Picture moment - Nap time

Sometimes there's nothing better than a midday nap. Here's Boss and Sanford demonstrating how it's done.

Valentine Inspired Cushion

This cushion has been sitting in the studio for a while. I had been going back and forth with it deciding it needed something more but not knowing what exactly. I was left with a neckline piece after making pigletto and it is getting to be that time of year again, February 14th and all. I might add some more to it but then again I might let it be. The cushion is super soft, a recycled Ralph Lauren no less. I think I got it from my dad. I hope you like it.

wristlets

Here's one I made earlier...

Here's some wooly bracelets that unsurprisingly are quite toasty when worn.

little wooly pigletto

This is my first foray into proper 3D plushies. Piggy is made from 100% recycled Scottish Argyle tank top (vest in American speak). I found the pattern on marthastewart.com so feel free to have a go. I must admit the instructions did confuse me a little but I got there in the end. I have ordered a book on amazon (is there anything you can't buy on amazon) that is from the 70's that I should be getting any day now that has a lot of really nice animals to make. I was excited to share this latest project with you.

This is my first foray into proper 3D plushies. Piggy is made from 100% recycled Scottish Argyle tank top (vest in American speak). I found the pattern on marthastewart.com so feel free to have a go. I must admit the instructions did confuse me a little but I got there in the end. I have ordered a book on amazon (is there anything you can't buy on amazon) that is from the 70's that I should be getting any day now that has a lot of really nice animals to make.

Progress so far

I was so hopeful at the start of the year and I'm happy to report that a certain amount of progress has been made. It took awhile to sort out the craft room, amazing how much time that takes. I recently was given some small aluminium buckets which I will use to sort my ever growing button collection. My new sewing machine arrived yesterday so I have threaded it and sewn a straight line but that's as far as I've got as I'm still reading all the ins and outs in the manual. It sews buttons too! which when you sew as many as I do is really good news. Below are some pictures of a pin brooch made from felt, it was a test one, I want to make some more so that I can throw them in a hot wash to see what happens.

I'm Back

After all the build up to the last show I needed a break, but I'm back to full working order and with a new sewing machine purchase imminent very excited about future projects. I have to figure out how to balance painting and sewing. They aren't very compatible, you can't do it in the same room for instance.
My project list for early 2010 includes in no particular order: Argyle recycled sweater pig, Recycled sweater owl, lettered garland, pin brooches, wet felted flowers (learn how to wet felt first) Image transfers on wood then made into coasters, multiple paintings of the ocean, donkey ornaments and fancy zippered bags.

It sounds like a lot just typing it out. I will also be bringing to the blog stuff that I read that interests me and inspiring projects. In this way it will lessen the burden on me to take copious photos of my stuff or lack of it !!

How to make the garland.

I found this on katiedid.squarespace.com and absolutely love it. I was thinking of making one that said Give me strength and just have it up all year round. Patience is a virtue could be another one, must blog etc etc. I was super excited to find out that Muji has an online store, NO one sells those clear sleeve folders and so I bought 2 to begin with that will help deal with the backlog of cutouts and printouts that form my must have a go at this one day file. They currently reside in a box. The office has now got a much needed lamp which means I can work when its dark, I salvaged a corkboard from work which will need a little trimming to get it to fit the nice frame I have for it. Must get back to work. Happy New Year everyone.

Unique LA

So, I've been a slacker on the blog front but only because I've been chained to my sewing machine. I felt like a factory worker as I attempted to complete projects in time for the show. My fingers are sore from not using a thimble. The regular job just gets in the way and when there's gossip girl and desperate housewives to catch up on its hard to get down to serious stuff. I've been sucked in by Melrose Place too, oh the shame of it. Anyway, thank you to all the lovely people who stopped by and were so complimentary about my wares. The most comical moment was when I wasn't even there, a small boy with his father apparently picked up a penguin and licked it. The father then felt obliged to buy it and later on I saw the small boy still clutching the penguin. So for you kids out there wanting new toys, don't scream and throw a tantrum, just lick !!!

The furry travel buddies awaiting adoption.

I was sad to see glamour owl go, she had sparkly eyes.

The paintings before they got straightened.

Happy Shoppers.