Thread Painting

There was nothing on TV and I was bored so I took a look at some videos about stuff and I found this very simple demonstration on thread painting. I know it's more complex than this but for a newbie like me this seems not so intimidating as some I've seen:)



I have a very old sewing machine and it has a straight stitch and a zig zag and not much else. I was very surprised to see that they were all that the demonstrator used.

Take care:)

Monthly Make-It Challenge - August

 

I'm cutting it close this month for the Monthly Make-It Challenge. I really didn't have anything to show.

I rummaged around and found a piece of embroidery that I had done about 2 years ago. The embroidery pattern was a freebie but I can't remember the source that I got it from at the moment. If anyone recognizes it let me know.

I had a fat quarter from the Sew-Sisters Bargain Lover's Club that I really didn't think I could use for anything but it matched the embroidery perfectly. I teamed them up together and made this little tote bag last night. The embroidery was done on a piece of unbleached cotton and I lined the bag with a remnant of sheeting which is a bit lighter shade than the fabric.
                                                                   

I had some flat faceted "buttons" that I used for the eyes...sparkly:)

The finished size is about 10 1/2 in. by 13 in.

Perfect for carrying a book or a magazine:)

I'm also joining up with the Needle&Thread Network. Please come over and visit and see the work of some talented Canadians.

I usually link up my other blog A Cloth Doll Maker's Diary and it's not a WIP but today I thought I'd do something different.

Take care:)

Oddly Strange and Beautiful........

Riusuke Fukahori creates this art by painting in layer by layer with acrylics. The result is an amazing art piece that looks impressively real!

August TUSAL

It's that time again.....

 

If you want to know what a TUSAL is go to the tab on my menu bar or go and visit.....It's Daffycat:)


Here it is.......the magical and amazing ORT jar......

Take care:)

Rock.......?

For some odd reason our cat Smokey likes to hang out with the St. John's Wort bush in our garden. Usually completely under it and hidden away.

He will spend hours resting there......even when it's teeming down with rain and he's getting soaked. We have no idea why.

At first I thought he was waiting for birds at our feeder but he can't see them as he is facing towards the middle and can't possibly see a thing.  When he's not in sight and we can't find him we look there first:)

Strange cat........

Yes..... the grass is long but lovely and green now......we can't get it cut as it keeps raining which is fine as the farmers desperately need it after the drought we have had. In fact it's clouding over again and it looks like it might rain soon.

Take care:)

Free Doll Pattern.......

Colleen Babcock over at The Magic Bean is offering a free doll pattern.....it's a very sweet little doll.

Here's a bit of Colleen's description from her blog........

"step by step photo instructions not only include how to sew and make the doll's body it also includes how to make her little knickers, shoes and a completely reversible dress.    The instructions also cover some great sewing tricks like using French seams and "stitching in the ditch", so this project is also a great opportunity to improve your sewing skills."

Not only is she offering this pattern but in later weeks there will be a pattern for pajamas and slippers:) 


This is a great Christmas gift for some little girl...or big girl....that you know.

L'il More Than Your Average Rag Doll Free Pattern and Tutorial

 

July TUSAL......

Last month.....empty.

This month......

I also have a jar for the bits I snip off as I sew. I'm a bit of a neat freak when it comes to threads and bits around my sewing machine.

You'll see lots of mauve and green because I been making this......

Water Lily online class with Colleen Babcock

If you want to know what a TUSAL is go to the tab on my menu bar or go and visit.....It's Daffycat:)

Take care:)

Handmade bags with textile artist Marilyn Pipe

I thought this was pretty interesting. I'm still looking for an idea to use the bag handles I received from the Felt Fairy in January....maybe I will give this a try.....

Soggibottom Giveaway......

Made by Karina

This lovely handmade necklace is being offered by Soggibottom as a giveaway. Go over and visit and see what it's all about:)

Until July 22nd.....

Monthly Makes For July....So Far

The Felt Fairy

    


I think I have been busier this month making things than I usually am. Maybe because the weather is so hot and I'm inside trying to stay cool.

Here is a Goddess style doll.......sort of a Wild West vibe:)

Here are two Dotee dolls I made for a swap......

I made another Woodland Elf this time in blue for my sister-in-law......

And, a faux crazy quilt scrappy pillow......yesterday's experiment.

I have also been taking a five week on line class to make a doll called Water Lily. This is the last week and I'll show that finish next week:)

Take care.

Textile art - creating new surfaces using fabric scraps

So after I found out all about yo-yos and puffs I did a bit more searching and I found this video...



I have lots of little bits of fabric as my mum taught me by example never to throw any fabric away no matter how small and insignificant a bit. She had a lot of sayings one being "waste not, want not". She used bits as trim on aprons and pillows and anything and everything. She really liked to make her own buttons too.

So I looked for some bits that were sort of coordinated but really I was looking for the smallest pieces I had.

Some...:)

I had two pieces of muslin about 14 in x 15 in that I used for the backing and just randomly placed the bits to cover the muslin.

 
I didn't have any organza but I did have some scraps of bridal tulle so I used that instead. Then I randomly stitched here and there both ways. Anyone who is a whiz at FMQ would be able to make a lovely pattern but as I was just experimenting I did any old thing. My goal was to make sure the bits were anchored down.

The result....it did tone down the colours of the fabrics but I now have two very sturdy  pieces of fabric to make something with....maybe a pillow for my sewing room:)

I added some odd pieces of fiber threads

Would I do this again...absolutely. I can see all kinds of uses for this idea. I have box of bridal tulle and crinoline netting in pale mint green from my DIL's prom dress and I have been wondering what to do make with it....hmmmm:)

Take care.

Sewing Fabric Yo-Yos and Suffolk Puffs....

I don't know about the rest of you but I seem to have lots of little scraps of fabric that I don't want to throw away. I was looking around for an easy project to use these bits up that I could do while watching TV or listening to the radio or even sitting outside on the deck. I've also noticed recently that yo-yo puffs or Suffolk puffs have had a revival of late so....


I found this idea on www.hancockfabrics.com.....under Free Projects - Sewing Projects. It's a PDF but I have copyied it here for you to see.

It reminded me of a tablecloth I made many years ago. You could make it in any size or any shape.

http://www.hancockfabrics.com

http://www.hancockfabrics.com

Just in case you have never made a puff before..... here are two videos to show you how.........

 Here is the link to the file that she mentions in the video......http://www.knitting-and.com/embroidery/pdf/yoyo.pdf......if you page down you will find a graft for your yo-yo designs.

So puff away...................:)

Take care.

How To Make A Mannequin Pincushion......

I thought this was kind of cute and very easy too. A nice gift for someone who sews......

Here is the website that it comes from for further information and the template..........DIY Dish.

Take care:) 

p.s. Is it just me but these girls remind me of Marie Osmond...?