week- I have a few more in progress and I want to do it all together.

Reminder- I won’t be doing any markets this December. If you are interested in anything you see here you can email me directly at mimik@pobox.com or check out my etsy shop.