A Place To Create KEEPER OF LOST ARTS

Sally's Fabric in Mesa Arizona is closing

2011-10-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

Another sewing center is coming to an end. So many of our stores have closed now. Sewing is a dieing art slowing the wheel of do it yourself. Once that wheel stops it will become an elite hobby. One that will be afforded by those with high end budgets.
If you live in the area you might just think to add some staples to your supplies.

batting
zipper
thread
needles
netting for dish scrubbers
transfer paper
pins
It is like a sale for your pantry. Just call it being supplied. Now there may not be a lot of competition for the hard times are upon so many.

1235 East Main Street (Main & Stapley)

Mesa, AZ 85203

480-833-7201

After over 40 years in business Sally's Fabrics is being forced to close its doors. It is definitely not what we wanted, as we love all our customers and have enjoyed working with all of you, but we have no other options. As a result of this close we will be putting the entire store on sale. The official close of business will be December 3rd.

We thank all of our employees and customers for their support over the years and are very sad to see the store go.

Beginning October 31, 2011 the ENTIRE store will be on sale (excluding machines) for 25%

We will be closing at 5pm on 10/31

As of that date all VIP accumulations will cease.

No Gift cards will be issued.

There will be no holds on any fabric at all.

We will continue to service machines up to the last week of November. Any machines not picked up by December 3rd will be donated unless there has been arrangements made to pick them up the week of Dec. 5-9. After that the doors will be locked and the building vacant.

We will make every effort to contact as many people as we can to insure that this does not happen.

Kaye will continue to take business and service machines.

If you would like to continue business with her please send an email to info@sallysfabrics.com.

I will forward your info to Kaye for her database.

If you have any concerns about your Pfaff machines that you have purchased from us please understand that Pfaff continues to provide warranties through the nearest Pfaff dealer. After we are closed your Pfaff Dealer for this territory would be Mulqueen's.

As for education information on machines our instructor Carol will be continuing to teach one on one and she will be taking over our Adults You Can Make It classes. If you need her contact info please send an email to info@sallysfabrics.com.

If you are interested in Quilting by Lisa you may email her at lisaslongarm@yahoo.com

For comments, concerns and questions you may continue to email us at info@sallysfabrics.com. We will try to address any of your issues as quickly and accurately as possible.

Thank you again for your long standing support of Sally's Fabrics. It has been a wonderful adventur

Creating for charity

2011-04-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

We often discount our talent as artist. Recently I had an invitation to attend an event for the Immune Deficiency Foundation. They are holding a silent auction asked for donations. The colors of the organization are white black and green. Yesterday I spent most of the day search the bead on hand for just the right green.

Under the bead boards is the top that I will ware for the main event, Zebra is the theme.
the motto...
When you hear hoof beats think Zebra
Often Doctors only think horses and when the process they use lends no results nothing else is done. IDF is trying to teach the medical profession to think outside the box. Many times those of us who have Immune disorders go undiagnosed because we are blown off when the doctors do not think outside the box.

The one on the right is a keeper for me. the others are to use in the auction. The findings are yet to set out.

Laying out the beads and working your design is a must. Setting everything out before you begin to string makes good practice.
Enjoy your gifts and remember that your talent can be a real resource. Often if we do not sell we discount doing art. Well there is a vestment as rich as the dollar in giving in support of a good cause.

Blankets for preemies
bags for soldgers
quilts for the child centers
Lap quilts for the elders
jewelry for fund raisers, teachers gift and such
Earrings for a friend just to cheer them up.

Happy crafting!

Sewing up a few things...

2011-04-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago my daughter asked specifically for this dress to be created. She loved the dress she saw it in a cartoon and loved it.

Large skirt or slack hook and eyes are on the choker and the cuffs.

Also started were two dresses for myself. The pattern on the left is just below. A scrap with the custom necklace. Below is the other dress (pattern) on the right. both dresses are fully lined, shier fabrics with slip fabric underneath as the lining.

This looks so much better on. The Zipper is done in an invisible zipper technique. Hook and eye. Not perfect but acceptable to me.

Lining is sewn to side seams in skirts.

Hand hemmed with delicate single thread picked up on each pick up.

All of the back of my sons old quilt was removed to replace the backing.

The ironing board cover was replaced.

Black and White Photography

2011-04-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

click to enlarge any image

In our master suite we have a very ethnic Native American 1800's theme. My anniversary wedding dress is on the wall and the beautiful doll I was gifted with on my dresser.

It has been a dream to accomplish black and whites for the master bath. This was no easy task for my photo software would not allow me to print back and white. I had to locate the image in the files and then print to color and then use the canon to copy to image to black and white sizing it to frame.
The images above the tub are to the left my sons story to the right my daughters. The talking stick above my family in an image of listening to one another. Speaking and being heard.

First sight in Russia, father and daughter, mother an daughter. Dedication to Christ Jesus as the head, two year old joy where others hated the 'two's'. Rock-a-roo the favorite toy. The delight and tenderness of training my child in ways of thought and purpose. The corner "o.k. fine", not a defiant but just the matter of fact dealing with the feeling of consequence. The dear old love/hate "in the corner" time.

As well as our son and father first sight, son and mother first sight in Russia. Dedication as for her, wonderful two's. "Rock-a-roo momma rock-a-roo" the nap time refusal. So dear to my heart and memory. The corner "but mom..."

Then and now. The speed of lightening flashed through enumerated days.

It all began when two people fell in love and decided after 16 years to share that love.

Above first sight sister met brother at the airport. Sister is three and new baby brother is 10 months. Daddy at the track with the little ones.

Our master suite is the story...Our Story. All my memories seem to fade to black and white. The moments are rich in tones hues of vibrant golden love encompassed brighter than any color. Best left images to black and white that it be the richness of our hearts and spirit of each moment shown.

Winding Embroidery Thread

2011-03-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

Click on any image to enlarge.

Last week all the old projects came out to play.

Sorting through them and getting them set to stitch should I get my knee replacement this summer.

It is good to get them available at any rate. A great way to pass the time at the allergist when we go to get our weekly shots

The old towel was my Mothers. It is my hope to restore it.

My Sweet MILove drew out the crewel work years ago. One day this will also get created.

The last of the thread needed to get spun onto cards. Now this is the cool part. Years ago my husband saw me doing this by hand. He vanished for a while only to return with a wonderful invention. This was some 15+ years ago. Lable each card with the maker and number, color. Then have at it. Sort by number.

This is his creation. It has ball bearings.

Winding Embroidery Thread

How to make a cover for CPAP Machine

2011-02-27T16:42:00.000-08:00

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious health issue. With so many folks now using CPAP machines to protect their hearts many face unforeseen problems.

The Benefits of Heated Humidification and CPAP are many but a problem occurs with condensation.

Condensation is a real issue with my CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. When the room temperature is cooler than the air flowing in the tube condensation occurs.

Most knits come in a yardage that is a tube with two edges on the fold. Using the both folds of 3 1/2 yards the casing was cut. Now you can make several sections, I made two. Making more that one long section is my suggestion. they will be much easier to turn out.

Three inches wide was the cut.

Simply baste stitch the length. No need to make a fine or small width stitch. This snuggy will need little strength given it's purpose.

Yet the setting is for fine knit stitch one the ends once turned.

Make the turn much deeper than needed so it is easier to grip.

Sew and turn.

Clip

The knit stitch will give it the stretch you will need to removed it for laundry once in a while

By making it a very long sections of tubing it will gather.

This will create a much more insulated effect.

Mine is made to match my bedroom decor.

I found the ones on the market do not match my room.

They are not made very well at all, and are shorter than this, thus not as much of an insulator.

If you would like to special order one leave me a comment.

Pay Pal excepted. Medical equipment

Steelers, pontiacs and fire. A quilt for my boy

2011-02-27T02:08:00.000-08:00

One all the squares were cut and the strips laid out one the cutting table the process was in full swing.

Now the last Pontiac was made at the end of last year. They one day will be collected, as even now many of the large engine ones are prized with drivers.

A hot iron is a MUST

Make sure to press all seams in same direction. This is so important for the finished top. By starting out with a mat and rotary cutter the job is well done. I used a 7 inch quilt square rule. The finished block will be 6 inches once the seams are taken into account.

Now my boy loves the Steelers. Searching I found the backing for the quilt. We watched the Supper Bowl and although his team lost he still loves them. The other team just played a much better game. This coming from a 9 year old. The fabrics must all be washed before any cutting.

By using the large clips and clamps the quilt can be rolled up to begin the quilting. Now I do not profess to be a skilled and perfected artist of quilts. My son needed a new quilt. His birthday is in the beginning of March.

Sitting with a child ill with the flu the blocks were quilted together with a running stitch. Now I used button thread. I had to use pliers every three stitches all the way through the project. My hands were not strong enough to pull the threads. Skilled quilters would roll over in their hoops! This is for a BOY! My son is so hard on things. This was also what I had. Using what you have on hand is a good thing. It may lack a bit of perfection but it to me is a wise use of resources. The last of the black blocks done the binding began

Now the binding also was something I had. It was discovered at a garage sale of a sewing store that had closed its doors. $.10 cents a package. I have just about every color and several of them. The quilt took three of them.

By stitching the binding to the front I was able to fudge the places where the backing came just a bit narrow.

Stitch just right on the fold line. Then turn and press flat open. Then turn over the edge. Now see this is not a Perfect job gals. My boy has a blanket.

Then fold and hand stitch the back binding so as to have a nice finished edge that does not show on the front of the quilt.

I began the binding on the back early in the evening and got around 5/8 of it done by midnight.

My son sat and watched me do it. He was so appreciative. He said that he wants to learn how to sew.

I have always wished my daughter would show interest who knew that it would be my son who wants to learn.

Just a simple whip stitch

Tip here

allways use the thread as it comes off of the spool

It has a warp and if you do otherwise your thread will tangle.

The finished costume

2010-11-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

costume from a t-shirt

2010-10-26T01:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a large shirt.

Cut off just under sleeves.

Use the hem of the shirt as a casing and thread your elastic through and pin.

That will be the waist


do a wide basting stitch to gather the edge of the organza


pin on gathered organza			The other edge in this job was a salvage so it was used to my advantage

trim the seam close once the seam has been fully encased in this application I used an overcast

this product was very helpful

I placed it under the organza edge.

It just pulled off when the seam was finished.

Without it the machine will eat your fabric

The edge is turned right sides up and top stitched for added strength.

trimmed right to the edge

This is from what was left of the neck of the shirt

The red was changed out for greed ribbon

A dollar white t shirt from the thrift shop became the base or foundation for the bodice.

It is a monster bride costume.

The arms of the shirt are white glove-lets.


Yes that is a needle in my lips.	This a work in process changes as details are tweaked to her liking

This is a very big stretch for me.

It is important to me that my child see me overcome my own feeling,

The best examples can be found in humility

My daughter came up to get her homework binder signed. She took a few pictures.

She is very happy with the work so far. "MOM, mom..look up"

She got me.

I'll try to get a photo tomorrow of the mascaraed costume

Painting with children

2010-10-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

One reason the arts become lost is expectation. We expect this lesson to have this outcome or that. This is what can easily occur in a class of children when rigidity to technique is observed. Free flow is just as important for any artist. At home give way to the children to paint with brushes, teach them yes of the way to use a brush properly and why but in a very relaxed manner.
NEVER EVER critique a child's art. They are not mature enough, not established enough in who they are to hear the negative. They will personally identify with it and personalize it.

My Daughter calls this 'balls'. See the experiment in perspective. That was taught in her class in school. Here she is not instructed much. She is relaxed and silent into the world that she sees in her mind. This is a wonderful exercise for her. She has a type of hypo-active special needs. She is a savant with anything that she hears or sees. Watching her I witnessed a focus deep focus. She did not stop or deviate. Last night when it was time for them to stop my husband said they were very peaceful. I went to sleep early with a cold. This morning the paints flowed and the creative energy in here was so calm.

No other place is as safe as free flow creativity. Have a few inexpensive canvas on hand. This of course can occur in a wide spectrum of budget. I use the simple canvas boards. No bother to jesso the canvas. The texture is as important I think for them to feel what they are doing. The interactive play of stroke and response awakens fine motor skill. I say this because one of the special needs of my 9 year old son is just that fine motor. He worked so hard on this painting 'Market Place".

My Son's 'market place' the story he tells is of a child having to pay taxes to a king when going to the market

The image below blew me away. It has been around a while but I never saw the woman and child in it until he outlined it today. I saw a childlike parrot the woman's face being the beak. This was not a childlike image that emerged today. He calls this his abstract. See they have had the Art Master presentations at school, exposed to types of art. He told me also that if it is turned on end that it is a waterfall. The little foot to the left stunned me. My favorite color is purple. This image is to be framed soon.


Now this one is one done some time back. I found my son outlining it this morning.

Keep on hand a supply of acrylic paints. Water base is a must for oils are not for kids. They can be toxic when mishandled. A note on the paints. Use a per-ma marker and wright the color on the lid. Now store upside down. At time of use they will shake easily and the colors are fast to spot. Kids have little time to waste while your looking for a color. Their minds move fast.

These paints are also mixed media. Use of the markers aid in the fine detail that a young hand may not be able to master a brush to create. An inexpensive set of brushes (marked as KIDS) can teach application. They are shown the different uses of each brush tip. They use the wrong brush and it is the perfect moment to show then which one might serve them better. They then want to use it, as a posed to "I'll do it my way", that defensive human stance. Speaking of emote they are taught that there are so many differing expressions that can be perceived from any one work. It will depend on the one who sees the art what he might see in it. The fun is to also be able to purposely express or pull out an emote from the viewer.

Well enjoy your children, grand kids or just any child in your life that can gain this experience as a part of developing who they might choose to become.

When garmet sewing ironing is a must!

2010-10-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

We have an old family quilt. My MILove made this for my husband when he was a kid.

It is a good thing to save treasures like this. Try mending it. All you need is a little know how and a good iron.

Moisten the fabric making sure NEVER to use new fabric on ole restoration items. The new fabric will shrink if the item gets washed and will tear apart the connecting fabric. These restoration blocks are made from used hand me down little boys shirts. My sons shirts. The original quilt is made up of scraps from all the shirts that his mother had made for him over the years, so I thought it fitting.

This is an extensive project an act of love. There are many fusible fabric notions now that will help in these types of efforts. There again you need a good Steam iron. Starch also helps.

Once pieced and fitted the hand sewing will begin. Mercy this is a lot of hand sewing. The ironing prior however will make nice work of it. Moisten even before the steam. It the fabric has a propensity to shrink it will show up before sewn on. Sometimes even older fabrics can do this.

As an experienced seamstress my tools are high end. Yours do not have to be however. There are many quality projects out there.

One down only 27 more to do. Why do I not just begin again and toss this out. History is a gift not forgotten. Once gone it is hard to return to the treasure that is called legacy. Without legacy what do we offer our prodigy?

Perhaps an iron like this one on Amazon might serve you well. Like I said you need not pay a fortune for one.

Children and the arts

2010-10-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Many kids have lost all exposure to the arts. Schools are shutting off the art departments. Even my kids complain about the 'grumpy' art teacher. When I heard from their pears the same commplaint I became awaure of a real issue that plauges our schools.
Art has become less than joy of expressing ones mind than the rules and foring sitting and no movement allowed rooms. All creativity banned.
In our home we MUST now make way for creative outlets for the children.
Most adults are now selling the art supplies because they are now viewed as 'fluff' in life.
Life without the expressed heart into form will then rob us of one another hearts. Most things are not easily expressed in words. In art however the heart can freely open to one another. Thus explains the value of the classics. Those images we can so identify with. For it is in the human experience all things are like.

This fall break I will few having not only my own children but the families of other kids participating in art related activities. Remember to stop on by and enjoy the wonder of creative expression. May I encourage you to do the same. It is as simple as paper and pencil or what ever you have. Reduce reuse and recycle. It need not cost a penny.

Here are a few of the old art masters.

Klee

Face to face

Face Art Print

Glackens

Luxembourg Gardens

Siqueiros

For the complete Safety of all Mexicans at work

Remberant

The Apostle Simon

Recreating the studio

2010-10-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

click to enlarge

Over the summer the studio is undergoing a renovation of sorts. By using what I have and some feng sui know how (knowledge obtained) my studio is much more pleasant to make use of. Before by sitting facing a wall my creativity 'hit a wall' as well. It is my desire to wake up the sleeping artist.
The new arrangement has many fine details yet to be worked out. The wire is still in need of completion. The machine desk is all wired and the under storage is mostly sorted. The jewelers desk behind the book shelf is being set up for the scrap book and paper arts station. By making my own gift cards and miscellaneous paper products the economics of the room fits most finely into my overall agenda. Being a practical woman my art is an extension of my home/economic/management. You would be amazed at how much paper really is used.
Here is hoping that your creativity also awakens. I have witnessed many folks in these hard economic times selling off and or discarding the arts and hobbies as if they have no value. Never let the arts die.

Regarding LG the reporter

2010-06-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have no way of contacting you.
I would be honored to do so. Would I need a project to demonstrate?
I am in Mesa. This blog is connected to my Email just drop a comment with a link to your email or contact.
Thank you
Donetta

Coleman camper canopy cover replacement

2010-06-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

Last year we ended our camping season with a very unnerving drive down from the high country.

We were praying all the way home that between duct tape and mercy that the zipper would not fail.

That was all the tape we happened to have.

This is a new season it is a new cover we needed.

This is a 12 foot very nice canopy.To replace a low end canopy it begins at $300!

We went to Tempe Sales and 3 yard of marine vinyl (weather proof) and thread needles and we were off $70. later.

dismantling

The slider had been screwed in by the previous owner. This is a 1999 camper.

Water helped the very best lubricant there is.

Once off the zipper is rotten and the rubber slider removed one can examine the construction/

Reinforcement of the canopy is important. In a wind it must be structurally sound.

After the seam under the rubber slider is opened.

The pattern I used was half of the vinyl with zipper torn off.

Cut out two thicknesses fabric folded in order to mirror parts.

The zipper is a high end open ended one. The pull tab is purchased separately.

One side sewn in three times over for strength and then folded over to reinforce it by top stitching.

second side attached to the zipper three time seam for strength as well

then turned over and also top stitched.

My sweet old machine would have nothing to do with this rubber.

so with the industrial strength thread and a pliers with a sward needle of some thickness.

By Hand! Yep 12 feet of it sewn twice over under with the second pass in the hollow of the first one.

Ever hole sewn twice over.

My husband using a drill press opened up the rubber holes to ease the efforts some.

Tonight I have yet another 2 1/2 feet to go.

Re-string for my SILove

2010-04-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

In the middle of life here with all things a bit slowed due to oral surgery on Tuesday last.There is a job requested of me to do. This is a very old strand that was in very bad condition.

It is the MIL of my SIL once married to an elder brother.

She sent along a very nice cookie sheet and lid in exchange.

The metal is all corroded but this piece was loved by her.

The silver plastic spacers were all shot and looked bad.

The layout modified the only finding I will reuse are the two hole connectors holding the stands together. Removed was all the pins on the choker chain and the hook as well was corroded.

This is a keep sake necklace to her. Not a very valuable piece, with exception that the crystals are magnificent. I will restring and add sterling crimps and crimp cover, new spacers will give this a more modern length. The beaded rosary work chain will give a way to alter length as worn. The new 's' hook will add a more modern look.

Re stringing and updating broken pieces is something I am often asked to do.

I often will bard-or services in exchange rather than cash.

types of fabric and their uses this will be a continuing process of information to be gathered

2010-04-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

All of the of fabric listed below are variants or blends of just five basic fabric types (silk, cotton, linen, wool and worsted).

Word	Definition
aba	garment of camel or goat hair; camel or goat-hair fabric
aerophane	thin crinkled semi-transparent fabric
ale-pine	mixed wool and silk or mohair and cotton fabric
alpaca	fine wool made from alpaca hair
angora	silk-like fabric made from wool of angora goats
ardass	fine silk
armure	twilled woolen or silk fabric
arrasene	embroidery fabric of wool and silk
atlas	rich satin fabric
baft	inexpensive coarse cotton fabric
bagging	coarse fabric for making bags or sacks
baize	coarse napped cotton or wool fabric
balbriggan	knitted cotton fabric
baldachin	rich embroidered silk and gold fabric
balzarine	light cotton dress material
barathea	pebbly silk or worsted fabric with broken rib weave
barege	gauzy fabric of silk, cotton, wool, or worsted
barracan	fine silk cloth
barras	coarse linen fabric

batiste	fine soft sheer fabric of plain weave
bayadere	fabric with horizontal stripes in strongly contrasting colors
beaupers	linen fabric used for flags
bengaline	crosswise ribbed fabric
bombazine	twilled silk and worsted fabric
borato	thin fabric
bouclé	fabric of uneven looped yarn
brilliantine	light lustrous cotton and worsted fabric
broadcloth	dense twilled wool or cotton worsted fabric used for shirting
brocade	rich silk fabric with raised patterns
buckram	stiff-finished cotton or linen used for linings of garments
bump	coarse cotton fabric
bunting	light loosely woven fabric used for flags
burdet	cotton fabric
burlap	coarse plain-woven jute or hemp fabric
burnet	dark brown; dark woolen cloth
burrel	coarse russet cloth
calamanco	satin twilled woolen fabric
calico	plain white cotton
camaca	fine silk fabric
cambresine	fine linen fabric
cambric	fine thin white cotton or linen fabric
camlet	strong waterproof silk or wool fabric
caneva	fancy woolen fabric made to resemble canvas
canque	Chinese cotton fabric
cashmere	soft twilled fabric made of fine goat's wool
cashmerette	soft imitation of cashmere
cashmere	closely woven twilled cloth of fine wool
cendal	silk fabric resembling taffeta
challis	soft lightweight silk, wool or cotton fabric
chambray	lightweight fabric with colored warp and white filling used for shirting
chamois	cotton fabric made in imitation of chamois leather
charmante	silk fabric with a crepe back
charmeuse	soft and satiny silk fabric
chenille	velvety silk, wool or cotton fabric with protruding pile that looks like caterpillars. It is very heavy and used for bed spreads, robes. Thick it is a bit more difficult to sew
cheviot	coarse heavy plain or twilled wool or worsted
chiffon	sheer silk fabric
chino	strong twilled cotton cloth (see twill)
chintz	glazed printed cotton fabric
cire	fabric with a glazed finish
cloque	fabric with an embossed design
coburg	thin single-twilled worsted fabric with cotton or silk
cordovan	soft goatskin leather
corduroy	durable cotton piled fabric with vertical ribs
crash	coarse drapery and toweling fabric
crepe	light crinkled fabric
crepon	heavy crepe fabric with lengthwise crinkles
cretonne	heavy cotton or linen cloth
crin	horsehair fabric
crinoline	stiff flax or cotton fabric
cubica	fine unglazed fabric resembling light twilled wool like or a worsted
cypress	usually black silk or cotton gauze fabric
damask	a jacquard weave it is a reversible rich weave. Patterned in satin or plain weave. It is a linen
delaine	light fabric of wool or mixed wool and cotton
denim	firm and durable twilled cotton (see twill)
dimity	sheer thin white cotton printed fabric with length wise cords, stripes or checks
domett	plain cotton-wool blend
dornick	stout linen
dowlas	coarse linen
drabbet	coarse linen
drap-de-Berry	old woolen cloth
dreadnought	heavy woolen cloth
drill	strong twilled cotton used in men/women pants (see twill)
droguet	ribbed woolen dress fabric
drugget	coarse durable wool fabric
ducape	plain-woven stout silk fabric
duck	heavy closely woven cotton fabric, heavy weight is used in awnings, light weight is used in summer clothing
duffel	low-quality thick woolen cloth
dungaree	usually colored heavy coarse durable twilled cotton, often used in pants
dupion	coarse silk
duroy	coarse woolen
duvetyn	smooth lustrous velvety fabric
ecarlate	fine woolen cloth, usually dyed scarlet
éolienne	fine silk and wool
etamine	light open-mesh cotton or worsted
eyelet	Small hole in fabric to allow passage of a ribbon; cotton fabric with small holes
faille	shiny closely woven silk, cotton or rayon fabric
farandine	silk and wool cloth
filoselle	coarse floss silk
flannel flannelette	light woolen or cotton fabric with a nap on one or both sides often used in sleep ware soft cotton with a nap on one side
foulard	soft lightweight plain-woven or twilled silk fabric
foulé	light woolen fulled cloth
frieze	rough heavy woolen cloth
fuji	plain spun silk fabric
fustian	coarse twilled cotton
gabardine	closely woven cotton or wool twill (see twill)
galatea	striped cotton
gambroon gauze	a twilled worsted cloth sheer light woven fabric, similar to cheese cloth. It is also made from silk. Machine wash but it WILL SHRINK
gazar	silk organza fabric
genappe	smooth worsted yarn
georgette	thin silk
gingham	light weight washable stout cotton fabric woven in striped plaids or checks
grenadine	thin silk
grogram	coarse loosely woven silk fabric
grosgrain	heavy close-woven corded silk
gulix	kind of fine linen
harn hemp	coarse linen soft warm fabric made from a plant fiber. Very durable. Used in garment and kitchen linens. Finest is from Italy and largest producer is China
herringbone	twilled fabric woven in rows of parallel sloping lines
hodden	coarse un-dyed woolen cloth
holland	coarse plain-woven cotton or linen
hopsack	loose fabric with a rough-surfaced
houndstooth	fabric with an irregular checked pattern
huckaback	absorbent cotton or linen used for towels
jaconet	stout cotton cloth
jacquard	intricately-woven variegated fabric
jaspe	cotton or rayon cloth with shaded effect
jean	durable twilled cotton material
jersey	plain weft-knitted fabric of wool, cotton, nylon or silk
kalamkari	fabric colorized by repeated dyeing
kelt	coarse fabric made of black and white wool
kente	hand-woven African silk fabric
kersey	coarse woolen cloth
kerseymere	twilled fine wool
khaddar	homespun cotton cloth
kincob	embroidered silk with gold and silver threads
lamé	fabric in which metallic threads are interwoven
lasting	sturdy cotton or worsted cloth
lawn	plain woven soft very light combed cotton or linen fabric with a crisp or finish. Used to make baby clothes, lingerie or simi- fitted dresses. Sews easily creases easily
leno	open-woven fabric
linsey	coarse linen and wool blend
linsey-woolsey	thin coarse fabric of wool and linen
lockram	coarse linen
loden	heavy waterproof woolen fabric
lustring	glossy silk
lutestring	plain glossy silk
mackinaw	heavy napped and felted wool cloth
mackintosh	lightweight rubberized waterproof cotton
madapollam	fine cotton cloth
madras	fine plain-woven cotton or silk
marabout	thin downy silk
marcella	cotton or linen in twill weave
marocain	ribbed crepe fabric
marquisette	sheer meshed cloth
matelassé	having a quilted ornamentation; fabric with raised pattern as if quilted
melton	strong and smooth heavy woolen cloth
merino	soft wool of the merino sheep; any soft merino-like wool or wool and cotton cloth
messaline	soft lightweight silk with a satin weave
mockado	inferior quality woolen fabric
mogadore	ribbed silk used in making neckties
mohair	fabric made from silky hair of angora goats
moire	watered silk
moleskin	heavy durable cotton
moreen	stout corded wool or cotton
mousseline	fine sheer fabric
mull	soft fine sheer cotton or silk fabric
muslin	plain-woven fine cotton
musterdevillers	archaic mixed gray woolen cloth
nainsook	fine cotton fabric
nankeen	buff-colored; durable buff-colored cotton
needlecord	thinly ribbed cotton
ninon	silk voile or other thin fabric
organdie	fine translucent cotton sheer lightweight rather stiff. Well used for curtain lining. Some as fine as wire mesh. Creases well
organza	transparent thin silk or nylon Silk Organza is a sheer, thin open weave fabric that is heavier and crisper than silk gauze. It has a smooth, flat finish, is strong and durable, and gets its stiffness from tightly twisted yarns. Often used as the base fabrics for embellished fabrics. Silk organza is very lightweight and sheer, but a bit stiff, and can be gathered for bouffant uses, used alone or over other fabrics for fitted to loosely fitted blouses, dresses and evening wear. Also useful for facings, inter facings or lining. Silk organza can be used as an underlining to add crispness to parts of a garment. Sews easily, doesn't show pin holes. Holds creases well. Organza is washable, but wash it before cutting out. Click on the fabric care buttons to the left for more information on washing silks.
orleans	interwoven cotton and worsted
osnaburg	coarse linen or cotton
ottoman	heavy clothing fabric with crosswise ribs
oxford	soft durable plain-woven cotton used in shirting
paduasoy	corded silk
paisley	soft wool fabric with ornamental pattern
panne	heavy lustrous silk or rayon with waxy feel
paramatta	worsted and cotton blend
pashmina	fine goat's wool fabric used for making shawls
pekin	fine soft silk
pellicule	thin diaphanous fabric
percale	closely woven lightweight cloth
percaline	glossy lightweight cotton
perse	dark blue or bluish-gray; cloth of such a color
piqué	stiff durable corded fabric of cotton, rayon or silk
platilla	fine white linen
plissé	fabric with puckered finish
pongee	thin soft fabric woven from raw silk
poodle	coarsely looped or nubby fabric
poplin	corded woven silk and worsted
prunella	strong and heavy silk or wool
rabanna	raffia fabric of Madagascar
ramie	strong lustrous fabric resembling linen or silk
raploch	coarse un-dyed woolen cloth
raschel	light loosely kitted cloth
ratiné	rough bulky plain-woven fabric
rep	plain-woven fabric with crosswise ribs
reticella	old Venetian lace-like fabric
romal	handkerchief or head-cloth; silk or cotton fabric
rumchunder	fine silk
russel	ribbed cotton and wool
russet	coarse homespun cloth
sagathy	light blend of silk and cotton or wool
samite	rich and heavy silk, sometimes interwoven with gold or silver
sarsenet	fine and soft silk; soft or gentle
satara	ribbed wool with a luster
sateen	glossy cotton or wool
satin	closely woven silk with lustrous face
satinet	thin silk satin or imitation thereof
saxony	fine soft woolen fabric
say	delicate woolen fabric
scarlet	fine clotton
scrim seersucker	durable plain-woven cotton fabric

sempiternum	durable wool
sendal	thin silk or linen
serge	strong twilled worsted
shalloon	light twilled wool or worsted
shantung	plain rough silk or cotton
sharkskin	smooth durable wool or worsted fabric
shetland	lightweight loosely twisted wool fabric
shoddy	woolen fabric made from rags
sicilienne	ribbed silk
silesia	thin twilled cotton or linen
silkaline	soft light cotton fabric resembling silk
sindon	fine linen
stammel	coarse woolen fabric, usually dyed red; bright red color
stockinette	soft elastic cotton fabric
surah	soft twilled silk or rayon
swansdown	heavy napped cotton flannel
swanskin Swiss dot	soft napped fabric resembling flannel light weight plain weave cotton with a pattern of hand knotted or clipped dots. Creases well
tabaret	striped watered silk and satin fabric
tabby	plain-woven silk taffeta fabric
tabinet	silk and wool watered fabric
taffeta	thin glossy silk
tamin	thin glazed worsted
tamis	thin wool
tarlatan	thin sheer stiff cotton
terry	piled fabric consisting of uncut loops
ticking	strong linen or cotton fabric used for mattress and pillow cases
tiffany	transparent silk-like gauzy fabric
tiretaine	wool cloth mixed with cotton or linen
toile	plain or simple twilled fabric
tricolette	silk or rayon knitted fabric
tricot	plain knitted silk or woolen fabric
tricotine	double-twilled worsted fabric
tulle	sheer and delicate thin silk
tussah	brownish silk fabric
tweed	rough twilled wool
twill	distinguished by diagonally woven stripes a strong fabric well used in uniforms, pants or work clothing. Sews easily
velour	piled velvety cotton
veloutine	velvety corded wool
velvet	soft piled fabric of silk, cotton or synthetic material Silk velvet is a soft, elegant fabric that looks and feels expensive. It drapes better than other velvet, falling close to the body. S-L-I-N-K-Y. The silk velvet we most often have is a rayon pile on a silk base, making the fabric 18% silk, 82% rayon. We also have a good selection of 'burnout' silk velvet, processed silk velvet where parts of the pile have been removed so you can see through around the resulting pattern. We occasionally have 100% silk velvet, but it is very rare and expensive. Silk velvet is most often used for loose, full, flowing garments. Popular for dresses and evening wear. Choose simple styles with few seams to make the most of its drape ability. Difficult to sew because silk velvet is so-o-o-o slippery. Pin and sew carefully, pins and needles show holes. Worth the effort
velvetine venise	cotton with silk pile a very fine damask with with large floral patterns used often in table cloth
vicuna	fabric made from wool of the vicuna, a small ruminant
voile	soft fine sheer fabric originally used for veils, now it is used in bloused, baby clothing, lingerie and semi-fitted garments
wadmal	thick coarse wool
whipcord	fabric with bold twill used for making dresses
wigan	stiff plain-woven cotton
wincey	plain or twilled cotton
woolsey	cotton and wool blend
worcester	fine wool
worsted	fine closely-woven wool
zanella	mixed twilled umbrella fabric
zephyr	lightweight wool or worsted fabric; the west wind
zibeline	soft piled wool

Fabric Identification

2010-04-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a great way to test fabrics for content

Burn Test - CAUTION. WARNING. BE CAREFUL! This should only be done by skilled burners! Make sure there is a bucket of water nearby and that you burn in a metal bucket or non-plastic sink.
To identify fabric that is unknown, a simple burn test can be done to determine if the fabric is a natural fiber, man made fiber, or a blend of natural and man made fibers. The burn test is used by many fabric stores and designers and takes practice to determine the exact fiber content. However, an inexperienced person can still determine the difference between many fibers to "narrow" the choices down to natural or man made fibers. This elimination process will give information necessary to decide the care of the fabric.
WARNING: All fibers will burn! Asbestos treated fibers are, for the most part fire proof. The burning test should be done with caution. Use a small piece of fabric only. Hold the fabric with tweezers, not your fingers. Burn over a metal dish with soda in the bottom or even water in the bottom of the dish. Some fabrics will ignite and melt. The result is burning drips which can adhere to fabric or skin and cause a serious burn.
Cotton is a plant fiber. When ignited it burns with a steady flame and smells like burning leaves. The ash left is easily crumbled. Small samples of burning cotton can be blown out as you would a candle.
Linen is also a plant fiber but different from cotton in that the individual plant fibers which make up the yarn are long where cotton fibers are short. Linen takes longer to ignite. The fabric closest to the ash is very brittle. Linen is easily extinguished by blowing on it as you would a candle.
Silk is a protein fiber and usually burns readily, not necessarily with a steady flame, and smells like burning hair. The ash is easily crumbled. Silk samples are not as easily extinguished as cotton or linen.
Wool is also a protein fiber but is harder to ignite than silk as the individual "hair" fibers are shorter than silk and the weave of the fabrics is generally looser than with silk. The flame is steady but more difficult to keep burning. The smell of burning wool is like burning hair.
Man Made Fibers
Acetate is made from cellulose (wood fibers), technically cellulose acetate. Acetate burns readily with a flickering flame that cannot be easily extinguished. The burning cellulose drips and leaves a hard ash. The smell is similar to burning wood chips.
Acrylic technically acrylonitrile is made from natural gas and petroleum. Acrylics burn readily due to the fiber content and the lofty, air filled pockets. A match or cigarette dropped on an acrylic blanket can ignite the fabric which will burn rapidly unless extinguished. The ash is hard. The smell is acrid or harsh.
Nylon is a polyamide made from petroleum. Nylon melts and then burns rapidly if the flame remains on the melted fiber. If you can keep the flame on the melting nylon, it smells like burning plastic.
Polyester is a polymer produced from coal, air, water, and petroleum products. Polyester melts and burns at the same time, the melting, burning ash can bond quickly to any surface it drips on including skin. The smoke from polyester is black with a sweetish smell. The extinguished ash is hard.
Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber which is almost pure cellulose. Rayon burns rapidly and leaves only a slight ash. The burning smell is close to burning leaves.
Blends consist of two or more fibers and, ideally, are supposed to take on the characteristics of each fiber in the blend. The burning test can be used but the fabric content will be an assumption.

Cinnabar necklace

2010-03-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

First stringing

Too sloppy and moved over the knots

Restringing is a must when you care about your work.

I just was not pleased with the loose work.

This was a big challenge.

I had to ream out every bead and use a long length folded in half.

This way the tread was so thick that on the end three beads each side I had four thickness going back through to finish knot and tie, gluing the third beads in.

It was also brushed with a very soft tooth brush and then linseed oil was applied.

Click to enlarge.

Using my own wire I spun some french wires to cover the threads at end as would a pearl strand only smaller diameter and usually gold.

Pearl knotted and strung on waxed cotton.

My Sister found this strand of cinnabar in an attic of a house in Utah.

The house was a good 100 years old or so at the time.

Perhaps a missionary brought it home.

A mystery to be sure.

She held onto it herself a many a year hoping on day to ware it.

Cinnabar beads (antique)

2010-03-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

Cinnabar is a color ful mineral that adds a unique color to the mineral color palette . Its cinnamon to scarlet red color can be very attractive. Well shape d crystal s are uncommon and the twinned crystal s are considered classics among collectors.

Genuine cinnabar is a rock type mineral, which was carved and made into jewelery for a short period of time, centuries ago in the Far East.

It is no longer produced as it was quickly realized that the main constituent is mercury – which is a powerful neurotoxin.

This is also the substance (mercury)which used to be sucked up into bead tubes to ‘silver’ line the beads by cottage workers in Bohemia. Cinnabar (the mineral) in its rough state can vary from bright scarlet to brick red.

What is sold now, and what is often termed ‘real’ Cinnabar, is actually carved lacquered wood or with modern items, resin.

The art of ‘tsuishu’ (carved cinnabar) is a fascinating and highly labor-intensive technique, developed in China many centuries ago. Many types of articles were produced, although the number of bangles made, was relatively few. This type of cinnabar has nothing to do with the toxic mineral.

Origin and History
It is an historical pigment but surprisingly not found in ancient Egyptian or early Mesopotamian objects. It was well known to the Romans and widely used in China since the third millennium B.C.

Source
Cinnabar is a red crystalline form of mercuric sulfide, a red mineral of secondary origin, occurring in the oxidized zones of copper veins. Cinnabar has the highest refractive index of any other known mineral, its mean index for sodium light being 3.256, while the index for diamond¡ªa substance of remarkable refraction¡ªis only 2.42. It was mined by the Romans for its mercury content and it has been the main ore of mercury throughout the centuries. Some mines used by the Romans are still being mined today. Cinnabar is found in all localities which yield mercury notably Almaden, Spain; Idrija, Slovenia; Landsberg, near Ober-Moschel in the Palatinate; Ripa, at the foot of the Apuan Alps, Tuscany; the mountain Avala, Serbia; Huancavelica, Peru; Kweichow and Hunan Provinces, China; Doneckaia region, Ukraine; and California, Oregon, Texas, and Arkansas, USA.

Surrealists and Landscape artists

2010-02-18T08:46:00.000-08:00

The Old Masters

William Glackens
1870-1938
Luxembourg Gardens
Landscape

Klee
1879-1940
Face of a Face

was a
Surrealist (painted their dream)
Expressionists (painted emotions)
Cubists (geometric shapes)

Husquvarna #1+ Viking

2010-02-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

Today was spent with my sister who taught me more about the embroidery machine she once used daily. This was her business machine used professionally.

Several of the feet got labeled and bagged so as to be more able to identify them.

We went over the button whole maker and studied the processes.

Sewed on a button with the machine as well.

It was a real nice time with her.

She is setting me up with a process and hardware to down load images to embroider.

This is the embroidery arm that attaches to the machine.

We had so much fun repairing her jewlery that we did not get very far in the lessons.

Another day. She brought her grandson, my great nephew.

The two boys played all afternoon.

Knitted wash cloth hot pads

2010-01-11T09:33:00.000-08:00

My MILove makes these for me.

I will sew Two together and make hot pads.

These are multi tasking tools, if I need a washcloth in a hurry a hot pad is now transformed.

I keep a large stack just for counter clothes.

Remember to change your cloth every day.

A cloth is much healthier than a spong.

Often sponges just spread bacteria, if you do use a sponge microwave it for one minute or a bit of bleach works to kill the germs too.

The Sewing Machine Song

2009-12-26T14:59:00.001-08:00

good news on Eddie and Denise

2009-12-25T15:06:00.001-08:00

Christ mas
Miracles are a part of the greatest story ever lived

Dear Ones
A very exhausted over joyed Denise called to tell us all...
Some how :)
Eddie has full conscientiousness.
He is with us cognitively.
His legs yet effected but the seizures did not take him.

He was sitting before her talking to her.

She with all and deepest gratitude thanks each and every one of you for your prayers.
Pray for her heart.
Her sister was unkind, Denise is wounded by the ill treatment that she was shown.

She is however rejoicing as I have instructed her to let her spirit and mind rejoice and worship but to let her body rest and be still.
She has not slept for several days and has also been ill.
I will keep you updated as I am.
Thank you all
Donetta

Christmas Love Prayer...Eddie and Denise need it

2009-12-25T08:51:00.001-08:00

Good Morning A Blessed Christmas
Eddie is alive this Morning your prayers were so embraced.

Update

I just received a call from Denise.
The torment of the last few hours has been excruciating for her.
She discribes the events as the worst thing that she has ever seen.

Her sister arrived last night, she is also a diabetic.
Denise ended up in the ER her blood sugar spiked and she was vomiting .
As soon as she would ease the same thing began with her sister.
Eddie was in a room and she could not get to him for the ER would not let her.
She convienced them not to admit her and to just let her see her husband and that that would ease her distress.
Eddies blood pressure spiked I mean really spiked!
At one point she got released from the ER and got back to him.
He was awake, unable to walk without a walker.
Dragging his legs.
She saw he was sweating so she got a cloth.
As she turned he said that he felt he was going to vomit and just at the very moment he fell back into her arms and began to seize they called in a trauma team and resesitated him.
She was ask to leave the room to a waiting room where her sister then fell ill to high blood sugar levels and DENISE had to car for her.

I have told Denise to ask a nurse to tell her sister to leave.
Eddies people are coming, I told Denise to have the nurse talk with them and tell them that your strength is limited and to not ask her all the details.
I told Denise that each time she repeats it it is like being punched in the heart.

She has not been able to stay with Eddie, only allowed to go in ever few hours.
He has been sleeping she has not seen him conscious sense before the seizures.

I am tempted to take up a fund and see if we can fly me out there and rent a car to be with her.
Steve has off till the 4th. I would have child care. The funding is an issue. I am in Arizona.
Please continue to pray.
I read several of your comments to her a few moments ago and it really strengthened her spirit.
Thank you all for your continued prayers.
Donetta at A Life Uncommon

Urgent Prayer For Eddie (Love Bug)

2009-12-23T18:52:00.001-08:00

Urgent Prayer For Eddie (Love Bug)

I am typing this for Denise of Shortybears Place she is on the phone with me now

Eddie has had a stroke and is in hospital under observation. They were unable to get the stroke medication in time. So far they have done a CAT scan and a MRI and other test are being awaiting . His leg is effected. He is able to speak. This is written at 9:30 p.m. TN time

He is in Memorial Hospital Chattanooga TN. She is alone so if any friends are able please consider coming to her side. He is being moved to room momentarily.

This is written by Donetta of A Life Uncommon and she can be reached through me.

having little gifts to give in your community

2009-12-15T20:19:00.000-08:00

click on image to enlarge

The pharmacist, the mail carrier, clerks at the store and all those other folks you see often during the year are often overlooked. Let me show you a way to show them that you appreciate all that they do. Those kindnesses offered on a professional level deserve to be acknowledged.

Here I found some inexpensive findings on a bulk ebay lot.

The boxes are from a clearance rack.

They are for a wedding 50 for $9.00.

Each gift was around .30-50 cents.

The wrapping for the inside is scraps.

The ribbons were on a spool for less than a dollar a 3 yard measure.

Be creative and you will find simple ideas.

Homemade Cloth Napkins for tea

2009-12-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

To match a set of six china place settings I created this napkin set.

By using a grid rotary cutting system they were cut out to a 12 inch square.

The hem lace here is an old fasioned touch to add a bit of feminine charm.

Now normally hem lace is used differently.

This application was a bit of wemcy .

By using a factory style approch time is saved on the job.

One after another just stitch the lace to the edge of the fabric leaving a half inch under the lace. The lace is normally 5/8 inch wide. One after another you do not even need to cut until your at the end of them.

Do this to each edge.

Once the edges are turned under twice stitch

The rose stitched onto a corner now press into a purse like so

The turning under twice is like so...

Press all the way around then again the second time all the way around turning it full circle twice. It gives the edge time to cool before you turn it the second time.

Pin the lace lice so at the corner

Corners clean up like so.

as you press them check for uniformity this will just make the tale look so nice.

Presentation is 9/10th of the job.

These lady purse napkins will be used for High Tea with the girls.

just for me

2009-12-06T19:58:00.000-08:00

My mother gave me this center for many years I have held onto it.

The clasp is magnetic.

It is strung on silk.

Mending an old beloved family quilt

2009-12-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

Hello

Do you have some family treasures that need repair.

This old family quilt that was made for my husband by his mother was such a keepsake.

This quilt is the favorite of every member in the family.

Some of the original blocks had worn to threads.

I believe that this quilt was created out of the scraps of shirt fabrics that his mom had made for him as a boy.

To fix old things old must meet old.

Never add new fabric to an old item.

New fabric will shrink tearing the old even farther.

After locating an old little boys shirt from those things our son has out grown I cut off all the seams,

sleeves and such. Save the buttons .

Waste nothing.

Place the fabric face down and press the block to size then flip it over and it will fit perfectly.

Yes I did adjust that upper left corner.

By pressing it on the spot the fit is fast and accurate.

Press one edge at a time and alter until it is just so.

While pressing use steam.

One childs shirt did about 10 blocks so I had to go out to the give away and find another suitable shirt to cut up to finish it.

Mending your items extends the life.

This a simple thing that is so often in this age ignored to be tossed aside and more oney spent to replace things.

This day I sewed a button on a pair of cordroy pants for me.

A zipper replaced in a pair of skorts , jeans pocket mended, thermals hemmed after I cut off the knit ankle band, two pair of panties mended where the band came off. It was so relaxing.

By sewing two of the wonderful dish clothes my MILove makes me i now have another hot pad.

There was a beautiful pair of plum cords that had lost the zipper pull so I made a new zipper pull instead of replacing the zipper. All in all a large plastic storage box was emptied of the fix it jobs I had not gotten done before now.

I watched Hulu (check it out free tv on line).

All in all a very wonderfully relaxing meditative day.

Happy Thanksgiving Recipe For the Perfect Turkey

2009-11-25T07:38:00.000-08:00

The perfect turkey recipe for people who are not sure how to tell when poultry is cooked thoroughly but not dried out:10-12 lb. turkey
1 cup melted butter
3 cups stuffing
2 cups uncooked popcorn
salt/pepper to tastePreheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush turkey well with melted butter, salt and pepper. Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking pan with the neck end toward the back of oven.Listen for popping sounds.When the turkey blows the oven door open and flies across the room, it’s done!

Jewelery for myself

2009-11-17T18:42:00.000-08:00

This is an antique set of cat's eye glass. It is an original that came from an estate of my husbands aunts or cousins of his mom's.

I have had them so many years and they were so poorly strun with no matching earrings to them. they have been boxes.

This week they were strung and a set of earrings to match.

The image does not do them justice they have a very deep luster.

Then just for me to match a sweater I purchased last month...

An autumn set in my in summer tones.

backed in silver a duel strand...

Lobster claps for ease

The chain stops the issue of it getting tangled in my hair on the nap of my neck.

Walla!

Just for me.

Finding good balance at this type of strand is a trick.

It must be strung and not finishe at the end until after it hangs.

The trick is similar to hemming a dress that the fabric needs to relax over night.

Leaving give for the curve and using two cable lengths keeping them from crossing when center finding is passed through.

Asymmetry is key to balence it.

Asymmetry has always been hard for me to feel.

This sits very pretty on my neck with a V neck top.

It is acrylic except the glass leaves and the sterling silver.

Acrylic helps keep this type of work light weight.

They can become heavy with other types of medium.

In process

By letting it hang and setting it to form the wire will tell the length and the balance between the four strands. You can not go by count alone.

That neck line really is not that plunging.

The display and I have well... different endowment.

Collage

2009-11-10T19:19:00.000-08:00

Collage is an art form of inner expression of emotion or themed idea.

Things that are calming or peaceful to me.

The floor is another thing

click to enlarge

A New Look

2009-11-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

The Studio is being reorganized and redecorated.

As well as this blog.

I needed a change of colors in the studio and on this blog.

Storage

2009-09-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

This is a storage system I began some 20 years ago.
being raised not to just toss anything out. I learned to sort and save the scraps.
Many a quilt has come from here.
Often I have a need for a small scrap of color or texture and this is where I go.
The boxes are labeled and are at my left hand now if I turn around from the machine and at my right hand if working at the cutting table.
In these containers can be found lace, elastic, ribbons, felt, fabric scrap by color,unfinished projects, leather and so on.

Nursery Under the Sea

2009-09-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

My Nephew loved the ocean.
As a child my sister took him snorkeling and it was the favorite times of his too short lived life.
So for the baby I made some things to go with the amazing nursery that my Sister set up and sewed and sewed for him.
This was an idea I had for the mom.
It goes under the mattress and hangs off the side of the bed.
I hid a clown fish in the large pocket to symbolize the presence of the unseen.

It is batted and the bottom edge was trimmed with a gathered edge of a green fabric that looked like fish scales. I forgot to get an image of the finished product.

This is moms pillow. I was not able to get the other two pillows completed.
The back of it is the orange of the big buttons.
It is zippered so it can be washed if needed.
I thought with them in a studio it might be nice for his mom to have a bit of matching decor.

This is the big gift

The Mobil

Often when I create I see an image and then just go with it and it flows.
Very seldom does the finished item start with it as a pattern set.
It flows as I create it. I'll find myself thinking on theme and then ideas pop at funny times and then I will implement then at the next chance I get to walk by it.

The gold chain to me was to add a value as in it is to me a treasure to hold the memories of my nephew , his name Jason.

Now the buttons were a thought of when I have fished I used weights to set line.
I felt the lines needed weight to set the spin.
"Spin" led me to go to my fishing findings that I use for jewelry making.
The spinners were just the thing and they too were of "gold" so to speak a precious thing...as is my memories of Jason.
Making this nursery was particularly hard for both myself and Jason's Mother too.
It had to be somewhat excruciating for her.

Any how... The idea of being in a box...
A box was the foundation to heat bond the fabrics too.
The top of the box is in a fabric that my sister used on the main nursery that is very close. The trim used here is the boarder off of the pillow blocks. It was a perfect use.

(the beads well they just had to be in there)
I spotted the Nemo fusible beaded trim the day we went to the fabric store together. I had the other fabric for some time...funny as in strange...it was the perfect match for his nursery. See the spinners. All the ends were hand stitched the machine just did not do a good job here and to me the art is often in the detail. If the detail is nice than it does not distract the focus of the creative artistic expression.
The buttons can be shifted to balence the mobile.
The clips used to hold the tendrils onto the moble were used so that if it gets pulled on hard they will let free without damaging the mobile and then they can just get clipped back on. Or in the futrure can be used elswhere.

A large swivel used at the top to help with the movement.

Now as you might think along with me a person under the water who loves the beautiy of the sea...well lets just say catch and release.
So again the findings were tackle.

With a big issue of grief the first pillow I made was the worse sewing I have ever done!
I could not sew a zipper to save my life...I could not save his life either...my neiphew commited suicide early this year...It was so good to get the grief processed...out of that distruction I found all the beauty I could and made good use of it.
By cutting out the fish and fusing the fabic to a backing I made the fish for the mobile.

My photograph blurred like the vision blured by my own tears I finished the moblile just in time to go to the party.

I signed the back of the blue fish.

Under the sea of loss is found a new life.
A little baby boy was born the next morning after the shower and he is healthy as is his mother.
Creation as in art of any form is a process of emotion.
This time is was grief, anger, loss, pain sorrow.
One day joy.
For this little baby the joy of his birth will be a restoritive force for my sister his grandmother.
I also hope for the joy of his Mom too.
There was no marriage the baby has my neiphews name with a first name before it.

Leather tooling post to come. for the boys and men folk

2009-08-21T17:44:00.000-07:00

These are key chain coin holders.
I will be tooling them as personal gifts.
I found a set of leather working tools years back.
Us old timers used good tools so whenever you can find a nice tool grab it.
Tools are a rich treasure.
A good tool is worth its weight is gold for with it you can withhold... your gold... by making things yourself.

Beading them for a gift from my heart.

Copper/Brass with glass

2009-08-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

Good Day to ya
Christmas coming on fast now I best keep to many tasks
Many gift to create.

Today the design is carried out from the form I can see in the glass

I find copper a very pretty metal. I had to use these bad boys to close the links for the strength of the brass is very substantial.

This is a technique that I enjoy called rosary work.
Only this is on a large scale.
The delicacy of most rosary work uses fine linking.
I snipped off the eye pin and then formed a larger eye to accommodate the brass ring.

The set is still in the creative phase.

Altered findings bracelet

2009-08-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is fun to play with a concept design for a new look.

Cats eye round beads will be replaced I think with a flat bead for more comfort.

Reading my bi-monthly beading magazine I came across and article on bending findings around large beads...made me think what if I bent them around my wrist to form a bracelet .
I have a few design flaws to shake out but I really like it.

Bia sleveless finished edge

2009-07-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

After setting all week on the machine I finally got to the end stretch of a blouse I was making.

Baste or do a wide stitch around the hole.
When finishing a sleeveless top use bis tape like so
Open it up half way and then press only half open use care.

My machine is able to shift the need side to side
first stitch 1/4 seam...
turn and press keep the bias fold in tact

stitch the bias tape down close to it's edge
Now carefully remove the basted thread

a clean edge
very easy..
You can do it, the easiest of sleeves

give it a final press...

My husband was making me laugh...

A new top!
I wish you could make out the detail.
It is gathered to the right
A zipper to the left

Fondant and Nick Jonas Cake

2009-07-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

more words on this later
I am a bit tired tonight.
Necessity is the Mother of invention

Tackle it Tuesday...Home sewn pot scrubbers

2009-07-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

The fabric is net or tulle

Hello
Every few months this is a project of mine repeated now for over 27 years

Stacking 4 double thickness layers and then cutting with a rotary cutter is easiest
I did not always have this luxury and scissors work too
Just if you use scissors
MAKE SURE!
you have no hang nails or dry cuticles that can snag on the net
It hurts if you do!

Free hand or use a ruler to cut long strips
Across
then into quarters

stack two together and pin set aside
There were several of these sets created and sewn in
assembly line style.

For utility sewing this is best to save your precious time

Now these are to be used at the kitchen sink
THEY DO NOT NEED TO BE PRETTY
Or perfect. Just create them so that you do not use up your day in perfection
for a simple cause.
Now if you want to give as gifts then yes take your time and do a nice job.

Sew and inch back tack the inch and forward stitch
don't even clip apart now do that after the whole of the job is sewn.

I have used a zig zag but it does not matter if you use a small stitch.
That is how the factories do it

Remove and then clip on your lap both side and drop into a storage bin

This chain is long
Job time is an hour cutting out and an hour stitching up and clipping

There you have it set for a good four to six months

$89. cents a yard and there are around 4 yds to a 89x4=356
7x4=28
*by 2 =14
14 scrubbers for $3.56
.25 cents a scrubber
each one of these is good for a few days up to a week.

girls I got the yardage given to me as a gift
the most I will pay for it is on a clearance $.50
$2. * 14 = .14 cents each

Now I don't care what color they are unless I have a choice.
then I get a lot of it.

American Sewing Guild

2009-07-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

After arriving and all the minutes and the announcements were made
I slipped a shot of the top of this cabinet.
It that just too cute.

Soon it was introductions around the room and the Show and tell
Is this just too drool over!
My sister is in the green she was chair woman today.

This quilt was long arm machine quilted.
The woman hired it done.

The detail and precision was a sight to behold
This is a personal quilt

The next three are quilts that are given to the battered children's shelter
ASG is a group of supportive women who do charity and keep the old skills alive.

The love this hidden woman behind the quilts showed touched my heart.

The woman next to her made those little girl dresses for the boy's and girls club of Scottsdale.
You will see those in a later image

This young woman made the quilt and her mother who accompanied her long arm quilted it for her. The dear mother visiting for Texas had a bloody nose due to the heat index.

He r daughter hidden of course.
All images can be clicked on and enlarged and they are high resolution so the detail is visible.
This quilt a personal item.

Folded she is showing a pillow case that is sewn to support the Ronald McDonald House a non profit who house families who have a child here at the Children's Hospital. They are housed free of charge to be able to stay within the area to be with their children.
Pillow cases are a need that was made known.

This is the beautiful woman who offered up er knowledge on the topic of
ON LINE SEWING TIPS
post to follow...
personal item

Some people glow

I thought this to be such a beautiful woman and her persona was as well.
This a jacket that has matching slinky slacks

Do you want to sew...
I really LOVE! that black star

Dresses collected to give to under privileged kids for the school year ahead.
The guild meeting and the store
SEW FROM THE HEART
SCOTTSDALE ARIZONA
Supply free patterns and fabric to fund this charity.
Seamstresses gift of skill to create the supply of the need.

Look at that wonderful technique

Another minuet I am thinking...............

Now I was again given what I needed for these women missed me.
THEY MISSED ME?

I was embraced and told to take time for me.
So I am encouraged to SEW.
for fun? I often just sew for utilitarian reasons

I was reminded about how I need to remember to sew
for fun

You can go on line to find a chapter in your area

So GO SEW!

Window Treatments

2009-06-25T12:23:00.001-07:00

Hello
As you can emagine after this job done in 6 hours or so between last night and today...
I am a bit tired...
Here goes...use your left needle setting to add beads.
In this application I am using the binding as an accent to the treatment so it is affixed to the right side.

I still want to lower this a bit to allow for the shortage of beads.
Beads are a part of my DNA I think.
Just can not get enough of them.
So I always want to use care not to over due it.

The art work is often the inspiration.
Looking for the things you love.

This feel is just what I was hoping for.

Working on the kitchen valence I tried to follow the process for you with images.
I'll do my best here to give you some tips.
I have a lot to do this afternoon so next week I will visit this post and update the details.
Feel free to ask questions in the comments and I will be able to answer them on Monday.

This fabric is a pleasure to work with.
Over the years I have notice that it is a very important thing to love what your working on.

In my stash from a craigs list find I have many packages of seam lace.
I love this stuff!
Now I started all this last evening late.
With using this tool your able to zip through this straight stitch project.
Seam Lace and a good steam iron.

My way is to toss the seam lace over my left shoulder and let it fall to the ground.
This is fast and conveniently feeds the lace at a nice even pace. It is also always easy to locate when your shifting to a new item.

I have pushed back from my chair to show you the way it works.
In no time it is unwound and ready for use.

Seam lace has a track to follow.
Now what this stuff is or does is it encloses the raw edge of the fabric. Thus it lessons the bulk of the seams as well as makes for fast application.
Sew a straight line...Practice and speed is then an option.
I used a 3. stitch length you could open it up to a 4 but then you risk slippage and it will slow you down. Any tighter and you in overkill and it will slow you way down.

I sew asembly style.
Now think on this if the manufacturers sew in this method you better bet your sharp needles that they have good reason for doing so...
YES
My time is worth a great value around here.
This is another thing that causes an ability to accomplish a lot in short order.
Think ergonomics.
When your sitting in your desk and set up think that way to.
Spend some time one day and just look at the work and waist of time that inefficient set up can cause you.

I dont even snip here...nope think like a quilter
The edges will match perfectly when you do.

This is the seam between sections a wide seam and then it will be zig zagged.

See the seam lace it is still in tact.

Now I did trip off the edge there that has the color code on it .

edge all edges with the lace.

On the top when you edge make sure you have the seams are together important thing!

When adding the new run of lace just overlap that the tape is going the same direction. IMPORTANT...This will make it so your curtian rod will pass through easily.

Prewss the whole thing out and tug on the seams gently to loosen up any tention that might set off the clean edges as you press.

On another note.
Clip all threads as you go.
When I was a young girl in home economics Yes they tought us back then in 6th grade...
CLIP CLIP CLIP
all thread! this could cause us a fall in grade on each item.

I ware a lanyard that I make with a disk cutter and my snips attached to it.
It is a stretch yet as you can see the tention in my finger I have to pull it a bit.
I just love this tool.
I do make and sell them if any one is interested.

After all is pressed stitch twice as deep as the casing will be for the rod.
When you fold down this will be in the casing and will not bind on the rod.

Now press ends first and stitch.
If your working with spead go ahead and do each end then the bottom and then the casing.
Be aware however that this is not a good idea if your going to walk away from the project.
The steamed pressed edges lose a crisp working edge if left to sit long.
PRESS PRESS PRESS
That was the other big thing I was tought and taught well.
It can make all the difference in a job and in the ease of said job.

Trim and enclose the lace as you stitch this will happen all the way around, but remember stich both side ends first

This is one of your greatest allys use it like the tool it is.
It is designed this way for many reasons.

Well pressed ends will meet at corners.

The seam rule is a tool you can or should not do without!

Beaded over sink
This is another valence for the kitchen window that I might incorporate but it makes the light to shaded
I am a little iffy on it.

There was just enough beading to add around the little desk lamp with a glue gun.

Finished the set

2009-06-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

I will get this off in the post.
The post office was closed over the weekend.
I am so glad your happy.

Dolphins a splash necklace

2009-06-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

Silver dolphins strung with glass on cable.

I was able to get the necklace strung this morning
I hope you like it Denise.

Denise O. This is what I came up with in layout

2009-06-16T22:50:00.000-07:00

I cant get the spacers to show up...
They are aroh borialis??(sp) but it does not show.
They have a bit of royal blue, royal purple and deep green

What do you think?
I need to know what length you want it.
The smaller bead on the earring would be replaced with the spacers of the necklace.
The bead that is on the earring is the same as the necklace. It is in green and in royal blue.
I was thinking ocean and your love of purple.
It looks mostly blue green in the image but the purple shows in real life in the spacers. The turquoise accent is to effect the dolphin emerging from the wave.

do you like the hook for a closure?
I thought to make a little dangle off the end of it to drip down your neck a little.

Special Orders, a few findings and choices

2009-06-11T08:39:00.001-07:00

If anyone is interested I do take some special orders.
There are many items in stock as well.

Denise O. here is what I thought you may like to choose from.

Here are some types of earring findings hoops, posts,locking,crimp French, French and my old favorite for delicacy the hook closure.

As per your request and interests here is what I pulled out with you in mind.

To the right several singles.
cat brooch

Cabochon semi precious tones on silver

Some I had made I thought perhaps might interest you.
The cats eye blue one can have a moon attached with the planet removed if your interested.

These are lanyards except for the pink and yellow they fall into winter.

Other considerations would be your price point.
What type of bead?
stone
glass
acrylic or wood(very light weight)
I have a few crystals
pearl or shell

Intieror Deco Feng Shui

2009-06-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

I watched many feng shui videos
Interior Decor is one of my many and varied interest. So today I worked hard on the house. I will post some pictures over at my LIFE UNCOMMON BLOG.

Color by season

2009-06-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

Denise let me know summer or winter?
Click to enlarge

Summer
Silver

Winter
Silver

Autumn
Gold

Spring
Gold

Works for sale

2009-06-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

Eye glasses holders, fishing lanyards for fly fishing.
Cabochons are semi precious stones.

These are images from a show last fall
For the sake of time today I'll post them.
Many of the things are sold but if you like something just ask and it might be able to be recreated if I have supply for it.

These are lanyards many are sold so ask if your interested.
I can turn it into a necklace with a center stone or recreate as close as able.

Sesonal items can also be created for those of you who are interested.

click image to enlarge

Today it was asked of me to show what I have on hand for sale in the jewelery.
Let me know if you are interested in anything here.

making a new wardrobe

2009-06-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

beading center tour

2009-05-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hello...
For many years I have investigated the process of how to accomplish this dream.
I was accepted into a gallery up north.
The drive time with my little family became an issue.
So for now the business is on hold.
All ready to get up and running perhaps in the fall.
It has been rarely shared by others how to do the set up of a beading/jewelry making studio.
Offered up to you is a tour.
My garden is to the left of my hand.
If this can be an inspiration to others or perhaps there may just be a tip to help you in your endeavors.
I have found for the most part jewelers and beaders are a pretty secretive lot.
This is to conserve their creative license.
For every where ideas are copied.

This is the jewelers desk
Here is the station if soldering or tooling with mallet may occur.
It is also used to display as creations are in process.
It was a birthday gift a few years ago.

Business at hand in the top drawer.
Pricing and mailing.

Middle Drawer for the earring backs and other items used.

Lastly bagging

Center is simple storage right now.

The armiture is for steadying of hands a place for a vise and such.

This is all removed or slid in when not in use.
It is my dream to one day tack further study in soldering and silver smithing.

Directly behind the desk.
The show case, storage of made items.
Lower to upper is labeled with like bead together.
Glass and wood are here.
Along with chain and metal that is uncommon.
It is hung on removable 3m products.
Click on image to enlarge.

Tools within reach and easily identified at a glance.

A foot stool is a real help to my comfort.

Lighting is a must.
Good direct out door lighting helps with color identifications.
The magnifier is wonderful.
The crook neck lights were form my husbands former employer of long ago.

Reference papers at a glance are great when I am labeling the selling tags.

One of my favored area to work in is gemstone.
However these are a more expensive item.
In the gallery they would really become expensive with the percentage of their cut added in to the price.

I call my acrylics plastic only on the shelf.
These are best served for light weight less expensive items.

Lamp work glass is a favorite.
Watch at Michaels and Wall Mart every once in a while they change out the selection.
Clearence my middle mane at least it ought to be.

Stones

Reference books.

Fine tuning the space is an on going process.
It was at one point packed up and ready to move.
It is now coming back together better than ever.
Today labeling of the containers for fast reference was updated along with sorting of the types.
My supplies (for the most part) were accumulated via e bay.
Folks clearing out crafters estates and such.
Bulk distributors, 50% off sales and clearance racks.
Many of you dear friends have given me things to enjoy (thank you).
This is my candy and flowers so to speak.

There is a lot of organizing still in progress.
My last few days have afforded me time to give it some attention.

Tools
buy the best you can buy and/or save up and get that.
Do not be in a hurry to invest in tools .
By researching you only need to buy once for a life time.

A clean desk is the sign of a sick mind
:)

See the cabel and thread on spool at the left of the work space...
The tape rule is attached to table top via packing tape.
On the table (tape) is the increments marked for each type of item lengths of necklace with 1-2 inch added for knots or the crimping method. When I measure for a peice with a clasps the cllasps is layed on the rule along the end of measure. as Well as any findings. Length has a way of escaping you once the findings get attached. This is my fail safe.
Making work faster and the minial tasks an ease.
Creating is the real fun...gives me more time and thought to put into that part of it.
This is my work area.

Click to enlarge

Sunlight is in front and beside me.
That is the garden at my left.
I can listen to the crop if it needs to tell me something.
It speaks in it's own way...

See all the beads in the tin.
All the wooden beads mixed up.
So it is time.
The other day I asked for a box.
I was at a $1 store and decided not to spend money.
The next day a friend said "oh I have something for you"
Yep!
The box.
This is normal, it is the way that we are to expierence that life more abundant.
We see the normal as miracle when often it is abiding .

Any way...
Sorting time.

This blue sorting try has two screw off ends of different diamiters.
Great to use to gather tiny beads.

All of my wooden beads were in a big box.
Now I have then back in action.

The new box used to sort all wooden under 6 mm.
Smaller compartments smaller bead storage.
Larger beads like wise.
If I have a surplus, those are stored in such containers that are large and hold a surplus for big projects that call for a large haul of bead.

Now the wood is sorted and each drawer is noted of the size.

These placed in order by size into the storage box that holds all the drawers.

Here are the tiny assortment.
These are often of more use to me.
They are often used as spacer beads.
The assortment at a glance is to have a faster aqusition of parts.
Less time hunting more time crafting.
I can now make count and then asses what I might need if anything.

this is a beaders ruler
Note the fast reference on bead size.
After some time you'll nknow the size just by holding or looking at it.

Nice tool.

I will speak more on this craft in the future.
If any questions please feel free to ask.

My Loving, Creative Husband

2009-05-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

When I went out Sunday to see where my darling was
I found him at the mill.
Recently we began a shop for him.
There is yet a lot of organizing to do...
When I asked him what was up he said...
" I am making you a surprise"

I have been neglecting my beading lately for my magnifying light was out of service.
It would not stay secured on the table.
We had rearranged the studio when we moved back in and I lost the place to connect it.
Without it beading had become a chore.
My vision is dimming a bit and it is very hard to see.

This is his creation.
A very stable jig to hold the light strong.
It is a very heavy fixture and when in use it is under great force and strain.
He made a brace to secure it well.

Now you sweet ladies in waiting (for the thanks offering gift and the pay it forward...
Now I can get back to your projects...
oooo.....I gave you a hint
:)

Thank you Darling for making it important to you!

Baby Shower Gift.

2009-05-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight We gather to celebrate my dear new...
Great Nephew
Neco
"Vicory for the People"

I had the thrill of holding him yesterday for the first time.
I have struggled with what to do or get for this child.
He is perhaps my 30 Th? Great.
Now so many of them I have not been able to celebrate for one reason or another.
This baby is center to recognition for recently his Uncle gave up his life.
This Mother needs life celebrated, and this is her first child.

I have really struggled trying to come up with the gift.
I picked up some things like safety corners and outlet covers and shampoo, lotion.
The main gift was just not clear to me.

After sitting with the Mother (my niece) yesterday and hearing her heart.
It was crystal clear. I am now thankful that I waited.

I stopped by the Whole Foods store and found some flush able inserts and fanny covers that can also be used with the cloth her heart so longs to use.
I admire that...so It is my heart to support her in it.
Also her heart is to nurse, yet any new mom will soon know the struggle and she is facing it with tenacity. I admire that too.
So I found some Mothers Milk Herbal tea support, and some nip-le cream.

A few of the items that I have grown to favor with my own children.

Teething drops, and unscented wipes that have no drying alcohol.
Now if she wishes to continue, and make the budget sacrifice to do so she has a foundation and the information she may need to begin.

I was trying to come up with a wrapping for it and decided to use netting.
Folks this is a basic supply in my studio.
Netting has a million and two uses.

So she has a heart to reuse...I used elements in my whap that are re usable it honors her heart.

Now for a card well....
This is the "box of collected cards" found on a clearance or purchased for a endearing reason and kept at the ready for use at any given moment. This is a staple for all homes in my opinion. No need to ever be harried when a last minute gift is needed.

After perusing it I found non for the purpose.
This box has diminished because I began to switch to home made cards...
This is how I did it.
Scrap booking is an art form that gained great notability in the last several years.
I one had a dear friend Mrs. Peterson, those of you long friends of mine...we all miss her.

Now Mrs P. would have socials at her house every so often with open doors she set up tables in her humble abode.
She was an amazing woman of resourcefulness.
She is the most talented scraper I have ever known.
She began to sell, and on and on month after month, the years well...
Every night I would attend I would set aside a portion of mine own portion and purchase those basic supplies and tools to set up a paper scrapping center of my own.
I am not talented at this art form, but I enjoy the freedom of expression through it.
I have YEARS to set to albums.

I abandoned the box

My Scrapping Center

This a left over cupboard (it was our old office, now turned into the sewing center) left to find good use.
I store it under the cutting table.

I'll let you peek inside.

Using binders I store papers.

The drawer is all of the tools and ink, calligraphy pens, stamps, punches, glue tape and all.
These things gifted me as I shared my grocery funds to gift her.
Beading is my passion.
Scrapping is a social activity, creative it too is a part of me.

Thes tools used to scrap however over lap into many venues of art form.
I make good use of these things.
Today it is to make a card.

In the old disk file I store paper cut outs and punch outs.

Card stock separated into color

Card blanks and envelopes.

Paper stock for matching sheets with cut outs.
She (Mrs. P.) was so industrious. She would spend late nights putting things together to sell to help her family. She is an amazing woman. She moved up into Montana territory. Sure miss her.

I am a saver of tid bits and treasures. I do not waste things as a rule if I see a use or beauty in them they are kept for a creation of my imagination at some later point.

This is textures of paper scrap.
Rulers and ideas of images I found pleasure in. Ideas are often the hardest thing to come up with. Any time you see things you admire, some day wish to create...well save it in a file and you will just one day do so.

Printed paper and partials and scraps.

These pockets are wonderful with the little snaps on them.
The page protectors are protected and kept together and flat. this type of thing can get slippery to store.

See how the snap envelope keeps the papers perfect.

Large ring binders at least 2-3 inches work well. They do not have to be new. Many of mine are recycled from work orders or yard sales.

Here is a trick you can do with paper or real rick rack when sewing.
The technique is really pretty.

This is my process.
I chose color first then topic and then character.

This is what I came up with.
Color theme; blue, green, brown
Character ...boy, baby, and family.

Theme...
a new member of my family tree

Name meaning
The leaves are punches.

The calligraphy pens are used on the inside, the image had to be deleted. It had the child's name meaning written and a few embellishments.
I once had a real lovely hand...but alas my penmanship is not what it once was.

Opening the package seemed to be a hassle for the new mother to consider the netting may pose an issue for some.

Handie work, hand stitching and mending

2009-05-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hello, Starting off at a corner do a bit of hand knotting to make a loop.
You can use a hook or your fingers to do so.
I almost always just use my fingers.
My step dad was a merchant marine.
I would watch that man tie knots that were just so fascinating to me.

under --pull up through but not all the way through, stop before it so

Then repeat over and over until your desired length is achieved
Then at the last pull it all they way through leaving a bit of a tail to tie off another length to stitch around

Thread your needle with that tail and stitch in the ditch so to speak...
Tie a new to it.

Now just do a whip stitch all round

Remember when you tie off.
A square knot...is over pull wrap again under pull. The tails are then threaded and pulled into the mass before clipping off

My sweet MOLove makes these for me with a real tight stitch, they are great pot holders.

I just love that color for the sunflower kitchen.

These are two of my grand children...
Dash said they felt much better now that I fixed the wholes they had.

Handi work is great for those moments when down loading pictures leaves you idle.
Busy hands, make light work.

Gathering Ideas, a history of the craft

2009-05-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

Almost 30 years ago I gained this binder at a yard sale. It was the acquisition of an elder crafter over many years of her life. Other booklets and things are else where. It begins with ideas for newspapers dated in the 1950's, continues through the 70's and then My stuff began to fill it into the early 80's throuth present.
It is a wonderful treasure of ideas. Patterns and know how spanning over 50 years of crafting.
It was the inspiration of the labeling on the side bar. I thought it might be a good goal for me to create and share this well spring with you fellow artist and crafters.

I suppose if I were of a mind and otherwise more financially industrious I might publish it, along with my novel. My Family takes priority. As stated before selling is not the heart of this woman. It is so much more a benefit to my soul to give.
I thought today to bind these things for better access and well...just because after all these years it has bubbled to the top. :)

I look so forward to the creations ahead!

If anyone has a question on anything here just ask and I will do my best to help you.

My Daughter Dove published her Sunday Paper

Working on the labels

2009-05-03T14:34:00.001-07:00

Well that ought to set the topics of those things I have interest, skill, know how or experience in.
After spending my first 16 years of marriage childless (and wanting) I kept interested in my own career as homemaker and artist. May of the skill are self taught, some I took college courses for. Many are used on a as needed basis when our home live need make us of it, or for gift giving.

Selling has always been my weak spot. I have had booths, set up in the driveway, shown in a gallery and sold privately. Some internet interest, but for now my family and the needs of my kids are priority.

Perhaps sharing the knowledge I have gleaned over years of experience will fill up my passion. It will in hope also spur me on to continue to create.

labels part 3

2009-05-03T14:26:00.001-07:00

Lables pt 2

2009-05-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

lables

2009-05-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Soon to sew

2009-05-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

I am so ready to sit and stitch something. Have to make that time. Now that my sister is back perhaps that will provoke me back to pulling a needle.

Welcome to my Studio

2009-05-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

Summer here in the desert has begun...
In honor of this new season of creation this blog begins.

A Place To Create KEEPER OF LOST ARTS

Sally's Fabric in Mesa Arizona is closing

Creating for charity

Sewing up a few things...

Black and White Photography

Winding Embroidery Thread

How to make a cover for CPAP Machine

The Benefits of Heated Humidification and CPAP are many but a problem occurs with condensation.

Steelers, pontiacs and fire. A quilt for my boy

The finished costume

costume from a t-shirt

Painting with children

When garmet sewing ironing is a must!

Children and the arts

Recreating the studio

Regarding LG the reporter

Coleman camper canopy cover replacement

Re-string for my SILove

types of fabric and their uses ***this will be a continuing process of information to be gathered***

Fabric Identification

Cinnabar necklace

Cinnabar beads (antique)

Surrealists and Landscape artists

Husquvarna #1+ Viking

Knitted wash cloth hot pads

The Sewing Machine Song

good news on Eddie and Denise

Christmas Love Prayer...Eddie and Denise need it

Urgent Prayer For Eddie (Love Bug)

having little gifts to give in your community

Homemade Cloth Napkins for tea

just for me

Mending an old beloved family quilt

Happy Thanksgiving Recipe For the Perfect Turkey

Jewelery for myself

Collage

A New Look

Storage

Nursery Under the Sea

Leather tooling post to come. for the boys and men folk

Copper/Brass with glass

Altered findings bracelet

Bia sleveless finished edge

Fondant and Nick Jonas Cake

Tackle it Tuesday...Home sewn pot scrubbers

American Sewing Guild

Window Treatments

Finished the set

Dolphins a splash necklace

Denise O. This is what I came up with in layout

Special Orders, a few findings and choices

Intieror Deco Feng Shui

Color by season

Works for sale

making a new wardrobe

beading center tour

My Loving, Creative Husband

Baby Shower Gift.

Handie work, hand stitching and mending

Gathering Ideas, a history of the craft

Working on the labels

labels part 3

Lables pt 2

lables

Soon to sew

Welcome to my Studio

types of fabric and their uses this will be a continuing process of information to be gathered