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Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Stitched drawings #2...
Another stitched drawing of my friend and her pooch, Sid. This time, hand-stitched. What to do with them though...
Stars
I was really inspired by Garment House's star cushion and decided to make my own version using utilitarian/ repro feedsack prints. I love the juxtaposition of gingham, chambray and floral. This is a hand-pieced patchwork- so therapeutic after a chaotic day at school... Think I will eventually applique it onto white cotton/ linen to make a cushion cover.
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Yokoo
Discovered this amazing knit designer in a book my brother bought me for Christmas. Love her style! Check out her Flickr photos here.
Ring Obsession
I've started wearing a variety of rings recently. Usually, I find them impractical for my job, but I seem to have become addicted to them. Big cocktail rings worn on the index finger, in particular! The photos aren't great, but don't you think this sparkler looks great with my 1940s, red nail polish?!
This beauty I found in an antique shop, locally. It is a North American Zuni Indian design in silver, turquoise, lapis lazuli and carnelian (?). The cute little 'infinity' ring on my ring finger was purchased in a lovely, little boutique in the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. The artist is Erica Weiner.
The meaning of rings worn on specific fingers:
Since a visit to a palmist in Greenwich (who was so uncannily spot on, even to a cynic like me!) I have been interested in what it means to wear rings on particular fingers. Basically:
- The thumb symbolises willpower in a person
- The index finger represents authority, leadership and ambition (hence the two I am currently wearing!)
- The middle finger represents individuality and could help you add balance to your life. (However, the palmist told me never to wear a ring on my middle finger, as it would sever my life line...)
- The ring finger has a direct connection with the heart and also represents emotions and creativity in a person (I do feel more creative, but apparently that's something to do with the recent eclipse...!)
- The little finger represents everything about relationships and our associations with the outside world. Wearing a ring on this finger would help one to enhance their relationships ( I need one of these right now!)
Friday, 7 January 2011
Dresden Plates
I love this modern take on the Dresden Plate. I have loads of these made up ready to applique into a quilt, but cushions seem more appealing now! I really like the use of utilitarian fabrics.
NYE
My friend and I had an amazing time in London for New Year's. We went to Callooh Callay, in Shoreditch. The toilet walls were tiled in old tape cassettes and the cocktails were truly retro. What an amazing night!
Christmas in Brooklyn
During my stay in the States I met some amazing people: all designers for big companies. They were so inspiring, not just because they were successful, but because they were all so happy in themselves. Christmas day was so much fun!
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Stitched drawings...
Years ago, I used to stitch over sketches; using thread instead of pencil. I decided to try it again and this is my first attempt: a free machine embroidered image taken from a photograph of friends.
Sugar Pop Quilt
So I couldn't resist using this fabric immediately and set to work on another baby quilt. I have almost finished the top, but need to add the border. I just find it boring to sew rectangles together...
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
☺ Intercourse Purchases ☺
Helena and I took a road trip to Intercourse, where we ate the most amazing crab cakes and bought the loveliest fabrics. Moda's Sugar Pop is to die for! I also couldn't resist some more repro feedsacks... must have been in a green mood!
I have no idea what I will do with these. For now, I am just happy looking at them!
Stuck in Snow...
I have had the most amazing week in Philadelphia, staying with my good friend Helena. Eating, drinking, shopping and being very inspired by people and places. I was all set to head home last night, when the snow blizzards forced the cancellation of thousands of flights.... I felt a little frustrated, but had another wonderful day with H. We even discovered a place that served mulled wine- unheard of over here! I took these photos around Northern Liberties and Brooklyn.
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Lauren DiCioccio
Wow! I've just discovered the most amazing textile artist, Lauren DiCioccio. Check out her website and the following images- unbelievable!
Vintage Sewing e-books
Sabrina posted a comment on my Singer Sewing Machine Post telling me about an amazing online resource for vintage sewing/ dressmaking/ pattern-drafting: VintageSewing.info
It is amazing! There are some wonderful e-books from the 1900s to the 1950s. I have only had a quick look, but already found some great articles:
How to make a dress form using gummed paper!
How to use the tucker attachment on my Singer!
This is an amazing site for fashion students and sewists everywhere!
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Dear Golden Vintage
I love the things this girl picks up! She has such a creative eye and her photography really maximises the garments. She has the ability to make vintage look so up-to-date! She gets some great 50s classics. I love the button back detail on the white dress, the slash neck, plaid dress and the print on the circle skirt.
Detachable collars
These seem to be all the rage- there was an article in the latest British Vogue. They have been around for centuries- check out the South American version and the beaded/ crocheted version, reminiscent of 1940s wartime collars. They can completely transform an outfit, like a piece of statement jewellery.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Sewing for Sanity
Sew (ha ha)... I've been very distracted recently by some major changes in my personal life. My concentration has been way off and I have often felt like I'm on another planet... that is until I started sewing again! Nothing too complicated; just some patchwork pieces that I will turn into mini quilts eventually. Sewing is so therapeutic and has really kept me sane these past few weeks.
Moda Rawhide charm packs turned into sawtooth stars (my own design):
Sunday, 7 November 2010
Helena Skirt for Helena
Completed the skirt for my friend, Helena. She chose the fabric and buttons, but didn't have time to make it before moving to the States. It's no wonder she works in fashion... Most of this was completed on the 1933 Singer, but I had to cheat and use my electric machine for the buttonholes. I should have hand-worked them, but she would have got it next xmas, rather than this xmas!
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Port Elizabeth
I am thrilled to say that my top pattern has been downloaded from BurdaStyle over 4000 times! Thanks everyone!
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