I just can't buy a present. Not when I have a roomful of supplies with which to create. Jeremy got a potholder, Arwen got an eye mask, and Tina got a string of bunting. Sounds boring you say?
Jeremy cooks. Hence the potholder. And just what do you make for guys? He is a bass player. Electric, not acoustic, but I don't hold it against him. And he loves the Beatles. Who doesn't? And I just happen to have a small print of Beatles fabric. Ta da! But no, I couldn't do a rectangle. I had to shape it like one of Paul McCartney's Hofner left-handed bass. It has a loop for hanging, strings, but no neck. LOL
Arwen suffers from migraines, less than before, thank the gods. Have an old royal blue silk dress from a thrift store and some wonderful peacock fabric that matches. She likes. Yea! I think I'll make the other for me. ;)
Tina saw one of my bunting strings (?) that I gave to her neices and immediately claimed that she wanted one. So instead of giving her one that was already put together, I searched through my stash for all my blues to match her bedroom. She was ecstatic! And after the dinner party at her mom's house, she and one of her friends went to her room to do nails & hang the bunting. They were happy.
And then there is the baby, our first grandchild, granddaughter. She loves books. Any book her parents read to her. Even scientific articles on robotics! They live in a small apartment, and what kid needs tons of toys and stuffed animals anyway. So how about some 2-D Book Buddies! I'm hoping you recognize these guys, but if not: Llama Llama, Hungry Caterpillar, One Fish, Two Fish. (Need to do some finishing touches on the bag. It is too tall for someone so short.)
I've always wanted a girl to make dresses for. But I learned that as she crawls, they get in the way. So I made her two shirt length to wear over pants. And then found one of my own to share. Can't believe my mother saved it.
This pink & grey paper bag dress became one of two matching cupcake dresses for Athena and her 3-year old cousin. Missed opportunity to get photo of both in matching dresses. :( Thank you www.cailamade.com for the pattern.
My new friend Laurie has her hands full. And she has recruited me to help her with ideas for the kids. The theme is a yellow submarine, a rainbow fish, and ocean life in general. She has already made the sub and will post photos of each kid in a porthole. Cool! So out came the scraps to make scales. I had just cut up some old pants of my husbands that were beyond donating, which became the backing. Here is my 3-D version of the colorful fish. And yes, it would be too difficult for the kids to make. But I had so much FUN! When was the last time you made something silly?
I started this store long ago, longer than I will admit. And I've finally posted four newly crafted items. Unique vintage (mostly) button earrings from a collection gifted to me by a friend.
SeaSageSister - Creations & Collections
I can't even begin to explain where I've been, so I'll spare you the details. I'm now in another state, and state of mind. Savannah, GA, to be exact. I have been spending lots of time organizing my studio and checking out Pinterest. Thanks to my friend Annie, I have discovered another form of Sashiko that I had to try. It enabled me to get out of my left brain and let go of it all - just mix this and that, pay no attention to color, hue, intensity, uniformity, details of any kind. What a freeing experience. It pushed my happy button!
My inspiration is the work by Japanese artist Akiko Ike, featured in Quiltmania. She calls her style 'chiku chiku' for the sound the needle/thread make during stitches. Her work is more reminiscent of the historic use of this technique: fishermen in old Japan would use sashiko stitching to reinforce and add strength and warmth to layered garments.
This link is in French, but I think you will understand the photos. What do you think??? http://misst.canalblog.com/archives/2014/05/04/29775556.html#utm_medium=email&utm_source=notification&utm_campaign=misst
Another great link on same subject: http://aquilterbynight.blogspot.com/2012/04/remarkable-hands-of-japan.html
So, wouldn't you know...I was about to toss the old valance and scraps in the trash! Ha! Now they are hanging in my window to hide the darn blinds. I used what I had for thread, which turned out to be embroidery thread. Not such a good idea, but for a sampler, it worked. Here it is!
Since I mentioned her name, I must share Annie's work with you. Here's a sample:
Please visit her site. https://www.flickr.com/photos/bohemiannie/with/18127342004/
