MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Doll and more abc's

There is one more section of photos in the little book after this (so those of you who are totally bored at this point can know there's a light at the end of the tunnel!). The next part is pretty much all charming little pictures.
I just realized that I neglected to post a picture of the little doll I made for the St. Patricks swap on the Decidedly Different Doll group. So...here she is.....

Monday, March 29, 2010

Further on ABC book & what I've been doing (more or less)

Above is a sample of what I've been working on. I've been commissioned to make another of my recycled denim jackets and, because the lady likes flowers, I thought I'd embroider two or three to go on the jacket. Over the next few days I'll be working on that.
And, here are some more of the pages from the little ABC book.

Friday, March 26, 2010

More and....perky?


These bras give a whole new definition to 'perky' don't they?
While we're focusing on nostalgia, how about a 'Did You Know That in 1869'?
1 pair of laced ladies boots cost $2.25
Postage for a one year subscription to a newspaper cost 20 cents
1 1/2 yards of print fabric cost 30 cents
8 1/2 lbs. of sugar cost $1.00

You didn't? Well, neither did I until I started transcribing the accounts at the back of 'the book'!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Another installment....

There are more pages in this little book. Do you want to see them all? Leave a comment & let me know! More 50's fashion!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Part 3 of ABC book & '54 Fashions

I hope you're enjoying this series! I promise I will insert some pictures of what I'm working on currently later in the week.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

More ABC's and 1954 Fashions

Here are a couple more pages from the Prince Arthur's ABC book. Please feel free to use these images if you would like, but I would love it if you would let me see what you do!! Another 'find' is the Eaton's of Canada spring and summer catalogue from 1954 (the year I was born). The pages are all larger than my scanner will accept, but I will post an assortment for you to play with in your art. Most of the catalogue is in black & white, 605 pages of memories and lots to choose from for you to see! Hope you will enjoy the series.

Monday, March 22, 2010

ABC History

My Dad and I were going through some old papers and such and came across this little book of alphabets. It was given to his great uncle on 2nd Feb. 1867. Over the next few days, I'll scan a few of the images so you can see. As usual, if you'd like to see more detail, the images are clickable.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Crazy Quilt vest

Here you go Pam...a couple of pictures of the vest I made a number of years ago. I've posted pictures here before (way back when I started my blog) and one or two of you might remember it from then.
There has been no creativity over the past few days...been busy working on 'the book'. I have the main part of it done (350 pages of typing!) and now I'm working on the portion where my gr, gr grandfather kept his financial records. The end is in sight!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Our grand-kitty

#2 son and his girlfriend were visiting over the weekend and they brought their kitten along. He is a total live-wire and kept us laughing (and our animals hopping) all weekend. He had absolutely no fear of our critters and confused poor Gypsy (llasa-apso/shih szu) no end. She's used to playing a chasing game with Cosmo (who obliges her by running away). Stewie flatly refused to run and Gypsy didn't know how to react.


Hopefully, in these pictures you can see some of the Bengal spots and stripes. It's awfully hard to get a decent picture of something that doesn't sit still for more than two seconds at a time!










Thursday, March 11, 2010

Crazy Quilt UFO....done!!

Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile might remember that a couple of years ago (or was it three??) Sharon B ran a year-long crazy quilt colour challenge. I posted pictures of all the blocks I completed throughout the year and even managed to finish almost on time.

Well. Ummm. There was a great deal of waffling about what I was actually going to *do* with said blocks. I waffled about making them into a book. I waffled about making 12 pictures out of them. I waffled about leaving them in a drawer. After must discussion (a lot of it on my blog), it was decided I would make them into three panels to hang on the wall. Yeah! So, I got some nice green dupioni silk (my favourite fabric) and made them into panels.

Well. Ummmm. Yep.

They sat.

And they sat.

They grew dust balls.

They threw waves of guilt my direction.

So...I made up my mind that I was going to finish them, come h-e-double-hockey sticks or high water.

Ta-dah...they are. Done, done and done!!

Now, anybody want to place bets on when they'll actually get hung on the wall?

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Housecoat # 2


This one is for me! Another McCall's pattern #9638, which is a mens pattern. I used it simply because I had the pattern already. I made it in large and, if I had to do it again, I think a medium would be big enough. I like my housecoats to be sloppy and comfie and this one fits the bill.

Friday, March 05, 2010

Journal cover and.....sewing???

I added a few doodads to the back cover of Persia's journal. The starfish on the lower left is a brooch. The lobster and ship were both earrings in a previous life.

Today I spent the day sewing a housecoat from some lovely soft fabric. If you're interested, the pattern is from McCall's #4320. Tomorrow I just might get carried away and make another one!

Thursday, March 04, 2010

Doll Journal for Persia!

I just finished working on my journal pages for Persia (Em's doll). You will remember the ship I altered for her, so it features on page one of the journal. The background is a coloring page I found on the internet which I 'painted' using my favourite water color pencils.
Page two features a copy of the treasure map. The background is one of my masking tape faux leather papers.
Page three has a piece of 'brush-wipings' fabric for a background, some burlap, some fish and an anchor. Page four (below) has another piece of my 'odd' background papers (can't remember how I did it now, but I do know there's some crumpled aluminum foil involved). A piece of metallic ribbon, some chain, a copper garden marker and a plastic shell.


Finally, the picture above is the holder Jack made for the treasure map. It's painted and gold leafed. The map rolls up and fits inside.

Hope you like it Em!

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Doll Swap!

Look what came in the mail today!! This lively little fellow was made for me by Therese of the Decidedly Different Doll Group and he is absolutely adorable. Please click on the pictures to see more detail. He is fully poseable and sports the cutest plaid pants and velvet vest with teeny tiny little bead buttons. He's holding a four-leaf clover necklace Therese made for me.
Here's a side view so you can see his funky hair a bit better. How cool is that?!! Talk about a Mohawk!
AND...I don't think Therese knows that I collect atcs....she included one!


ps. I'll show a picture of the doll I made for the swap after it arrives at Stacies.