Back of Experimental SkirtThe last few weeks, I worked on stitching details for a skirt in my spare time--a few hours here and there. I wanted to try making 'raised paneling' by bunching up the surface--not sure if it looks like paneling--too organic, but it does look kind of neat. I think it will look better stuffed, but right now I am not too keen on it. (It is the skirt for the
swamp shoes doll.) I am thinking about adding white paint to help create the look of paneling. Meh. I will figure it out. In the meantime, I will just move it from table to table and glare at it from time to time.
Sue's Seahorse, Which is now mine.
A friend of mine, Sue Von Jentzen, made this beautiful little seahorse ornament--I would love to coat my Christmas tree in these. The seahorse surface is what inspired me to try making the raised stitching (I am sure there is a technical term for this sort of stitching, but I am too lazy to look it up ;p.)
Now my horror story... which has little to do with sea horses (actually nothing). So, anyone who has sewn by hand with upholstery weight ultrasuede knows the stuff is thick! I use beading needles to break through the toughness--and I bend several in the process. (I am getting somewhere with this.)
Couch of doom: Looks harmless...I have a little red couch-shaped pin cushion that I keep needles tucked away in (the top opens on a hinge). As I was doing so much hand sewing, I had the little couch on my desk. Somehow, in the mad rush of looking for something on my desk, I managed to send it sprawling. There were about 200 needles of all shapes and sizes nestled into the storage compartment of that couch and I watched them all go flying into the carpet, papers and pile of yarns and fibers I had on the floor. I had Alex come help me (actually, I think he heard my anguished cry because he showed up at the door) and verrry slowly, we crawled over the carpet picking out the needles one by one. I think we got most all of them--at least I haven't found any with my foot. Yet. ;/
birdvlopesAnd lastly, I got a bunch of free posters from work last year. They are pretty neat--full color images of Washington state birds--the posters are large (at least 24 by 36 inches), so many of the birds are 5 inches long or more. The problem is, I have about 30 of the same poster. So, I have been trying to think up interesting things to do with them. The paper is excellent quality, so decoupage or collage is definitely doable. Also, gift wrap or gift bags. Then I saw these cool
map envelopes by etsy seller
PaperRoute and decided to try making some #10 envelopes with the birds. They turned out pretty neat. And for now, I will call them birdvlopes because I like silly names.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 11:13PM
Reader Comments (6)
I keep looking at your skirt and seeing pie crust dough. I'm sorry, as I know that's not exactly what you had in mind. But knowing you, the finished product will look beautiful. I think something is lost in the picture process sometimes.
A new puppy this weekend - SAVE ALL YOUR NEWSPAPERS!
I guess you're feeling better today. That's good.
Lol.. you know I kept looking at it and it reminded me of something--that's it! Pie crust. Oh, I will make it work...I am determined ;p.
I know...puppy countdown is happening fast.
LOL...piecrust dough is a perfect description! I think I will have to see the skirt completed. If the stitching is stuffed, you would call it trapunto.
Love the seahorse!!! Does your friend have a website/shop?
When I had carpet in my studio in our old house I also had a broom handle with a large magnet on the end. Worked wonders on picking up needles and pins and was a lot less painful than having my foot find them. (needle law - when dropped they never land flat).
Great idea on the envelopes Jess!
YAAAYYY new puppy soon, can't wait to see the pics.
Take your award on my blog! Deeply impressed by your creativity!
That seahorse ornament is beautiful.
PussDaddy
yep - i was going to suugest magnets as well :)