ScrapBag

 

I bought some lovely vintage fabric pieces recently, and having a bit of spare time, (yay!), - decided to do some stitching - which I haven't done for ages.  (This bag probably shows that!) However, I really enjoyed doing it.  Whilst rummaging, I also came across some beautiful buttons, which I just dont remember buying - maybe someone gave them to me* - anyway, I used those too.  

I've been fusing glass recently, (in a microwave kiln), and you have to wait while the glass cools down - so as I've been sorting through my fabrics, I did a bit of sewing, while waiting.

*have since found out where they kindly came from :o)

Jean-Paul Gaultier (iii)

 

 

I felt really inspired to do something with my J-P G photos, (from his exhibition), and have been making small painted sketches.  I used one idea of  'pattern', and played with it in Photoshop.  I cut out some of the picture, which I then felt looked like fabric cut pattern pieces - back to Square One! :)

Jean-Paul Gaultier - Barbican 2014 (ii)

These are just a few personal photos I took at the exhibition - 

I was interested in texture and pattern.

It's quite a substantial exhibition, and worth visiting, but find the 'talking' models a bit disconcerting!

Block Printing - Indian

Link

Nancy Nicholson

 



Joan Nicholson

Nancy Nicholson has the most delightful designs in her sew-kits. She also has stationery, printables, and lovely other stuff.   Do have a look.
Blog link.

Photoshop - (for beginners)

Using Photoshop as an inspiration for making other pieces of artwork - works wonders!  The ideas are endless, but here's a few simple ideas using a sample piece of embroidered applique I'd stashed away ages ago!

This is the original piece of applique work - I use a flatbed scanner ........



This is using the 'palette knife' filter, which adds a very painterly feel.

This is the 'water paper' filter which adds a very soft, hazy touch.

This is using the 'radial blur' filter

just a small photo of clear buttons

using the 'poster edges' filter - these could give you other ideas for drawings/paintings, textile pieces .... the problem is you could go on for ever - just using very simple Photoshop techniques.

Buttons

These lovely wooden buttons come from Creative Quilting - these are just a few of the designs - there are lots more - all very cute.

They also have a super range of quilting fabrics and supplies

Machine Applique

This is an applique technique - mostly machine stitched, with added sequins and some hand embroidery.  Different fabrics and nets are applied to a background fabric and decoratively machined and hand embroidered. 

The Purl Bee

 This is a lovely (New York) website with lots of projects, sewing, knitting, crochet, etc. There are also some super things to buy such as yarns, threads,  the children's felt slippers - gorgeous colours and beautifully made, and lots of other interesting items for craftspeople.

Website: Purl Soho

Blog: The Purl Bee

Sewing Cafe in Paris

A new cafe has opened in Paris called the Sweat Shop (!) where you can have a cup of coffee, a piece of cake and a 'spin' on a sewing machine (at 6 euros an hr). It's near the Saint Martin Canal in the north-eastern corner of Paris - if you wanted to visit. It seems at the moment that mostly fashion students are using this cafe, and ordinary citizens have been a little reluctant to try it out.

I think it's basically a great idea and hope it takes off and maybe takes on over here in the UK.
(note les knitty cupcakes.)

(Article in The Times, 13.4.10)

Classic Design

These are from The Lollipop Shoppe

Who doesn't love Muji bits and pieces?

These lovely baskets are from Green Tulip

Temari Balls

Link 1.
Link 2.
Link 3.
Link 4.

Japanese Temari balls are a symbol of perfection.
Click on the above links if you want to find out more about the history,
some instructions and more patterns.

Bethan Ash - Quilt Artist

These wonderful abstract collage quilts
are by Bethan Ash.
"Quilt Art" Members