Youthful Enthusiasm

Sewing machines are so much fun that everyone wants to give them a try.  When stitched on a serger, a pillowcase can be a fast and easy project for a young child. Supervision is needed for the speed of this machine, but an adult can press on the foot control and guide fingers into safe positions.

A 7-year-old can speed along and complete his project before boredom sets in. Then comes a time to try out that soft flannel pillowcase.

We can't quit now. We are ready to go again. 

Stitched all by himself, this young ninja is a warrior, for sure.

Enjoy leading a young spirit on his (or her) quest of the secrets of sewing.

Framed

Thank you for your comments to my last post. As you can see, I couldn't stop and added a few more beads. I really could have continued on and on adding more beads, but I have new projects popping up in my head.

To frame this piece, I had a lovely fabric which I recently purchased. The turquoise and gold in the print were a perfect foil for the beading.

I chose to wrap the binding around an artist's canvas so I could frame the piece.

Technically, wrapping the canvas presented a few challenges since I wasn't following my normal plan. It sure is easy to slip back into what we know and have done before, but I did persist and it turned out fine.

Here it is in the frame. I can't wait to hang this piece in my studio.

(And, of course, start on that new project!)

Linked to Off the Wall Friday

Adding Hand Stitching and Beading

After a good start last week, this week I'm adding hand stitching with embroidery floss.

With a layer of batting behind the fabric to stabilize it, it is easy to stitch without a hoop. By going beyond the lines created by the stamp, I am getting a feeling of perspective.

Simple running stitch adds interest to the sky area.

Now its on to my attempt to trap my lovely slice of agate. Maybe inexperience is as asset, as I plunge ahead and stitch random rows of beads across the agate.

It's Trapped!! It doesn't have a way to escape. What fun!

Now more and more beads??

What comes next?

Any suggestions?

Linked to Off the Wall Friday

Thinking Small

 Busy with summer activities, I've found that more often than not I've strayed away from my sewing machine.  To get back into the flow, I decided to try a small project that could be easily transported to where ever I may be.

My jumping off point was this square of muslin from a previous day when I was experimenting with paints and a stamp.

This easy stamp was made from an inexpensive school eraser. While the design is quite simple, it made an interesting design when repeated across the width of the fabric.

Looking through drawers and digging into my stash, I found these threads, beads and fabric that I could use.

Now I'm on my way, and ideas are starting to flow.

Scatter the dust on my sewing machine. 

I added some machine quilting and now I can relax and add hand stitching and embellishment at quiet moments.

Linked to Off the Wall Fridays

Good, now Better

If one pillow is good, adding a second pillow is, of course, better. 

Following last week's pillow, I have also pieced this improvisational pillow to add to my collection.

Pillows are a fabulous way to create your room's atmosphere. They are fast to make and can be changed in the blink of an eye.

Cover up winter flannels with carefree summer stripes.

More flannels to cover up?

This fanciful pillow-cover is a quick change to brighten up my day.