Finished Samples Book Cover

9th November 2013

I started this cover ages ago and it was on my task list to finish it!

I used polyester lining and stitched straight lines on the fabric backed with fine wadding...

..this part was quite boring but I like the effect...

..the finished cover with corded threads for ties.

Just need to make another 6 extended samples to go in it!!!!

I also made more felt this week, I want to manipulate this using free machining.

The two sides are quite different, I used Merino Fleece, a wiry fleece and some beautiful Mohair which has a gorgeous wave in it.

This is my favourite piece made with pure Mohair and it is so soft and silky to touch...

..this reminded me of the sea on a cold , grey day.

Lastly we went for a beach walk as the sun was shining, but the very cold wind hit us as soon as we walked towards the promenade!!

This was the view looking north..

..and this was looking south, the way we were walking...

..these are the hailstones that arrived 2 minutes after the previous photo!!!!

Luckily the hail storm only lasted a few minutes.

I have also been stitching some secret projects but can't share until after Christmas!!

Experimenting with Tea Dyeing!

6th November 2013

Great fun experimenting with this technique and cheap!

I sorted fabrics to dye from my stash, it took a while, found fabrics I had forgotten about!!

Lots of lovely textures for Unit 5...

..I cut  two small sample pieces from the fabrics to keep as a record of the result then soaked all for 1 hour in cold water. The hessian is the only fabric I didn't wash first....

...ready for the pot!

I used my largest casserole pot, added 8 pints of cold water and 16 tea bags and brought to the boil and let bubble for 10 minutes, it actually boiled over at one point (didn't expect that!) Tea bags were removed and the wet fabrics were added and boiled for 15 minutes, then white vinegar (half a fluid ounce to 1pint of liquid) was added and boiled for a further 10 minutes to fix the dye. 

Next time if I want paler shades I will boil for less time.

I put some of the tea bags on fabric to see what would happen..

I also tied some 1p's in cotton, and folded and twisted small pieces ...

...the results...

...I now have some lovely shades to work with...

..and now for my samples and results... 

(the sample on the left of the paper is the original before dyeing)

..cotton lace, a charity shop find, and white cotton and pure natural aran yarn  (the darkest)

..these are my favourites, linens and scrims, for colour and texture...

..some spots appeared on these samples!! a mystery..

The lower left is the silk, a really lovely colour.

I am glad I took the time to make these samples as they are a good record for future reference. I am really surprised at the range of colour. 

 It is hard to believe that a year ago I had never used my sewing machine for embroidery!!

Unit 5 and Rusted Fabric

5th November 2013

Today I received my Unit 5 and have read through it twice already!

Some really interesting exercises including Combining Textures,Tea Dyeing, Applique Hard and Soft Edges and Shadow Techniques. I know I must plan and record more in this unit so I will have to show more self discipline!! Also I have to complete the extended samples( 6 of them) AND plan my 2nd Assessment. This will last me well into the New Year!


While sorting through my stash for fabrics to dye I came across some rusted silk that I did about 4 months ago!

This involved rusty metal items and slightly diluted vinegar. I left mine covered up outside as the smell was very strong!!

 I think I will be able to use this in the Combining Textures.

Rusty bolts nails and washers...

...rusty washers were tied with thread...

...more rusty bits my husband found in the garage!!

Results from my Tea Dyeing tomorrow...

A Bracing Beach Walk!

3rd November 2013

I have just arrived home from a beach walk in very blustery Blackpool.
Thought I would share my photos.....

..lots of kite surfers out today..

...Christmas trees being used for sand dune conservation...

...a view from the top of the sand dunes..

...and wonderful rainbows..

Secret Project!

3rd November 2013

My secret project last week was a birthday gift for my daughter.

I wanted to make her a sewing basket. I bought a lined wicker basket with handles and decided to make a 'lid' for it.

I searched through my stash of dyed fabrics and found a piece that made me think of a sunset. I also came across some black cotton velvet which I used for the lower half.

I wanted texture so backed the fabric with wadding and stitched straight lines....

...using a variegated and gold thread.

The sun was bondaweb backed muslin from the same batch of dyed fabric.

I machined around the sun with a wide zigzag in gold thread.

Now for the tree...

 ...my first idea was to use my lovely wooden printing block but as the colours reminded me of an African sunset  I looked at African tree images for some inspiration, found one I liked and made a template.

I then free machined in black thread around the pinned template using both straight and zigzag stitch and was really pleased with the result!!

At this point I decided to make a reversible cover!

I sponge printed a piece of calico...

 ...made some poppy shapes using organza and my soldering iron then free machined them in place. 

I stitched the cover and attached to the basket with red ribbon.

I have used many skills from my course to make this project and can't wait for Unit 5!!

Poppy Cushion

2nd November 2013

Unit 4 has been posted off for assessment so should have Unit 5 by the end of the week!

I always have that 'waiting for exam results' feeling when I post off my work!!

I made a poppy cushion yesterday....

...made a template for the petals and 'cut' them out from 3 layers of organza using my soldering iron...

...pinned in place on ribbed cotton..

...used black organza to make the centre...

..machined in place and made up the cushion.

 The flowers are only attached in the centre and the petals look quite delicate, just the effect I wanted.

Another task I can cross off my list!

Using my Handmade Silk Paper

1st November 2013

Yesterday I used my silk paper to make a variety of cards....

...silk paper and my pressed flowers.

 I have made these into a pack of note-lets.

A6 cards...

Next I made some flowers and petals using free machining and my super soldering iron!

I used these pieces for the backing..

I have been able to cross 4 tasks off my 'to do' list so quite pleased!