Two years ago I began working on a baby quilt for my great-niece. She's a year and a half old now, and I'm still working on it. Why is is taking so long? I've pieced it all by hand. That's right, I'm stitching over 400 hand-cut, English paper pieced hexagons together for the top of this bad boy.
I've often said I must've been on a special brand of crack when I decided to take on this project. I had to set it aside for several months while I worked on other projects and for my own sanity. It's piddly work, I'm not going to lie. To top it off, my other niece had a baby a few months later. I haven't even bought fabric for his quilt yet. They're killing me, these girls.
Anyway, I brought it out from its box to work on it yesterday - for the first time in months - and realized why I did it. The work may be tedious and repetitive, but it's also meditative. I decided long ago that it would be larger than a crib blanket so that Claire could have it with her for many years, take it with her on sleep overs, wrap herself in it as she sits by the fire pit at my sister's log home.
As I make tiny stitches I think about the adventures this quilt will have, making forts, being a princess cape, picnics, laying out on the beach. I want this blanket to have a life, not just be some sort of heirloom stashed away in a box, which is why I'm making the stitches smaller than they probably need to be. This blanket is made for the long haul.
Which reminds me, I should probably get back to work on it.
Showing posts with label quilt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label quilt. Show all posts
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Friday's Field Trip
March's Friday Field Trip was to JoAnn's Fabric and Crafts in Edina's YorkTown Mall. I was the only one to show up, but that's cool because part of the reason I'm doing the field trips is to force myself to get out of the house more often.
Here's my lesson sheet if you want to copy it. Fair warning, when I copy and pasted it into my blog, the formatting got all ferkachte. Meh. Echt.
Lining - Make sure you get some lining if your pattern calls for it. I personally prefer a light cotton or silk lining for just about everything. Synthetics (even the so-called cling-free kind) generate more static than natural fibers. There are some polyester linings that are called cling free - these won't cling to other fabrics but may stick to you. Hang free linings won't stick to you, but may stick to other fabrics.
Contrast fabrics - don't forget to get your contrasting fabric or overlays if your pattern requires.
Notions - Don't know why they're called notions other than it's a pretty good notion to have them to complete your project. These are things like zippers, elastics, buttons, of course thread. Be sure to use the recommended sizes and types for zippers and buttons. A longer zipper may be used, but it's not always easy to work with.
From top:
Here's my lesson sheet if you want to copy it. Fair warning, when I copy and pasted it into my blog, the formatting got all ferkachte. Meh. Echt.
JoAnn
Fabric and Craft Field Trip
February
22, 2014
Sewnday
Morning Musings – Toots Hodgdon
- v How do I find a pattern? - Finding patterns is pretty easy. It's a bit like going to the library and using the old Dewey Decimal System. Only not that organized. By that I mean, in the DDS books are given a number based on subject or author, patterns are given a number, but I'll be dipped if I can figure out a system.
- First, know what you're looking for. You can waste many an afternoon in the pattern books, so it's best to have a plan of attack before you head out. All of the patterns books are arranged pretty much the same.
- Beyond that, here are some other things to consider when pattern shopping:
- § Ability - all patterns will tell you their level of difficulty, usually broken down into Easy, Intermediate, Advanced and the occasional Professional. Only you know your level of expertise, so choose wisely.
- § Sizes - be sure you have accurate measurements of the person for whom you are sewing. I cannot stress this enough. Some patterns will include multiple sizes in one envelope. This rocks, you just have to make sure you have the right size range. It doesn't rock if your person is between sizes of two different envelopes. Go with the larger size. 'Tis always easier to take in than let out. Always. Don't forget that these pattern sizes are not going to correlate to your ready-to-wear sizes. Think of prom or bridal sizes. They're made to measure. Ready-to-wear sizes will fit a small range of measurements. Be prepared for your pattern size to be at least 2 numbers larger than what you get at Target or wherever. Beware of vintage patterns. The sizes are different. Always go by the measurements.
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| The flap is where you'll often find a measurement guide, also in metric for the rest of the world. |
From top:
Fabric suggestions - yep, the companies have designed these things with specific fabrics in mind. Not that you couldn't try it with something different, but in the design of the garment, weight, drape and stretch have been considered. It's best not to deviate too far from these suggestions.This next area shows how much fabric you need to buy for your project depending on the style (view) you're making and your size. I typically round up to the nearest half yard. You know, just in case.
Lining - Make sure you get some lining if your pattern calls for it. I personally prefer a light cotton or silk lining for just about everything. Synthetics (even the so-called cling-free kind) generate more static than natural fibers. There are some polyester linings that are called cling free - these won't cling to other fabrics but may stick to you. Hang free linings won't stick to you, but may stick to other fabrics.
Contrast fabrics - don't forget to get your contrasting fabric or overlays if your pattern requires.
Notions - Don't know why they're called notions other than it's a pretty good notion to have them to complete your project. These are things like zippers, elastics, buttons, of course thread. Be sure to use the recommended sizes and types for zippers and buttons. A longer zipper may be used, but it's not always easy to work with.
From top:
It’s how much?! - Yeah, patterns can be spendy. I personally belong to the BMV.com (Butterick/McCall's/Vogue) club and purchase most of my patterns when they're having a sale. Fabric stores will often have sale on patterns, too. Never pay full price for a pattern unless you have an emergency prom dress to make or something like that. I've also found patterns at thrift stores for less than a dollar. Sometimes you get stuck with only a portion of the pattern, but often they've never even been used.
Ability level
The DDS code - this is how you will find your pattern in the drawers.
Project descriptions by view.
Size combinations of what is in the envelope. Make sure you've got the right one.
- § What if I need more than one size? - If you need to make more than one size of the same thing, the easiest thing to do (rather than getting separate patterns - $$$) is to purchase some inexpensive muslin or gridded interfacing. Trace the patterns onto that for each one you need. Believe me, it's more cost effective than buying a bunch of patterns and cutting each size separately.
- How to read Fabric Bolt Labels
- § Size - most fabrics come in one of two widths, 45" and 60" for fashion fabric. Nearly all home decorator fabric is 60". Though you may or may not actually get that full width. The narrower fabrics may be anywhere from 40" to 45" and the wider fabrics can actually be anywhere from 54" to 60" wide for example, the above bolt label shows 057 IN (57") for the width. If you have your doubts, measure the width before you purchase. Few things are as sad as finding a fabulous fabric, getting the amount required and discovering you could really use an additional 1/8 or even 1/4 of your fabric. Also, if it's a print, measure the print area. The print may not run selvedge to selvedge (edge to edge). I've seen prints which leave up to a total of 5 inches unprinted. That's rare, but it can happen.
- § Content - Your bolt end label will tell you what the fiber content is for the fabric. Well, it should. I've seen bolt labels which read, for example: 70% polyester, 30% unknown. That's always fun. The unknown fiber will probably be another kind of synthetic if the main fiber is and most likely will be another natural fiber if the main one is. Not always the case, to be sure, but often. You can always do a burn test to figure out what fibers you've got, if you're so inclined. The above is 100% polyester.
- § Cleaning method - This is important! No, really! Think about how you care for the clothes you've already got. Are you very particular about how they're washed? Does it bother you to have to go to the dry cleaner? The bolt label will tell you how your fabric should be cared for. If it does not, but you see an alpha-numeric code (such as "D2") on the label, you can ask your person at the cutting table to look up the code for you. They should have a reference book somewhere back there that will crack the code and tell you how to wash your fabric. Don't let them tell you they don't have such a thing. They do. Oh, yes. They do.
- § Handy clues - Bolts of fabric are wound with anywhere from 10 to 15 yards per bolt. Sometimes someone will have handwritten on the end "9.5" or "9 1/2" which means the original bolt had that amount wound on it. This is often the end piece and the quality may not be consistent. Check for printing alignment. The above bolt was wound with 8 yards and it's listed on the left side. Being that it's printed and not handwritten, you shouldn't have to worry about the print.
- Occasionally you may find a brightly colored blank sticker on the end. This means that there are more than one piece wrapped on the bolt. This may mean there's a seam going across it somewhere or that there are separate pieces on the bolt. Sometimes employees will consolidate bolts and will write on the end that there's more than one piece.
- You can guesstimate how much fabric is left on the bolt board (not a tube, mind, the flat cardboards) by counting the number of layers on the fold are on one side of the board. Every two layers is approximately one yard. This can come in handy when there doesn't look like enough on the bolt.
- Which thread is the right thread for my project?
- § Seam/construction thread - Cotton or poly/cotton all-purpose. Use the 100% cotton for 100% natural fibers and the blend for synthetics and blends. This will prevent any weird shrinkage issues.
- § Quilting thread
- ¨ Hand - a bit heavier, since you won't have the double thread over and under your quilt layers.
- ¨ Machine - typically very much like 100% cotton all-purpose (I've used all-purpose for quilting in a pinch)
- § Machine Embroidery thread - usually rayon. You do not want to use this for construction sewing. It's not made for that and your seams will not be sturdy. It's made to be pretty.
- § Serger thread - Comes on cones. You can find it in either 100% cotton or in a blend to suit your needs. Most of the time you're serging knit fabrics and a lot of those are blends anymore.
- § Specialty threads - Button thread - stronger and thicker than regular thread and should be used for buttons that get heavy duty use, like on a winter coat.
- Denim thread - is made for heavier fabrics, ie denim, duck or canvas. It doesn't come in as many colors as your all-purpose variety.
- Upholstery thread - this stuff is very heavy and made for - you guessed it - upholstering furniture. You can also use it for buttons on cushions which get a lot of wear and tear.
- Tools, tools, tools!
- § I need a wha’? - There are so many tools out these days to help make the sewing process easier and faster. I'll probably end up doing a piece just on tools alone. You don't need them all.
- § Machines
- ¨ Sewing - know what you plan on sewing. Don't get more machine than you need.
- ¨ Serging - I love my serger, I really do. It's awesome for working with knits. I just wish they'd find a way to make them easier to thread and clean.
- ¨ Specialty - these can be anything from embroidery machines to long arm quilters.
- § Cut the stuff
- ¨ Blades and self-healing mats - I don't know how quilters did it before Olfa and the other blade brands came out with rotary blades and self-healing mats. Well, I do actually, and it sucked. No lie. I don't envy anyone who made quilts before these miracles came out.
- ¨ Pinker - this is the one with the ziggy-zaggy blades. They're excellent for cutting fabrics that fray easily.
- ¨ Shears - your basic cutters. I like spring-loaded ones.
- ¨ Small scissors - I have a couple pairs of small scissors, including kid's blunt point for plane rides and one for tiny detail cutting.
- § Needles - You can get universal needles for both hand sewing and machine sewing. Having a set of each is great for any sewing you might need to do, at least for a start.
- § Feet - For your sewing machine. The piece that comes down and helps to hold your fabric as it's fed through the machine is called a foot. Beyond your basic foot that came with your machine, you should have a zipper foot and a blind hem foot is a nice thing to have. Often the zipper foot comes with your machine. A button hole foot can be helpful, too. It helps you to make buttons holes in uniform sizes.
- § Marking tools - I have a blue pencil and a white pencil that can be washed out. I've found that's all I need. I used to have sheets of colored wax paper and the little pizza cutter-like tracing tool, but I've found that having the two pencils is just as effective and takes up less room. Tailor's chalk is handy for, well, tailoring and making larger marks.
- § Measuring tools - I have about a hundred cloth measuring tapes. Not really, but it seems like it. I have on upstairs, one by my ironing board, one in my travel kit, one by my machine... I have a few templates for cutting shapes for quilts, too, but you can go really crazy with those things. You can get a template for every shape you can imagine. Just go to the quilting department of your local sewing shop and you'll see what I mean. I've found that I really only need a couple of rulers and I do like my hexagons and easy Dresden templates.
- What are remnants and fat quarters, and what can I make with them?
- Remnants are pieces of fabric one yard or less. Usually they are offered at a discount.
- Fat Quarters are pieces that equal a quarter yard but are 20" x 18" instead of 9" x 40". They are almost always 100% cotton and are typically found in the quilter's department.
- § Gifts - rems and FQs are just the right size for making small gifts, bags, pillows, potholders, water and wine bottle covers, soft body dolls. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
- § Repairs - they are also great to have on hand for repairs. Rather than paying the price for a hunk off the bolt, check the remnant bin for a suitable fabric to patch a garment. I also prefer this to pre-made iron-on patches. By the way, the smallest amount that sellers can cut for purchase is 1/8 yard or 4.5 inches. Depending on the fabric, you may find a rem for less than you would pay for that 1/8 yard.
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I hope this helps you get ready for your next trip to the fabric store.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Carry On, My Wayward Sewn...
There'll be peace when I am done!
At least that's the hope. I have been trying to use up my current stash of fabrics. I have a tendency to say "Oh, but I need more. I don't have any coordinating fabrics." Yeah. That happens a lot. In fact, today I got a package from eQuilter.com, one of my favorite websites for fabric shopping. I can't say enough about them. I've never had to return anything, so I don't know how that works, but I always get my order within 3 days.
Here's why I "had" to order from them: at the Mill End GOOB sale I found an incredible Asian print and bought a couple of yards. It has eagles, clouds and drums on it, the purple background is the most beautiful shade. I haven't a thing to coordinate with it. I looked. So I found a few things on eQuilter. Only one of them isn't a good match, but it's a lovely, only-slightly-Asian-looking print, so I'm sure I'll find something with which to use it. I may not use all of that which I purchased for the quilt I plan on making, so there's that, too.
I mentioned earlier about taking some fabrics with which I had planned on making a sundress and making a baby quilt instead. Here's the quilt top:
I still had quite a bit of the fabric left, though, so I made panels of different widths to make a skirt. I didn't know quite how to give it a waist, however. I just couldn't make up my mind. Did I want to gather it? Put in a zipper and a waistband, or do an elastic or drawstring?
Then, real quick-like, before I took all 6 of my bags of stuff to the thrift store, I went back and found a waffle shirt I had thought about donating. I put a few pleats in the skirt at the seams and in the middle of the 4 larger panels, then I figured out where an empire waist would be on my shirt by putting it on my dress form and cutting it off at the desired length. I made the long sleeves half-length and left the edges unfinished. Now I have a dress, too!
As you can see, I'm really a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of designer. Something has to speak to me. It doesn't even have to be all that loud, either. I will also listen to all of the options it has to give me. This is where a sistah gets into trouble. I end up with so many ideas (and the materials for them all) that I have a hard time getting around to them.
This is why I decided to really dig in and get my stash busted in 2014. Yeah, sometimes I'll have to buy some more stuff. That's because my ideas keep coming. A lot of creative people have this problem, I know I'm not alone in this. It can all get to be a bit overwhelming, too. At least I'm able to come up with alternatives if something just isn't working for me. Even if the "problem" item languishes in a closet for a while. Years, even.
Fortunately, there are times when I can actually think on my feet and change a project mid-oops. Like the issue with the Hell on Wheels project. I had worked so hard on putting together the Dresden blades that I couldn't just give up. I took several small breaks, don't get me wrong. I even worked on a few other projects while I thought about what could be done with Hell on Wheels.
At least that's the hope. I have been trying to use up my current stash of fabrics. I have a tendency to say "Oh, but I need more. I don't have any coordinating fabrics." Yeah. That happens a lot. In fact, today I got a package from eQuilter.com, one of my favorite websites for fabric shopping. I can't say enough about them. I've never had to return anything, so I don't know how that works, but I always get my order within 3 days.
Here's why I "had" to order from them: at the Mill End GOOB sale I found an incredible Asian print and bought a couple of yards. It has eagles, clouds and drums on it, the purple background is the most beautiful shade. I haven't a thing to coordinate with it. I looked. So I found a few things on eQuilter. Only one of them isn't a good match, but it's a lovely, only-slightly-Asian-looking print, so I'm sure I'll find something with which to use it. I may not use all of that which I purchased for the quilt I plan on making, so there's that, too.
I mentioned earlier about taking some fabrics with which I had planned on making a sundress and making a baby quilt instead. Here's the quilt top:
Then, real quick-like, before I took all 6 of my bags of stuff to the thrift store, I went back and found a waffle shirt I had thought about donating. I put a few pleats in the skirt at the seams and in the middle of the 4 larger panels, then I figured out where an empire waist would be on my shirt by putting it on my dress form and cutting it off at the desired length. I made the long sleeves half-length and left the edges unfinished. Now I have a dress, too!
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| It looks better on a human. |
As you can see, I'm really a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of designer. Something has to speak to me. It doesn't even have to be all that loud, either. I will also listen to all of the options it has to give me. This is where a sistah gets into trouble. I end up with so many ideas (and the materials for them all) that I have a hard time getting around to them.
This is why I decided to really dig in and get my stash busted in 2014. Yeah, sometimes I'll have to buy some more stuff. That's because my ideas keep coming. A lot of creative people have this problem, I know I'm not alone in this. It can all get to be a bit overwhelming, too. At least I'm able to come up with alternatives if something just isn't working for me. Even if the "problem" item languishes in a closet for a while. Years, even.
Fortunately, there are times when I can actually think on my feet and change a project mid-oops. Like the issue with the Hell on Wheels project. I had worked so hard on putting together the Dresden blades that I couldn't just give up. I took several small breaks, don't get me wrong. I even worked on a few other projects while I thought about what could be done with Hell on Wheels.
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| If you step back, you can see that the lighter sections create a star pattern within the plate. I'm not gonna lie, it was mentally and emotionally draining. I made a second one with a different main color. Then I needed a nap. |
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| At first I was just going to use the denim. Then I thought about adding the raw linen. I ended up liking the lightness of the linen better than the blue of the denim. The half plate is the second one I had made with a star. Somehow it got out of order when I set them aside (even though I know I clipped them together in order), so I changed my mind on the design in that aspect, as well. The rectangular blocks use the remaining blades and are trimmed to make them square. The denim became a doggie bed for my mom's dog when they visit. |
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| The final quilt top. I decided to go with a modern wall hanging instead of a full-sized throw. I'm much happier with it this way than I thought I would be. Another happy accident!
That reminds me, I took the Happy Accidents quilt to Nikol of Sewtropolis for the quilting. It should be done in about two weeks. Then I can bind it and take it to Rachel!
Sadly, Sewtropolis is now only an online entity. I had been planning a field trip there. But at least Nikol's still quilting and teaching. I hope to get to one of her classes very soon.
Whoops! Another reminder. Because of the bad weather, I cancelled February's Friday Field Trip. I'm just going to move it to March rather than try to put together another day. Hopefully the weather will start cooperating. It has made my various somatic neurological issues very cranky, and by extension, I've been more than a bit cranky. What I wouldn't give for temperatures above zero degrees Fahrenheit!
Well, my flowerpots, jump into your stashes and crank out some stuff!
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Sunday, February 2, 2014
Tequila Diamonds
I'm often asked, "Where did you come up with the name Tequila Diamonds?" It's my brand on Spoonflower.com and etsy.com and I'll admit, it's kind of a strange name. Here's the story:
In 2008 I was reading my horoscope (like you do) and they mentioned how scientists in Mexico had been able to create a diamond dust out of tequila. Not actual stones, mind, but a dust that can be used on tools for delicate surgeries. The scope then suggested that I take something and make something else out of it that was totally unexpected.
At the time I had been tossing around the idea of having a business upcycling thrift store items - taking something and making it new and useful again. Tequila Diamonds was "born".
However, I don't just do thrift store make overs. I make all kinds of stuff from old and new materials, but the idea is still there. My goal is to make things that are useful, beautiful and/or create as little waste as possible. When I make a quilt, for example, I try to use up as much of my fabric as I can. I rarely cut size-specific pieces for straight-seam blocks (ie. log cabin), I stitch all my strips together and whatever is left I set aside for the next project in which it might coordinate. This means I also do a fair amount of scrap work. Scrap work is actually my favorite. There are no rules, just sew and trim. They somehow look even better than the ones I plan out.
Another thing I try to do as much as I can is buy American made supplies. This isn't terribly easy, but I do what I can. Not only is it providing jobs for people here, it's also using the least amount of fuel to get the products to me.
I try to recycle as much as I can. Threads and scraps that are too small to sew become fire starters (balls of lint doused in wax to start campfires in the Summer). If I use glitter, I scoop up as much as I can and put it back in the jar. Unless I'm in a mood and decide I need a little pixie dust, in which case I toss it in the air and let it rain on me.
I buy an awful lot of my supplies at thrift stores. Fabric, yarn, thread, tools... all can be found at thrift stores. I bought a gallon baggie of zippers for a dollar. That's probably $50 worth of zippers. Thread can be dicey there, because cotton and silk can become brittle when they get old, but for basting, they're great. You're going to remove those stitches anyway. Then into the fireball jar!
Anyway, that's the story of my business and how it got its name. I'm working on inventory for my etsy shop (it's currently empty) and this Spring I'll be taking pictures of my Summer and Fall items. My Spoonflower shop is always open for business (www.spoonflower.com/tequila_diamonds). I know some people will look at the prices and think "Holy crow, that's expensive!" But they only print when something is ordered, and they only print the amount ordered. It's pretty slick. The fabric designers there range from total beginners to professional designers. I land somewhere on the high side of the middle.
My fabric designs are fairly unusual. Here again I try to take something ordinary (a medical slide, for example) and create an extraordinary design out of it. It's full of surprises. I have a few "normal" designs on there, but to be honest, they aren't the ones that sell. If you're looking for unique and unexpected, that's my style. I have a few new collections coming out this Spring and will, of course, post their release here.
Now I release you, my flowerpots! Go find your ECHT!
In 2008 I was reading my horoscope (like you do) and they mentioned how scientists in Mexico had been able to create a diamond dust out of tequila. Not actual stones, mind, but a dust that can be used on tools for delicate surgeries. The scope then suggested that I take something and make something else out of it that was totally unexpected.
At the time I had been tossing around the idea of having a business upcycling thrift store items - taking something and making it new and useful again. Tequila Diamonds was "born".
However, I don't just do thrift store make overs. I make all kinds of stuff from old and new materials, but the idea is still there. My goal is to make things that are useful, beautiful and/or create as little waste as possible. When I make a quilt, for example, I try to use up as much of my fabric as I can. I rarely cut size-specific pieces for straight-seam blocks (ie. log cabin), I stitch all my strips together and whatever is left I set aside for the next project in which it might coordinate. This means I also do a fair amount of scrap work. Scrap work is actually my favorite. There are no rules, just sew and trim. They somehow look even better than the ones I plan out.
Another thing I try to do as much as I can is buy American made supplies. This isn't terribly easy, but I do what I can. Not only is it providing jobs for people here, it's also using the least amount of fuel to get the products to me.
I try to recycle as much as I can. Threads and scraps that are too small to sew become fire starters (balls of lint doused in wax to start campfires in the Summer). If I use glitter, I scoop up as much as I can and put it back in the jar. Unless I'm in a mood and decide I need a little pixie dust, in which case I toss it in the air and let it rain on me.
I buy an awful lot of my supplies at thrift stores. Fabric, yarn, thread, tools... all can be found at thrift stores. I bought a gallon baggie of zippers for a dollar. That's probably $50 worth of zippers. Thread can be dicey there, because cotton and silk can become brittle when they get old, but for basting, they're great. You're going to remove those stitches anyway. Then into the fireball jar!
Anyway, that's the story of my business and how it got its name. I'm working on inventory for my etsy shop (it's currently empty) and this Spring I'll be taking pictures of my Summer and Fall items. My Spoonflower shop is always open for business (www.spoonflower.com/tequila_diamonds). I know some people will look at the prices and think "Holy crow, that's expensive!" But they only print when something is ordered, and they only print the amount ordered. It's pretty slick. The fabric designers there range from total beginners to professional designers. I land somewhere on the high side of the middle.
My fabric designs are fairly unusual. Here again I try to take something ordinary (a medical slide, for example) and create an extraordinary design out of it. It's full of surprises. I have a few "normal" designs on there, but to be honest, they aren't the ones that sell. If you're looking for unique and unexpected, that's my style. I have a few new collections coming out this Spring and will, of course, post their release here.
Now I release you, my flowerpots! Go find your ECHT!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
In progress... Mid-Week Edition
I always seem to have a lot of projects "in progress". Sewists (and probably other artists) like to call these UFOs, or UnFinished Objects. I suppose there are certain finishing touches I find tedious. Sometimes I don't finish things because I don't like how they're turning out (see my post, "What is "Perfect" Anyway?"). However, I'm beginning to think that it's linked somehow to some sort of fear of completion. That if I complete a piece of art or a garment or whatever, I'll lose the part of me that created it. I rarely wear what I make because I haven't put the buttons on, perhaps the sleeves aren't in, or I can't find the right trim. Maybe my overactive imagination is already on to the next thing. Whatever it is, I aim to find out and my goal is to complete every project I begin (or have begun) this year. I will be blogging about it, just so's you're prepared for that.
I mean, for crying out loud! I have more fabric than I know what to do with. A large portion of it is "attached" to a project. Some of them have all the components needed to make said project (zippers, buttons, thread, pattern) I just haven't bothered to take the time to do them. Why not? I'm not going to put too fine a point on it, but let's go with depression.
Depression is one of those things I have to deal with on a daily basis, particularly in the Minnesota Winters. Not for nothing, it blows. I've dealt with it, for better or worse, for around 20 years. Just after the New Year, I sucked it up and went to my doctor for other options. He upped my dosage of Prozac and added Abilify. I'm going to a talk therapist for the first time in years to see if that'll do any good. I've also started taking an additional 2000mg Vitamin D. I saw a report on the news that up in this area there's no way to get enough D in the winter. If you're feeling blah during the dark months, maybe try some D.
I'm not going to suggest medication to anyone, that's between you and your own doctor, but I have to say that, since I switched up my meds, I'm getting things done for a change. I even sold my first piece (Rachel's "Happy Accidents" quilt). That's what I've wanted to do with my artwork for a long time. But as I near completion of this project, my heart races, my palms sweat, I become overwhelmed with the idea of just pressing the top and back on my little ironing board. I have to finish "Happy Accidents"! She's paying me for it!
Probably another reason I'm scared to finish it is this problem many artists have. I'm sure it has an official medical term, but lacking that (and, frankly, not feeling like googling it at the mo') I'm going to call it "Fraud Syndrome". I know many artists of various ilk who suffer from this, and we do suffer. We are in agony that, if someone takes any more than a passing glance at our work, we'll be outed as snake oil salesmen, that we aren't really very good at we do, after all.
Once again, I refer you to "What is "Perfect" Anyway?" I had been posting photos of my project on facebook as I made progress. My friends were all amazed by my artwork. The future owner claimed it was "Perfect". Shozzbot. As I was pressing it this morning, all I could see were the imperfections, the seams that didn't quite line up, the loose threads that would need trimming, the cat hair... Hadn't I just run it through the dryer to get the cat hair off?
Another thing that's making me panic is that I've decided to go to a sewing support group in Minneapolis. Sewtropolis has a quilter there and I've made up my mind to have her do the actual quilting of the...quilt. I read her preparation requirements for having her do the work and I panicked again. It's not going to be good enough for her to do it! NOOO!!! While it'll probably be just fine, I'm worried that it's not good enough for her to do the work. My conversion disorder has decided to make an appearance and I've had to walk away from my studio for the time being. However, as I was folding the top and backing in preparation to go to Sewtropolis, I thought, "Maybe they can help me prep this? Maybe they have a nice, big ironing board I can use? Maybe the quilting lady can help me with the prep?" After all, isn't this what I wanted to do: sell my art?
My dad sold his art and it was a nice sideline for his day job. I used to go with him and my mom to set up his booth at the art fairs and craft shows around my home town. I was fascinated by the variety of pieces at the shows, and I usually got to pick out something I liked from one of the other booths. My corn-husk doll still hangs on the wall at my mom's house and I still have a couple of rag dolls from back then. Come to think of it, I seem to remember seeing a few of his UnFinished Objects at my mom's house when last I visited. For the most part, though, he finished his work. But I digress...
I really loved going to the art fairs. I'd observe as my dad worked the crowd, ever the elegant, unassuming jokester, and inevitably he'd make a sale. I used to watch as he'd record the sale in a special leather-bound notebook. He would even record where the paintings were going; sometimes they stayed in town, sometimes they went as far as Alaska. On one occasion, when my father was dying of a brain tumor, a painting came back. It's a beautiful oil painting of our neighbor's iris garden. It was the last thing he had painted. They brought it back when he was in hospice because, as they said, it had brought them so much joy, they felt he should be able to see it as he was preparing to die. My mom still has it, almost 20 years later.
Dad also kept meticulous notes on the title, size, colors and other features of the paintings, just in case someone wanted one they had seen but someone else bought it first. He could recreate things a bit better than I can.
Maybe that's why I'm afraid to finish a project: I might have to make another one! (Clutches pearls) I could never! Could I? Do I even want to? I really don't know. As with "Happy Accidents", most of my projects are on a whim, not following a pattern. I'll use a technique that I've read about and give it a shot, or use a fabric that isn't suggested for a pattern or garment type. I like to think outside of that proverbial box. This would be easier if my own brain wasn't already a Pandora's Box of ideas all jumping around at the same time, vying for my attention.
I do have an etsy shop, there's nothing in it at the moment, but I have one. I have some finished crocheted items (it's easy to be done when you run out of yarn). I've been worried about taking pictures of this stuff. I can't afford models and a photographer; everything I've made is either a garment or accessory and I'm not a great photographer myself. So I had to do some more sucking up and ask around to a few of my friends. I haven't got it scheduled yet, but I have a photographer and probably a couple of models this Spring to have photos ready and chosen for Summer and Fall. You can bet your sweet patootie I'll be blogging about that, too.
Well, I have some fabric in the dryer that's about ready, some of which will make that backing for a quilt top I made yesterday. I call this one, "Le Jazz Noir".
Sadly, when I went back to the store, all of the skyline fabric was gone. I was taking a chance getting it at a going out of business sale, anyway. I did pick up some more of the burgundy floral though, and it turns out that, between what I already had and what I picked up today, I'll have enough to make the backing for this one. Another "Happy Accident"...
No assignment this week, my little flowerpots. Just keep going through your stash and UFOs and plowing forth!
I mean, for crying out loud! I have more fabric than I know what to do with. A large portion of it is "attached" to a project. Some of them have all the components needed to make said project (zippers, buttons, thread, pattern) I just haven't bothered to take the time to do them. Why not? I'm not going to put too fine a point on it, but let's go with depression.
Depression is one of those things I have to deal with on a daily basis, particularly in the Minnesota Winters. Not for nothing, it blows. I've dealt with it, for better or worse, for around 20 years. Just after the New Year, I sucked it up and went to my doctor for other options. He upped my dosage of Prozac and added Abilify. I'm going to a talk therapist for the first time in years to see if that'll do any good. I've also started taking an additional 2000mg Vitamin D. I saw a report on the news that up in this area there's no way to get enough D in the winter. If you're feeling blah during the dark months, maybe try some D.
I'm not going to suggest medication to anyone, that's between you and your own doctor, but I have to say that, since I switched up my meds, I'm getting things done for a change. I even sold my first piece (Rachel's "Happy Accidents" quilt). That's what I've wanted to do with my artwork for a long time. But as I near completion of this project, my heart races, my palms sweat, I become overwhelmed with the idea of just pressing the top and back on my little ironing board. I have to finish "Happy Accidents"! She's paying me for it!
Probably another reason I'm scared to finish it is this problem many artists have. I'm sure it has an official medical term, but lacking that (and, frankly, not feeling like googling it at the mo') I'm going to call it "Fraud Syndrome". I know many artists of various ilk who suffer from this, and we do suffer. We are in agony that, if someone takes any more than a passing glance at our work, we'll be outed as snake oil salesmen, that we aren't really very good at we do, after all.
Once again, I refer you to "What is "Perfect" Anyway?" I had been posting photos of my project on facebook as I made progress. My friends were all amazed by my artwork. The future owner claimed it was "Perfect". Shozzbot. As I was pressing it this morning, all I could see were the imperfections, the seams that didn't quite line up, the loose threads that would need trimming, the cat hair... Hadn't I just run it through the dryer to get the cat hair off?
Another thing that's making me panic is that I've decided to go to a sewing support group in Minneapolis. Sewtropolis has a quilter there and I've made up my mind to have her do the actual quilting of the...quilt. I read her preparation requirements for having her do the work and I panicked again. It's not going to be good enough for her to do it! NOOO!!! While it'll probably be just fine, I'm worried that it's not good enough for her to do the work. My conversion disorder has decided to make an appearance and I've had to walk away from my studio for the time being. However, as I was folding the top and backing in preparation to go to Sewtropolis, I thought, "Maybe they can help me prep this? Maybe they have a nice, big ironing board I can use? Maybe the quilting lady can help me with the prep?" After all, isn't this what I wanted to do: sell my art?
My dad sold his art and it was a nice sideline for his day job. I used to go with him and my mom to set up his booth at the art fairs and craft shows around my home town. I was fascinated by the variety of pieces at the shows, and I usually got to pick out something I liked from one of the other booths. My corn-husk doll still hangs on the wall at my mom's house and I still have a couple of rag dolls from back then. Come to think of it, I seem to remember seeing a few of his UnFinished Objects at my mom's house when last I visited. For the most part, though, he finished his work. But I digress...
I really loved going to the art fairs. I'd observe as my dad worked the crowd, ever the elegant, unassuming jokester, and inevitably he'd make a sale. I used to watch as he'd record the sale in a special leather-bound notebook. He would even record where the paintings were going; sometimes they stayed in town, sometimes they went as far as Alaska. On one occasion, when my father was dying of a brain tumor, a painting came back. It's a beautiful oil painting of our neighbor's iris garden. It was the last thing he had painted. They brought it back when he was in hospice because, as they said, it had brought them so much joy, they felt he should be able to see it as he was preparing to die. My mom still has it, almost 20 years later.
Dad also kept meticulous notes on the title, size, colors and other features of the paintings, just in case someone wanted one they had seen but someone else bought it first. He could recreate things a bit better than I can.
 |
| One of my dad's paintings. |
Maybe that's why I'm afraid to finish a project: I might have to make another one! (Clutches pearls) I could never! Could I? Do I even want to? I really don't know. As with "Happy Accidents", most of my projects are on a whim, not following a pattern. I'll use a technique that I've read about and give it a shot, or use a fabric that isn't suggested for a pattern or garment type. I like to think outside of that proverbial box. This would be easier if my own brain wasn't already a Pandora's Box of ideas all jumping around at the same time, vying for my attention.
I do have an etsy shop, there's nothing in it at the moment, but I have one. I have some finished crocheted items (it's easy to be done when you run out of yarn). I've been worried about taking pictures of this stuff. I can't afford models and a photographer; everything I've made is either a garment or accessory and I'm not a great photographer myself. So I had to do some more sucking up and ask around to a few of my friends. I haven't got it scheduled yet, but I have a photographer and probably a couple of models this Spring to have photos ready and chosen for Summer and Fall. You can bet your sweet patootie I'll be blogging about that, too.
Well, I have some fabric in the dryer that's about ready, some of which will make that backing for a quilt top I made yesterday. I call this one, "Le Jazz Noir".
Sadly, when I went back to the store, all of the skyline fabric was gone. I was taking a chance getting it at a going out of business sale, anyway. I did pick up some more of the burgundy floral though, and it turns out that, between what I already had and what I picked up today, I'll have enough to make the backing for this one. Another "Happy Accident"...
No assignment this week, my little flowerpots. Just keep going through your stash and UFOs and plowing forth!
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Speaking of "Echt" - Special Mid-Week Edition
I was tidying up the display of objets d'art on my dresser when I noticed this:
I have a little German hat I picked up at a local thrift store. Lo and behold, there's the word "echt" on the label. It's a Genuine Bayerischer Velour Hat! I sometimes wish I was the kind of person who believed in omens and such. This would've been a doozy!
Another project I've been working on (besides the peacock throw in the previous post) is a quilt for my high school friend, Rachel. It started out as a personal project to use up some fabric scraps, but when I posted picks of my progress, she made an offer. I had no intention of selling it originally, though I'd never turn down an offer. I was just trying to use up my stash and try a block method (with diamond-shaped pieces) I'd never tried before. Now that I've done it, I don't know if I'll ever do it again, and if I do, I now know how to fix the things that drove me nuts and how better to cut and sew. Making it however, was strictly seat-o-my-pants style. I really didn't know how it'd turn out. I went blindly forth, hoping that what resulted was good enough. It's also one of only two queen-sized pieces I've ever done. I wasn't sure I'd have enough fabric, but I was fortunate that I had gotten in on a super sale a couple of years ago and bought a whole lot of a few prints. I was also fortunate that Rachel loved it.
It's totally improvised, totally echt. I'm reading Jane Lynch's memoire, "Happy Accidents", and that's what I have entitled this piece. It may have humble beginnings as a stash buster, but through a series of happy accidents, it's my first sale! What better inspiration?
People also started asking about the peacock quilt. Was it for sale? How much? When I stated the price, all three offers fell through. I was thinking, "Gee. Did I put too high a price on this?" Then I got nervous. My hands carped up a little (the conversion disorder manifestation) and I couldn't sleep. I've always wanted to sell my work, but I've always been afraid to put a price on my work. This is primarily because I don't typically use patterns. Even when I've done costume design, my renderings (sketches) are more of a guideline than an accurate depiction of what is actually created. I'll go off on a tangent and come up with something different, usually better than what started out.
So, I know I'm not perfect, I enjoy (and make no apologies for) being echt, but how does that translate to value? Good gravy. Like many artists, I tend to undervalue my work and myself. Partly I think this happens because I know majority of my friends aren't made of money. We're all 99%ers. Not that my price was that outrageous. I looked at etsy sites to see comparable items, I based it on that and when I suggested the price to Rachel, she counter-offered...with more. In fact, she offered what I proposed for the peacock quilt. My head is spinning just thinking about it.
Why do artists undervalue themselves? I'm sure at least a little bit is due to low self-esteem. That seems to be the bane of the artist's existence. We also may not keep track of how many hours we're actually putting into a project, so we guesstimate. For me, recording time would be nearly impossible because I generally have my two kids vying for my attention while I'm working. This is getting easier as they get older, but they still want to show me what they've drawn or I need to break up an argument.
As a craftsperson, it's perhaps even harder to price things because what you're making is not only artistic but is utilitarian in nature. It needs to be quality to stand up to use, it should be beautiful, and should be affordable. Why should someone pay $600 for my lovingly made quilt when they can go to Wal-Mart and get a comforter and complete sheet set for $40? You can only make so many gifts for people before you start thinking, "I should make some money for this." Especially if you want it to become your sole source of income.
Firstly, if you purchase something handmade, you will very likely be the only person in the world who's got it. I don't know a whole lot of artists who make the same thing over and over. Some do. They figure out what people seem to like and make a bunch. My dad was an artist with a pencil and a paintbrush. There are originals of his work all across the country. There are also prints of his work, though they are actually rarer than the real thing.
Secondly, artists are trained. They may not have a degree, but they've taken classes, read books, made more than a few failed attempts at something (we all have our share of UFOs - Un Finished Objects - laying around). That's still an education, even if we didn't pay for it (and believe me, in some way, we paid for it!)
Thirdly, we create because we must. If we don't, we don't breathe correctly. We get cranky and depressed. We have nervous breakdowns and develop conversion disorder. Well, maybe not that last bit. That's probably just me. Creating stuff is just who we are. Sometimes artists have other things they can do, like be a dentist or accountant. I'm not one of those people. If I'm not creating, wether a character in a play or a piece of artwork, I'm not living. We should be able to make a living with that which makes us alive.
The ball is in the buyer's court, however. I've found that, unless a piece has a "firm" price, negotiations aren't out of the question, but don't insult the artist, value them. Some artists are willing to barter/trade for services or goods, too, myself included, as long as they are of equal value. Of course, that's between the artist and the consumer, but it can be done.
For example, another friend of mine would've liked the peacock quilt, but she can't afford the tag. What we're going to do instead is, she'll purchase the fabric from my Spoonflower designs and I'll help her with the layout and piecing of her own quilt. (spoonflower.com/tequila_diamonds by the way) When she purchases from my designs, I get credit toward my own purchase, which I'll probably use for samples of my latest designs. Once I've approved them, I can put them up for sale.
So the next time you're walking through the mall and there's a craft show going on, don't automatically dismiss the artist's prices. Talk to them, get to know them, find out if they negotiate. If you really love a piece, it should be worth it to you and it should show that you value the person who created it as well. Something can always be worked out.
 |
| Use Echt in a sentence! |
Another project I've been working on (besides the peacock throw in the previous post) is a quilt for my high school friend, Rachel. It started out as a personal project to use up some fabric scraps, but when I posted picks of my progress, she made an offer. I had no intention of selling it originally, though I'd never turn down an offer. I was just trying to use up my stash and try a block method (with diamond-shaped pieces) I'd never tried before. Now that I've done it, I don't know if I'll ever do it again, and if I do, I now know how to fix the things that drove me nuts and how better to cut and sew. Making it however, was strictly seat-o-my-pants style. I really didn't know how it'd turn out. I went blindly forth, hoping that what resulted was good enough. It's also one of only two queen-sized pieces I've ever done. I wasn't sure I'd have enough fabric, but I was fortunate that I had gotten in on a super sale a couple of years ago and bought a whole lot of a few prints. I was also fortunate that Rachel loved it.
 |
| Rachel's quilt in our high school colors. |
People also started asking about the peacock quilt. Was it for sale? How much? When I stated the price, all three offers fell through. I was thinking, "Gee. Did I put too high a price on this?" Then I got nervous. My hands carped up a little (the conversion disorder manifestation) and I couldn't sleep. I've always wanted to sell my work, but I've always been afraid to put a price on my work. This is primarily because I don't typically use patterns. Even when I've done costume design, my renderings (sketches) are more of a guideline than an accurate depiction of what is actually created. I'll go off on a tangent and come up with something different, usually better than what started out.
So, I know I'm not perfect, I enjoy (and make no apologies for) being echt, but how does that translate to value? Good gravy. Like many artists, I tend to undervalue my work and myself. Partly I think this happens because I know majority of my friends aren't made of money. We're all 99%ers. Not that my price was that outrageous. I looked at etsy sites to see comparable items, I based it on that and when I suggested the price to Rachel, she counter-offered...with more. In fact, she offered what I proposed for the peacock quilt. My head is spinning just thinking about it.
Why do artists undervalue themselves? I'm sure at least a little bit is due to low self-esteem. That seems to be the bane of the artist's existence. We also may not keep track of how many hours we're actually putting into a project, so we guesstimate. For me, recording time would be nearly impossible because I generally have my two kids vying for my attention while I'm working. This is getting easier as they get older, but they still want to show me what they've drawn or I need to break up an argument.
As a craftsperson, it's perhaps even harder to price things because what you're making is not only artistic but is utilitarian in nature. It needs to be quality to stand up to use, it should be beautiful, and should be affordable. Why should someone pay $600 for my lovingly made quilt when they can go to Wal-Mart and get a comforter and complete sheet set for $40? You can only make so many gifts for people before you start thinking, "I should make some money for this." Especially if you want it to become your sole source of income.
Firstly, if you purchase something handmade, you will very likely be the only person in the world who's got it. I don't know a whole lot of artists who make the same thing over and over. Some do. They figure out what people seem to like and make a bunch. My dad was an artist with a pencil and a paintbrush. There are originals of his work all across the country. There are also prints of his work, though they are actually rarer than the real thing.
Secondly, artists are trained. They may not have a degree, but they've taken classes, read books, made more than a few failed attempts at something (we all have our share of UFOs - Un Finished Objects - laying around). That's still an education, even if we didn't pay for it (and believe me, in some way, we paid for it!)
Thirdly, we create because we must. If we don't, we don't breathe correctly. We get cranky and depressed. We have nervous breakdowns and develop conversion disorder. Well, maybe not that last bit. That's probably just me. Creating stuff is just who we are. Sometimes artists have other things they can do, like be a dentist or accountant. I'm not one of those people. If I'm not creating, wether a character in a play or a piece of artwork, I'm not living. We should be able to make a living with that which makes us alive.
The ball is in the buyer's court, however. I've found that, unless a piece has a "firm" price, negotiations aren't out of the question, but don't insult the artist, value them. Some artists are willing to barter/trade for services or goods, too, myself included, as long as they are of equal value. Of course, that's between the artist and the consumer, but it can be done.
For example, another friend of mine would've liked the peacock quilt, but she can't afford the tag. What we're going to do instead is, she'll purchase the fabric from my Spoonflower designs and I'll help her with the layout and piecing of her own quilt. (spoonflower.com/tequila_diamonds by the way) When she purchases from my designs, I get credit toward my own purchase, which I'll probably use for samples of my latest designs. Once I've approved them, I can put them up for sale.
So the next time you're walking through the mall and there's a craft show going on, don't automatically dismiss the artist's prices. Talk to them, get to know them, find out if they negotiate. If you really love a piece, it should be worth it to you and it should show that you value the person who created it as well. Something can always be worked out.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Welcome to Sewnday Morning Musings!
This is just a quick welcome and hy-dee-ho to my new blog. I used to write "Quilty By Disassociation", but I discovered that I want to write about more than quilting. On top of that, I had a very difficult 2013 with a variety of health issues and didn't get to blog as much as I wanted.
So, this will be the new blog for the new year. I'll talk about sewing tips, projects I have coming up, take you along on field trips to Minneapolis area sewing and thrifting hot spots and I will also share your work if you send it to me. It doesn't have to be sewing, either. Artists find inspiration everywhere, so if you paint, act, sing, up-cycle, sculpt, take photos, be sure you send it to my google mail. Just be sure to include all relevant information so everyone can be credited where credit is due. That's all I ask. If you'd like me to promote your site, I'll be figuring out a list of requirements soon. One thing I know I'll accept is etsy links. I'll also be trolling etsy for people to feature, so please do send me your link (to my google mail). I'd like to also feature people in interviews, so recommendations will also be accepted.
Another thing I'll be doing is adding demo videos (though it may take a while to get that going, TBH). Probably whenever my 10 year old is off of school for any length of time, since he'll most likely be my cameraman. ;-)
The first few musings will be some background information on me, inspiration and any news of projects I'm working on.
When I get around to the field trips, I'll put a warning up so that, if you're local to me and you'd like to meet me at the destination for a more in-depth experience (especially to thrift stores, I RAWK at thrift stores), you'll be able to do so.
Fair warning, I have a potty mouth, I calls 'em like I sees 'em, and I pull no punches. There's my one and only caveat. I try to reign it in for purposes of publication, but there are some things you just have to get out. I shan't ever be cruel or mean. If I offer any criticism, I will always do my darnedest to be constructive. Snark is allowed on my page, but never cruelty. If you aren't sure what the difference is, keep comments to yourself. This is my house, but you are more than welcome to come on in.
totallytoots10@gmail.com
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