final sprint :: handprinted fabric swap

A few weeks ago, I excitedly joined up for the hand printed fabric swap I discovered over at Maze and Vale.  In the process, I've discovered some very beautiful makers out there.

Today, I received my first parcel, and realised that the deadline is looming- this Monday!  So this afternoon, as soon as I dropped Zeph at Kinder, I started printing.  A looong process.  I have made my old faithful vintage caravan print into a half drop repeat.  But seeing as this is usually the stencil I use for children's tees, there is one one van- which meant I had to pull the hair dryer out to dry each print before doing the next!

So this is one of two prints I will be sending out: 'caravan' printed on vintage unbleached cotton sheets (lovely texture) using a non-toxic ink in eggplant.

my creative space

I have recently uncovered a bit of an obsession I didn't realise I had- quilting.  I use the word 'quilting' loosely... I don't think I have the patience for the meticulous measured work I see from others.  But I do like free form quilting.  Finding scraps that work together and watching the creation grow as I sew them together.

As a custom order, I was asked to make three quilt-style pouches.  I began sewing pieces together, and before I knew it, the piece grew larger and larger.  I knew I couldn't cut into it for the order.  In my mind, it was the start of a bed spread, or cushions.  Suddenly I wasn't making pouches anymore!

So, work on the bedspread/cushions/something has halted, and I have finished these.  By next week, I think I will be showing a much larger.... something.

More creative spaces here.

sampling ideas

 Thinking that I have perhaps left my run a little late on my idea for these tops, I chose to use a much lighter fabric than I originally intended.  The contrast fabric is a beautiful light vintage kimono wool.  The fabrics of this top are light enough to make this a trans-seasonal piece, especially with the removable collar.  Depending on how you twist and fold the collar, it will look different each time.

the old, the new

Today, I've been playing with fabric new and old.  The new is subtle, with texture.  A deep black with a light houndstooth pattern.  The old is a glorious vintage Japanese kimono wool.  So light and lovely.  I sampled a top using a combination of both.  I made something like this for myself during winter, but wanted to try something lighter and trans-seasonal for the warmer weather.  It works.  Tomorrow I'll be making a few to take over to Olive Grove for the weekend.  I'll take some pictures tomorrow to show how it turned out.

making

Freshly made this morning: a double batch of lavender, bergamot, rose geranium and chamomile soap.  The house smells divine.  I can't wait to cut it into bars in the morning!

my creative space

 It's that time of year again when creativity is often spurred along by necessity.  The weather's warming up, and I'm suddenly realising I have nothing to wear.  Nothing that I'm overly keen on anymore, anyway.  So, the screens and blanks tees have come out.  I've printed two for myself: a bicycle cog, and another in a bloom/clover style print.  Huzzah!  Two new tops!  I'm happy with how mine came out, so I'm thinking I may end up doing a run of these to take over to Olive Grove.

More creative spaces here.

beginning blogtoberfest

I've had it in my mind that this Blogtoberfest would kick my little blog back into action.  Four days in, and at number 247 in the list (wow so many players!) I'm just starting.  Ah well, better late than never. 

My smallest small and I were walking through the bush today.  He raced back to give me these.  Simple sweet little heartfelt treasures.

More Blogtoberfest players over at Tinniegirl.