Paper weaving

 While in Japan, I plan to have the supplies ready for an easy class for the tour group. I'm feeling like paper weaving is a good project. Light weight and I can have the paper prepped with holes for our "looms". I like the idea of participants picking up little scrapes, wrappers, and do dads while on tour during the day. I personally also like using old photographs in my work. Lucky me! I have been given a huge stash of photos to share with the group. It will be fun to see what this creative group of ladies comes up with.

Sewing 3

 My dream (crazy thoughts) was to have the jacket done before I leave next month for Japan. I was racing along with some Sashiko stitching when it hit me. Slow down. This is gentle meditative stitching. Do not rush just to get it done. So this is me now... I'll get it done when I get it done. Who knows - I may even find new inspiration on my trip and will be happy that I waited. 

I watched a short video on Stitch Club that showed how to "properly" use a Sashiko needle. The threads were also discussed. Seems that the thread almost "bonds" with the fabric over time. I am using DMC Perle cotton which sits on top of the fabric. Over time, I may be disappointed in my garment, but for now this is what I have on-hand.

I'll do some easy stitches and work up to something more advanced. My stitches are not very even, but I think it looks more like a person stitched rather than a machine

 

It's hard to see the  stitch work, unless you look at the back. My plan is to do the blue and then do a diagonal pattern with ecru threads

It is so helpful to have a fabric with dots printed! 

Felting

I have an immense stash of wool that was gifted to me. I'm bound and determined to use it before my children say, "What were you thinking?"  Our fall has been rather dry, sunny, and warm - perfect weather for washing the fleece. 

I'm fortunate to have a drum carder. What a fabulous time saver!

 My tools for felting are rather simple. I pulled out one of my glass frogs and a bar of olive oil soap. My "make no purchases" has been my rule for many of my experiments and projects. Use up the stash!

I discovered some little white, what looked like eggs, in the pieces. Not sure if it really is eggs, or possibly some seeds that were on my work table from another project. A quick search for info sent the piece to the freezer for a few days. After I pull it out, I think a steaming will certainly kill anything that survived the freezer. I hope.

I have a vision of what I want to stitch on this felted background.  Once again, I have too many projects started and not enough time to do everything that pops into my head!

Sewing 2

 Moving forward (slowly) with my jacket. This is my inspiration for my jacket. I came across this while on a Pinterest scroll. 

As I went thru my stash looking for fabrics, I was delighted to find quite a few pieces that were actually from Japan. This first one was a purchase at the Madison Quilt Show, years ago. It was patiently waiting for the right project!

This piece was a purchase made at Home Ec in Iowa City. This little shop always has something for me to take home! It also has a brilliant selection of yarns.

Unknown source - but - I have a whole yard. I guess it just spoke to me, and still does!

Another Madison Quilt Show purchase. 

I've been working on some piecing. Not loving the lighter colored denim blocks, but I had a thought that they could be stenciled or cyanotype processed if they don't seem to fit the palette. 

And then there's the bird fabric! Another Home Ec purchase of a lovely Japanese printed fabric that I just had to have! 

Now, I just need to get busy with the hand stitching! I made the decision to machine stitch in the ditch to hold the blocks to the lining, for a huge time savings for me. My next thought is to Sashiko stitch the sleeves. My class meets again in 2 weeks and we are to have the pieces ready for pinning together and fitting the jacket. I'll do what I can do.

Return to sewing: Garment!

 I used to sew many of my own clothes. I remember a summer that I spent a week at my cousin's home that we took time every day creating a new halter top. My aunt would give us each a quarter to spend on a yard of fabric at the Ben Franklin. It was walking distance from their house and we would practically run the whole way to make our purchases. We would each pick out 2 coordinating fabrics and have 1/2 yard measured out, pay for our purchases and run back to the sewing machine. By afternoon, we had something new to wear!

I've wanted to return to sewing, but always seem to find something else to do.  A friend has been teaching a jacket class, and I actually have the time right now. Yesterday we began fitting a pattern, cutting a muslin pattern, and beginning layout. This morning I took out all the pins and began the layout all over again. It was too complicated and I know myself well enough. It would never be finished unless I simplified. I have 3 weeks to do the layout on 5 pieces (back, 2 fronts and 2 sleeves), and hopefully get them quilted to the jacket lining. I've opted for no batting as I think my handstitching will be easier without the extra layer.

New month, new journal!

 

Do you journal? I've been putting pen to paper, off and on, since 2007. Out of curiosity I gathered and counted. 72 journals. Today begins #73! I'm back to writing my 3 daily morning pages for The Artist's Way.  This is a fabulous program designed to increase creativity.  

 

White collage

 It's time to get working on the collage piece I am submitting for the Christmas holiday exhibit at our local library. It has a felted wool base with an assortment of gifted items from friends and family. 

It began with small dress given to me by a friend. It was her first communion dress from about 60 years ago. How lucky am I that friends gift their hoarded treasures to me!