On to something!

I really am on to something here.  This pillow came together somewhat effortlessly.  I think that's because when motivated, the obstacles seem lighter.  I don't often work with fabric in this way but I certainly want to.  The opportunity came along with a fundraiser for our local bird rehabilitation center.   I do love the birds that come to my feeder so I didn't need to look too far for inspiration.  This gave me the opportunity to try fabric sketching and put together my love for needle arts and painting into one project.

Pillow Panel

Here is prototype of a pillow panel I designed and will put on Etsy.  I just need

to finish one and take photos along the way.  The panel is as you see it in the second photo and then embellished with my chosen colors using bits of fabric I had on hand.

I bought this Pfaff Expression 150 sewing machine a few months ago and am trying out the neat little things it can do that my very basic Kenmore couldn't.

It's litte things like the needle positioning in the down position when I stop sewing so that I can pivot around a corner.  I also tried the quilting stitch on this panel.  Not sure I'm that impressed with the quilt stitch but when seen

from a bit of a distance it does look more interesting than a straight machine stitch.  Of course, hand stitching has a charm all it's own.

Just because...

these things make me happy.  Just looking around my works in progress, the colors and textures of the fabrics and my tools.

Newest Commissioned Pillows

A spin off of the sketchbook series that I had started last year, are these pillows showcasing the beautiful gardens of the couple who asked me to create these cushions for them.  I hesitated adding the heron but as they are so graceful looking and added to the waterlilly feeling I decided to go ahead and use it.  They are lovely to look at unless they're gobbling up your prized koi!

Other sketches are of their waterlillies, rudbeckias and day lillies along with their garden statuaries and elements.

Cross Posts

I really did plan on being here a little more often!  If you came here via my painting blog then you might recognize these images.  But since this particular blog will be a place for the other pastimes that I make time for I thought I'd include them because of the sewing theme.  When not painting, I'm drawn to

the occasional sewing project.  Fabric shopping is a weakness for me and I really try to follow through by "using" these fabrics.  And now with digital technology being what it is, I can indulge in both pastimes at the same time by

applying my sketches and paintings onto fabrics and coming full circle.

The next images will be some of the fabric designs I've been using lately.

Wow! It's been a year.....

but what a year!   I continued with my sketchbook fabrics and by September had a series that I was so happy with.  There will be many more photos to follow.  My first series is a black and white toile featuring images and references to my hometown of Hudson, Quebec.  I created both a design to be purchased by the metre (or yard) as well as panels specifically made for pillows.

I am now designing these with color backgrounds.  Finding the appropriate weight of fabric for upholstery is my next mission. (and I think I've found it!)

Welcome

Welcome!...It occurred to me that as I indulged in learning new skills at the beginning of every year before I settle in to my painting studio, that I miss blogging about my discoveries and thoughts...not to mention feeling guilty that I started something and have not been faithful to it (I'm talking about blogging here).  So of course, the obvious was to create another blog where I could journal and photo document my journey.  I prefer to keep separate studios for painting, jewellery (metalsmithing) and mixed media work (at least online).  My virtual studios collide and overlap in a joyous cacophony of color, texture and materials.  So here is my first entry this late February day.  It may be a little disjointed and all over the place but it's a good day to begin.....

P.S.  The little sketch above is a first draft of a toile like design that I wanted to do of a local landmark.   It needs a lot more before I can consider it finished.