Work In Progress Wednesday: Circus Circus

These are close-ups of a rectangular casserole I'm working on-it's in the very early stages here. It's Vintage Circus inspired- which is something I really love- all the big fancy embellishments, almost Baroque- but much more playful, also fun repeating patterns, bold stripes, and of course elephants. Who doesn't love elephants?

I'm slowly starting to make more pieces so I can fill my kiln and fire those tile samples. and then I can get started pumping out the tiles for the back splash. But also I'm thinking I should plan to do a few more sales- craft shows and the like next fall- The girls are now getting to the stage where I can work for a little bit- N will be in kindergarten next fall- so I'll have much more time I think, (though A will be two so we'll be heading towards that style of fun). Anyhow, at the rate I go for completing stuff, I should have a decent amount of stuff to offer come next fall, if I can stay on track that is (with Spring sewing time coming I'm not sure how on track I'll be- but I shall try...If you're trying to stay on track by avoiding the siren song of spring sewing do NOT look at this,or this,or this, or this- but seriously how awesome is that last one?)

My thinking is to make a lot more oven to table style dishes, oven safe- good for regular use, but highly decorative, and not out of place with the 'good china'. There is a LOT of the typical brown country style pottery around here- I think the younger folks could use something different, a little more colourful, not as traditional. I think really functional ware need not be plain- though it's true that more embellishes benefit from hand washing, but really any casserole dish benefits from hand washing, right? What do you think, any favorite types of dish that you'd like to see in pottery, but don't too often?

Monday Inspiration: Elizabeth Angrnaqquaq

Elizabeth Angrnaqquaq, Animals and People, 2000, (source)

Elizabeth Angrnaqquaq, caribou, 1980, (source)

Elizabeth Angrnaqquaq, Untitled, 1981, (source)

Elizabeth Angrnaqquaq was born in 1916, in a Nomadic camp in Nunavut- she lived there until 1950- when she moved to Baker Lake Nunavut. After the move to Baker lake she began producing images using a traditional sewing technique- applique. Baker Lake is known as a community that produces Inuit fine arts- and there was a group of women who created embroidered wall hangings- of which Anrnaqquaq was an original member. A show was curated at the national gallery in 2003 by Judith Varney -Burch- called Culture on Cloth- well worth checking out- it's truly beautiful work.

The works themselves are so rich and beautiful- I'm awed by the colours, and the fine composition. I love art that incorporates sewing, It's such a traditional 'women's work' medium- that spans cultures and ages. It's a non- apologetic way to make the statement that you value the work done for millenia by women. Elevating the tasks that are sometimes seen as unimportant or 'work-a-day', into fine art. I love the care that goes into every stitch, the slow way images like this build, stitch by stitch by stitch.

Mending Jeans

One super thrifty thing that we do, which I know some people think is a bit excessive is that I patch K's jeans for work. He's pretty hard on pants, and I suppose he could wear coveralls to protect his pants, but then I'd have to patch his coveralls wouldn't I? As an aside, I feel this way about bibs too, unless it's a special outfit, I don't really see the difference in between having to wash a bib and having to wash a shirt- it's all laundry right? except sometimes with a bib- the spill soaks through to the shirt and then you have two things to wash. I know this drives my mother and mother-in-law a little crazy, I've witnessed both of those ladies putting bibs on N even when she has no shirt on! (some things are just safer eaten while nude, Popsicles are the #1 thing to eat with no shirt on...when you're a kid that is). I'm always being given gifts of bibs, it hasn't really changed my mind though, I think it may be a generational thing.

Anyways.... Jeans only last around three months for him, so it actually does add up to pretty big savings for us, and also has the added benefit of K not having to shop for pants as often, which I think he enjoys.  I try to make a rule of only two patch sessions per pair of pants, otherwise it's a bit ridiculous, but I always keep the jeans to make other patches.  The ones in the photo are mostly patches through the crotch, and thigh area, but they're still keeping on. I think mending clothes is a lost art. I suppose things are pretty cheap nowadays, but it still seems like a huge waste of money to buy a new replica of something that is basically okay... or maybe I'm just super cheap, at any rate here are some tips for mending clothes:

Some areas are not worth mending- if the fabric is disintegrating along the crotch seam, or at the waist band, or in some other fitted area, it's pretty difficult to fix. I don't want to spend a whole day fixing one hole.

I always use the least contrasting material I can find to patch holes that are in the crotch or butt area. I also always try to mend those places with a patch on the inside, using a piece of fabric that will cover the whole weak area, attached using a zig zag stitch, all over the spot. I don't want to fix only the place where the hole is if the fabric around the hole is weak too- you'll just end up putting more patches down later.

Use a weight of fabric that is similar to your pants for your patches, I like to use some thing similar as well as some contrast -to make it interesting. I also don't want to hide the patches, and K isn't embarrassed by them, so I don't shy away from a nice manly floral pattern either. But only on the leg area, and I usually limit it to one contrasting colour or pattern.

I also avoid using fabric that frays easily. Without getting into too much about weaves- jeans are a twill weave, which makes then fray a little differently than a plain weave (which looks like a basket weave pattern). You want to avoid a plain weave because it will fray in big strings that will be messy if you don't turn under the edges of the patch. So most quilting cotton is a no no, ( to test it- cut a tiny bit of the edge- then rip the two edges apart- if you can rip the fabric in a straight line easily, it's not good patching material) you can still use it- but you have to press the edges of the patch under, before you sew it on.

Use a zig zag stitch to attach the patches, because it's a bit wider and will grab more good fabric. Fabric deteriorates around a hole- so if you stitch too closely to the edges of them, it will just pull away with wear. You want your patch to be at least a quarter inch larger than your hole, to give you enough room to sew it on. 

Sewing- Faux Chenille baby blanket

Baby Blanket and Kicking bag-
stuffed animal meant to demonstrate- otherwise it looks like a fancy hot water bottle cover

So despite being extremely practical when it comes to handmades for this new baby, I did make a couple of special items just for it- every baby needs at least one new blanket right? I saw this tutorial and fell in love. I made mine with an old flannel sheet I had kicking around because darn it flannel is expensive- and I could not justify spending 8 bucks a metre on something that I wanted to cut up and fray. I was a little concerned that the old sheet wouldn't have the right weave or the bias cut would somehow not work- but it did- so if you want to try this using an old sheet- go right ahead.

I also really love the idea of a kicking bag for this baby- though who knows if we'll need it at all- if it stays this hot here I'll probably just let it roam in diapers. I didn't have one for N and I think it will be handy this fall and winter. It's a pretty loose pattern- the one I read was meant to be knit in the round- but I used straight needles and just sewed up the bottom and sides. I added a little bit width after the ribbing as well because it seemed tight otherwise- and then to hide my yarn over increases, and add a bit of interest I did a row of a miniature leaf pattern with a contrasting yarn. It looks exactly like a large hot water bottle holder (and actually has me thinking that a hot water bottle cover might be a good gift for Christmas- especially out of hydrophobic wool), but once there is a cute baby to put inside it it will make sense- I hope.

Sewing: Camera Case

Last fall I bought myself a new camera- a Fugi- Finepix S- it's a bit bigger style- and has a neck strap- which I find to be a supreme annoyance, but I thought a wrist strap wouldn't quite do the trick as it's quite a big camera. I pondered over it for a while and then discovered that if I slung it over myself messenger bag style- diagonally that is- it stopped that stupid flopping that happened every time I leaned over- beaning my kid on the head more than once and generally making it awkward and hazardous to be around me, and, it also looked a bit cooler. 

So great- problem solved- but the strap was a bit short- making it sit somewhere closer to armpit height than the true waist hiegt I would like, and I remembered that most of my past cameras have been ruined by the lens getting grains of dirt and stuff in it, and seeing as how I usually take photos in dirty settings like a freshly rototilled garden, maybe it would be good to have some sort of cover for it. I thought and thought and finally decided to make a case that would strap onto the camera, and then hook onto the strap, so that I could let it hang from the strap while I took my pictures, and put it back in the lightly padded case while not in use.

I added a section to the shoulder of the strap, and drafted a case around the camera, it's a bit tough to get a picture of in use, but basically the top flap opens with a button, and the camera is sitting in a fitted pocket. The case is essentially attached to the camera at all times by a loop on the strap so I don't have to take it out and put it back every time I take a picture, and it hangs out of the way while I'm using the camera. I've been loving it so far- and it's reversable, and it's been holding up pretty well. It is by no means a completely safe camera case- I do have one of those, but it's not as convienient for around the house uses- but it does act a second layer of protection while the camera is in use- and it's not so bulky that I couldn't put the whole thing into my other camera bag.



Sewing: Diapers

Pocket style diaper

that diaper in front says "little monster" all over it- so cute-
though the white background may prove to be a mistake...

the inside flannel lining of a pocket diaper

a diaper cover with fold over elastic trim, and gussets at the leg openings.

So folks- this baby is getting bigger and closer to coming out all the time- and I've sort of kicked myself in the butt and got a bit closer to finishing some sewing for the little tike. Though really it's sort of silly how little I've done when I compare what I made for N before she was born. But the fact is I still have all that stuff, and I don't really want to make more of the same, if I don't need it- though I do think that every baby should have something made just for them.

It's possibly a bit of a let down to know that most of the things I'm making especially for this kid will be pooped in- but well- let's just say that having a kid has made me a lot more aware of poop, and pee, and bodily functions in general. Really why doesn't anyone tell you that before you have kids? As far as I can tell it's the one universal thing about kids- you will be cleaning up their poop and pee for at least three years- probably more, and if you're not cleaning up the poop- you're talking about it- celebrating it when it's good, laughing when it's loud, trying to discourage public discussion of poop with others who are clearly uncomfortable discussing bodily functions.  But no... instead of people saying "just be prepared- your world views on poop and pee will drastically shift as soon as you have kids" people say "hug them a lot" and "enjoy them while they're young" and all that sort of thing, which is all true- but is less of a surprise than the way that you will feel totally comfortable peeing and pooping while talking with your child.

Anyways I digress... mostly I've made some cloth diapers for this babe, some brand new fresh ones that will be for it's bum alone. I made two diaper covers with waterproof PUL and gussets and Velcro, those will go over the flannel diapers I have- they're just the waterproof pants that go over the non waterproof diapers. I also made some pocket style diapers, which were actually easier to make- and I think easier to use as well- they have a waterproof layer, and an inside layer- with an opening in the back through which you place a soaker pad. I bought about 40 dollars worth of materials and ended up with 7 pocket diapers and 2 diaper covers- which is significantly cheaper than buying them- and they are seriously easy to make.

I made these in a size small- because I found that that size lasted the longest with N. I also found that the pocket diapers I used with N, were made with a fleece lining- because fleece is hydrophobic, it pulls the moisture away from the skin and into the soaker pad- but it was too harsh for my little girl- she ended up with a diaper rash when I didn't put a flannel liner in those diapers- so I made the inside of these pocket diapers with flannel- the first three I used really nice soft new flannel- and then I remembered the real purpose of these things, and used old flannel bedsheets for the others, which are great to have one had for diapers. I also made one with a terry cloth inside (read: old bath towel), so we'll see how that one stacks up. I just have to see if I have enough soaker pads for these guys, and If not make those up too- but really that's super easy- just sewing a few layers of absorbent material together and serging the edges.

For anyone who is thinking of cloth diapering but not sure if they should- I say you should try it- I really loved it- people undoubtedly think back to the old style diaper- with pins and folding etc. but today cloth diapers are like the Cadillac of diapering, with cute patterns and coloured Velcro. I found it so convenient not to have to worry about running about diapers- and not really that much more washing either. I did have some one say that they thought that it was actually harder on the environment by the time you factor in all the excess washing- but that argument doesn't really hold up. It's like saying it would be better to use disposable dishes because you wouldn't have to waste water washing them. If you're concerned about the extra energy consumption you should line dry your diapers- it'll also help clear up any stains. We certainly were not militant about using cloth- we used disposables in public, and overnight, but we figured that we were reducing the cost (financial and environmental), of diapering our kid, and that it was generally better for her, as well.

Also if you breastfeed- the poop is not a big deal- doesn't stain, doesn't smell, no problem. I always think back to when we told a new dad that we were planning on using cloth, and he said - no way once you see the poop you'll change your mind- the way the poop sprays up their backs- ugh. I always thought it was bit silly of him because really- disposable diapers don't make any less poop for you to deal with- and you get the extra bonus of smelling it in the garbage can when you take the garbage out (nothing smells worse than the disposable diaper you forgot was in the bottom of the garbage can for a week- nothing). Anyways, I will say that because cloth diapers are so much quicker to absorb the mess, there is usually very little 'poop up the back' syndrome with them- in my experience anyhow. And also if the hubby is a little wary of cloth diapers- get him to install a diaper sprayer on the toilet- it's a little gizmo that helps you to rinse the mess off the diaper into the toilet before you put it in the diaper pail. Nothing like a gadget to help a dad get into diapers.

In the studio

I'm most charmed by the carving on this piece, and the glaze looks much better in this photo than it does on line.

Mostly sewing this week folks, a bit of jean patching for the Hubby, and some maternity shirts- which I'm working on a tutorial for, also a few alterations on a dress I bought myself a while ago (on sale- beautiful print and fabric, but sort of weird spaghetti straps/ unflattering fit). I'll take some photos of them when the sun comes out again- they're summery tops, and the weather has been a little wintry this week (well- it was 25 at the beginning of the week, and now it's freezing rain on Friday, so who the heck knows what season it is in Manitoba)

I also fired the Kiln and glazed my vases- which I was less than impressed by, perhaps that's why no clay has gone on in the studio this week. I'll re fire them- but all in all the colours were too wishy washy, and the gloss surface that I love on mugs, is just not right for carved pieces, it's looks a bit too, I don't know flashy, and I'm going for classy. So yeah, back to the drawing board.

I'll mix up some satin matte glazes and see if any of them will do better, also I'll try some more intense stain levels, maybe that will be what I'm looking for- they're very pastel right now, and just not jiving with the image I have of them in my head. I'll get there in the end, I know (I'm not garaunteeing how far away 'the end' is, mind you) though it can be so frustrating to have it turn out not quite right. Time to get he sewing stuff cleared away, and get back  on the clay horse I suppose.

In the studio

This week I've been redecorating- so not so much studio work per say- but a bit of painting and sewing in the master bedroom, and it's not quite done yet- but more so done- we are minus one old wall to wall carpet- and up one nice hardwood floor. The top photo  is of the velvet flocked wall paper that used to be there- covering some truly funky old green wall paper. We removed both and opted for clean painted walls in a light greeny-blue. the fabric is for curtains- I'll post photos when the project is over.

In the Studio

This is an example of the work I'm doing right now- not exaclty my style- but a good learning tool-I really love the way the thread looks in those french knots

the winter tree from the seasonal apple tree needlecase the group is working on presently

I also really love this picture of N, though it's not as clear as I'd like- I've been spending a fair bit of time this week dressed up as a princess fairy.

This week has been clay light- embroidery heavy- just getting the batch of clay ready to fire- smoothing out the edges of my test tiles, pulling out supplies- organizing threads, learning how to make French knots. I've been totally inspired this week by the Embroidery group- the breadth of the projects they're working on is amazing, not to mention the dazzling quality of the supplies.

I'm thinking that I'd like to design some of my own patterns for this hankie project, but I realized this week that I'm completely naive as to the availability of embroidery patterns out there, not to mention stitches- and might need to spend a bit of time familiarizing myself with that. I am somehow reluctant to use someone Else's pattern on a project- but at the same time I can't quite explain why I feel that way. I'm aware that any attempt at pattern making on my part would likely not be as complex or sophisticated as some of those available. I'm not a professional embroiderer- and I have no plans to become one- but I really appreciate the form, and I'd like to do my own stitching- I feel like that aspect is important to my finished work. That said I am a very very beginner- and so for now my work is more sampler like than the end works are in my minds eye.

In the Studio

New Mug sizes and patterns

My first attempt at a gravy boat-
It looked like an ocean liner before I carved it- graceful, but tooo big, but the vertyicals really help to loosen up the shape.

I also love the handle, I think I'll repeat this handle again.

the second gravy boat- a little more flowing

Scalloped Platter

This was a sample for a kids class I taught- I found it, and propped it up by my window, and I love the way it looks with the sun shining behind it. (It's a mini mixed media collage landscape)

So this week I finished up my kiln worth of stuff- it needs to get fired sometime soon, a whole bunch of smaller mugs, and I made my first platter- which I allowed to dry out a bit too much before I stippled the raised areas- and subsequently crippled myself trying to muscle them in. It worked but I couldn't even grate cheese that night. I'm not totally sold on the scalloped pattern on the platter, I think it's either going to be really cool and detailed, or too fussy, It's too early to tell, once it's glazed we'll know for sure. It's also rather small once it's dried down, more like a small side platter, but I am limited because of my kiln size- I can only do a 15 inch platter at most- and this is not that wide. I think I'll have to either search a thrift shop for a larger dish to use as a slump mold, or manufacture a plaster slump mold- ugh!

Also this week I've joined an Embroidery group! I was really happy to go to the first meeting and find such warm and welcoming women, kindred spirits- (despite the expected age difference) who all also talk about hoarding fabric and supplies, and seem to be always learning new things, and willing to teach me. I am amazed at how much easier it is to learn from a person than from a book, and looking forward to learning more surface work techniques with embroidery (I've only ever done cross stitch really). I've got a stack of vintage hankies that I've been buying or saving and I think a little project with some images, either photo transfer or painted, and some fresh embroidery patterns would be really fun and lovely, I'm sure I could work them into some project.

So keep tuned for more embroidery work next week!

Mug Cozies

These big mugs of mine are a little large for Coffee, but actually perfect for tea, and for some reason I find tea much hotter than coffee, well maybe just when it's brewed in the cup. So I fashioned a few mug cozies, and even though as always some changes will be made the next time I make one- I am pretty happy with the results. I love that fabric, with the multicoloured flowers all over it, I used it for the big floor pillow I made N for Christmas, and I love using old buttons for that purpose, I think it's a very tactile way to use them, you can really enjoy them that way. 

In the Studio

These last few weeks have been taken up with Christmas sewing, a table runner, a present for N, more gift bags, and a bunting or two for N's room, I'm almost done though I have a few gifts to ready for the nephews and nieces, and then I can tidy away the sewing stuff, get my sewing machine in for a much needed service call, and focus on making some art. I'm really looking forward to starting 2012 with a studio clean and ready for some painting and some clay. I have few clay pieces lined up for the kiln though- and I'll actually get the glaze firing done before Christmas I think- I'm looking forward to coffee out of one of my own mugs on Christmas day.

At home pants

I've been sewing pants for N to wear this winter, and I think I've got all the kinks ironed now- though she grew out of them the day after I finished them- so I had to add some panels to the fronts of them. I started with this tutorial, and then made some changes as I went- adding a contrasting waistband, 

initially because I made them too short waisted, but then because I liked the look of it. And then I added the flat panels in front (which also have a pleat in them, so that I can unpick it when she grows and they'll last a little longer), because she literally grew out of all three pairs of pants overnight.

They're very slim through the hips which is perfect for her non diapered bum, and they're reversible, with Flannel on one side and cotton on the other, which makes them super super cozy, and easy to bum around the house in. The unforeseen bonus of lining child's pants with flannel is that the pants will also sop up most of the accidents that happen while you potty train said child. In fact they're so absorbent that the pee doesn't even get a chance to hit the ground! (my amazement here proves an unspoken rule- never eat anything off the ground of a house that has potty training kids in it. never. ever.)

Thanksgiving Jumper

This is Nora's New Jumper- made for thanksgiving supper when I realized that she had no weather appropriate dresses, so this one got all made up the day before. It was very very simple- just a regular a line jumper- but I cinched the waist in with elastic, and made giant pockets on the front perfect for stuffing with leaves and acorns, I love this style and think that I'll make her several more like it for winter time- maybe a fleece lined one for around the house?

Bucket Hat

So I finally caved and made N a new bucket hat- I really wanted to use that tweed-y print and I think the blue flowers are so fresh, I love the way it pops.  It was actually very simple- I made up a pattern based on one of her store bought hats, and then sewed it up- it's a bit unwieldy on the inside hat because I didn't topstitch the inside and outside together except at the brim- because they're slightly different sizes at the crown- and this way it's reversible. I think it'll be a good fall hat as well as summer- and best of all N loves it.

After a couple of birthday sewing items for N, I'll also be putting the sewing machine away so that I can start making some more pots and mugs and paintings. Now that I've made the hat I think I am truly done sewing for summer, and Christmas and fall craft shows are looming on the horizon.