Handmade 2013: an update

There's been a change to the programme at Handmade 2013 and I'm pleased to tell you about my new class: Applique and Print a T-shirt (scroll down the STITCH page to find it).  In this 2h workshop I'll show you how to decorate a t-shirt with fabric paint, thread and fabric.  We'll be using different techniques like stencilling, reverse applique, beading and embroidery.  When you do this type of applique on a knit fabric, you end up with a very strong, stretchy fabric that works perfectly for t-shirts. The feather shape above is one of the designs you could work with, but there will be more designs to choose from. 

While we will be working with knits, these techniques are also easily transferred to fabric like felt or wovens.  I made this day-glo example using felt after finding inspiration in some Golden Hands magazines from the 70's; can you tell?

Here is the class description; as you can see you only need to bring a few things along as I'll provide the freezer paper, embroidery thread, beads, buttons, fabric paint, brushes and extra fabric. I hope to see some of my lovely blog readers there :)

Big days

May is always one of those months for us; a bit like November when you need to think of a million things at the same time to make sure you come through December in one piece. First Daniel turned 8, four days later Joshua turned 6, then Mother's Day, then me. I just turned 40 on Tuesday.  Funny how the 40 you remember your parents turning isn't anything like the 40 of today. This isn't middle age, for sure. I feel just the same as I did at 26, but to be honest I'm not so eager to please everyone any more. I am very happy with who I am and what I'm doing.  I have a wonderful family, friends and a community I'm part of. Life is good to us. 

I wanted to mark this place in my life, and chose the image of a bluebird for my arm.  It symbolises the happiness I feel and at the same time references the beautiful vintage embroidery I love so much. This design is a vintage embroidery transfer that I saw online and took to my talented friend Karla from the Genuine Hustle Tattoo Shop in Takapuna. She is a great artist and did a wonderful job with it.  Getting something this permanent done isn't for everyone, but to me it's a special reminder of a special time in my life. 

Space!

Today I have something nice to show you: my new studio! A while ago I started thinking about having a bit more space, both for my work and in our house. The boys are getting bigger and they're ready to have their own rooms; and when I get new supplies for my embroidery kits, the boxes clutter up my workroom so much I can't even get in the door. Thankfully a local shared studio space came up and I was lucky enough to hear about it early on.  I moved in on Sunday and while there is still a lot to do both in the studio and in my old room, I'm glad to report that it's been a great first week. The most amazing part of this space is the shelving Craig put up for me. I am very untidy when I work, and it's great to be able to pull out everything I need and then put it all back again. I know! 

I took some photos today, but might put up another post in a few weeks. I can assure you there won't be any empty shelves; there's still so much to bring in. 

Paying rent is new to me and it fills me with a bit of dread, so expect some new Etsy listings soon. I'm dying to do a bit of sewing; I can see some zip pouches on the horizon... I'm also thinking of running some tiny (3-4 people tiny) workshops; let me know if there's anything you'd like to learn :) 

Letterpress

On Saturday I had an amazing creative experience: I did a letterpress workshop for the whole day and came home with 3 different projects.  It was held at GTO Printers in Birkenhead, which was super-handy for me.  I did it with two friends, so it was even more fun.  Before I went I had very little knowledge of how it all works, I just knew that it gives a beautiful, tactile result.

Today I have much respect for the old type-setters who used to print entire volumes by hand. Something that may take us about 2 minutes on the computer takes so much longer if you do it with letterpress.  Take this little alphabet I did (I think the font isMonotype Bodoni): I centered it by eye alone and it took many goes before I had this result, but it felt so satisfying to get it right.  If you make a mistake, or don't like what you've done (for example swap a capital letter for a lower case), you get out the little key to loosen up your frame, replace the letters, then fill it up again with small metal plates so it all sits tight and then it's time to use the key to tighten the frame again. Which is why you have to pay very careful attention to what you do!

This poster was set with huge old wooden type.  We had a hard time making them all fit, but it turned out really well.  I decided to glitter up the only deliberate word we put in, but I see the word 'rock' managed to squeeze itself in too.

I enjoyed the experience so much, I took my boys along to the Birkenhead Library yesterday to give them a taste of it too. Graham, who owns GTO, has an arrangement with the library to store his Albion press there and in return they use it to do little poster printing sessions with kids on Wednesdays and Sundays (more information on this page) in the school holidays. 

They set their names into a 'Wanted' poster.  Can you spot the spelling mistake in the word villain? It reads: WANTED the villain Daniel Superbad with Cunning Plan and Nasty Sidekick.  Hehe...

QSI Hexagons

Welcome to my secret squirrel world where I do quilt forensics...

The other day I found a small hexagon quilt at the op shop for $5.  I was very impressed with the colours, but it had a growing hole in the middle, so I thought about making it into some cushion covers. The other night at Lucky Penny I was raving about the spontaneity of this type of quilting, done long before 1/4" seams and rotary cutters. It's random and lovely.  It's all hand-stitched.  I wanted to give it new batting and do a bit of hand-quilting to give it some love.  Then I opened it up and discovered this:

It's unbelievable how somebody could keep track of all those shapes; they were all randomly cut without a template. There's no consistent seam allowance, no ironing, lots of bunched up bits and not a chance of me getting through so many layers with a needle.  This is what it looks like after an ironing session:

Today I did a bit of machine quilting, gave it a blue linen backing and red piping. I'm pretty happy with the result:

The massive woolen blanket I got on the same day had very frayed edges, so I've given it a lovely floral binding (Reprodepot fabric from Spotlight).  I initially thought about giving it a satin border, but at $4.50 a metre (and needing around 9m!), that was never going to happen. And Plan B turned out much nicer than a piece of satin ribbon ever would, don't you think?

Zip Pouch workshop this weekend

If you're an Aucklander keen to come to my Zip Pouch workshop at Handmade, but can't make the trip to Wellington, here's a good option.  I'm teaching a similar workshop this Sunday for Make and Cake at Lopdell House.

I might be mistaken, but I think it's about $20 for the workshop plus tea and cake afterwards. You can email Lisa at Lopdell House for more information and to book. It starts at 1.30 on Sunday the 7th.  Please note that it will be held at Lopdell's temporary venue at 5 Totara Ave, New Lynn.

You need to bring your own:

• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Pins
• Thread to match your fabric
• Vintage or new cotton fabric (30cm to 50cm square; the bigger, the better)
• Zip (20cm) I have some available for $3

I hope to see you there!

Handmade 2013

I'm teaching at Handmade again this year and am so excited! I really love doing it because it gives me an excuse to go to Wellington, hang out with crafty friends and do some work at the same time. If you've never been, I'd advise you to have a look at the programme (it went live this afternoon), get some early bird tickets and get your flights and accommodation sorted early. 

It happens over Queen's Birthday weekend (1-2 June), which means you can go there on Saturday and Sunday, and still have Monday at home to practice all the things you've just learnt. 

I'm teaching three workshops this year: Vintage Embroidery Zip Pouch, Hoop Wall Art - Make a Modern Embroidery Sampler and Sew a Stylish Neck Warmer.  To find them in the programme, you'll need to go through the categories.  The zip pouch and sampler workshops are under 'Heirloom' and the neck warmer workshop under 'Stitch'.

Here are the write-ups directly off the website. The buttons refer to skill level. Please email me if you have any questions about these classes.

VINTAGE EMBROIDERY ZIP POUCH

Heleen Webb

Learn how to make a gorgeous small zipper pouch using vintage embroidered linen like tablecloths and tray cloths. Heleen will share her tips about making the most of your embroidery. You will also learn how to insert a zip and box a bag.

Level:Novice

Saturday 1 June, 9:00am – 11:00am

Sunday 2 June, 9:00am – 11:00am

Materials:

Please bring with you:
2 x pieces of fabric for the outside, about 20cm square or bigger (with embroidery on)
2 x pieces of fabric for the lining, about 20cm square (cotton is best)
Standard dress zipper, 18cm (in a colour to match the outside fabric)
Sharp scissors
Pins
Sewing thread to match outside fabric

Teacher will have a limited range of fabric and zippers for sale ($10 per pack, payable in cash)

HOOP WALL ART: MAKE A MODERN EMBROIDERY SAMPLER

Heleen Webb

A fun project for beginner stitchers! Learn how to do the basic embroidery stitches, plus a few more interesting ones. You will receive fabric to practice on and then do one framed hoop wall art project that includes embroidery and beading.

HANDMADE JUNIORS. Children seven years plus welcome to attend with an adult – see Ticket Information for more details.

Level:Rookie

Saturday 1 June, 1:45pm – 3:45pm

Sunday 2 June, 1:45pm – 3:45pm

Materials:

A kit of all materials will be provided in the class for a cash fee of $30.00 including printed fabric, hoop, needle, DMC thread, beads and printed instructions to take home.

Please also bring with you:
A small pair of scissors

SEW A STYLISH NECK WARMER

Heleen Webb

Sew a smart and cozy neck-warmer using a silk scarf, a piece of wool and a couple of buttons.

Level:Novice

Saturday 1 June, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Sunday 2 June, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Materials:

Please bring with you:
A large silk or satin scarf or similar fabric, approximately 80cm x 20cm
A piece of wool, suiting, blanket, mohair scarf or similar, approximately 80cm x 20 cm
2 or 3 buttons to co-ordinate with your main fabric
A pair of sharp scissors
Pins
Sewing thread