Trick...or Treat?

It's been a long time, but the cooler part of the year is hitting us and that means more time indoors and (hopefully) crafting. Here is a quick seasonal post for you with our first FREE printable - an original piece of Kim's artwork! I was trying to wrap this one up quickly to get it out in time for Halloween. Because of that, I wasn't able to take great pictures, but I think you will get the idea. And, we may see this owl again in another style soon...

This adorable owl is a great, quick piece of art to trace and use for embroidery. I was really in the mood for a few Halloween pillows to go on the chairs on the front porch. I printed the pdf (click here for the printable), and traced it on to muslin using a water-erasable blue pen (available at any sewing supply/fabric store). I picked out a few black fabrics and I found this great, chunky, orange ric rack and picked out embroidery flosses to match. Here is a "trick" I use for embroidery projects:

I use a binder ring to keep track of the colors I am using for a particular project while the project is in process.

I copied the image in 2 different sizes:

I wanted to make an interesting set of pillows so the 2 different sizes of the image helped with this. They went together quickly and were enjoyable projects. I hope you enjoy as well!

The T-Shirt Revitalized

Salutations!

I continue to revel in my recent new-found obsession with all things Alabama Chanin!  I was never one for working with knit fabrics but I'm REALLY enjoying the "little" projects I've undertaken thus far.  In fact I'm enjoying myself so much I decided to get the other two books in the Alabama Chanin series: Alabama Stitch Book and Alabama Studio Style, which were actually the first two books from the series.  Both (of course) are similar to Alabama Studio Sewing + Design, which was the first book I owned, but there are more projects centered around the home in my new books.  They even have recipes in them and some of them don't look half bad!

After reading the new books I had not realized that the company used to use old t-shirts as their main source for fabric.  So much so, that many of their designs were dictated by this resource.  By the time the last book was written (Sewing + Design) they seemed to completely move away from recycling t-shirts and only use fabric on bolts.  While I continue to work on my reverse applique dress (check out my post from July) I thought I would do a quick project to up-cycle one of my old t-shirts.  Here are some before and after pictures:

These are pictures of an old t-shirt I've kept for years commemorating the graduating class of 1997 from the Western College Program at Miami University.  My college years were very good times for me and I always loved the color and logo of this t-shirt.  But, after the 90s I never wanted to wear the shirt again because, while it might have been cute during the "Grunge era" it's not so stylish now. Unfortunately, these are very bad pictures because the shirt is actually purple, not maroon!  The logo below says, "if the world is night... shine my life like a light..."

The next two pictures are much better because they show the actual colors!  Here's what the shirt looked like after I was finished.  The pattern for the tank top came from Alabama Stitch Book.  The book explains how to deconstruct t-shirts to get the maximum amount of fabric possible and gives you step-by-step instructions on how to put the shirt together.  I sewed the entire shirt together by hand using Coats & Clark's Dual Duty Plus Craft & Button thread.  For my needle I used a standard embroidery needle I had laying around my sewing supplies.  The eye just needed to be big enough for the thread to fit properly.

This is a view of the front and below is a back view.

One of the best things about working with cotton jersey is that you don't have to finish your edges unless you want to.  Based on how the fabric is constructed it will not unravel!  Finishing some of the edges may be beneficial for some of the designs, especially if you want a more polished look.  For instance, I will probably finish the neck and armholes of the cotton jersey dress I'm still working on.  This shirt took about three days to finish and now I have my old t-shirt back ready to wear!!!!

What do you think?  Do you have old t-shirts that need new life?  Let us know we may be able to help out!

Quilt Extravaganza!

Good Morning!

It's August and that means it's quilt show time for those of us who live near Berea, KY!  Since moving to Lexington, three years ago, I've tried to attend the annual Quilt Extravaganza every year.  Whether with friends or alone the show is always worth seeing.  Not only does it give me an opportunity to see the kind of work local quilters appreciate, but it also gives me the chance to connect with artisans and art suppliers from my area.  Plus, local shows typically have a different type of vendor that you probably won't find at the really big shows like Cincinnati, Chicago, or Houston: the resident antique dealer.  Antique stores are a great source of quilting and sewing supplies but most don't specialize in this area.  Local shows attract dealers who focus on sewing notions and I try to stock up on buttons, unique bias tape, and other odds n' ends whenever I have a chance!

Contestants could enter quilts they made themselves or made by others.  It could also be a contemporary quilt or an antique.  Visitors were asked to select their favorite quilt from the show and which ever received the most votes won a cash prize.  Take a look at what I thought were some of the highlights from the show:

Interesting modern scrappy quilt.

This detail is of a modern Cathedral Windows
quilt.

I love the colors used in this modern quilt!  Just amazing!!!!

Wonderful example of Drunkards Path!  Can't remember if this was antique or modern.  It could be either!

Beautiful precision and another way to manipulate the block used for Drunkards Path. (antique)

Excellent example of color control.  I believe this was a more modern quilt.

This quilt is gorgeous in the picture but it was mind-boggling in person!!!!
(antique)

Is it just me or does this not look like an abstract painting.  Crazy quilts are
always inspirational! (antique)

Detail from crazy quilt of  hand embroidered flowers.

Very modern quilt with an applique embroidery combination.
I believe the figures were suppose be performing a rain dance.

Hawaiian style reverse applique quilt.  Very striking color
combination!

Traditional applique quilt with very fine detailed embroidery probably all done by hand!  This was an antique.

This modern quilt was pretty awesome not only because it was entirely made out of
double knit fabrics, but because it was made by a woman in her 90s completely by hand!!!!
I hope I can stay that limber!

Well, there you have it!  Did you visit the Berea quilt show this year and if so, what did you think? If you're ever in the area around the beginning of August make a point of visiting the Quilt  Extravaganza.  It's a lovely peek into local quilt flavor and make sure you stay to visit the town of Berea!  Coined as an artisan community, the town is overflowing with artistic charm.  It's well worth the visit!

Recipe for an Alabama Chanin Dress

Good Morning Everyone!

It's great to be back!  Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July and that all your summer days have been filled with warmth, happiness, and very sunny days!  I've been pretty busy with all those events that can take up one's time during the summer time... family functions, gatherings with friends, and preoccupying restless children; however, I have made time for my favorite occupation... SEWING!  So although I was away from the blog for a time I was still working away.

My latest project is truly a labor of love.  I recently discovered the couture clothing and DIY movement that is Alabama Chanin.  If you've never heard of the company it was started by costume designer Natalie Chanin, over ten years ago, based on sustainable principles.  From the materials and construction techniques to the employees, all have a fundamental purpose in creating endurance.  Ms. Chanin houses her company in a defunct t-shirt factory in Alabama and contracts local quilting artisans who used to work in the t-shirt industry.  To create one of her pieces it might take an employee eight weeks to complete because the entire outfit is constructed by hand!!!!  Not only does she sell ready made clothing, but she also encourages crafters to make their own clothing based on her designs.  Let me tell you,  it's a MUCH cheaper alternative than actually buying her clothing when one of her pieces can cost over $5, 000!!!!  I don't know about you but I'll take doing it myself any day...

After reading Ms. Chanin's book Alabama Studio Sewing + Design: A Guide to Hand-Sewing an Alabama Chanin Wardrobe, I decided to attempt the long fitted dress.  Seen in the picture below this is actually an example of how the couture line layers individual pieces to achieve an absolutely sumptuous  baroque look.

I am taking a less ambitious route but as you can see Alabama is a perfect marriage between sewing clothing and quilting.  How could I possibly pass this opportunity up?

In order to undertake such a project you must follow several steps and take your time, especially if you wish to do any applique or reverse applique.

Step 1: use 100% cotton jersey fabric.  Alabama Chanin uses 100% organic cotton jersey that you can purchase from their website.  I used Mood Fabrics.  Not only did they have a very large selection but their prices are very reasonable.

Step 2: use Coats and Clarks Craft & Button hand-sewing thread.  It comes in limited colors and although you can get it from Alabama you can also get it at Joanne Fabrics or Michael's for $1.99 per spool.

Step 3: gather your stenciling materials.  This is where things get tricky!  In order to do any applique, reverse applique, or embroidery you have to transfer your design onto your fabric and the only way to really do that is to create a really big stencil.  Alabama recommends making the stencil out of pennant felt (which is a stiff somewhat thick felt).  I suggest you spend the money and get the felt from Alabama.  It's about $17 yd and it will save you the headache of trying to find it elsewhere, which is pretty hard to do.  This is the stencil I created...

As you can see it is well used!  It may not look like it but this stencil is very large.  Almost the length of a full length dress.  In order to create this I downloaded a free pattern from Alabama (they are available on the website and in the book) and had it printed full size at a printing shop.  I used a spay adhesive to attach the pattern to the felt and then I began to cut away using a craft knife.  All I'll say is... it takes a minute...

Step 4: use fabric paint to transfer the pattern onto fabric.  Alabama suggests airbrushing or a squirt bottle.  I used Martha Stewart and next time I'm going to use a squirt bottle!  Martha is cute but completely impractical.  

Pictured above is Martha's spray paint kit.  It turns any one of her paints into spray paint.  Great idea but when the canister runs out there's no way to replace just the canister.  You have to buy the whole kit all over again!  Absolutely stupid!  However, I will say I like her range of colors and will continue to use them with a squirt bottle.  You can find Martha Stewart paints at Michael's.

here's what the stenciled fabric looks like once it's dry

Let the paint set for 24 hours or more then heat set the design with a press cloth soaked in white vinegar.  Make sure to use an iron for craft projects only and you may actually have to replace the lining for your ironing board.  Vinegar is really coercive!

Step 5: layer your fabric and begin to stitch.  I'm not going to get into it here but Ms. Chanin has an entire philosophy about sewing from how to thread your needle to how to make your knots!  She talks about it in her book or you can go to Creativebug. com and download her instructional video for a small fee.  It is worth it!  Once you've made your design decisions (applique, beading, embroidery, etc...)  here's what it might start to look like.

The images above are of the first panel to the four paneled fitted long dress.  I'm almost done with the first and I have three more to go.  Boy is it a lot of work but I can't tell you how much fun it is!!!!

Till next time!

The Urban Alphabet Project

Good Morning and happy Friday!  TGIF!!!!!!  Ever since I started working again I'm SO glad when Friday comes.  Not only does it mean I get to spend quality time with my family but I also get to stay up late sewing, which is next to impossible to do during the week days when you have to be to work by 7:30 am everyday.  Needless to say, it's been a little hard to keep my momentum going during the week because after I put my son to bed I only have a couple of hours to work on a project.  There are many nights when all I do is crash on the couch and pass out!  Despite the slow down I'm still moving forward and have several projects on the horizon, including several clothing projects.

STAY TUNE...

This week I want to talk about a project I was commissioned to do for my best friend Liz.  When she was pregnant with her third daughter I wanted to get something nice for the new baby.  I realized I had never made anything for Liz or her family!  Actually that's not really true.  The truth is, a quilt I was making for her daughters eventually turned into a UFO (unfinished object).  Now, I have every intention of finishing that quilt... but... in the meantime I made a couple of very cute oneies for the new baby.  I used patterns from Sublime Stitching and they looked something like this:

This was my son when he was a wee little one!

I used these patterns several times and I've never been disappointed and Liz really liked them too; however, when she recently commissioned me to make several oneies for her sister, I thought I would try something a little different...

I'm beginning to realize I'm pretty preoccupied with illustrated alphabets.  I'm currently working on an alphabet banner for my son, the UFO I was making for Liz's kids was an alphabet red work quilt, and I'm constantly thinking of new ideas.  One in particular came in handy for Liz's baby gift.  For some time now I've wanted to develop my own line of embroidery patterns which included a "urban" alphabet.  Liz's gift gave me the opportunity to test out some new designs.  I was pretty happy with the way they turned out.

What do you think?

This is called the "drizzle" stitch.

a... is for afro

b... is for building

c... is for cab


To transfer the designs I used the same process from the name tag and cathedral windows projects.  In order to achieve fine detail I used a size 12 pearl cotton and for less detailed work I used a size 8.  My friend loved what I did for her so much that she and her husband had a brainstorming session to think up new letters.  Out of all the ideas they threw at me I loved "m... is for manhole" the most!  Nothing says urban living like steamy vapor forcing its way from the depths beneath a city to an early frosty morning.  Only the manhole cover keeps whatever is brewing at bay.

I will soon be making these and other patterns available for sale.  So make sure you keep it on your radar!!!!  Have a good weekend

Going Away Gift #3...

When making a gift for someone, I try to really think of the person and what might be meaningful to them. For Kim, I had to really think about what might be something special. She can make so many things on her own so I wanted to make something that isn't one of her specialities. Also, I know she loves her sweet boy and he is so cute and photogenic. Since she isn't a scrapbook-er, I decided I would make a small book for her pics of that cute boy! 

As a general rule for me, I am not a "fancy" scrapper. My layouts are usually simple and mostly highlight the pictures. As a daughter of a photographer, I don't want the pages to take away and distract from the photos but rather to draw attention to them. Also, if you are going to spend so much time working on the scrapbooks that they never get done, then the photos stay in a box or on a computer somewhere and aren't readily available to be enjoyed. 

These are the pages that I did for Kim: 

I did all of the photo mats @ 4 1/4" x 6 1/4" and gave her a dispenser of scrapbooking adhesive so that all she has to do is print her photos and pop them in the book.

It was a fun project to put together and also another fun gift to give away!