I know the saying is that 'time flies when you're having fun' but it also seems to fly when you're just working and meeting deadlines. I always feel like I should have more to show – craft-wise – after more than a month since my last post. Truthfully, I've been working away on a few things, but my day job and some back yard projects have been taking up the bulk of my time. That said, I wanted to update the blog with my current WIPs and upcoming projects.
I HAVE completed one project - the “travel project” from my Texas trip. I turned the embroidered piece into a textile necklace. I'm happy with the end result but I learned a lot of things for my next "jewelry" project.
After I finished stitching the pattern I designed, I used some fabric glue to attach it to a cream colored felt. It gives it a bit more structure and gave me a way to attach a necklace cord. I outlined the design to reinforce the attached backing. I used black embroidery thread for the outline which had the added benefit of giving the design a bit more pop as well.
I wasn't quite sure about attaching cording or chain, so I ordered necklace cords in a variety of colors and sizes to see what color and texture looked best with the design. I decided to use a black cord that I cut in half and stitched to each side of the design. It worked but I did not anticipate the cord fraying like it did so I ended up doing a combination of glueing and stitching the cord to the back of the design. The next time I do this I will use more of a formal connecting ring or something for the cording. I enjoyed this process enough to read up on it a bit and try a few different things until I get it right.
I am SO close to finishing the Mountmellick purse is as well. I’ve sewn the outside and inside purse panels together and now it’s just a matter of sewing in the purse frame. My problem with THAT is I did not fully understand the process to attach the purse frame - which - honestly is not exactly difficult. But I thought the frame would be attached on the inside of the purse and I could fudge a bit with the size, but it's actually attached to the outside of the bag which made it obvious that I had ordered the wrong size purse frame.
I am a big proponent of guiding principles in sewing such as "measure twice, cut once". Everything works better if you read all the instructions, work with precision and follow directions. But I am also the great granddaughter of Ida Tunnell and her more organic, "It'll Never Be Seen On A Galloping Horse" type of crafting, so sometimes I have to learn the hard way. The lesson here is that with purses that utilize a frame you should really be making your purse pattern around the frame rather than making the purse and trying to find a frame to fit it later. WHICH I KNOW NOW. I think I've found a frame on etsy that will work and the purse will come out cute despite the hiccups.
While wrapping these two projects up I’ve been fitting in some time to work on my second weaving project. It’s basically set up to be a scarf although I might see if there’s some other way to use it. I do want to experiment with embroidery on weaving so I might use this finished project to try out some different techniques. I also finished another square for my "Spanish Ladies" quilt and did a couple of “quickie” up-cycling projects.
I’ve been collecting patches from places we visit over the years and also some patches that I’ve seen when shopping that I just find cute. I used them for fancy up two items. I used a beautiful bird patch I found at World Market to class up an older blazer that I don’t wear much anymore but I think I’ll get a lot more use from now!
Most of the other patches I put on a denim jacket that I bought on Thrifted. I love that this is kind of a wearable souvenir display. There are patches from our recent trip in Texas, from Vegas trips, New York and other spots. Plus I'll also be attaching patches that I make, like the swallow tattoo design that was a previous "travel project".
I’m excited to keep adding to this with more patches from future trips.
Summer took a while to get going this year, but it has officially arrived and we are soaking up the sun. We’ve been fitting in some pool time and grilling every chance we get. I really love to slow down and spend time outside once the great weather starts so I focus on portable projects I can take outside on the patio or to the pool. My next project is going to be a Sashiko quilt. I’m planning to use denim I’ve up-cycled from jeans we don’t wear anymore that I’ve cut up into squares. To start off and kind of "learn" the process I bought a cool pre-printed Sashiko kit on Etsy. It comes with everything you need to start. I'm finding it's a different way of working with thread. My plan is to use this for the back of the quilt along with some really cute printed "tenugui towels" I've bought. The Sashiko process requires some practice to try and get the stitch lengths equal and thats working WITH a preprinted pattern. I think this is a good way to kick off learning this technique and it's helping me work up the confidence to try some free form designs for the front of quilt squares.
I hope everyone is enjoying great weather and finding time to stitch in the sun!