Craftmanship in Nature

Nothing I make could ever compete with the beauty in our garden right now! Please enjoy your stroll through the flowers.

More rust

I know, I know..."rust" is becoming a four-letter word, however my creative time today was severely limited, so this is another picture I took yesterday of my 'cooked' rust project from the weekend. I'm really liking the effect (can't you tell??).

Challenge accepted!

OK Arlee...I'm accepting the challenge and will see what I can create with all my rust experiments! It's going to be totally outside my realm of comfort, I can tell you that, but I'm really excited about it.

We were away for the weekend, so I apologize for the no-post on Saturday. While we were away I left another 'experiment' cooking out in the sunroom. This time I tore apart a steel wool pad and included it with my other rusty bits when I rolled the fabric up. Dosed the whole thing with vinegar and left it. When I checked it this morning and unrolled the fabric I was totally amazed to discover the entire steel wool 'bits' had totally disinitigrated and there wasn't a trace of it left! Wow. Now I gotta root through the garage and see if I can find some more for the next piece.

The picture today is of what I saw when I first looked at it this morning. I couldn't believe the pattern that was left in the plastic container, never mind what the fabric looked like! This is way cool and I'm planning to use the pictures I took in my wallhanging...somehow. This whole process is exciting!!

Rust fetish

Yep, I'm beginning to think I'm a bit possessed by this rusting technique! Now I just have to figure out what I'm going to actually do with it now. I've been toying with making a cq-style piece, using chunky beads and metal nuts, bolts, etc. (maybe a wallhanging). Or...a fabric book of sorts. Or...use for backgrounds for atc's. Decisions, Decisions!!

Right now I'm at the point where I have no orders for anything or gifts to make, which means I can actually do some art. It's almost scary because I so rarely have nothing pressing that needs doing. I think the last time might have been two days back in 2002!! What to do, what to do? I know!...make more rust!!!!!!!!!!

Progress!

Just feast your eyes on this neatly organized shelving unit AND the huge bag of cast-off denim heading to the recycling! I have down-sized my denim stash by about half and after I finish the current projects, the rest will be going too.

The red bin holds my bits of more interesting denim, such as flowers and neat zippers, etc. The blue bin holds pockets. The bottom shelf currently holds my quilting bats and toy stuffing. The brownish thing on the top shelf holds my cat Cosmo...sound asleep when this was taken.

A drop in the paper bucket

I'm recycling, with a vengeance! There are three huge bags of fabric going out to the recycling tomorrow AND I've filled another large bin with 'stuff' like what you see in the picture. I have an entire filing cabinet *full* of patterns/downloads off the internet/ideas and the lion's share of it is destined to go out, out, out. Why on earth do I feel I have to print out every single thing I see that I just might (key word is 'might'!!) want to do someday? 90% (or more) of it I've forgotten I even have. Yikes. What you see in the picture is just a mere fraction of what I chucked today. Yeah, me!!

I also finished another denim tote bag, but since I've already posted pictures of those, there's not much point in showing yet another one! If you're really curious, scroll down....

Finished block and mumblings

Here you see the finished block for the friendship/cancer quilt that I started yesterday. Even I'm impressed at how fast I finished it! I didn't do any beading on this because it's most likely the only CQ'd piece in the quilt and I wanted to be sure it would be washable. All I have left is to put my name on it and deliver it to the organizers.

On another subject entirely - I've noticed a number of people in blog-land talking about coming to the realization that they are compromising their own artistic selves in favour of 'following the crowd' and attempting to try everything new that's out there. Keeping up with the Jones's, so to speak. I found the discussion  to be particularly on-the-mark. I had been toying with the idea of signing up to do an altered board book swap in one of my groups, but Arlee made me really stop and think about my motives and I've realized that I really don't want to get involved in any more outside projects, just for the sake of trying/learning something new. My wish-list of projects has simply gotten too long and I never seem to manage to get around to doing any of them. So....I didn't sign up for the swap (yeah, me!) AND I also didn't sign up for the Bead Journal Project, despite really wanting to (double yeah, me!).

Another thing I've noticed on the blogs is that there is a 'movement' out there to downsize stashes and use up what you've got. Perhaps the two subjects are related? I know that's where my focus is right now. I have stuff I have forgotten even getting...even things I've purchased and never taken out of the package (all because I was trying to keep up with the trends). I've put the brakes on buying anything new and it really feels good. I have enough stash to make at least twenty crazy quilts and an entire (large!) shelving unit jammed with recycled denim. I think that can keep me busy for quite some time!

Beauty and pain

Two pictures today. The flower is a night-bloomer in our garden and is absolutely gorgeous. We have to be careful though, especially in the spring, because the foliage looks suspiciously like a dandelion and it's altogether too tempting to haul them out without thinking. They bloom from now through most of the summer which is quite remarkable. It's fun to sit outside at dusk and watch them open. First they start to tremble and within about half an hour they've gone from bud to full bloom. This happens each and every night with varying numbers of flowers on each plant.

The crazy quilt block is one I'm working on in a hurry for a special quilt being made for a member of our quilt guild who is undergoing treatment for cancer at the moment. A number of us are each making a block (of any sort) which will then be put together into a 'friendship and prayer' quilt for her. I have less than a week to do my part, so I'd better get busy!

Rust!

OK...who would have dreamt? This is my first (but not my last!!) attempt at rust dyeing.

I've been reading about it on different sites on the 'net and decided that I ought to give it a try and now I'm hooked. Of course the men in my family think I'm more than ready for the one-way ticket to the insane asylum. They simply couldn't figure out why I wanted 'rusty stuff' from the workshop. "What - you want THAT nail? - it's RUSTY - here, this one is much better" were just some of the comments I got while I dug about in what they consider to be their domain looking for treasures.

I made a mixture of vinegar and some salt (added a bit of water, but didn't need to), wetted down a piece of waste fabric (this piece is cotton) and wrapped the rusty bits into it. I put the whole mess into a plastic dishpan and set it in the sunroom to cook. Keep it moist for a day. This morning I unwrapped my experiment and this is what I got!! This is exciting and, better yet, cheap to do. I rinsed it well and hung it out to dry. DH promptly informed me that the neighbours would be thinking I was hanging out something covered in poop (argh...no appreciation for ART). I was so excited that I immediately put another piece of fabric on to cook. Can't wait.

Another bag!

More denim and cotton used out of my stash to make this tote bag. I thought I'd do this one using the crazy quilt method I use for the jackets and I'm pleased with it. I think I'll make a couple more of these and put them away for gifts. There are two pockets on each side of the outside and I put two more inside so there's lots of storage.

It's a great way to use up stash, however - how come it doesn't look as if I've even touched it??

Book review...cause nothing is ready to show!

Sorry folks, everything I'm working on is at the stage where they aren't worth showing, so...guess what?....a book review!!

This is yet another of those books that I love, but have never used to make anything. I should be ashamed because it's a good book.

I quote: "From snow globes and paperweights to jewelry and pillows..." and " Using popular techniques including collage, needlework, rubber stamping, and more, you'll find ideas for making memory projects from the cherished collectibles previously tucked away in a drawer or cabinet."

Stats: Memory Crafting - Beyond the Scrapbook by Judi Kauffman c1999, published by Krause Publications ISBN # 0-87341-795-X

On toilet paper and atc's

I'll bet that title got your attention!! Today was our CQTeer meeting and these atc's are the ones I received for the queen theme swap.

The technique we learned was 'toilet paper casting' using rubber stamps. What fun that was and I love the results. And before anybody asks, the toilet paper wasn't used already :) It's the type of technique I like...cheap supplies and a near result. Can't wait to do more of these!

Stash Reduction!

Here's another bag I just finished making this afternoon using some of the denim I have in my stash, along with some bright orange cotton print I have lurking about. Sorry the picture has turned out rather dark. This one has four pockets on the outside and I put two more on the inside so there's lots of space for storage. I think that next time I would make some sort of tab to hold it closed at the top because it seems to gap open a bit too much. That might be rectified once it has 'stuff' inside though.

Now I'm off to start another design!

TAST - Crossed buttonhole stitch

Our challenge for week 21 is the Crossed Buttonhole Stitch - another one I have never attempted. I like it!

I'm running late this week so I've only used it in one place, but I can see all sorts of possibilities for it. I began this seam treatment with one row of ordinary buttonhole (which is showing at the bottom of the picture. Then I added another row of crossed buttonhole above that. 'Extras' include beaded flowers, french knots and daisy stitch. I used pearl cotton for the stitches.

ATC swap

I actually got some work done today! I finished the shopping cart cover and worked on these two atc's for our CQTeers Swap. The theme this time is 'queen'. I had such fun with both of these, but most especially the Compost Queen. The image (which I had downloaded some time ago from www.aisling.net) of the sour-faced woman on the left somehow suited compost...or at the very least, the way it smells!! Her crown is made from a small piece of German scrap I got from www.artchixstudios.com.

The scan doesn't show the metallic candy wrapper I used on the upper left very well, but it's a beautiful shade of copper. Her crown is a sequin.

Something interesting...and fun

No crafting done here today...I'm nursing a sore back which is entirely my own fault for sleeping under the fan last night. 'Nuff said.

So...in lieu of pictures here today...I have something fun for you to check out! Go to www.layersuponlayers.com and scroll down to the entry of May 23rd for some pretty cool fencing!! Enjoy.

Nearly done

I have nearly finished the work on this shopping cart cover. The fabric I'm using is what you see behind the pattern picture. Taking a picture of that just looks like a blob of fabric...pretty, but a blob. All I have left to do is insert the elastic.

Normally I like McCall's patterns, but this one should have an instruction revision I think. Either that, or I'm particularly dense at the moment.

I've stumbled onto another fun blog... http://thewonderfulworldofnothing.blogspot.com Don't go there expecting crafts because there aren't any. It's written by an office worker and is very funny.

Stitches in Time!

The mail was exciting today (no bills for a change). My Stitches in Time atc swap arrived and the art is so cool!! I really can't pick a favourite because they are all great.

The other three atc's arrived too ...the details are incredible. Each time I look at them I see something new. If anyone is contemplating joining a swap, do it because you won't regret it. I'm so happy with what I've received.

The mail also brought the guide for the breast cancer support fundraiser I'm involved in. If you're interested in seeing my donation quilt (wall hanging) go to www.TheQuilt.com and look for quilt #113 in the Stratford exhibition. It's called Ribbons of Hope. While you're there, it's well worth a surf through all the other quilts that have been donated. Enjoy!

Oops...forgot yesterday was Monday!

I should have posted yesterday, but I forgot what day it was. For those that don't live in Canada, this past weekend was our 24th of May long weekend...more commonly known these days as the May 2-4. Come to think of it, I don't remember posting on Saturday either!

In my defense, my DH came down with pneumonia & it currently on some pretty heavy-duty meds, which are making him somewhat loopy. Now I know what he'd be like if he did recreational drugs!! Scary thought.

Because there's been a decided lack of creativity on my part over the past few days, I decided it was time for another book review.

"In Fabric Art Journals....Pam Sussman guides you through the process of creating tactile, beautiful books and journals from cloth. The book explores...painting, dyeing, writing techniques, decorative stitching, machine an dhand embroidery, image transfers and quilting. "

There are a large number of coloured photos and an extensive gallery at the back of the book. I have yet to try making anything from this book, but it's on my to-do list. I would say that this book would be a good general how-to book, but if you're beyond a beginner and looking for more in-depth information another publication might be more valuable to you.

Specs: 'Fabric Art Journals' by Pam Sussman published by Quarry Books ISBN# 1-59253-196-2

Bear # 4...finished!

Looks like I made an Ewok! This bear is very fuzzy. I think the fur is raccoon but I'm not sure. Right now he's sporting a white bow, but that will change once I know whether it's a boy or a girl.

Now I'm off to make a receiving blanket.

Sheep anyone?

I've had a request from someone wanting me to make sheep from her old persian wool coat. Who knew that sheep patterns were non-existent? Do any of my readers know of a book or pattern that might be available? I'm looking for something that looks like a sheep, not something too cutesy. I told her that a bear might be her only option if I'm unable to find what she wants. Anyway, I thought I'd throw it out here and see if anyone can point me in the right direction.

Sorry, no pictures today. It's been a rather disjointed day and I didn't make as much progress on the fur bear as I had hoped. Right now he looks like he's been be-headed (mainly because he hasn't got one!) and is in no shape to have his photograph taken. Keeping my fingers crossed for more time tomorrow.

Piles and ATC's

Interesting title for this post! Today I started working on a fur bear and cleared out my 'bin' of fur coats first. I have altogether too much so a lot of this is on it's way out, out, out. And before anybody gets excited...none of these coats were mine!! Wearing dead animals just isn't my thing, but I'm not upset to make bears out of them.

The other pictures show my last month's homework for the CQTeers group. The theme was monochromatic.

TAST - Weeks 19 & 20

Weeks 19 and 20 of the Take a Stitch Tuesday challenge (www.inaminuteago.com/blog) included two stitches I have never done, so I pretty much stuck to the original stitch without trying to change it.

Week 19 is the Basque Stitch which is in the left picture. I did a double row so that it would be on both sides of the seam. I know I will use this stitch a lot!

Week 20 is the Butterfly Chain Stitch. I love Sharon's samples so couldn't wait to try this one. It, too, will become a favourite. I added beads in between, just to add some sparkle. Magpie's like sparkle!!

If you would like to learn to make either of these stitches, just go to Sharon Boggon's site at www.inaminuteago.com and look for her stitch dictionary.

Check this out!

Today I had a long-overdue sew day with a couple of friends. Had a great time getting together and catching up with each other and our lives.

So, in lieu of a picture from me today, check this out....Sharon B on www.inaminuteago.com/blog has a very interesting article and lots of pictures today on 'how to use transfer dyes to print on synthetic fabric'. It looks like a really cool technique and one I've never seen done before. Enjoy!

Bear # 3!

I made this bear today from fake fur for a baby gift. I'll put the bow on once I know whether it's a girl or a boy. It's made from the same pattern as I used for the chenille one yesterday.

Next I'll be working on a 'real' fur one, which will be much more detailed. It will have moveable limbs, which this one doesn't. This bear is meant to be loved and not put on a shelf.

Bear #2

I finished this cuddly bear today, which is a gift for my SIL and is made from a recycled chenille bedspread she gave me awhile ago. This bear is actually a test run for the next one I'll be making using fake fur. I wanted a bear that is suitable for a baby to cuddle with and is a little on the soft and squishy side. I think this one will do nicely. Tomorrow I will start working on it.

TAST Week 18 and Completed Bear

I'm a week behind in the Take A Stitch Tuesday challenge, but better late than never! Actually, I was saving a spot on this bear to play with the stitch and you can see the results in the close-up picture.

The bear is one that was sent around in the latest round robin in the group I belong to. It's a fairly simple pattern with a minimum of seaming to allow for easier embellishing. Clicking on the pictures will give you greater detail.

Now I'm off to start making three more bears...one of real fur, one from a recycled chenille bedspread, and one from fake fur. All three are for gifts. Enjoy your day!

singing...."I'm So Excited and I Just Can't Hide It"

I know, I know, I'm off-key but hey, the words fit the treasure-trove that arrived in the mail today from my friend and I'm excited enough that I don't care how off-key I am! For those who want to know, the song is off the soundtrack for 'Beverly Hills Cop'.

Anyway, there are books full of pretty cool images for use in my art work AND (doing happy dance right now) some kensita silks AND a dragonfly and basket of flowers for use in my CQ's. As soon as I saw the silks I knew what I wanted to do with them. Since I'm in the downsizing mode with my stash I'll make cq squares with a silk as the focal point in each one and then put them all together in a quilt. I'm not promising a finished quilt anytime soon because I work slowly, but it's a perfect idea. Aren't they pretty? I'm such a lucky girl to have such a good friend. Thank you Jan!

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Almost Done

This is the back of the bear, which I think is finished. I have a couple more little things to add to the front pieces and it's ready to put together.

Today I added the embroidered flower in the centre (shaded purple embroidery floss) and to the right of that I added the grape vine and beaded grapes. I also stuck a few charms here and there to finish off areas.

The next time you see this it should be finished (I hope).

Hemorrhoids! ....

...more commonly known as piles! I have piles, and piles, and piles, and it's a painful process getting rid of them. Don't think any amount of Preparation H is going to help with this, do you?

This is my stack of fake fur, along with a curious cat and dog. Most of this is on the way out - I'll only be keeping a couple of smallish pieces in case I should feel inspired to make a bear anytime soon.

Next up is my huge box of real fur (also kept for bears and trim on santas). It, too, is destined for an overhaul.

Hmmm....is my house sitting higher off the ground? Surely it must be with all this stuff heading out the door!

Fabric Interventions

Sorry folks, no pictures again today. I spent the day helping a friend (who shall remain nameless to protect the not-so-innocent) drastically downsize her collection of fabric 'bits'. It's amazing just how much stuff we manage to accumulate in the name of 'might use it - someday' and that someday just never comes. Done that, been there and have downsized my stash mightily already and now it's more than ready to be done again.

The question arises - why exactly do we keep such things as fabrics that we know we hate and know we will never use? I know my excuse was always that I didn't want to waste it - but isn't it a waste to keep it knowing full well that it's just taking up space? It's like keeping a huge number of recipe books on a shelf when you never use them, or maybe they just have one or two things you like inside. Same with craft books. Hmmmm......better go take a look at the recipe book shelf......

More denim

I know I've posted this before, but since there's an interest right now in what to make from denim, I thought I'd show it again. This bag is made from 1/2" strips of denim and is knitted using a circular needle. The handles are made using the 'seam' up the leg and are just braided together. Enlarging the picture will show that the top of the bag is the waistband.

It's not a process I would choose to do very often. Knitting with denim is rather hard on the hands I found. I love the end result though!

Recycled Denim jacket

Sharon of www.inaminuteago.com/blog posed the question of what to do with recycled denim, so I thought I would post this again. I have used all sorts of denim pieces in this jacket, in the CQ style, utilizing some pockets and labels too. I've made a number of these jackets and find they're a great way to use up denim! I've also attempted knitting with denim strips too, which isn't something I would highly recommend. I liked the end result, but my hands didn't!

Beauty...and I should have stood in bed...

Now, isn't this a beautiful flower? It's the one and only for this year, which is a bit of a disappointment when my other plant was absolutely covered. I 'think' this might be another orchid cactus (can you verify Arlee?). All I can say is the picture doesn't do it justice.

On the topic of standing in bed (which is an expression my mother used when she was having a bad day)...the day began while I was still in bed (as days tend to do, I know). There was an odd noise. Maybe a car alarm going off somewhere? Hmmm....didn't sound like a car alarm. An alarm clock? No. Suddenly my feet hit the floor running as I realized that it must be Dad's personal alarm going off. Either he'd fallen or hit it and set it off. Guess which it was? By the time I hit his door at a mad dash, the phone was ringing. Yep, the alarm company. Four trips up & down the stairs later, we got that sorted out. Heart sort of returned to normal.

Part two..remembered that today Jacquie and I get together for our sewing time...my turn, so have to made something to eat with our coffee. I had found a pretty interesting recipe yesterday, so undertook to make it. Well. The cookies looked good when they came out of the oven. OK...take them off the pan, which is where the next problem arose. They wouldn't come off!! Stuck like glue. Wrestled them off in pieces (and yes, before you ask, I DID remember to grease the pan). My next mistake was to put them to the taste test. Yeeeewwwww.....they were SO sickeningly sweet and my teeth are still aching. Can't serve those! So...hmmm....what next? I know...a cake!! I have an easy recipe for a cake. Made cake, put in oven, and came out looking rather edible. Had a piece for lunch and yep, it was ok.

Part three....checked my calendar and guess what? I'm supposed to be going to Jacquies and it's HER turn to bake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, should have stood in bed.

P.S. Forgot to mention that in around all this I cleaned my workroom too...so we would have room to work.