I seam to think sew...

Silk Tumblers Panel

2012-02-15T09:53:00.000-08:00

There were so many rules to sewing with silk that I'd forgotten, simple things, such as changing to a brand new, appropriately-sized, sewing machine needle -- I should have called my sewing goddess, Nedra Michalek, for advice first! A lot of seams were unstitched and resewn due to shifting under the presser foot (and oh those bias edges!), but I stayed calm and it's finished now. There are sheers in my stash, also shibori-dyed, to be added for texture. Free-form random organic shapes, raw edges and lots of handsewing are filling my head. This panel measures 20" x 40".

Onto the Next Project

2012-02-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

The tumblers quilt in the previous post was a blunder. What was I thinking when I decided to leave out the yellow blocks? Blue and red was terribly dull, so the yellow border was cast aside for something else. I donated the tumblers-blunder top to Rosie's Calico Cupboard.

I'm still working with tumbler blocks, only these are smaller at 3" and cut from shibori-dyed silk, and I'm sewing the rows. Silk behaves differently from quilting cotton, to say the very least! Shown here is 1/3 of the wall hanging. The door is closed to keep kitties from chasing their tails on the floor where the blocks are laid out. Sewing silks on a bias edge is challenging to say the least, so I'm giving myself plenty of leeway so I'll stay calm. After a few rows, I started to enjoy the careful work. It's not so tedious after all.

Please note I've added a subscription function to my blog (sidebar, upper right). No more checking for updates because you can follow by email! Have a good weekend.

Tumbler 2

2012-01-29T22:32:00.000-08:00

This gadget has my mind reeling with possibilities! I put another group of fabrics through the die cutter already. Gosh, do I really have to go to work tomorrow??

You might wonder about the waste fabric, so here is what I ended up with. There may be better ways to layout fabric, so don't take my word for it. If you have useful advice from your Accuquilt Go! machine experiences, please leave a comment here. Thanks!

Tumblers Quilt Top

2012-01-29T00:20:00.000-08:00

I bought a new toy and took it out of the box today, an Accuquilt Go! fabric die cutter. Every year I give up quilting, only to pick it up once again and, with this, new ideas are filling my head. The die cutter comes with a die and cutting mat, but I also wanted the 6.5" tumbler die which was an extra cost.

After reading the (simple) instructions, I began cutting at 1:30p and, by 6:30, the quilt top was done. It's small, 34" x 36", but the speed with which I cranked out the tumblers was extraordinary! A few thoughts: Fabric gets wasted, although not a lot; I didn't iron out folds before cutting; two or three layers is my favorite amount to cut; the cutting mat gets pretty chewed up; the cut pieces are exactly the same size and piece together beautifully. This project is also the first top I've made on the Featherweight.

I am coveting the apple core, although it will be hard to decide which one to buy. Tumblers and apple cores will make great backgrounds for art stitching I envision on the surface.

Art by Diane

2012-01-24T13:19:00.000-08:00

Call me a lucky girl! For my upcoming birthday, my pal Diane made this collage for me. I LOVE IT!! I (highly) recommended the book Taking Flight "to give [Diane's] creative spirit wings," and this was one of the projects. It's polymer clay and acrylic paint on pine board. I'm tickled to death she made this for me. It hangs on my wall near my computer, keeping company with other handmade items. I look at this and see the affection that Diane and I have for each other.

5.5" x 7"

Cross-body Kindle Pouch

2012-01-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

My nephew Ryan was given a Kindle Touch for Christmas and I thought he needed a proper pouch to carry it to/from his grandparents's house. At the fabric store, he chose this elephant batik and had only one request, "I don't want it to look like a purse" -- an appropriate comment from a boy!

With fusible batting in between two layers of batik, I outline-quilted the elephant on the flap, then stitched diagonally across the rest. French side seams encased the raw edges with a finished look. The pouch is meant to be worn across Ryan's body, so I sewed in nylon webbing with a buckle and made it adjustable for a growing boy. The pouch stays closed over a wooden button with a black hair band because I was too lazy to go to the fabric store for a tiny piece of elastic.

Inside, there is a flat pocket for the USB cable. This elephant was also outline-quilted, but without batting.

The pouch folds closed over the extended top of the main pocket to secure his device. Sure, I could make these to sell, but I won't (long hours, custom fit for various devices, fabric choices won't suit everyone).

Christmas on the Brain

2012-01-08T20:05:00.000-08:00

These bottle decorations were made by special request for a favored customer and likely in early preparation for her next Christmas. After the holidays, appropriate yarns in proper and classic reds and greens were not as plentiful, however, I found the perfect red. The hats were knitted on circular needles and the icord scarves were knitted on double pointed needles. Usually, I crank out the scarves on a hand knitting mill, but this yarn was too thick for the gadget.

Thanks to this hat and scarf project, I'm on a roll. Now all I want to do is knit more hats. I'm feeling Christmas-y in January!

Happy 2012 to You

2012-01-05T00:34:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to each and every reader! Thank you for continuing to follow my world. Here's wishing you a year filled with love, creativity and serenity.

For me, it will be another year of working with fabric, my favorite medium. I recently acquired some remnants of hand-dyed silk. These will be used for dolls and lavender-filled pillows. I'm salivating at the thought of playing with these rich colors and textures, slurp!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things. I hope you're receiving a few of your favorite things, whether or not they come in packages, and arrive in the shape of love, warmth, food, or blessings. Merry Christmas to you with my best wishes for a happy 2012.

Earrings for My Niece

2011-12-21T23:08:00.000-08:00

My niece Natalie just got her ears pierced. Making earrings for an 8 year old is quite different than those for an adult. It's a whole 'nother mindset and somewhat more challenging than I expected. My bead collection had only a few things suitable for her age. I also noticed that jewelry making was difficult because I was out of practice. Wire wrapping was messy and I'd forgotten how to manage my tools. In the end, everything turned out satisfactorily.

The Fat Lady Sng

2011-12-09T17:51:00.001-08:00

The 2011 art show season is over and, in reference to the title of today's post, I'm done until next year, phew. Now you also know how to pronounce my surname, as though it had a "u" in it. Thank you to everyone who came out to support independent artists and buy locally! I'm grateful to you because you took home my handmade goods. If you still need lavender pillows, please email me -- there are just a couple remaining for last minute shoppers.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Love, Lauren

Show, Times Two

2011-11-30T22:13:00.001-08:00

This weekend I will be hawking my wares at two single-day shows. Come by if you can in support of independent artists!

Dec 3, Saturday
9:30a to 3:30p
Carmel Valley Artists
Karl Strauss Brewery & Gardens
9675 Scranton Road (map)
San Diego 92121

Dec 4, Sunday
2p to 6p
Kringle Mingle
Cardiff Town Center
2087 San Elijo Avenue (map)
Cardiff by the Sea 92007

This next item has nothing to do with shows, but it's the kind of art that provides me with LOADS of inspiration. It's terribly clever! Never mind the blather about aiming "to question the roles we play as the participant or performer, as well as elevating the experiential boundaries of this versatile relationship." I love the shape, the layers, the color red, the yards of fabric, the people-pockets and the contrast of the venue against the folds of woolen. Read about it here.

Photograph by Berhard Ludewig

Cyber Monday

2011-11-28T00:08:00.001-08:00

Come visit me in my online shop and I'll pay for shipping on selected items. If you prefer to see textile treats in person, I will be at two shows this weekend -- see sidebar for details. Click click click!

Gratitude

2011-11-24T00:13:00.001-08:00

I was pleased all around with the efforts I made on my little display. Although my booth looks, at first glance, exactly as it did during the Talmadge Art Show in May, the changes I made and the mindset I carried felt more comfortable for me. Confidence makes a big difference and I believe patrons are the first to notice.

Another small but important touch was being located next to a door that my neighbor and I had partially open. The incoming air cooled us and blew a scented breath of lavender around our area.

I'm grateful to everyone who came out to support independent artists on Sunday. Your appreciation for handmade goods was apparent in the crowds who showered us with oohs and ahhs. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Talmadge Art Show

2011-11-15T23:05:00.001-08:00

Please join me this Sunday. I'll be at the Talmadge Art Show from 10a to 4p along with 82 other artists in the Event Center at NTC Promenade, the former Naval Training Center in Point Loma. Come see what we've created for the holiday gift-giving season. Buy handmade, buy local and support independent artists. We hope to see you there.

20 November 2011 - Sunday, 10a to 4p
Talmadge Art Show
NTC Promenade, Events Center
2875 Dewey Road
San Diego 92106

Three food trucks will feed hungry shoppers.

Colors of Another Era

2011-11-08T23:02:00.000-08:00

I've been cutting vintage and new Chinese silk brocade for lavender pillows. Most of my brocades were from Hong Kong during the late 1950s and early 1960s. China was closed to foreigners; Hong Kong, under British rule, was open to tourists. Ladies had custom-fitted dresses made in Hong Kong, or they brought yardage back to the U.S. as gifts or intending to have it made into a garment here. Notice the abundance of aqua, a popular color of the period. Can you tell which brocades are brand new? Hint: gold, royal, lavender and red.

These woolens and silks were shibori-dyed by Doshi. They'll be filled with French lavender too and will be a nice addition to what folks normally see in my booth. Doshi has a vivid sense of color, all of which I am attracted to.

Learning the Hard Way

2011-11-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

I forgot a key component of my display: the L-brackets that hold the cross bar from which three picture frames would hang. All was not lost -- I suspended them from the tent rails.

Each show brings lessons. The removable L-brackets are now stored on the rack so they can't be forgotten; sewing tabs to secure table skirt corners when the wind blows; carefully hiding storage boxes underneath; hanging tent side walls lower to prevent a gap; finding my new shop name banner was too big. There will be another opportunity, so I look forward to making things right!

Bazaar at the Language Academy

2011-11-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

If you're in San Diego, please join me tomorrow, Saturday, under the ABC Rags tent from noon until 4pm. I'll be selling handmade dolls, kimono silk rag baskets, and lavender pillows. This is the last chance this season to get lavender pillows made with vintage Asian silks and brocade at 25% off. I will have tillandsias (live plants) this time too. Nancy Tyrell and her colorful quilts are sharing the booth with me. We sure hope to see you.

New Signage

2011-10-31T00:41:00.000-07:00

This is the new sign for my art show display. Previously, I never had any signage, except for item descriptions and price tags, but those are dinky. Loretta (BFF and merchandising expert) said my booth needs an identity. I've been doing shows for many years and, sadly, I'm just now getting around to this. As for the doll, I may have to keep her. Red Ferraris are known to be ticket-magnets, and I'm hoping the image of this doll will draw patrons closer to my little shop like a CHP to an exotic auto screaming down the freeway.

This mock-up is how everything will look once the image is printed and mounted. My husband did the graphic work for me. I can count on Tien for good advice too.

Lastly, my 10' x 10' white tent needs some pizzazz. Without front door signage, all white booths look the same. How would anyone find me?

Tweaking (again)

2011-10-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

You might not know what is different here from the photo in the prior post, but I do. Thanks to professional merchandising expertise from Loretta, my best friend of 40+ years, I got great advice. Now, the bare metal is covered with fabric, the lights are in perfect placement, and a red runner punctuates the center. Icing on the cake would be a picture light installed over the center frame where a sign reading "ABC Rags" will go. After every possible tweak and three trial runs in the garage, this has to be perfect because, if it isn't, I'll be at the next show thinking, "Aww, darn, I should have done that too..."

Satisfied, I Think

2011-10-21T00:08:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready for this season's shows by tweaking my display. The picture frames are lined with chicken wire and cloth for exhibiting altered dolls, and the shelves will hold lavender pillows and all the other textile treats made in my studio.

Previously, I had a long table and stood behind it which seemed to allow patrons to examine wares without pressure. After I changed to this 6' rack and hung a red curtain in the back, standing in front was uncomfortable, as if preventing folks from venturing closer. Then I tried to display the dolls on a shelf turned sideways, but it appeared makeshift. I think I've got it now with the picture frames and the ability to see out from behind them, but the real test will be on the selling floor.

The next projects include a store sign and making the table skirt more interesting/less bare. Suggestions for gussying up the skirt, anyone?

This Ain't No Sweatshop

2011-10-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

Similar doll bodies were made a few years ago. They're tall, with exaggerated skinny limbs. This is the only one in a seated position. The hand-dyed shibori skirt is a Doshi remnant and the bodice of textural florets is from an August failure that works perfectly for this 21" doll. The doll's head was made some time ago too, during an experiment in 3-dimensional noggins. Under the black and white skirt is a sheer pumpkin petticoat that gives the silk some substance. To be made next is a Christian LaCroix-inspired shrug from another piece of sheer pumpkin which lays to the right of the doll.

I also used the same beading technique on the hem as other recent doll skirts. It gives a finished look that I like, and also gives weight to the edge of the skirt so it hangs properly.

Bead Stitching

2011-10-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I knitted scarves using a very easy pattern. A little glitz and shine on the edges was called for. Usually, I love tedious work, but for some reason, bead stitching on the edges wasn't as enjoyable this time. Maybe too much coffee?

Today I'm working on a doll. I wonder what she'll look like. Wondering where the path leads is always an adventure. To be sure, I'm in need of an adventure (see previous paragraph) and being led by the hand of a doll is a curiosity indeed. I'll share once the work gets underway.

I Got What I Paid For

2011-10-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

New merchandising props for my art show booth required two decorative frames. Add chicken wire and richly textured Mary McFadden-ish pleated fabric and, voilà, doll displays!

I went to Michaels with my frugality and resourcefulness. Instead of spending $45 on two wood frames without glass, I came home with really cheap, preframed "art," removed the thin glass, art and backing, and was left with the empty frames I needed. It turns out I gypped myself instead. After ripping out the artwork, I discovered the frames were made of dense foam core. WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED IT?! Foam core??

Finding out the frames weren't wood was bad news. No wonder they were so lightweight. They damage very easily after using a staple-gun on the backside. These will fall apart sooner than I want, so I'll end up going back to Michaels to get solid wood after all.

UPDATE 10/10/11, 4:15pm
While testing the new frames on my display rack, the hanging hardware came loose. I was headed upstairs to glue it back together and then I tripped, fell, skinned my arm and broke the frame. The foam core frame is a goner. Now I have to spend more money (like I should have in the first place) and get proper wood frames. I'm really mad.

Fall Photo Session

2011-10-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

The reworked Nancy Anne Storybook Dolls had a photo session in hopes of being chosen for the Talmadge Art Show mailer. I've been reading forums that discuss art show marketing. Jewelers often display blown up photos of items to bring people in for a closer look. Since my dolls are little, a doll portrait could serve the same purpose, esp if it's the same photo on the mailer (fingers crossed!).

Here is a photo of a doll that I didn't submit for the mailer, but want to share with you.

Steve Jobs, RIP...

Post-Show Photos

2011-10-02T23:29:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Nancy and I shared a booth at the Master Gardeners' Autumn Garden Tour & Market. There were 40 vendors selling everything from plants, garden decorations, birdhouses, ceramic pottery, items decorated with succulents, to vertical gardening supplies, among other things. The weather was beautiful and there was a nice breeze which, every now and then, kicked up and gave our tents a good shimmy. Nancy sold quilts and I sold lavender pillows, tillandsias and wire cloches. We had a good time visiting with folks and fellow vendors. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth and made purchases. We appreciate you.

Tilly Hangers

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Remember when I made the tillandsia hooks? This is how they look with plants. I must have given some of them away because I'm sure there were more before :-). These will be for sale on Saturday at the Master Gardeners' Tour and Marketplace.

Separation Anxiety

2011-09-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

You know the feeling: You've spent hours on a project, stitched diligently, solved design issues, overcame every challenge and, in short, put all your heart into it -- then it's over. That's where I am today. I went from Point A to Point B, and enjoyed/suffered all the bumps in between, least of all the lack of creative desire that comes when the monsters in my head are telling me my work is cutesy, isn't good or my design is stupid. But after all, I'm satisfied and happy with this work, and it's time to say goodbye. That's assuming customers will take them home this Saturday [see sidebar]. I'll pack them away with the rest of inventory, then admire my work one last time while I put them on display. Also, it's funny how insecurities vanish once a doll is finished. Monsters, be gone!

I just completed this one. The colors are out of my comfort zone which made for an interesting project. I liked the challenge! Once I realized that, I fantasized being in a fabric store, tapping a fellow shopper on the shoulder, and asking her/him which brocade/silk/whatever appeals the most. Then I'd go with that choice so I don't end up with red and gold or blue and purple again. It's like going to a salad bar with a friend, scooping the various ingredients onto your plate, then trading with the friend in order to eat something different from the usual. Only thing is, the mind must be open to the idea.

A couple of my dolls have sleepy eyes, that is, the lids close when the doll is laid on her back. Though my girls are meant to go onto the wall, their lids are painted to match their clothes. What a shock of color!

Petticoat

2011-09-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

The current doll is getting a double-faced skirt. The outside is teal and copper brocade, and the inside is orange satin. To me, the petticoat looks like a peony, with ruffled and uneven edges. I'm excited to finish her clothing and work on her hair.

Master Gardeners in San Diego

2011-09-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

Come visit me at the Marketplace! Even if you don't buy a ticket to tour the gardens, the market is open to the public. I will be sharing a tent with Nancy Tyrell who will have her gorgeous quilts for sale. We hope to see you.

Inspired by Runway Looks

2011-09-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

Chanel's Spring 2010 fashion show was inspirational. Hairdos were so fantastic (as in fantasy) that I just had to do my own version on a doll. The doll's skirt is three layers of circles, with an edge of glass beads on both sides. Her simple slippers are teardrop beads to keep the eye focused on the outfit. I'm slightly dissatisfied with the uneven hem length, but as my teacher Nadine Spier likes to say, "That's how you can tell it's handmade." I'll go with that!

Topped with a Tiara

2011-09-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

She's a lady, not a princess, which is why her jewel is understated. Besides, she feels her dress is already ostentatious.

Destiny

2011-09-09T16:38:00.000-07:00

If your lifetime's destiny were the prominent placement on a wall, you'd be satisfied with hanging around wearing an impossibly impractical outfit like this. The flare is made from Doshi's hand-dyed silk and stitched with size 15 beads. I'm excited to complete this doll. She's coming along nicely, and still needs shoes, hair, a finished collar and, a [something] on the opposite side to balance the flare.

White Doll #2

2011-09-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

The platinum blonde hair and dark eyebrows/lashes gives this 9" doll a Christina Aguilera look which I think is pretty cool. The "halo" hat is mohair. Look closely at the multiple-circles-skirt -- yes, there is a bead on every stitch. Stay tuned, as the next doll will be all about color!

White Doll #1

2011-09-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

It took me a while to finish this 8" doll. I was frustrated after the first skirt didn't work. Do you think she still needs a little more sparkle, glitz and glamour? I've been using a lot of white for doll-making lately. It's clean and bright, and provides a great background for a zinger color.

Hanbok-like

2011-08-31T22:58:00.000-07:00

The high waist and shape of this doll's garment reminds me of a South Korean hanbok. Do you agree or disagree? Of course, the doll's version has a more elaborate hemline. She also wears fishnet stockings, with one side denser than the other. As with my recent others, this was a Nancy Ann Story Book Doll made of bisque, who had also lost legs and arms before coming to me. This 9" doll has bigger hair and longer legs than in her previous incarnation as a little girl.

Failure with Scale

2011-08-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

My idea to make a textured and asymmetrical skirt failed because the florets are too big for an 8" doll. Rethinking...

Fishnet Stockings

2011-08-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a doll in shades of black and white. She's got fishnet stockings -- so much fun to create!

As Far As I Got...

2011-08-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

I asked you to stay tuned and here's what you get for your efforts, my efforts after Secret Writing, Two. The painted canvases were stitched and cut, then painted again, and bits of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet were added. Oh, what a lot of beautiful lines! I haven't decided whether these will become magnets or one large, textured work. We shall see.

Poetry

2011-08-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

I don't normally like classic poetry, except for use in collage work, and I found this. It kinda fits the situation in my sewing room.

Certain Artists Bring Her Dolls and Drawings

Bring where our Beauty lies
A new modelled doll, or drawing,
With a friend's or an enemy's
Features, or maybe showing
Her features when a tress
Of dull red hair was flowing
Over some silken dress
Cut in the Turkish Fashion,
Or, it may be, like a boy's.
We have given the world our passion,
We have naught for death but toys.

--William Butler Yeats

Secret Writing, Two

2011-07-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

I added two more layers of secret writing. The writings are stream of consciousness blather and really do say something, none of which is very interesting. I was inspired to merge aqua and red due to a recent comment by pal Nancy (quilter extraordinaire!) -- it's her current favorite combination. The third photo is a canvas that I forgot to include the other day. The canvases will get lines of stitching, then cut into smaller pieces. Stay with me!

Secret Writing

2011-07-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

Stay with me. I promise these are going somewhere. As they are so far: canvas scraps, layered with gel medium, tissue paper and secret writing with $1 squeeze bottle acrylic paint.

Dream Machine

2011-07-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

This little beauty is nearly mine. It belonged to Margaret, the spinster aunt of my dear friend Betsy. Betsy gave me first crack at this 1939 Featherweight and, tomorrow, it is going into the shop for servicing. I took the machine apart and cleaned it, but there are places I don't dare go. The electrical cord is crumbling too, which the shop will rewire. Featherweights are legendary for their perfectly straight stitches. I want to see what they're all talking about! Additionally, I'll have a 3/4-size sewing machine to take with me when Tien wants to go on golf trips.

Inside the tray of attachments was a small ruler. Read carefully and you'll be transported in time. "Instructress" is not a word we use these days, but is oh so lovely to utter. Miss Spain's sewing school is gone now and, in its place is a Bank of America building.

Master of None

2011-07-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

These past few months, my concentration has been less than focused. Creatively, I'm all over the place. Following is an example, which has nothing to do with the cloth I'm so fond of.

My sister Janine and I bought tillandsia plants. Making holders for them gave me reason to use a coil of costly copper tubing that I acquired years ago. After bending several holders into shapes, Janine discovered that copper is poisonous to tillandsias! I sprayed the copper with two coats of clear lacquer to protect them.

When Life Throws Me Scraps

2011-06-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I had cushions professionally reupholstered. We picked them up at the workroom and they let me go through their leftovers box. Look at the remnants I scored! My favorite is the crinkle-textured textured piece at the bottom.

Designer Tag Sale

2011-06-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

My pal Janice has excellent taste and an exacting eye for quality. Here is an opportunity to see what I'm talking about. She and a colleague are having a tag sale, and I'll be there, for sure.

June 23-26, 10a to 5p
(Sunday 10a-2p)
7811 Hillside Drive
La Jolla, California 92037
Cash only - No early entry

ABC Rags' ArtFire Studio

2011-06-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

I've got a new shop on ArtFire.com. Over the next several days, I'll be adding inventory. See sidebar for a link or click here!

For my Munchkins

2011-05-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

Little girls (and big girls too) love having long hair. Often it gets tangled and, when you're young, combing out that rat's nest is just too painful for both the little girl and her parents. After I made satin pillowcases for my sister to prevent bed head, she suggested I sew a few more for our nieces. This simple project was quick and easy, but I wasn't successful at preventing slight puckers on the turned-under hem, even when holding the fabric taut under the needle.

Gratitude

2011-05-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

It means so much to me when you take home my handmade treats. I can't thank you enough for supporting my little business. Cheers and hugs to everyone who visited ABC Rags at my studio sale and at Talmadge Art Show.

In Case You Haven't Heard

2011-05-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

May 7, 10a to 4p
See sidebar for details

Nancy Anne Story Book dolls, revisited
$85 each

Finished Doll

2011-04-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite doll so far. She's saucy and chic! All the silks were part of Japanese kimono, save for the red, which is from Encinitas designer Doshi. She is ready for my studio sale on May 7 (see sidebar).

Fat Little Sausage

2011-04-18T00:08:00.000-07:00

The idea was good, but the outcome is not satisfying. Her shapeless body is accentuated, rather than camouflaged, so I think this doll needs more work. A doll will take longer to sell when I'm not laughing joyously as I make it. Anyone want to offer suggestions?

Inspired by Dior

2011-04-17T00:15:00.000-07:00

I wanted this doll's outfit to be simple. Simple is not necessarily easy, and I made the skirt three times to get it just right. Wrinkles were not an option! She needs hair next, but at least her hat is temporarily in place. Long black gloves and pale shoes are her other accessories. Second photo below, Dior Haute Couture from winter 2007/08, provided inspiration.

Two Dolls

2011-04-15T00:36:00.001-07:00

The dolls are getting stylish!

Exaggerated for Fashion's Sake

2011-04-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

The dolls currently have the pose of that famous statue in Rio de Janiero, and that's temporary. Eventually the elongated limbs will be bent into expressive figures. Tonight the glue is drying to hold new legs in their bodies. The dolls are becoming less like their original Nancy Ann Story Book Doll shapes.

Talmadge Art Show

2011-04-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

That's me, bottom row, second from the left -- the blue silk rag basket with the green leaves! Join me and 75+ other artists at Talmadge Art Show.

Painted Eyes

2011-04-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

My dolls can see once again. Fear of failure before starting to paint caused endless fussing and futzing, but once I got going, everything turned out satisfactorily. The rest will be easy. My girls need arms, hair and clothes, and something to stand on or hang from (a noose?! jk).

Naked, Blind & Hairless

2011-04-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Is there something creepy about this, or is it just me?

I've painted over the original eyes because people often wear masks to hide behind their vulnerability.

Modifying Nancy Ann

2011-04-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

I bought this lot of dolls some time ago but didn't know until today that they are Nancy Ann Story Book dolls from the 1940s or so. Some are bisque, the newer ones are plastic, some are jointed, and all are broken or missing limbs. And there's one extra head. While cleaning the dolls with water and alcohol, I also scraped off what was left of old hair. There was something gross about it, esp when chunks of "scalp" came off with hair, ugh. My plan is to repair the dolls and make clothes for them. They'll also get a sophistication treatment -- I can't have my dolls looking like little girls! They'll be drastically different, if I have my way. Stay tuned and let's see how they turn out.

Incidentally, Nancy Ann Story Book dolls were created by a woman from SF, like me.

Finished Purse Hooks

2011-04-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

This are just a few of what I've prepared for the Studio Sale and the Talmadge Art Show! Will you join me? See sidebar for details.

Fine Asian Silks

2011-04-05T00:37:00.000-07:00

Ooh, I do love working with silk scraps! These pillows are made from what were once parts of Japanese kimono and lengths of Chinese brocades from Hong Kong in the 1960s. They are a sampling of the pillows that I'll be selling at my Studio Sale and at The Talmadge Art Show (see sidebar for more information). Pillows are packed and ready to scent new homes.

Little Circles of Stitching

2011-03-28T00:52:00.000-07:00

Purse hooks were all the rage in 2008, but I still have leftover hardware and a desire to stitch in a tiny format. These 1.25" circles will be attached to collapsible hooks and sold at my next show (see sidebar). Keep your handbag off the restaurant floor, esp if you put it on the kitchen counter when you get home.

I will have a studio sale on May 7th, Saturday, the day before Mother's Day and a week before Talmadge Art Show. You'll have first choice before the general public. The studio sale will be by appointment, so please send me an email.

Tulip Wants to Twirl

2011-03-26T00:26:00.000-07:00

My five year old niece Megan, aka "Tulip," wants to wear long dresses that twirl. I found this pattern and made a skirt for her -- she asked for sparkly blue. The skirt functions like an apron so she won't outgrow it for a while.

I'm Not a Painter ...

2011-03-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

... but this is what I painted. These canvases are 3' x 3' and were scary to work on. It took more than a year to gather my courage. The size intimidated me! Benzo, our interior designer, issued the challenge when he suggested a vertical format for our dining room wall. Color mixing is not a skill I have, but using pre-mixed acrylic house paint solved some of that and ensured the painting would work well in our house. The red is color-matched to our dining room curtains. Qing dynasty woodblock prints are collaged and, in the background is my secret writing. Yes, there really is a message in my painting!

Creative Rhythm

2011-02-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

I made this in an effort to change my flow of creativity (aka "funk). Because I was so excited to finish it and hang it in my sewing room, I couldn't stop and ended up making two versions (the other was a gift). The yellow background squiggles, which are now referred to as my secret writing, is a mantra to clear the migraines I've had for the past 30 years. "Creative Rhythm" assumes I am already in a rhythm and producing creatively. It's working -- now I want to make more of these. This one is 14" x 11".

Some Call it Courage

2011-01-30T21:46:00.000-08:00

When you've made a gift for someone, do you ever worry whether they'll like it? I know how you feel... TIMES 30!

Luggage Tags

2011-01-26T23:33:00.000-08:00

My black luggage looks like everyone else's, but now it'll be a little different from the others on airline carousels. I made plenty to share using canvas, gel medium, acrylic paint, tissue, vintage paper, yarn and thread. Clear plastic sheeting on the back holds contact information.

The Art of Mary Margaret

2011-01-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

My pal M2 made this creature from a rabbit skull, smoking pipe, pheasant feathers, drawer pull, alchemy chart paper, metal flower, and eyes from a taxidermy company. Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?!

Happy new year! I know, I'm late, but I'm still here.

Small Scale

2010-11-17T00:46:00.000-08:00

I am having success with small scale creativity. It's a relief to feel/write that after starting work and stopping three times on the recent wall hanging (aka the Bane of My Existence).

My new little works will be refrigerator magnets (gifts). To make these, I started with scraps of canvas and primed them with gel medium. Acrylic textile paint was thinned with water and randomly applied with a wide brush. I scrawled color with oil sticks. A few rubber stamp images were pressed on. These didn't impress clearly because the dried gel medium makes an uneven surface on canvas, but I like the way it turned out. With my favorite scribble-writing, I applied textile paint straight from the bottle. I machine stitched in red or black thread, and in straight and decorative stitches. I cut the canvas into rough 1" pieces. Each piece was "framed" using black or gold paint from my paint brush. Bits of fabric or paper were glued to some of the pieces. Nearly every piece will get at least one seed bead stitched to it. Lastly, I'll glue a magnet to the back.

If you try this, be sure to allow all the layers to dry in between!

Cloth to Cloth, three

2010-11-11T23:46:00.000-08:00

Despite being a little crooked, all the strips have at least one line of running stitches, so now it's only a question of, how much more stitching do I want to add? Also, how should I finish the edge? I'm almost ready for Jude's class.

Thread Soup

2010-11-11T01:24:00.000-08:00

My thread catcher was full to the brim with thread tails, frayed cotton from laundering new fabric, bits of yarn and frayed kimono silk. There wasn't space to put anymore bits, so I fed the whole blob through the felting machine, surrounded it with cord made with a spool knitter, and this is what came out. One of these days I'll feel like embroidering it with yarn, ribbon and floss -- that will be fun!

Cloth to Cloth, two

2010-11-10T00:25:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago I started handstitching this woven piece. It's not very big. I haven't gotten far but it is beginning to take shape. Ideally, I'll complete stitching before Jude's C2C3 course begins on November 15th. A few years ago, I shibori-dyed this kimono silk lining. The floss is vintage with a nice sheen. I'm learning that I like to take one stitch at at time (instead of two or three), pulling the thread all the way through, before starting the next stitch. It takes longer, but it's more enjoyable.

Megan is My Tulip

2010-11-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

During my brother's family's visit to San Diego in 2007 I watched my tiny niece, Megan, asleep in our living room. I was facing her upside-down and, it occurred to me that her lips looked like a tulip. Ever since then, I've called her Tulip, and she has repeatedly corrected me, "My name's not Tulip. My name is Megan." She's older now and has been asking, "What's a tulip?" Despite telling her the above story, she still doesn't understand. Photos of tulips are in the mail to her and this wall hanging will be delivered when we see her during the holidays. I know, it's sort of a grown up piece for a toddler, but if she's anything like her brother and sister, she won't stay little for very long. One of these days, I'll also explain Two Lips.

I used canvas, gel medium, torn pages from a bulb catalog, tissue paper, acrylic paint, embroidery floss, beads and sequins. The Robert John Thornton (1768-1837) botanical was printed on prepared canvas, "painted" with sewing machine stitches, colored pencils and acrylic paint.

15" x 19"

This photo is on the back of the wall hanging.

Jude Hill's C2C3

2010-11-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

C2C3 means Cloth to Cloth workshop, the third time Jude Hill is teaching this online class. I've signed up, and so has my buddy Nancy. The class hasn't started yet, but excitement has hold of me already, so I'm forging ahead to see how my version will differ from what Jude teaches. This is her technique and, surely, she'll have plenty more to say that I've not thought of. The idea is to finish this before Jude's class begins. We shall see!

Completion

2010-11-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

It's nice to finish something! A couple of years ago my youngest cousin Brian found a quilt on Etsy and asked if I could make it for him. Since I planned to sew a quilt for his 30th birthday present, his choice made it easy. It also gave me a two year head start, and I allowed myself lots of starts/stops along the way. During the process, I also remembered I don't like sewing-to-order anymore. I fussed and futzed with a pieced border, but only one row of it ended up as part of the quilt (to cover Brian's bed pillows and not visible in photo). Quilts, like many other things I make, come together more smoothly when I have control of the whole project, but that's okay, Brian!

Punzie on Etsy made the Yoshi character (Mario Brothers' figure) and I pieced the rest. Ellen Patton quilted on her long-arm machine. I did the binding. Phew, FINISHED!

Restoring Confidence

2010-10-31T23:11:00.000-07:00

In order to restore self-confidence, I went back to an unfinished project. The restoration comes from the repetition of handwork, reminding myself with each stitch that this is what I do, this is what I love, this is my life and this is what I'm good at. The project is a quilt for my cousin's 30th birthday. It just needs binding, a label, a photo and a blog posting.

Demons of Self-Doubt

2010-10-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

Getting back into my creative rhythm is still challenging. There are voices (my own) saying, "You don't know what you're doing. Your work is ugly. Put it all away and stop making attempts at creativity." Sometimes the work feels good. Sometimes it feels small and insignificant, like right now. Does this happen to you?

I will keep plugging away. I'm sure this malady is a conquerable, temporary condition.

30" x 60" unfinished; woven sari cloth, burned tulle and other sheers, chain stitch squiggles in mohair, beading and hand-stitching, and vintage Chinese embroidery

Restoration Stitching

2010-10-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

Couching stitches came loose from this old Chinese embroidered piece. Restoration stitching was not as easy as I thought, given my hands are not as steady as they used to be. Still, the results turned out satisfactorily.

Green Quilt Top

2010-10-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

In a previous post, I assembled blocks into two rows for my cousin's quilt. In the end, I did not use them. This afternoon, the two rows became a quilt. As you can see, I ran out of the border fabric and put something else at the bottom, but I kinda like it -- it gives it a base. Once quilted, the binding will be the same green as the center strip.

Ballerina Pigs in Tutus

2010-10-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

I went to visit Nancy this weekend. She showed me a tumblers quilt she'd made, named for the drinking-glass-shape of each block. She said it went together fast and was very forgiving because of the bias. That got me pretty excited because, lately, I've been all about "fast" and "forgiving!" The 4.25" tall blocks were cut yesterday. Today I sewed it all together.

Going in Circles

2010-10-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

I'm going in circles. Whenever Nancy and I visit a quilt show, I am drawn to the quilts with circles. With circles, you can go around and around, either spinning your wheels or knowing exactly what you're aiming for. Curves are gentle, mellow, soothing... In the case of this series I seem to be exploring, circles will be perfected and learned from, until the next shape presents itself. The striped four-patch blocks were pieced some time ago. Today I added the double border, mitered the corners and cut circles to applique.

The other quilt is going to Nancy to stitch her magic into it.

Chasing Circles

2010-09-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

The last of the running stitches is in and the circles are secured. The placement of the circles gives the design a lot of movement (in my eyes). The outside border is next. Usually-Lazy-Me is going to miter the corners this time. Hopefully I have enough fabric!

Running with Stitches

2010-09-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

Red, brown and green circles populate the quilt top now. In my eyes, it looks so much better! Once all the circles are hand-stitched, I'll share the whole thing. For now, here is a close up of raw edge circles and my running stitches. My pal Nancy will quilt it for me. Nancy's gorgeous quilts are for sale here.

Nook Table

2010-09-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Don'tcha love quick projects?! This will cover the table in our kitchen nook. Our kitchen is mostly white and this will bring in some color. This quilt needs a squiggle of red appliqued circles. (As shown here, the border isn't sewn on yet.)

42" x 58" finished

In Earnest

2010-09-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

I think I've found my way back into the saddle. I've been sewing all day! For me, since being in this funk, sewing all day is a good sign.

I pieced the back of a quilt which seems to have taken forever. It's ready to be sent to my quilter, Ellen Patton.

A pair of pants were shortened too. With my diminutive size, everything must be taken up... (Being short is not as cute as you think, esp at the supermarket when what I need is on the upper shelves.)

I also made a table cloth out of an old sheet for my sewing table. The primary purpose is to keep kitty fur off of unfinished projects. Nothing fancy, except for the stitching on the edge -- just practical.

Wolf E. Myrow, Inc.

2010-09-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

Remember that final scene in Indiana Jones movie, "Raiders of the Lost Ark," where the ark is being stored in a government warehouse filled with assumed treasures? This is where I felt I was when entering Wolf E. Myrow. This jewelry findings business in Providence, Rhode Island is stocked to the rafters with boxes filled with every imaginable finding, AND I ONLY HAD 30 MINUTES TO SHOP before catching our plane back to San Diego! As it's a wholesale-only business, you must buy in quantity to meet minimums. Most of their stock is vintage. I am salivating as I write this. Next time, if there is a "next time," my plan is to spend several hours. They have a main floor, a basement, two front rooms, a finished jewelry room, and they all look like this!

Thanks ever so much to Nantucket Mermaid for the resource!

Nantucket Mermaid

2010-09-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I met Jeanne van Etten, an artist on Nantucket island in Massachusetts. Inside her tiny shop I was surrounded with artistic doodles and a playful color sense -- I felt as if I were dancing on a wedding cake! If I had a shop, I'd want it to be as enchanting as Jeanne's. (The picture is extra-large so you can see all the treasures -- just click on it.)

Jeanne's business cards at the visitor's center are also a work of art. I knew right away it was a place I wanted to visit. In case you can't get to Nantucket, visit Jeanne's Etsy shop and keep up with her on her blog.

Faded Chalcedony

2010-09-07T13:11:00.001-07:00

It's hard to remember what color these beads used to be. Maybe they were pink. When I purchased them, I knew they were color treated (heat or dye, I didn't ask). Now I would say the shade is a sort of non-color.

Hat/Scarf Knitting

2010-09-02T23:16:00.000-07:00

I started this project about a week ago using Noro's Silk Garden Sock Yarn in wool/silk/nylon/kid mohair and 3.5mm circular needles. The variegated yarn has really great colors and I can't wait to get to the greens, golds and purples. I'm using a simple pattern that starts with an increase on one side only, creating a 45 degree angle. Eventually, the knitting becomes a scarf with two pointed ends. Fold in half, sew a few stitches, and it's then a hat with scarf ends. The pattern is called Garter-Stitch Balaclavas, even though it's not technically a balaclava. So what? The point is to keep my ears warm if I walk on the beach in the winter.

My knitting stitches aren't perfect like my mother's but it's a productive thing to do when we're watching TV. In the beginning, my first projects utilized big, fat yarn to finish quickly. Now I like to knit fine yarns. I've even got size 2.25mm after I was inspired by knitwear made for the movie Coraline. The knitter, Althea Crome, must be using heavy gauge sewing needles to knit her projects.

The embroidering on my hat is complete. What do you think? Does it need a few beads, more embroidered color, or should I leave it alone? I think I'm done.

Hat Squiggles

2010-09-01T19:46:00.001-07:00

I like mindless squiggles that look like handwriting. My new hat is getting the treatment in perl cotton chain stitches. You can see where rivets were removed and left holes. Maybe I can cover them with beads.

Kinda but not really...

2010-08-31T16:45:00.001-07:00

Remember when I made wire cloches? They're still not embellished yet, but I turned one upside-down and made it into a hanging waste bin.

We bring home fewer plastic bags from the supermarket these days, although they're still necessary in the kitchen and for used kitty litter. In an effort to recycle the thin, plastic bags from the produce dept, a smaller bin was needed in my sewing room. I also wanted to get it up off the floor.

The hook was fashioned from 16 gauge wire, then sharp wire ends were wrapped with strips of cotton sheeting. Now it hangs from a drawer pull. Sewing room trash is not heavy, so weight isn't an issue.

Hand Sewn Closure

2010-07-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

I'm on a roll, a slowww roll, but at least I'm sewing. Although being in a funk still challenges me, three 24" pillows went fairly quickly. By quickly, I mean three days, which is slowww... For me, hand-sewing is easier than putting in a zipper.

The quilt top in the previous post isn't finished. It needed black for a narrow border and, three fabric stores later, I finally found black woven 100% cotton. It should be easy right? Quilt In A Day was out of stock; Yardage Town has polyester blends -- good ol' Joann's rescued me with a pre-packaged "Quick Cut" of three yards.

Nine Patch Border

2010-07-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

Nine patch blocks stand out when bordered by posts and sashings, but that's not what I have planned. The finished quilt will be a 30th birthday present for my cousin Brian. I'm afraid he'll be a few months past his birthday by the time he gets it, as my favorite quilter's workshop is temporarily closed while she moves.

There's something to be said about using good quality thread. The center of this quilt (not shown) was done by another person. The thread melted under the cotton-setting of my iron, dissolving the stitches. Most likely, it was polyester, which couldn't stand up to the high heat. All is not lost: resewing the seam is easy.

Details

2010-06-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

My sister bought an iPad and a plain, black cover. The plain, black cover is a little too plain and black, plus it doesn't lock closed, and so she asked me to make something to solve both problems. I don't have the same gadget and can't show you how it works, but this is a close-up of the embellishment.

A Doll for Serene

2010-06-23T00:13:00.000-07:00

I made a doll for Serene, my new sister-in-law. The white eyelet is a leftover scrap from the lovely dress she had made for her summer wedding. You can see part of the dollmaking process below.

"The Craft Bar"

2010-05-12T09:45:00.001-07:00

These kinds of functions are so neat!

Creative Funk

2010-05-11T16:23:00.001-07:00

Hi, my name is Lauren and I'm in a creative funk. I am struggling with lack of motivation, so small projects come and go, and some don't get finished, or even begun. Today I'm making pillows. It's another beginning; it's a start. Self-restoration comes slowly, but surely. Just gotta keep pushing myself, because I know creativity will return eventually, in full force and then some. Bear with me, my stops, and my starts. The small white pillow is today's accomplishment -- hurray for me!

May Day! May Day!

2010-05-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

The arms of my husband's home office chair required an emergency repair. He asked me to cover them using leftover fabric from his pillow and our kitchen stools. We had exactly enough for this project.

He removed the arms from the chair. Layers of quilt batting scraps softened the edges of the rubber.

Making it up as I went along, the batting was conformed to the curves with hand stitches. Next, I did the same thing with the decorative fabric, but forgot to take a photo to show you. Lots of pins were involved to hold the pleats in place until stitched securely.

Black cotton/polyester woven was for covering pleats and hand stitches. Running stitches in peach thread made turning the curved edge under a lot easier.

Running stitches in black thread held the turned edged in place.

Lastly, blind stitches secure the black fabric to the decorative fabric. I punched holes for the screws, then Fray Checked the edges. Bulletproof sewing!

Doorstops

2010-04-28T11:13:00.001-07:00

These are the best dressed bricks in town! Now our interior doors won't slam shut when our windows are open. Why didn't I make these before?

I gathered bricks, batting, glue, pins, needle/thread, scissors and fabric. The fabric is a memo sample of silk taffeta from Janice.

I covered the brick with leftover quilt batting so the edges would be soft. Fabric glue holds it together.

The outside silk took a little more futzing because I wanted the doorstops to have clean lines and no lumpy areas. I cut away a lot of excess fabric that would otherwise be on the inside.

I did a lot of pinning and hand stitching. I'll also admit that I spent far too many hours working on this project, given they'll be on the floor, but I'm happy with the outcome.

Even after all that hand work, the stitches were covered with felt. The felt protects the fabric from wear and allows the doorstop to slide on the floor.

Playing with Heat

2010-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is nylon netting ready for the heat gun. I used rocks to hold down the netting on an 18" x 18" tile (rather than burn my fingers).

This is one of those things that teaches me to be open about results, because I just never know how it'll turn out. A detailed shot shows how the edges look: melted and uneven. I love it!