IN Production Mode

I have been stitching the sweater leftovers as I go along. This is a much better way to approach the situation as then I have a bag of flower makings. Instead of a bag of mess. A new approach for me which hopefully rubs off to all other things in my studio.

The reason behind the sweater leftovers is I have been working on a line of skirts created from reconstructed sweaters and tops. So far I have come up with three basic designs, two for sweaters and one for tee's or lightweight knits. Oh I am also making flowers if you didn't guess, which are being used for embellishment or are having new lives as hair accessories and brooches.

My goal is to get about a dozen done and then do some proper pictures.

Contest - Sublime Stitching

My design is finished and completely stitched now just to get it sent off to be judged. I ended up using pieces of four designs by Sublime plus some details added by me to tie it all together. I used some hand distressed fabric around the edges to frame it a bit but I haven't decided what to do with it as a finished item. It always frustrates me when I get a bit of gathering in the fabric where there is heavier stitching. I have tried numerous methods of stabilizer but in general whenever I use a lighter fabric as my base(which makes for easier stitching in general)there is always some puckering. And my obsessive gene rears its ugly head.

Contest

SO this is the beginning of a piece I am working on for the contest Sublime Stitching is holding. You must use a minimum 3 patterns put out by the company. I have used 4 plus added some of my own design to tie it all together. I think it may take a lot more hours to complete, but so far so good. Part of the decision making is going to be how to finish the edges once I am completed with the main picture.

I am also presently working on a panel for the shop using hand dyed cottons and embroidery. This way I have a little variety of pieces to work on. Also need to start a piece on the theme of Mad Hatter's Tea Party, for this one I need to decide what medium I want to work in. Keep debating about doing something more sculptural.

Munchkin's Project

Or I should say the project she demanded Mommy make. I got the embroidery done, now to make it into something. She doesn't need anything else to hang on the wall. Some may say shes spoiled as she does not lack for artwork on her bedroom walls or anywhere else in the house. Some's mine, some's hers and well things by other artists are plentiful in our house also. I always wonder when people come to visit and they wander kinda aimlessly or in wonderment trying to take everything in. I guess you can say our decor is not sparse.

So back to the embroidery. What should I make a pillow, bag(for her treasures), clothing item? Or I am open to suggestions. If you have an opinion let me know.

Scenic Napanee

So last night after supper we decided to go for a walk along the Napanee River. It's the first time we have made it down to the new and improved boardwalk. It is pretty impressive though I am not overly keen on the pavement, but I do get why they chose it. The old boardwalk was made of wood planks and was always needing some replaced. This new one is also much wider which makes it easier for people walking dogs with their children in tow. Munchkin was in heaven, she likes to check out the ducks and the fountain(s). They just added a second fountain so now there is one at each end.

The Blue Heron was fishing for his supper. He likes to hang out at the bottom of the Falls and catch fish as they come over.

Embroidery Swap

I know the cloud looks sad, I think it is because he realizes he is interrupting the bees work day. Anyways I like it, I hope my partner does also. It is from a pattern for Sublime Stitching designed by Julie West. Of course I now have had a demand from munchkin to do her one, so she helped me pick out the images and where to put them. Hers is going to be on some handdyed cottons. I really like the look of hand embroidery on the handdyes.

I also need to get busy on some other swaps that involve embroidery, one is called Not Drawn By Me, I need to check if my partner would appreciate something drawn by munchkin or whether I need to get an adult to draw something for me. Not that it will necessarily be a better drawing.

What I Have Been Playing With

So I have been playing around with making jewelry from all repurposed/recycled items. Thus this necklace. It is made from an old belt buckle, seeds, beads, wire, felt bauble and some velvet ribbon. Oh and an old rhinestone brooch.

I like how it turned out so I think some more may be in the near future. It is actually very comfortable to wear, it's much lighter then it looks.