Artstitches

Geelong Fibre Forum Open Day

2011-09-25T17:59:00.000+10:00

(Geelong Fibre Forum 2008 - knitting installation)

I've just realised that the Geelong Fibre Forum Open day is on next weekend (almost missed it!)... Not sure if I'll make it this year, but if you are in Geelong you should head on over and check it out! It's a great chance to see what all of the *lucky* participants of the week long live-in-workshop progam have created, as well as check out the Heathen Bazaar (market of wares from people who've attended the forum) and the trades hall (a large number of textile related traders all in one place).

The display of participant work is on from 9am to 12noon and the traders are open till 12.30pm. For more information go to the TAFTA website

One year I will actually make it to the forum as one of those *lucky* participants that I'm so envious of...

Photo shoot booked...

2011-09-24T08:15:00.000+10:00

I've finally booked the photo shoot of my artwork!!! October 3rd Jennifer from JapArts Photography is coming to my place to take the first ever "proper-professional-photos" of my art and I'm EXCITED!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday I delivered 4 works to my framer Framed by You in Richmond to have them re-set without the glass so that we can get some good close-up shots. I still have 2 more pieces to negotiate a loan and collect and 2 that are yet to be framed (and probably won't be done in time), but it's a start!!

In full bloom...

2011-09-18T15:28:00.004+10:00

I've been admiring these trees in other peoples gardens lately... They are just loaded with flowers and look absolutely gorgeous!

Well imagine my suprise when, as I spent the day outside creating a vegie garden and making the most of the sun to do some Sun Dyeing, I discovered that this beauty was residing just over my back fence!!

It certainly is impressive! It's just a shame that I don't have any windows (expcept the bathroom loovers - the textured type that you can't see into/out of) that overlook it...

Background work...

2011-09-18T00:15:00.002+10:00

When I delivered my 2 latest works to the framers last week I made a last-minute-decision that I didn't like the background of smaller of the two pieces (the one pictured in my previous post) and so I left the work but promised that I would deliver a new background.

The problem (as I see it) was that the old background was a bit "dull"... it didn't have any spark or life to it and made the piece look a bit flat. Being a silhouette, it works really well if there's a good contrast between the background and the black trees - which this one lacked.

And so I have returned to my original idea of silk paper (originally abandoned when my silk-dyeing efforts failed last weekend and I was impatient to get the two pieces to the framer).

After searching the city last week for silk tops (unsuccessfully), this morning I took a trip over to Zart Art and found some colours that would work. I am also looking at purchasing some un-dyed silk tops so that I can colour them myself, but I was keen to get started.

Ingredients: Silk fibres (Tussah Silk tops), Spray bottle with water/detergent mixture, Textile Medium, Tulle netting and kitty litter tray

Laying out the fibres

Ready to wet and apply Textile Medium

Hanging out to dry after being saturated with Textile Medium

Results to come tomorrow after it's dried and pressed...

It's all systems go!...

2011-09-14T22:14:00.000+10:00

I have just delivered two new artworks to Framed by You in Richmond and am in negotiation with Jennifer from J.A.P. Arts Photography to take some photos of my work so that I can put together a professional-looking portfolio and at sometime down the track re-vamp the blog and/or create a website... I now have 3 of the 6 pieces that I've created at home ready to photographed but need to arrange to get the other 3 back in time for the "yet-to-be-booked" photo shoot.The Facebook page is also up and running and is screaming out for some decent pictures to "show-off" my work. The problem is that all of this costs money... and so when the newest 2 works are framed I'm going to head off to the galleries to see if I can get them hung and more importantly, get them sold! My head is also swimming with ideas for other pieces and so I'm going to make the most of this new "inspiration" and get creating!

The photographer search...

2011-09-03T07:58:00.000+10:00

After a couple of weeks of sendine enquiries (and not getting many responses) I think that I have finally found someone who "gets" what I do!!!

She is an artist as well as photographer and her art is layered and framed in shaddow box frames as well. And even better is that her quoted price is VERY reasonable!

Now to book a time, coordinate with the framer to remove the glass and reset them, oh and "borrow back" the ones I've sold - do you think that's a bit cheeky?...

I think it's about time...

2011-08-25T07:17:00.000+10:00

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: I think it's about time...
From: Sophie Lanham <artstitches76@gmail.com>
To: go@bogger.com
CC: null

It's about time I put together a portfolio of the artworks I have done so far. I'm going to start looking for a professional photographer to take some good quality pictures of each piece. Even though I have already sold 3 and the 4th is in a gallery, they are currently all in Melbourne (for now) so I shoud be able to "borrow" them for a short time.

Artstitches is now on Facebook...

2011-08-23T21:35:00.002+10:00

I've been sewing...

2011-08-23T08:42:00.000+10:00

I can't show any more just yet as this is a gift, but it's a make-up purse of sorts.

I'm very impressed with how it's turned out with only 1 hour, no pattern and creating on-the-fly!!!

A win... A Gallery... & Down Sizing...

2011-05-15T10:40:00.000+10:00

Recently I entered one of my 3D stitched artwork into the Sydney Easter Show... and after leaving it to the last minute and working madly through the night, I managed to get a second place! The show is essentially a 'craft' competition, and because of the way the categories worked, my 3D machine embroidered works were in the same class as hand embroidered articles which would have made judging rather difficult to say the least. But that aside, I was very pleased to have been awarded with 2nd place :)

Before Framing - at the framers testing out matboard colours

On display at the show - the framed one in the middle with the red SECOND ribbon :)

Following the success of this, and still on a high about the fact that "I can create! and I do it well!!" I managed to get the courage up to ask a local gallery about exhibiting some of my work.... and here it is...

So now.. followint the buzz of excitement I felt about creating my latest works, and actually getting some into a gallery (and almost - it's in the works - making a sale!) I've decided that I should take stock of what I have and look at 'speciallising' in what I love most - 3D machine embroidery. Which means that I've decided that it's time to get rid of the myriad of "stuff" in my spare room/studio and just focus on what I need - threads, soluble fabrics and my sewing machine. I can't quite be that ruthless though, so I think I'll still hang onto the bag-making stuff (fabric and bag hardware) but there's lots that's going to go!

I kicked off the downsizing this week by listing lots and lots of sewing machine threads that I no longer use on ebay (I've found a brand of threads that works better for me - my work is thick and bulky and I need a strong thread). Yesterday I listed my old Bernina Sewing Machine, and later today I'm hoping to put some more stuff up. Keep an eye out if you're interested - my ebay username is artstitches (of course!)

Sometimes, it doesn't take much....

2011-02-13T20:02:00.000+11:00

*Warning - totally unrelated to textiles, craft, arts, not even remotely....:)*

A complete stranger (well not complete - but she was a stranger before today) said something today that has had the most amazing affect on me...

I should quickly backtrack so that you can understand... I have spend the weekend at a workshop called "The Happiness Trap" run by Russ Harris and based on the book The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living The workshop was amazing and very worthwhile, but what I wanted talk about happened through a connection I made with a person at the workshop.

Throughout the weekend we were asked to do exercises and then share our responses with another person. Some of the things that we were sharing/talking about were quite personal, and by the end of the day, the person I was working with had seen quite a few "snapshots" of me, my life, my feelings, my fears, and my dreams (and likewise me of hers).

At the end of the day we were asked to simply thank the other person and share what we got out of the exercises. To my amazement, this person, whom I'd only met that morning, told me something that brought me to tears... (sorry - should have warned you about the sappyness of this post). She thanked me for sharing with her and told me that she thought that I had a lot to offer the world. ...that she thought that I was a strong person and that she was inspired by my courage...

Now I have been told this before by people who are close to me (I'm not big headed... read on - if you're still with me that is), but the weight of these comments, coming from somebody who I've only just met, and will never see again, is immense!!! I've been struggling with the concept of "getting back into the game" and meeting new people and "dating" (such and ugly work that!) and whether I'll ever find my real true love (sorry - sappy again!) so the timing of this comment couldn't have been better. It's not that I didn't believe my friends and family, it's that I figured they'd known me long enough to see it.

I'm inspired by the fact that a relative stranger was able to see the person that I'd like to be, but that I didn't think that strangers or new friends could/would see... it gives me courage to think that if she can see a strong, lovable person, then ~~perhaps~~ it's possible for others to see it as well... and whilst the situation was set up for us to share personal information, in actual fact, it's not all that different to a date or meeting new people scenario.

So to the wonderful person who was able to help me to feel fabulous and inspired and empowered in the space of only a couple of minutes... THANK-YOU!!!!!!

Watch this space...

2010-11-13T14:38:00.000+11:00

Today I put a deposit on a new sewing machine!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited!!!!! The only pain is that I have to wait till the end of the month for it to arrive.... :( Ohhhh well.... that gives me till the end of the month to plan some new projects....

I have been working on a new 3D machine embroidered landscape but have hit a few snags... one being that my current machine can't cope with the thickness of my work, and the second being perspective. With this piece (it's the bridges from several months ago, you can read about it here and here) I have 2 angles of perspective to deal with rather than single perspective of the previous pieces so I have to look and think about it differently... it's all about problem solving and thinking outside the square.

BTW it's a Bernina 430.

Mum's Award Winning Scones

2010-10-18T17:42:00.001+11:00

Ingredients:
2 Cups Self Raising
30g (1oz) butter
2 tsp sugar (or icing sugar)
1/2 cup milk and 1/4 water (or can use all milk in place of water)

Method:

Mix sugar and flour together
Rub in butter with fingertips (until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs)
Make a well in the centre of the mixture and pour in combined milk and water, and mix lightly with a knife
Turn mixture onto a floured board and knead
Roll out to about 2cm thick and cut into circles using a cutter or glass
Pace onto a tray and bruch tops with milk
Bake in a hot oven (200-220 degrees celcius)

Serve with your choice of jam and whipped cream.

For savoury scones, omit the sugar and add cheese and bacon.
For a change, roll the plain savoury scone mixture out flat (approximately 1cm thick) and cover with cheese and bacon. Roll up and then slice. Place pinwheel slices on a greased tray to cook. Great with soup!!

Delicious disaster....

2010-08-05T09:50:00.000+10:00

Last night I made myself a huge pot of yummy carrot soup (with ginger and orange). Sounds good doesn't it... full of vitamin C, ginger and garlic and all that good stuff to fight off the flu that I feel coming on...

Well it would have been yummy - it smelled great and the initial taste test proved positive - except that as I was serving it up I noticed some odd black bits... pepper perhaps?

No.... turns out as I'd blended it, the rubber seal from the stick blender I'd used had disintegrated and unbeknown to me had then been blended further into the soup!!!!

Disappointed, I rang Mum to tell her of my disaster, and do you know what she did???? She laughed!!! and I just had to laugh too... 'cause it really was funny!!!

So instead of yummy, healthy soup for dinner - what did I have?... a glass of wine and a big bowl of strawberry's, ice-cream and chocolate sauce, followed by more chocolate! They say that every cloud has a silver lining... and so my disaster had a delicious end.... :)

2010-07-22T16:04:00.000+10:00

I haven't been updating much lately... still settling into the new digs - which I love by the way!!!!

This weekend is a time-out-weekend with some Girlfriends. We're heading to Phillip Island for a relaxing weekend... eating, drinking, chatting, lazing and maybe a short wander in the surrounds are the order of the weekend.... I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!

A Short Blogoliday...

2010-07-08T09:45:00.000+10:00

I've taken a short blogoliday whilst I moved house and enjoy my Mum's company...

Mum has returned home to sunny (and warm) Queensland this morning,

I have really enjoyed her visit and having her help to make my little flat feel like a home. Each day I'd come home and she had sorted an area, tidied another and last night had the house smelling yummy and pulled out a tray of fresh muffins when I walked in. We've eaten delicious dinners both at home and out - visiting so that Mum could meet my friends who are great company and great help when I need it (whether it be moving house or a shoulder to cry on or simply company and a laugh)... We've shopped in the best way possible - without spending too much - and have explored my new surrounds... We've played scrabble and shared sudoku puzzles...

It was great having you here Mum and I can't wait for your next visit!!!!! :)

While I continue to 'settle-in' to my new home and get used to living there without Mum's company, I leave you with my latest motivational quote...

"You can never go back and start a new beginning,

but you can always start now and make a new ending"

It's moving day!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-01T14:41:00.000+10:00

It's time to seal up the last of the boxes and get moving... See you on the other side :)

Motivation...

2010-06-29T12:16:00.000+10:00

It is foolish to tear one's hair in grief,

...as though sorrow would be made less by baldness."

(Cicero)

I was looking for a motivational quote this morning to push aside the doubts and negative thoughts that were creeping in (and do creep back from time to time). There were lots of deep and meaningful ones but this one did exactly what I needed... it made me smile!!

I have lots to smile about at the moment...

Mum arrives tonight!!
I get the keys to my new flat on Thursday!!!!!
I have some wonderful friends who are going to help me move my stuff!!!!!!!!!
and the boss has given me Friday off to make he move happen.

I must keep everything in perspective and not dwell on the "what-ifs" or the "remember-whens"... I need to remember that it's no longer about whether or not the decisions that I've made recently are right, it's about HOW I am going to make my choices WORK FOR ME!!!

Nothing to see here...

2010-06-28T16:34:00.000+10:00

Not yet anyway... I now have all of the 2-round squares finished and have about 20 of the 4-rounders to go (the last 2 rounds only - the first 2 have been done!) so there's nothing new to see. I might get those done tonight and then I can move onto the bigger ones...

My crochet is all that is left unpacked at the moment - everything else is bagged or boxed in readiness for the move later this week... I'm so excited!! I'm also excited that my Mum is coming to stay with me for a week starting tomorrow!!! It's unfortunate timing that I'm moving smack-bang in the middle of her visit but many hands make light work as they say... *grin*

How about some craft content....

2010-06-25T09:55:00.000+10:00

Amongst all the house hunting, virtual parties and gallivanting about the country-side I have been plugging away at my Babette Blanket...

My collection of squares is growing slowly and soon I'll have all of the foundation squares done - the 2 and 4-round squares that is. Then I'll be able to move onto making some of them bigger for the 6, 8, 10 and 12-round squares.

I'm looking forward to being able to start assembling some of the blocks and really get a picture for how this is going to look!! So far I'm really pleased with how the colour combination's are looking...

My Creative Space...

2010-06-24T13:13:00.000+10:00

...is not very exciting this week... well it is and it isn't (exciting for me... not so exciting for you)... The wheels are in motion to relocate my 'creative stash' from it's current temporary, boxed home, into a more manageable and usable 'space'! I signed the lease today so I'm definitely moving in...YAY!!! The power and water connections are scheduled, now all that's left is to find a way to move those boxes from 'here' to 'there' and maybe rope in some friends to help :)

For more creative spaces - visit Kirsty!!

Success!!!!!

2010-06-21T18:00:00.000+10:00

My game-face obviously worked!! I received a call this afternoon telling me that my application (one of them) was successful. I get the keys Thursday next week - I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

It's a small but secure place that's been recently renovated, so it has a nice new kitchen and bathroom. The bedrooms are quite large - will fit all of the crafting stuff in, and they're leaving the fridge so that's one thing I won't have to worry about purchasing in the next week. There's no built in cupboards but there are free-standing robes in each room that will stay so that's something. And with timber floors throughout it should be a breeze to clean - no carpet cleaning!!!

Game on!!!!

2010-06-19T12:02:00.000+10:00

List of open-for-inspection times - CHECK!
Print-outs of property details - CHECK!
Comfy shoes - CHECK!
Knock-em-dead-smart-dress outfit - CHECK!
Multiple copies of documents for applications - CHECK!
Positive attitude - CHECK!
Camera - CHECK!

I've got my game face on and am armed and ready! Now I just need a truck-load of luck (because we all know this renting-house-hunt game is all about luck and nothing about the application you submit! - too cynical?) and I'm off...

...just have to make a quick but early stop at the farmers market at the end of the street - just to check it out - before I get going :)

Friday Night Sew In...

2010-06-18T19:32:00.000+10:00

In an effort to safe money I'd decided to stay in with my Jammies (I mean pyjamas), a glass of wine and my crochet. Before starting I was doing a quick blog trawl before I started and discovered this... Friday Night Sew In... and it's tonight!! And so I've joined up - well why wouldn't I... I was doing just that anyway! and there's giveaways as well!! (btw the rules do say that knitting or scrapbooking counts too - so crochet should be fine).

Check out all of the other crafty bloggers who're also spending the night in over here

What about this place?...

2010-06-18T11:54:00.001+10:00

Still consumed by house-hunting... sorry...

I did get make some progress on the Babette Blanket last night - I'm almost halfway through the 2 & 4-round squares - but forgot to take photos.

My Creative Space...

2010-06-17T16:37:00.000+10:00

This week my creative space is consumed by Birthdays and House Hunting... Hopefully I can find time for something a little more creative when the weekend comes.

Make sure you head over to Kootooyoo for other great creative spaces.

Gotta love the internet!!

2010-06-17T10:17:00.000+10:00

Last night I had the bestest birthday party ever!!! With funds short and friends in all parts of Australia and the world, I put a post on Facebook and my blog inviting everyone to a virtual party... We had virtual drinks (alright - I did have some real ones as well), virtual snacks, got virtually drunk, and had a REALLY great time!!! The entertainment - the State of Origin - was spectacular!!! with Queensland (my home state) winning 34 to 6..

Thanks to the internet and mobile-technology I managed to connect with so many friends and family and even some blogger-friends and turned what could have been a quiet night, into a night of chatter (all via text), giggles, inuendo and FUN.

And best of all... it only cost me the price of my take-away Pad Thai and a bottle of bubbles... virtual drinks mean no headaches (I was too busy typing to drink too much!)... clean up was a breeze... and people are still dropping by and saying what a great time they had!!

I'm definitely doing this again!!

It's My Birthday!!!!!!!

2010-06-16T18:08:00.000+10:00

Yep... you read it right! Today is my birthday and I've had a busy day answering messages and posts on Facebook and working and haven't had time to post anything. Above is a pic of my little (but tall) brother and I at the footy on the weekend - his present to me along with the scarf I'm wearing before he headed back to Queensland, and below is my bestie and I on our day-out-in-Daylesford.

Tonight, in lui of going out and celebrating (because funds and fuel are low) we have organised a virtual party... The second State of Origin game is on tonight and so each of us are watching from our respective homes in our comfy-warm lounges with our favourite food and beverages...

I'm going with Pad-Thai (Take-away of course!!) and bubbles - probably pink bubbly which is my favourite at present;
Mum will no doubt have a wine - not sure what her food of choice will be;
S is having beer and chocolate;
B is probably going for Cappuccino and chips
A is no doubt having vodka and peanuts - mid flight across Australia

Feel free to join us - but you'll need to share what you'll be having...

Texture Tuesday

2010-06-15T10:28:00.000+10:00

I found this great path on a spur-of-the-moment drive to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs with a girlfriend on Sunday. We set the GPS to Daylesford, stopped off at the information centre, explored the main shopping area and then meandered our way between a couple of attractions recommended to us by Irish-Jim at the Info Centre (along with everyone else who'd found their way to the area that day!)

We had a great day, discovering lots of places to go back to. A lovely area, even on a cold, wintery, overcast day!

Stash Diving....

2010-06-12T10:00:00.009+10:00

I'd discovered KiwiCaroles journal workshop Open your Door a couple of weeks ago and have been deciding whether to join in or not... my indecision was based solely on the fact that this is the sort of workshop that is great for someone with a good collection of 'stuff' stashed away for the 'perfect project'. This explains me to a tee... however with my stash temporarily stashed into boxes and storage, I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to find what I know I have...

Yesterday I bit the bullet and joined up! I figured that I could make do with what I have access to. I can learn the skills and techniques and then, when my stash is un-stashed I can have another go.

Having paid my money and logged into the dedicated blog I started reading through the materials lists and the first preliminary posts (the workshop officially starts Monday) about covers and papers and the dreaded happened... I KNOW I have a roll of wonderful-perfect-for-the-task papers hidden somewhere in the stored stash!!! No longer content with 'making-do' I ventured to the shed and the neatly stacked boxes and started digging...

Low and behold, after searching only 4 boxes I'd managed to find the tool-boxes containing my paints, pencils, brushes, stamps and other mark-making tools as well as the aforementioned roll of special papers!!! Now I just need to go op-shopping to find an old book to repurpose...

Bring on Monday as I'm now equiped and doubly excited!!! (and with Monday being a Public Holiday in Oz it makes it even better!!!)

It Starts....

2010-06-11T11:42:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I took the first step in looking for a new home... I hate open for inspections because the house suddenly gets flooded with lots of other hopeful-tenants checking rooms, looking in cupboards and planning whether their furniture will fit. It also means that you don't get much of a chance to meet the agent or make an impression - and to me that's what wins a rental.

I'm also loathe to get too excited about a place until I know that it's mine because otherwise I get disappointed... BUT the place I saw yesterday would be perfect!!! The right number of rooms, cupboards in the right places, a decent kitchen and bathroom, not to big, enclosed yard, and dog friendly, patio area with outdoor furniture, close to work and in a nice looking area, but the real clincher... was the studio/bungalow out the back! I've put my application in and now I'll just have to wait and see but in the meantime I'll be out looking at other places.

Oh and my cryptic texture/pattern photo from yesterday was...

The patterns that the neighbours tiled roof makes when through a glass tile. Amazing huh!!

Contours...

2010-06-10T14:17:00.000+10:00

I love textures and pattern... This is one that I found around the house this morning. Any ideas what it is?

A Good Sign...

2010-06-09T10:14:00.000+10:00

I am finding that driving the freeway past the suburb where I used to live (and where my husband and my dog still live) is quite a challenge... Up until now I've had no need to travel to that side of the city - as I'm currently living and working on the opposite side. However lately I have travelled the freeway passed my old suburb a few times, and each time I've had to fight myself NOT to turn off - not always successfully I might add.

Last night I found myself driving that same freeway again and again struggled... After pulling over at the nearest service station and making a teary phone-home call where Mum listened and I reminded myself why I did this in the first place, I turned the music up loud and bravely drove past.

and....

See that arrow in the picture?.... That's the arrow that I was faced with as came to the turn-off/exit to my old suburb... directing me AWAY from the exit!! Talk about timing!!!!!!!!!

Quiet... to chaos... and back again...

2010-06-08T12:00:00.003+10:00

My quiet world of evenings spent on the couch with my knitting or crochet was unexpectedly (and temporarily) bombarded by people, 2 super-hyper kids, pizza, wine and chatter - pleasantly I should say.

Needless to say I got nothing done but had a nice evening... Back to normal tonight I believe...

In the meantime I'll leave you with what I've been reading... Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills

It's an e-book that I'm reading using the Kindle Application for Ipod touch. This is the first e-book I have read and so far I'm enjoying it... no heavy book to hold - easy to find your place and goes anywhere without weighing down my handbag...

Progress...

2010-06-07T14:34:00.000+10:00

I got quite a lot of work done on the baguette on the weekend... I might even have finished it if I hadn't broken two needles. I can't believe I didn't have any more spares!!! I have a whole stash packed away in a box somewhere... in storage... but none with me! Anyway... here are some pics of my progress so far....

Front of flap...

Underneath flap...

Lining - in place but no attached...

And the twisty scarf was well received (as expected) so unfortunately I didn't get to keep it. *grin* I'll just have to make another one!

Can't talk now... sewing...

2010-06-05T09:25:00.001+10:00

Hand-wind Husqvarna sewing machine that my brother and I found at a market - I love it!!

It works but not the most efficient use of time... for serious sewing I stick with my Bernina

I'm digging out my sewing machine this morning and getting busy on the Baguette... I want to get in as much sewing as I can before I need to head to the airport to pick up my brother and his partner. I will post pics of my progress on Monday.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Twisty scarf... finished...

2010-06-04T11:08:00.000+10:00

Twisty scarf: 3 balls of Noro Silk Garden knitted on 5.00mm needles. It was slow to start with but I definitely got quicker... and yes I did buy the extra ball but after trying it on, and seeing the scarf displayed in the shop, I decided against using it - I think that this is a perfect length and if the new recipient doesn't like it then I'll gladly keep it and wear it myself. *grin* Of course whilst I was at the wool shop I found another gorgeous sample of this scarf knit in a really fine wool and love it too - and so I came away with 1 ball of that yarn as well (the sample said 1 ball so I figured I'd give it a try).

My next project is the Baguette... all cut out and ready to sew... I'm just not sure if I'll get this done... (I'm heading out for dinner tonight, and was hoping to have it done before I pick my brother and his girlfriend up from the airport at lunchtime on Saturday) Wishful thinking....

My creative space...

2010-06-03T09:45:00.002+10:00

My creative space today is missing one ball of yarn... I'm heading back to Wondoflex to buy one more ball of Noro Silk Garden to complete the twisty scarf that I have been making. I have used almost 3 balls and it's going to need a bit more (maybe 1/2 a ball) to make it the perfect length. I'm really loving this scarf now and wish that I had one for myself :)

Hopefully I can get my speed knitting fingers on and get this finished tonight as I have a handbag (the Baguette from Nikki) to make tomorrow night! Good thing that it's cut out a interfaced read to sew, sew, SEW!!!!

Check out Kirsty's blog for more creative spaces...

**********

Today is a great day!! Today marks the end of the ugliness of the separation-of-assets-battle with my husband. Now I feel that I can get on with my life instead of being stuck going round in circles of trivial fights and angst... Today I've found a bridge and I'm crossing it!!!

Icy... with a late thaw...

2010-06-02T10:01:00.000+10:00

I had great intentions on going home after work (on time for once), turning the heater and the telly on and knitting... It started well... until I discovered that the BIG upright freezer in the garage hadn't been closed properly and was frosted up (with the contents thawed - including a few good sized cuts of meat)... I'm house sitting and haven't been into the garage for a couple of weeks so I have no idea how like the freezer has been like this and so everything had to go! The only thing on my side was that it was bin night.

And so my relaxed night of knitting was interrupted as I defrosted the freezer and disposed of the contents... I did manage to get quite a bit of knitting done and got through the second ball but only because I was up till midnight with the freezer... 2 balls down... 2 to go!

My 'bridges' idea is starting to come together...

2010-06-01T10:41:00.003+10:00

I've found a couple of images that fit my original idea (I've explained before how I get a feeling for a project, but not exactly an image - this time I managed to find the images that matched the 'feeling' I was looking for) and have sketched and traced and layered and adjusted to create a design that will work - technically and visually.

I can't wait to get started but there are a couple of other projects that I need to finish first... hopefully my enthusiasm won't fade before I get the chance to start sewing. Actually I don't think that will happen because I've actually developed this idea to the point of starting, and not just in my head! so even if it takes a couple of weeks to get to it, I still know where I'm headed.

This slow-growing scarf is one thing I must finish... I love it - the way that it twists - but it's just a bit slow growing. I've used one ball of the Noro Silk Garden so far and will definitely need 4 or maybe even 5 balls... I'd better keep knitting because I was planning on having this done by the weekend...

Something else that I was hoping to have finished by the weekend (and I haven't even started yet) is a Baguette Bag - a Nicole Mallalieu Design. I have made this bag before and absolutely love it! but it takes a bit of concentration...

I think I may be a bit too ambitious here...

Mystery tour...

2010-05-31T12:05:00.000+10:00

Mural at the "Melbourne Story" exhibition at Melbourne Museum

On Saturday I took a girlfriend on mystery tour of another collection of my 'favourite places'. This time it was the Bellarine Peninsula. My friend has just moved back to Geelong and so we took some time to catch up and explore...

We started with KYO at Ocean Grove... a HUGE warehouse full of furntiure, homewares, textiles and more from around the world. For me it's like an Aladin's cave of interesting "stuff"!!

Then we wandered the main street of Queenscliffe... I love Queenscliffe... I love the boutique clothes shops, antiques, second hand books, galleries, homewares, gourmet foods and the cafe's... and of course the ice-cream shop (although we didn't indulge in ice-cream... we were full froma gorgeous lunch and afters of hand-made chocolates and hot-chocolate....).

Top Designs - Fashion students' work

On Sunday I took myself to the Melbourne Museum and was flooded with inspiration... the Top Designs 2010 exhibition (the works of VCE students) was impressive!! I would have love the opportunity to do works like that when I was at school - there was everything from fashion, furniture, film, photography, advertising and so much more. What was really impressive was the folio's that supported their work that included their research, inspirations, designs etc.

I was also impressed with the animal display - and the buzz coming from the kids and families as they viewed it... And the bugs in display boxes always amaze me... I've done this before when I was at Uni and really enjoyed it (I don't think I have any photos) but still love the 'en-masse' display.

My head is now swimming with ideas for my artwork! I'll have to write some down before they get lost because right now I'm still on the hunt for bridge images to satisfy last weeks inspiration...

Inspired!...

2010-05-28T13:59:00.002+10:00

Today for the first time I have been inspired to do something creative... I won't start it yet... the idea is still developing and I have a weekend of visiting ahead of me, but the ideas are flowing, the search for images is on and the sketches have started...

It came with the quote that I posted earlier in the week:

"The hardest thing in life is to learn which bridge to cross and which to burn" (David Russell)

I found it (on the internet of course!) when I was feeling pretty low. I've been using quotes as a 'pick-me-up' or 'mantra'. I re-wrote this quote onto a sticky-note (gotta love post-it-notes!) and it has been attached to my computer screen all week...and it really has helped to keep me focused on the "bigger picture".

This morning I made this rough journal entry using the quote - just as a reminder to myself of the quote... and then I realised that this is my next project!! Bridges... There are heaps (and heaps) of bridge related quotes and sayings ... "build a bridge and get over it" and "it's water under the bridge" and "bridge the gap". I don't intend to get too deep... it's simply that this quote has me thinking bridges and suddenly I can now see bridges 'working' in the type of images that I create. It's one of those things where the image has meaning only to the creator... I'm actually really excited about this one!

Another project started...

2010-05-28T12:02:00.001+10:00

I did manage to make a start on the new scarf last night... and I ended up using the new pattern. *grin*
Partly because I was itching to see how it worked... and partly because I couldn't lay my hands on the other (couldn't remember how to get started)... and

I like this pattern but unfortunately it's not as fast working as the other - not the instant gratification of the other pattern (patience is NOT my greatest virtue). I don't remember the names of either pattern, except that they were available from Wondoflex for $1 with the purchase of the Noro wool. The pattern I'm using will create a ruffle effect and was supposed to be used with the Noro Light yarn which I think is a slightly finer yarn. I'm just not sure if the 3 balls that I bought will be enough.... I might just have to make another trip to the shop for an extra ball. (that would be a shame... or maybe just a perfect excuse to go back and gush over all of the gorgeous wool...)

Of course I also worked some more on the Babette Blanket too... I think I'm addicted! I know it's a big (biggish) project, but because I'm working in 2 and 4-round squares at the moment, I get the instant gratification of seeing the piles of completed squares growing. When the 2 and 4 squares are done I'll go back and turn some of them (the 4 squares) into the large 6, 8, 10 and 12-round squares - that's where I'll slow down a bit. At the moment I can get about 2 of the 2-round squares done in an ad-break and another 2 between ad-breaks!

My creative space...

2010-05-27T12:29:00.001+10:00

I'm going to be putting the crochet down for a couple of days so that I can turn these balls of Noro Silk Garden into a wonderful warm scarf for a friend. I picked up another pattern when I was at Wondoflex buying the yarn, but am still undecided if I will re-use the drop-stitch pattern that I used recently or try the new one... hhmmmmm..... decisions, decisions....

For more creative spaces check Kirsty's blog

2010-05-25T11:22:00.003+10:00

"If you don't like something, change it;

If you can't change it, change the way you think about it."

(Mary Engelbreit)

"The hardest thing in life is to learn which bridge to cross and which to burn..."

(David Russell)

...and my theme song at the moment...

Tubthumping by Chumbawamba

"I get knocked down,

but I get up again,
You're never going to keep me down"

Melbourne, markets, treasures and more...

2010-05-24T10:29:00.001+10:00

This weekend I spent time doing the things that I used to love doing when I was living in the inner suburbs of Melbourne and guess what... I still love it!

I love the strip shopping in Melbourne... particularly those with somewhere with cool cafes, interesting shops and a great 'community feel' about them. Maling Road in Canterbury is one such strip... with everything from fashion to antiques, homewares to books, gourmet foods and kitchen wares to the green green grocer on the corner as well as the obligatory cafes. I wandered the strip buying only a couple of nice cards and a packet of Herbie's Spices Chermoula Mix for my Morroccan Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Tagine and Canadian Pancakes (with Bacon, maple syru, banana and berries) for my 12noon breakfast.... What a great morning!!

There are many more places like this - some that I have discovered... others that I've yet to find... and I'm going to start enjoying them again! (BTW if you have a favourite spot in Melbourne and you're willing to let me in on the secret... please leave a comment!)

Sunday's were always my day for markets and so this weekend I did just that... I started at Wantirna Trash & Treasure with a girlfriend, joining the queues at at 8am (yes... they line up here to buy the $1.80 ticket to get into the market - which opens at 8am...). J came away with a new vac and some baby clothes but I was empty handed... J and I said our goodbyes and I continued on to Camberwell Market which is the market that I used to frequent. It was late by the time I arrived (about 10.30am - I used to be there at 7.30am with the serious buyers!) but still had a lovely time... I ended up with two not-quite-complete cutlery sets (but with soup spoons, and two sizes of knife and fork) for only $14 which will be perfect for when I find my own place in the near future.

I finished off the day with the heater on, watching tele and crocheting like a mad-woman... (after spending several hours in McDonalds over one cup of coffee, making use of their free wi-fi playing Words-with-Friends-Scrabble with my Mum in Queensland...).

I have made a plan for the Babette Blanket... I've mapped out the colour combinations that I will make (still sticking with my original 4 colours) and am working on making the 2 and 4-round squares (sounds wrong... round squares... doesn't it?). I'll then add-on to the 4-round squares and turn them into the larger squares.

I'm a planner... by doing this I know how many of each colour I will need and can be sure that I don't double up on the combinations too much. Anal, I know... but it keeps me on track! And before you dispute this Mum... I didn't say I was organised... just that I plan :) One look around my house (or room as it may be currently) and you'd know that I'm not the most organised of people...

I'm now looking forward to next weekend and the treasures that it might bring!

Going exploring...

2010-05-22T09:51:00.000+10:00

I'm taking myself out today to explore Melbourne... not sure what I will find or where I am headed but I'm sure to have a great day...

It starts...

2010-05-21T11:25:00.002+10:00

After a number of false starts, a day searching for clarification of instructions (thanks Jeanna), and a few wonky squares... I have made a start on what will be my version of the Babette Blanket

There are 126 squares (in varying sizes) to make, and lots of colour changes (although at this stage I plan to stick with my 4-colour green and taupe/grey scheme) but I'm up for the challenge...

I like how the squares are turning out so far. My tension might be a bit tight (I haven't actually measured it beyond checking that the squares match) but as long as it's consistent that won't matter. It should make a very warm blanket!

Lost in translation...

2010-05-20T11:47:00.001+10:00

Double crochet?... treble crochet?... single crochet?....

I commented yesterday that what was keeping me from starting the Babette Blanket was my memory... I couldn't figure out what double crochet was. I was doing what I thought was double crochet and it just didn't seem right. In search of answers I turned to the trusty Google and.... turns out I was right and wrong....

Apparently there is a difference between Australian and US definitions of the stitches...

It turns out that what I was doing WAS double crochet - at least as I'd been taught here in Australia - but in the US, this is a single crochet. And what I call treble, is what the US call double... confused??? I am!!!

So now my problem is.. which stitch is the pattern calling for when it says double crochet? At this stage I'm assuming that the pattern I have was printed in a US magazine and therefore would be using the US definitions, meaning that when it says double crochet, I should do what I know as treble crochet and it should all work out fine... Fingers crossed....

I have sought clarification over at the Flickr Babette Blanket group and I keep checking every few minutes to see if anyone has an answer. I love the internet and it's wealth on knowledge!!

****************

The importance and power of words was also pointed out to me (subtly) yesterday in relation to another matter completely... As we were leaving the office 3yo son of my boss asked me where I was going... I told him I was going to **** place to which he replied "why?" (as 3yo's do) and so I answered "because that's where I'm staying for now" at the same time as his Mum said "because that's where Sophie lives now"... And his Mum was right... There are some great quotes out there like "fake it till you make it" and "the power of positive thinking" and small differences like using 'live' instead of 'stay' are all part of convincing myself that what I am doing and the choices I have made are right and that this is permanent!

I have no doubt confused many of you with the above... Up until now I've tried to keep my blog about my art and creative pursuits with small snippets about the house and the dog but generally I have kept my personal life out of it. Apparently this is not just the case with my blog... I've been doing the same with my Family and Friends and as a result they have not known of the things going on in my life - not really anyway - not until recently that is...

The past week I have toyed with what blogging is for me and why I blog and I have discovered that it's more than the art and creativity. It's about the connection and the community that blogging envelopes... but for me, right now, it's also a means of picking myself up and getting on with life. Blogging each day this last week has made me look for positives and as a result I've found myself looking forward and not dwelling on the past. And so I'm keen to keep it up! I will warn you however that I've now decided that there will probably be times where the focus of my blogging turns inwards. I hope that this doesn't turn you off, but if it does then that's alright too.

BTW in explanation... I left my husband a couple of months ago... I tell you this as an explanation and NOT to seek sympathy... It has been and still is a struggle but I'm at the stage where I need to get back into doing the things that I love and that make ME happy and blogging, creating and art are some of those things....

Direction....

2010-05-19T09:54:00.001+10:00

Thanks to Penny of Sosewpoppy I now have direction for my granny squares...

The granny squares have me hooked and I'm seeing them everywhere at the moment. I like them because:

I'm happy to work with patterns and structure at the moment - it keeps me doing, without having to plan too much...
I can work small making it portable and easy to pick up without dragging out boxes of 'stuff'
If I get bored before I finish, I can adjust the project to be something smaller - or more to the point it keeps growing as I make and stops when I stop...

Penny has been making the Babette Blanket and suggested I do a Google Image search.... I did... and I fell in love... So yesterday I bought the pattern - online in PDF so no waiting!!!

And I would have made a start on it last night, if I could only work out if what I was doing really was double-chain... I know i have a number of books that would show me exactly how to do it, but they're all in storage at the moment...

Instead I worked on knitting this last night...

A few good things...

2010-05-18T12:54:00.002+10:00

Yesterday was a good day... Nothing earth shattering, but a few small positive comments were enough to lift my spirits...

The first came towards the end of my working day when my girlfriends 13yo daughter spotted me on Facebook and said hi. It was her and her mother that I had visited on Saturday, and while I was there I cooked pita-bread pizzas for lunch and a couple of lasagnes for the freezer (her Mum has had an operation recently and this was something that I could do to help). During our brief facebook chat I asked her what was for dinner and she told me she'd cooked pizzas - like I'd shown her on Saturday!! I was impressed that she'd given it a try and when I suggested I teach her something else next time I'm out, she was keen.

The next came later in the evening... I visited another girlfriend who's shoulder I have cried on a few times recently. Usually when I visit, we have shop-bought lasagne (easy-tea-night) and so I took a large home-cooked lasagne as my contribution. As I was leaving and I went to collect my dish, and M (15yo son) asked if he could have the leftovers for lunch as there was still some left. And J (15yo daughter - twins) was also impressed because I'd remembered that she doesn't eat/like cheese or dairy and so I'd saved some of the meat sauce and taken pasta so she didn't have to eat space food (her father's term for the frozen dinners that she eats when we have shop-bought lasagne).It was nice to know that my cooking was approved by the kids as well as the adults :)

En Plein Air...

2010-05-17T10:35:00.000+10:00

En plein air... according to Wikipedia is "a French expression which means "in the open air", and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors."

Yesterday, I applied this to my knitting.

I'd had a difficult morning - I've always loved weekends, but now I find them hard - I just don't know what to do with myself... So after a phone call to Mum asking for a 'virtual' hug (Mum's hugs always make things better - even now) I packed my knitting and headed off to the park at the bottom of the street.

I've been living in my latest place for nearly 2 months now and whilst I know that there is a large park just down the road, I've never yet ventured down there. I was pleasantly surprised when I did... It was buzzing with activity!!! Family picnics and BBQ's, Dad's playing footy with their kids, parents teaching their kids to ride a bike or rollerblades, dogs being walked, photographers with their camera's, student studying mosses, bird watchers and people walking, riding and running for fitness, pleasure or socially. All of this has been going on at the end of the street and I have been oblivious to it all...

It was comforting sitting there amongst everyone, on my park bench across from the lake nodding and saying hello to those who passed.

ETA I can't show you what I was knitting because I've ripped it out already. I tried the drop-stitch-wave pattern with the alpaca wool and it's just not right... I think that pattern works best with variegated yarn and the alpaca needs something else so it's back to the drawing board to find something better... I might have to give the pattern that Aunty Jill gave me another try (with different needles this time).

A new dress and a new 'do'....

2010-05-15T09:25:00.001+10:00

I have been going through some pretty big life changes lately and just like I treated myself to the obligatory-cheer-me-up-shopping-trip-and-new-hair-do-treatment, I figure that my blog deserves the same it's-all-about-me-time-for-a-change attentions...

I've trialled about 50 (maybe more) new tmeplates until I stumbled upon bloggers edit template feature which has allowed me to create this latest one. It's not yet finished - I need a header (the one I had doesn't fit my new colour scheme, and the one I made doesn't quite work properly), and I need to fix all of my links and lists and buttons... I lost my blog-list too so I'm going to have to spend some time trawling the blogs and creating a new one - actually I'm looking forward to that!!

But today I'm having a day out! A girlfriend needs some company and TLC so I'm packing a picnic and some "pick-me-up" treats for the three of us (she had a teenage daughter who's been pretty worried about her Mum too).

Finished...

2010-05-14T12:03:00.000+10:00

My noro silk garden scarf is finished and already snuggly employed around my neck. Even though the yarn is composed of 45% Silk 45% Kid Mohair and 10% Lambwool it isn't as soft as I would have thought. To be honest I bought it for the colour and the scarf pattern (available for $1 with purchase of this yarn) and I'm very happy with both.

Now I can get back to something else... maybe the granny squares... maybe something else... I want to be creative but my head is just not in the right space so perhaps I'll stick with patterns for now.

It's growing!!!

2010-05-13T10:42:00.000+10:00

This is one ball of Noro Silk Garden so I am now halfway through. I haven't measured it but the finished scarf will be a good length - not too long, not too short... just right!!

I'm really enjoying how quick this is to knit and have decided to use this same pattern for some Alpaca Wool that I picked up from my Auntie at Sunline Alpaca's.

Knitting and crotchet fever...

2010-05-12T17:09:00.003+10:00

Finally, pictures of my Granny squares. These were just to get me started... I'm not sure if they're too small, or if I want to mix up the colours or if I'll even go with some plain and some mixed colours - lots more decisions to make (and lots lots more squares to make).

In the mean-time I've gotten a bit distracted - not at all unusual I hear you say (particularly you Mum!). I found this wool and pattern at the stitches and craft show on Sunday and needed to give it a go. It grows quickly so I reckon I'll have this knocked over in no time and will be back to granny squares before you know it.

I also found a part-made crotchet rug (started more than 8 years ago - probably more like 9) when I went home to Mum and Dad's place in Queensland last week. It started out being one of those tartan crotchet rugs - from this book here - of course I don't know where the book is now... and for some reason I've chosen to use white, royal blue, yellow, black (and a bit of red I think). I'm not sure if the colours were from a specific pattern or my choice, but I thought i might try and finish it as well. I might have to see if I can get my hands on another copy of the book.

It's definitely knitting/crotchet weather in Melbourne...

Granny squares...

2010-04-29T10:08:00.002+10:00

With all the wool sales around at the moment I've been just 'itching' to knit or crochet something...

So off I went to Spotlight on the weekend to see what I could pick up... After pawing all of the lovely 100% wools I ended up with 100% acrylic - not my favourite but it's cheaper!! So for $30 I got myself enough wool (I think) and crochet hook to crochet a blanket. Next step was to pour over the many, many, free patterns on the internet.

In the end I decided on simple granny squares - this way my blanket can grow as I make them, and if I lose interest, then I make what I can with what I have - be it a pillow, scarf or smallish blanket... The other benefit is that working on small squares isn't bulky and is a 'take-anywhere' type of project :)

So far I have made 4... They're all the same colour while I re-familiarise myself with crochet and the pattern and then I might start mixing the colours up. The wool that I have bought is all greens, 1 variegated 2 other solid greens and 1 taupe.

Will post some pics when I get the camera charged up...

Nothing to show...

2010-02-22T10:02:00.003+11:00

So I give you....

Dragonfruit!!

I love the colour of the outside, and was even more impressed when it was cut. I wasn't so keen on the taste, but I'm not sure if it was completely ripe (I think it should have been a bit softer).

I had a productive day yesterday but it wasn't very creative and I have no pictures...

I've been helping a friend to put new curtains into his house so that he can put the house on the market. A girlfriend and I spend a day at Spotlight and bought a whole bunch of ready made curtains and hung them over Christmas, but we couldn't find anything for the kitchen or bathroom.

Yesterday morning I whipped up a pair of curtains for the kitchen and then cut down a couple of Bunnings-Bargains ($8 per curtain!!) for the bathroom. We had originally bought ready mades that I was going to cut down for the kitchen, but when I put the two together, I found that the wide stripes were completely mis-matched and I just couldn't do it. Instead I cut one down (actually I didn't even cut it -just doubled it back on itself and stitched just underneath the rings (like a bubble skirt!).

Yesterday afternoon we headed over, sewing machine in tow and finished the job. Dropped a few hems on the ones already hanging, made some minor adjustments on the ones to be hung (bathroom and laundry) and job done in a couple of hours. It looks great, and all up we spent only $800 which included a new bedspread, some placemats, a couple of plates and glasses to dress the place up a bit (oh and some random things from our place that were on their way to the op-shop).

...and yes I still have to finish the curtains in our place - did work on them a bit yesterday - but first I need some more 'fun' sewing first...

Artstitches on madeit

2010-02-16T19:05:00.001+11:00

More purses finished and listed on Made It...
Artstitches on madeit

Silhouette Purse

2010-02-14T15:52:00.002+11:00

After the cryptic words of this morning's post, here is what I was working on...

Silhouette Purse
handmade zippered purse features a window of free-machine-embroidery over a hand-dyed silk background. This is the make-up purse pattern by Nicole Mallalieu.

I've listed it for sale at both Etsy and Made-It

There are a couple more similar to this one currently "in progress" and I have ideas for more as well...

Must go now though... We're off the Movies to see Valentine's Day (on Valentine's Day!!) and I've even talked B into having an Pizza at La Porchetta's first :)

Getting my mojo back!!!!!!!

2010-02-14T09:54:00.003+11:00

After months and months without my sewing machine I have finally managed to get it repaired... again... and have been giving it a really good workout!! This time the problem was the power to the foot pedal - the cord needed replacing. The part itself wasn't too expensive, but when you add the cost of the service in....

This time I decided to fore-go the boring curtain making that awaits me and focus on the creative stitching that has been occupying my thoughts. And what a great decision that turned out to be!

I set my self up with an audio book and headphones and started free-machine stitching... I'd forgotten how much I love doing this!!! The audio book gives me something to focus on and takes away the drone of the sewing machine, leaving my hands to do the work without over-thinking... Somehow it's relaxing... I don't know how this works, but without the audio book it just doesn't work for me.

I was trying to explain this to B last night... he didn't get it so I don't mind if you don't either :) I was also trying to explain to him that when I look at each of my pieces of artwork I can remember the story that I was listening to as I stitched - is this weird?... It's kinda like how certain smells make you think of a particular time, place, or person...

So at every opportunity this week I have been stitching and loving it!! And yesterday the pieces all fell into place...

I have a tendency to jump right in and not do any sampling, and end up with a big project started, without knowing exactly how (or even if) it will go together. I started to do this yesterday... I'd created this great strip of free-machined-stitching throughout the week that was just too good to use in the way that I'd originally planned and so I started thinking of bigger and better projects for it.

The problem was I didn't really know if it would work out as I was hoping, or how I would actually put it together, and I didn't have all of the materials needed and I really wanted to keep working. So I decided to cut it up!! and it turned out to be another great decision!! Certain things came to me yesterday...
1) If I just took a piece off the end I could test out my ideas for my bigger-better project;
2) Because I had stitched onto soluble fabric, it isn't hard to add more to the end and keep stitching and make it grow so that it is big enough for my bigger-better project; and
3) I had really enjoyed the free-machine-stitching and so if cutting it up didn't work, it wouldn't hurt to start again and I would get to enjoy the process again.

And so in overcoming my fear of 'wasting time sampling' I have discovered that I could enjoy the process and get some useful results as well!! I will do the bigger-better-project because I now know that it WILL work!! But first I will continue to focus on smaller and sale-able which was my intention in the first place... (To make some things to sell through http://www.etsy.com/and Made It)

I'm sorry that I've been a bit 'vague' with the details but I don't want to give anything away - I'd rather show the finished results (which I think look pretty stunning!) and so until then here's just a peak of what I'm working on...

More felting...

2010-02-08T10:59:00.004+11:00

Yesterday I dug out the bag of alpaca fleece, the hand carders, the bubble wrap, detergent and some silk and set to work...

I layed the fibres in a grid pattern onto a piece of tissue silk.

The results were small - I can't believe how much it has shrunk - but I was happy with how it had turned out. Next time I might not take the felting so far, to keep the fibres softer, but all in all a successful day...

...until...

I left my felted piece hanging on the line overnight. No problem there, except that I got up this morning and let "The Supervisor" out (AKA our dog Tyler). Turns out she wasn't so impressed with my efforts and tore a hole in the silk as she pulled it off the line with her teeth...

Maybe she smelt the alpaca and thought... well she is a hunting breed afterall...

It's my fault - I left it there and I know she's partial to the fluffly stuff because while I was working yesterday, she'd pick up bits of fleece and start eating them... it was the funniest sight to see her with a big white beard... I just wasn't thinking straight first thing this-morning.

I guess I should be glad that there's only a hole in one section and that after pulling it off the line that she didn't proceed to play with and chew it. Anyway, I now need to work out if this is "repairable" or make "good" of it, or if I throw it back into the cupboard and call it a sample...

Alpaca Felting...

2010-02-02T09:01:00.004+11:00

Sometime last year (or was it the year before?...) I was given an alpaca fleece by my Aunty and Uncle who have Sunline Alpacas. It's sat in the cupboard calling to me for some time and each time I look at it, not knowing what to do or where to start. Initially I was going to spin with it - I received an old spinning wheel from Grandma at the same time - but that's a whole new skill to learn and I'm not really ready to start that yet...

So I decided to try my hand at felting. I have felted before - maybe twice - and so have an idea of the principles but I was a bit rusty so I read up on the techniques and then set to work....

I used a large piece of bubble wrap for the rolling, and added some darker wool (not alpaca - can't remember where it came from but I think Mum bought it when she was in Tasmania) for decoration.

I like the shape that it turned out - it started out square but has nice wavy edges and the corners turned into points all by themselves - I didn't manipulate it in any way except to poke the holes in the circle shapes. I wanted a fairly light felt and so it has a loose, holey effect which I like. I probably could be a bit longer too.

This one was just a sample to see how it went and I already have ideas and thoughts of others (and I still have a heap of fleece left). Bring on the weekend!!

New growth...

2009-10-13T12:56:00.002+11:00

We bought this tree a couple of months ago in readiness for our new garden... It's still waiting patiently in it's pot as we decide where we will put it and get it's new home ready.

I'm very pleased to see it covered in lovely broght green shoots though... It's a deciduous tree and was bare when we purchased it. I was a bit nervous buying it like this as I had no idea if it really was alive or just a stick at that point... I was pretty excited when I spotted the first signs of green!

Blinds...

2009-10-06T16:26:00.001+11:00

I've been plodding along getting the blinds made... 2 down, 4 to go!

ARGHHH!!!!

2009-09-28T15:58:00.002+10:00

I was productively sewing the curtains on the weekend and was nearly done altering the pair of ready made curtains for the spare room (making 3 into 1 and shortening) when I lined up a seam, put my foot on the pedal and ..... nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the machine that was away for over a month getting the noisy bobbin repaired (and yes that is working) and now there seems to be no action from the pedal. It clicks and then nothing.... Here I was trying to get the boring stuff out of the way so that I could get on with the fun and creative stuff that's swimming about in my head (must start sketching said ideas before I lose them) and once again this ***** machine is working against me.

I'm now very glad that I haven't yet given back the machine I've borrowed from my friend - I will just have to rewind those bobbins again....

Some colour!!

2009-09-22T08:07:00.001+10:00

CIMG6515
Originally uploaded by artstitches

These little beauties have come into flower in the last few days and have been brightening my view from the office. This morning I noticed a yellow one poking through as well.

Studio is evolving...

2009-09-21T15:14:00.003+10:00

Ok so the studio is mess... but in an effort to force myself to get it sorted I'm going to puclicy humiliate myself by posting pictures *grin*....

I promise you - it's not pretty... and I'll understand if you need to look away :)

I have managed to find homes for some things...

Here is the wardrobe nicely packed up (arghh!!! no shelves - should have thought of that in the planning stages of the new house...)

I really need to get the bookshelf finished so that I can unpack the rest of the boxes and find the floor and the work table. I need to do this so that I can set the sewing machine up and get cracking on the blinds and THEN I can maybe start something more fun and creative!!

OK so enough domestic stuff... onto something semi-creative. I'm intrigued by pattern and texture and have found that when you're building we are surrounded by interesting patterns and textures.

I'm here!!!

2009-09-15T13:35:00.003+10:00

As someone kindly prompted recently (thanks JanS)

"5 years! You need to keep it going"

I have been blogging... but over there (look to the left) on my house blog. As you might know, we've been building a house and a month ago we got the keys and moved in... As a result my attention has been drawn away from my art and towards the build,, the decorating (if you could call it that) and the packing and unpacking (such a futile activity - you pack, and then a week (or so...) later you unpack it all?...).

I have been sewing... I did a bag workshop over 5 weeks with Nikki which I really enjoyed. I made (well worked on - not necessarily finished...) several bags which I will attempt to photograph when I work out where I have buried them....

Since I posted last my sewing machine died and was sent back to the manufacturer for repairs (happened after the first of my 5 classes with Nikki) and I picked it up the day before we moved into the new house. In the meantime I borrowed a machine from a friend so that I could continue sewing the blinds for the new house.

I finally managed to get the first of the blinds hung on the weekend and I'm pretty pleased with the results!

I also made this (no textiles at all in it!!) last night and after it's stained and varnished it will be moved into the sewing room (I'm still not quite comfortable referring to it as a studio...) where I'll fill it with books. I'm thinking that if I build another (ambitious I know) and put it beside it, I might even have space to display some of my work as well!

(I can't wait to see it full of books!!)

And lastly... for those that are interested... The "Supervisor" (aka Tyler) is settling in well to the new house - it took some time and some food strike protests (she would eat eventually, just not when first offered - which is VERY unusual for the Supervisor!!). Here's a picture of her in her new environment.... (that's a piece of rawhide in her mouth)

It's my Blogaversary!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-20T08:13:00.002+10:00

Thanks to Teena in Toronto for the nudge! On this day five years ago I started this bog.... 5 years! I can't believe it's been that long! The sad thing is that I have nothing to show that I've been working on. I'll try to rectify that in the next few days.

CIMG6045

2009-04-19T09:39:00.001+10:00

CIMG6045
Originally uploaded by artstitches

The flowers

2009-04-19T09:35:00.001+10:00

CIMG6051
Originally uploaded by artstitches

Finished!!

2009-02-15T22:53:00.003+11:00

The japanese kimono quilt that I have been trying to finish is done at last!! No pictures yet but I'm very pleased. Even the dodgy quilting doesn't bother me so much anymore - I need to remember that what I see close up whilst working on it is not what others or even I see when it's finished.

A sad day for Victoria

2009-02-08T19:22:00.004+11:00

It's a sad day here for Victoria today as the full impact of the fires that began yesterday during our hottest day on record (47.9 degrees where I live) is revealed. The death toll is currently 65 and rising and the number of homes lost is approximately 700. The damage is breathtaking and the stories of struggle and survival have brought tears to my eyes on several occasions.

My thoughts are with those affected as well as those fighting the fires. I have been involved in fighting bushfires (I was a support person, not actually fighting them) and it's painstaking and exhausting work. All resources are thrown into the fight leaving little in reserve.

A friend of ours has a house near to an area that is affected and they evacuated last night. They've gone back today but are still in danger so we have everything crossed that they will be safe.

There aren't any fires near us at present - we hope too that it stays that way.

First day at school

2009-02-05T12:36:00.002+11:00

No, not me...

See Jeana's post here about Eowyn's first day at school - complete with new bag!!

Eowyn's Bag

2009-02-04T23:37:00.005+11:00

So here it is, the finished article... Spick and span and ready for delivery - and it was well received.

Adjustable straps - padded for comfort

Internal zipper pocket for special stuff

Drink bottle pockets on each side (well one drink bottle - one for other special stuff)

I think that I might give this bag another go....

Almost there...

2009-02-02T23:27:00.002+11:00

The bag is now finished and ready for delivery to Jeana and Eowyn. I want them to see it first so I'm only posting this cryptic picture of the straps. More photos to come. I must say I am very please with how it turned out.

Bags of fun..

2009-01-31T22:39:00.002+11:00

I've had a very productive day of sewing making Eowyn's bag. I've really enjoyed it despite my initial uncertainty about not having a pattern.

I started with a rough (very rough) sample to get an idea of size and then took a quick trip to the op-shop with my tape measure in my pocket to find a child's backpack so I could compare my measurements - mine were pretty similar so I was set to go ahead.

I think the bit that I've enjoyed most is the problem solving. The bit where I've had to work out what order I need to work in to ensure that I don't have to back-track or unpick - so far so good and I've been able to work forward all the way.

What I've discovered is that I've had to work in a slightly different order to what I'm used to. Normally I make up the body of the bag and then make straps and pockets etc and then the lining and then assemble it all. For this bag I've had to make up most of the straps and pockets first before I could sew the first seam on the body of the bag. I've even worked out how to include a couple of neat pockets that worked a treat.

All that's left for tomorrow is to finish the straps, the flap and the lining and join it all together. Finally I'll add a magnetic closure and then sit back and admire my work.

Oh and I should add that todays temperature was MUCH more comfortable...

Aaaarghhhhh!!!!

2009-01-30T16:56:00.003+11:00

I know, us Melbourne lot are a bunch of whingers, but seriously - it's H-O-T ! ! ! !

It's too hot to do anything. We (Bryan, The Supervisor and I) are lying on the lounge room floor with the only fan in the house blasting warmish air onto us. I slept here on the floor last night as it was cooler that the bedroom - not the most comfortable place but after no sleep the night before it didn't seem to matter.

Jean and I have met and conferred about Eowyn's bag and we are both excited. The fabric is lovely and the design I had in mind was just what Jeana wanted. Tomorrow is due to be cooler (not cool, just cool-er) and so I will get cracking on it then. Hopefully it works out as planned - I don't have a pattern so I'm just going to wing it.

I'm off to refil my glass with more ice and water. I promise I'll give up on the heat talk soon - soon enough it'll be winter and I'll be whinging about the cold...

It's too hot

2009-01-28T19:00:00.001+11:00

It's hot today...

It was hot yesterday...

It's gonna be hot again tomorrow...

It's gonna be hot again on Friday and Saturday...

And the two textile pieces that are currently sitting beside the couch for me to work on are a quilt with a heavy wool blanket for batting (the Japanese Kimono Quilt) and a pair of knitted (to be felted) slippers for Bryan. It's too hot to work on either!

I do have another project that is in the planning stages. Jeana of Unbecoming Lily has a long to-do-list and I'm helping her out by making a backpack for her daughter for kinder. I've been trawling the net looking for images and an some ideas are emerging...

I'm off to try and cool down (fat chance!!)

Transformations...

2009-01-27T19:27:00.004+11:00

I resisted the distractions today until I finished my work. But then I turned to the creative side of the room...

I have now turned the incomplete doiley/placemat from this and this post into this completed purse!

That's another one to stike of the 'projects on the go' list. That's 2 (hopefully) in one week!! Perhaps I could let myself do something creatice this weekend (ie not from the list).

Work, work, work...

2009-01-27T08:39:00.005+11:00

I've had a very relaxing and productive long weekend and am NOT ready to go back to work.

When I say go, I mean walk down the hall to the office...

That's the problem with working from home - the sewing machine and the rest of my art stuff sits on the other side of the room calling to me... It hasn't been a problem for the last couple of weeks because the sewing table has been buried under a huge pile of stuff (remains of pre-Christmas bag making and quilt finishing, and paperwork (house stuff, wedding stuff, bills etc)that somehow got 'dumped' there.

The sewing table is now clear and calling out for a project and that's the table I'd rather be sitting at than the work desk...

I have no pictures today - so I'll leave you with a photo of The Supervisor (aka Tyler) on holidays (check out that smile!)

Quilting complete!

2009-01-26T19:54:00.004+11:00

Wow! this walking foot is a dream. I've completely quilted my Japanese Kimono Quilt in a weekend (minus the little bit that I'd started 2 and a bit years ago). I've even attached the binding and whilst watching The Bourne Identity have hand-sewn one edge. We still have an other movie lined up - The Bourne Supremacy (is that #2?) - so I should get through another side.

As I sew I've also been making plans for this....

It's an embroidered placemat, but I have no intention of finishing it - what's the point of one pretty placemat and I'm not doing more just to make a set of placemats that I'm not likely to use. Instead I'm thinking purse... or bag of some sort?...

I'll keep you posted.

Update: - 2nd movie is done and I'm now halfway through. We still have The Bourne Ultimatum to go (#3) LOL! At this rate I should have it finished by the end of the week.

Look what's on my desk!!

2009-01-24T22:20:00.003+11:00

I picked up my sewing machine on Friday - all serviced and running nicely again and all dust elephants removed.

I also purchased a walking foot. Something that I have needed but not wanted to fork out the dollars for. It is particularly necessary to finish this japanese kimono quilt that I started... hmmm.... umm... October 2006!! (wow - I didn't realise it was that long ago!) I had attempted to quilt it and had done a bit but gave up in frustration due to the puckering.

Today I started sewing with my new walking foot and am now 1/3 of the way through. A couple more sessions like that and it'll be done...

Time for some TLC...

2009-01-15T15:58:00.002+11:00

My trusty sewing machine is heading off for a well-deserved service. I've ignored the clunking noises for too long and need to get it looked at before I do some damage. I've tried to blow and brush as much dust from it as I can but I'm sure the service guy will still find dust elephants hidden in there!!

I've just rung up and made enquiries and will drop it in tomorrow. I really only had two questions:

How much? and
How long????

Luckily it should only be gone a week so that gives me a week to finish cleaning up the studio/sewing room (studio sounds too false for what really is the other half of my office which really is just a bedroom...)

This is the bag that Dad got...

2009-01-11T10:47:00.003+11:00

But first a back-story...

My Mum and Dad's Christmas request last year (sounds so long ago already...) was that we could only give gifts if we didn't spend any money. So I decided to make them both a bag from fabrics already in the cupboard. And I almost did it without spending anything - I did need to spend a little on bag hardware but the fabrics were all there already!

Mum received these bags...

And she was wrapped!!

My Dad is a gadget man and uses a 'dilli-bag' to carry all the gadgets around - GPS for geocaching, GPS for the car, mobile phone, camera, chargers for each... you get the picture.

Dad's bag was the same pattern as Mum's (the Small Tote Bag - by Nikki) - the one with the flap and the taller body shape. I did make a few small adjsutments... I added a divider pocket and clips and used plastic hardware. I did have trouble finding the plastic fittings that I had in mind and didn't have time to order any and so bought a cheap bag at a bargain shop ($6) and cut off all of the fittings - including the rubber shoulder guard. I used a 'manly' olive-green linen-like fabric for the outside and a hand-dyed peice that I did ages ago (try March 2006!) And this is what I came up with...

Inside out...

And Dad loved his bag too!!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-10T22:10:00.002+11:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

We've just arried home from our holiday in New South Wales with friends and I'm wishing I was still there. We had a great holiday... we went to the beach and walked for hours, took the dog for swims and laughed at her being scared of the water, went out for coffee in the morning and got distracted and stayed out the whole day, had afternoon 'nanna-naps' on the days when we were at home, went exploring on the train and browsed the shops... Phew, no wonder I'm tired!!

The Man-bag I mentioned last year went down a treat, Sue loves her Japanese Quilt and has been installed on her bed (along with the new bedding and knick-knacks aquired from a couple of op-shop trips that all went together to make the whole 'ensemble' work) and the new owners of the recent bags were wrapped.

Ill add pictures tomorrow but for now here's a pic of Tyler smiling and enjoying her holiday - check out that tongue!!

Bags, bags, bags...

2008-12-21T07:15:00.005+11:00

I had a producteve day yesterday, working well into the evening (1.30am so I guess that's through the evening and into the morning!) on a couple more bags.

This time it's the Hobo - yes another of Nikki' s patterns - you know where to look it up by now!

On the go are 2 different Hobo's and I've finished matching purses for each. I hope to get them finished before Christmas but there's one more that I want to attempt and get into the post by Monday - I'm thinking the small tote so I should be able to whip that up (I'm thinking man bag... but that's all that I'm giving away...).

Pictures later. Right now I have a bit of work to do - yes it is a Sunday but deadlines are deadlines and if I want to go on holidays then I need to get it done - and then we're off to the city for a spot of shopping (or perhaps crowd fighting) while Bryan works. When we get home it's straight to the sewing machine sewing-sewing-sewing-sewing. I really am enjoying all of these bags.

Oh and I have 1 and a half of the motifs to hand-sew on Sue's Japanese quilt before we leave on Wednesday. And all of these bags and purses that I've been making except one, need to have the linings sew up (hand-sewn). That's 4 purses, 1 small tote, 2 Hobo's and hopefully another small tote - but they're all pretty quick to do. That should keep me busy til Wednesday.

Hmmm, I also need to pack sometime before then too.....

A family of bags...

2008-12-17T09:31:00.004+11:00

Over the past few days I've managed to sew those bags that I cut out about 2 weeks ago. Did I mention that they were all cut from the same fabric?...

Actually I still have one little purse to sew but the zip I had was the wrong size and it was a metal one that I can't cut down to size. Also it required changing cotton - the others all used the same colour cotton which makes sewing in multiples very easy.

The two larger bags are both from the same pattern. This is another of Nicole Mallalieu's patterns - small tote bag. This is one of the beginners level bags and one which I hadn't taken much notice of until one day when I was browsing the patterns online. I was amazed at the variations that could be made with one pattern AND that there are hints/instructions on how to make the variations. I had also thought that it might be a bit small but I was wrong! I love this pattern!

So let me introduce you...

Small purse...

Small tote - short version - with plastic handles. I used the medium-heavy weight interfacing that Nicole sells and added fusible wadding to give it extra body.

Of course it also has internal pockets and a magnetic catch... And I like the red lining - no loosing things in a dark bag here...

Small tote with flap... This one is made of a fine corduroy with the same interfacing and wadding as the one above. Only the flap is made of the fancy material which is just enough I think.

The gold rings are just perfect too (I wanted to make an adjustable strap but I didn't check the width of the strap first and the ones I have are too wide )

Of course it also has a pocket and the red lining!

These are a great size to make as they are pretty quick and not overly fiddly. I'm itching to make some more!! Not sure that I'll get any more done before Christmas though.

slow progress...

2008-12-11T13:14:00.003+11:00

I've neglected my blog of late... Most of my thoughts are taken up with thoughts of our house that is in it's very early stages and all that goes with it (colour choices, loans, deposits, conveyancing, where we want power points....)

I am slowing getting the hand-stitching done on Sue's Japanese Quilt and only have 2 and 3/4 blocks to go. That's about the equivalent of 3 movies worth of stitching (as long as the movie doesn't have sub-titles as last nights choice did...)

I've also cut out fabric for 2 handbags and 2 zippered purses which I've been working on bit-by-bit. I'm currently up to ironing on the interfacing and have been grabbing time whilst I take a lunch break to do a bit. (I'm struggling between wanting to sew bags and wanting/needing to get the handsewing of the quilt finished). I also have a few other bags planned but thought I'd better not get too far ahead of myself!

So as nothing's finished and you've seen enough of the quilt, I'll leave you with a pic of Tyler - the Supervisor in her new and very UPSIZED bed!!

So what's next?...

2008-11-28T08:00:00.002+11:00

Now that Sue's Japanese quilt is as good as finished - what's next?...

Yes, I still have the hand-stitching, but that's a TV and movie watching task - perhaps I can even stitch in the car as we travel north to Sue's place on Christmas eve...

First is to clean up the sewing room. It has kinda got outta hand in the past weeks... really outta hand!

From Art

(I kept that pic small on purpose - you get the idea without seeing JUST how bad it is!) Definitely time to fix it.

As for what project is next?...

My japanese quilt is hanging there tempting me, but first I need to invest in a walking foot or the frustration is going to get the better of me. I really should look over there on the left and pick up another of those "projects on the go"... BUT I'm really thinking that some bags and purses might be what I'd really like to turn my attention to.

Look what's finished (well almost!!) - Photo overload

2008-11-27T15:27:00.005+11:00

Sue's Japanese quilt is now fully bound! I'm so happy that the end is near, but I'm even more happy with how it's turned out.

So happy that (whisper) "I wanna keep it!"...

No, I love giving things I've made away to ther people, expecially when I see their reaction, and I K-N-O-W what kind of reaction I'll get with this one!

It's taken a long time in the making (Sue asked me to make a quilt for her in August last year - I blogged about it here).

So I present to you the *almost* finished quilt - I've yet to finish hand-stitching around the red and black Japanese blocks - but the rest is done.

Here it is spread out on my queen size bed - it covers it edge to edge perfectly. It was designed to cover a queen (as it does - to the edges) but it's primary use as a throw rug for the lounge.

Finished... at last...

2008-11-20T21:23:00.004+11:00

I actually managed to finish my bag last weekend, with 10 minutes to spare before I was due to catch a train into Melbourne for the weekend (actually I missed the first train because I was too busy sewing and forgot to watch the time).

I'm very pleased with it. It's got an adjustable handle attached with o-rings, two zips, one with this neat little placket to hold onto, pockets with pleats so that they expand and a magnet (shhhh, don't tell Nikki that I mucked that up - I was in a bit of a rush and didn't check properly that the right sides together, and so they don't join up like they should - you know how when you put two magnets together and they repell rather than stick?.... well mine do that and stick when they are off centre so I'll have to unpick a bit of the lining so that I can get in and fix it - no big deal)

BTW I did the workshop with Nikki of Nicole Mallalieu Design. Nikki also blogs at You SEW Girl. It was a fabulous workshop and I can't wait to do another. We (another lady Jane who was at the workshop) are already saving up to do A Sharper Edge - Finishing techniques for intermediate and experienced sewers and then Patternmaking for Bags I - Learn to turn your creative ideas into reality without the need to ever buy another bag pattern!

Sorry, the pictures aren't great... it's hard to photograph without a model :)

Inset Zip

No pics yet, but soon.... I promise...

2008-11-12T16:53:00.002+11:00

I had a fantastic day at the bag workshop on the weekend!! My bag is only part finished but is starting to take shape nicely and I'm looking forward to snatching some time in the coming days to finish it. I was going to give you a sneak peak but thought it would be better to wait till it's finished - it will look much better then.

I was really impressed with the workshop and was amazed that each of us made a different bag from a different pattern and all without Nicole getting flustered at all. As she pointed out at the beginning, we may not all get our bags finished, depending on how big and how complex our chosen bag was, but that we should think about what it is that we wanted to learn and focus on that. I really wanted to find out about adjustable straps and attaching handles with rings, and I achieved that.

I even managed the public transport with my suitcase quite easily.

Bag Workshop

2008-11-07T23:30:00.003+11:00

I've been busy busy busy...

Tomorrow I'm doing a bag workshop with Nicole Mallalieu - Bag in a day. I've been wanting to do a workshop with Nicole for ages and am looking forward to it. I was a late booking and so only received my pattern on Monday. I cut the pattern out on Tuesday - Melbourne cup day - and today, on the way home from work, I dropped into a Patwork on Central Park and picked up some fabric. Tonight I have cut out my fabrics, packed my bag and am rearing to go - I'm going by public transport so I have my sewing machine and fabrics and bits all packed into a suitcase...

Hopefully I'll have something spectacular to show you after the weekend

A day in the city...

2008-11-02T10:41:00.003+11:00

Bryan and I went off early yesterday to spend the day in the city. Of course our day started waaaaay earlier than expected....

...First there was the alarm that went off at 4am (still set from the day before when Bryan had to get up at that time to get ready for work).

...Next was 5am when the darling Tyler (our dog) decided to be sick. No problem, it was just her bed, so I threw her bed into the washing machine, put her into the crate and went back to sleep... eventually...

...Only to be woken again at 6am (half an hour before the alarms were set) with another sick episode - this time on the carpet (Bryan's turn this time, I did the one before - YUK!!)

Of course soon after, Tyler was running around as though nothing was wrong, barking at us as we got ready to leave!

Our day involved a couple of hours at the Simonds Colour Gallery followed by a stint at the tile shop where we made lots of decisions without dispute and without too many upgrades!!

Next stop was the Young and Jackson where we had a beer with Chloe to celebrate our effort and watched the race-goers milling around the streets below, stumbling on heels, struggling with obscenely large hats or oddling arranged feathers and dresses billowing up in the breeze.

Afterwards it was onto Kimono House where I dropped in to pick up a pattern and took the opportunity to thank Leanne for the dragonfly fabric for Sue's Japanese Quilt and told her what a fabulous match it was. Turns out she already knew as she asked "are you the one with the blog" and told me that somebody had seen it (and my mention of her) and mentioned it to her.

At last we have pictures...

2008-10-31T09:20:00.003+11:00

One of the japanes text blocks is done... well almost - it needs it's English transation but that'll come later.

I was going to do back-stitch around the word but was worried what it might look like on the back so went with a running stitch just outside the outline. Turns out the backs not that flash anyway, but it's not that visible either so no matter!

I wanted to use sashiko thread but could only find navy in the shop I went to last week. Instead I've used crochet cotton or perle cotton and it works nicely. The translation will be embroidery cotton as the perle is too thick.

I really like the effect I've achieved (unintentionally!)... It has the appearance of reverse applique but it is a single piece.

One down, six more to go!

2008-10-30T11:03:00.003+11:00

I tried to sit down at the machine to put the binding bits together last night but it was not going to happen. On Monday morning, before going to work I hurt my back. It was the most simplest of things - sitting in the chair at my desk and I used my feet to pull the chair closer and O-U-C-H!!!!!! I did go to work (despite Bryan's best efforts to get me to stay home) and even had coffee with Jeana on the way home, (it was OK during the day) but it's still sore so sitting at the sewing machine was not the best of plans.... It's on the mend now, so hopefully some progress will be made over the weekend.

In other news - the house stuff - we have decided to build a house and have put a deposit on a block of land!

Mum asked if we felt like "wealthy land owners"? The answer is not yet... We're more likely to feel poor than anything else - especially when the loan repayments start!!

We've also chosen the house that we want to build and are in the process of selecting bricks and gutter colours (how exciting?!). The taps, tiles and toilet are next on the list LOL!! I will be setting up a separate blog (over the next few days) for the house progress so as not to clog this one up with non-textile related stuff.

First stitches for 2 weeks...

2008-10-28T15:30:00.003+11:00

Has it really been that long?!!!

I got started on the binding of Sue's Japanese Quilt on Sunday evening (after another weekend of house-stuff that I promise to reveal soon). I've trimmed the excess and squared it us (as best I can) and cut the strips ready to be joined for the binding.

I also made a start on the hand-stitching on the blocks where I didn't do any machine quilting - the japanese word blocks. So far I've just done a running stitch around the outside and will stitch around the the black letter as well. Finally I will hand embroider the English meaning of the word on each block.

A Correction...

2008-10-26T08:29:00.001+11:00

My littlest-big brother, who is probably the biggest-little brother when you're talking heights (confused yet?) disputed my comment in yesterday's post. As Lac pointed out, I'm only about 1/2 a foot shorter than them (oops... I exaggerated!... I'm not that short and they're not that tall...) and that he's happy to be my 'little' brother.

Here's a pic of Lac quite some years ago...
This picture actually has all 5 of us in it... Mum on the left, Dad upside-down beside her, Lac in the middle, me upside-down beside him and Zac on the far right. ...and Dad took the photo somehow....