Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Sewing Is Like Construction


Supplies Roll-Up

This project, the "fruit roll up", as I tend to call it, is something I've wanted to make for a very long time. And of course, probably for that reason, it was one of the more challenging ones so far. But really, sewing, I've realized, at this stage anyway, is like construction. You just attach one piece to another piece, in the right order, avec beaucoup de patience, and voilá, you've made something! It's quite satisfying and the process is completely different to how I paint. It is true that there are painters who paint this way, (they think, they plan, they lay it all out and construct their paintings), it's just not the way I paint these days. I suppose as one becomes more skilled and confident in front of the sewing machine, one may become more free to improvise, adding and subtracting in the moment.

See how "the fruit roll-up" works?
In this case I rolled up all the different pens I use to sign my paintings.


Pencil Case

This is the second reason I wanted to learn to sew. Who can resist an adorable zippered pouch?
I can't believe I installed a zipper.


What is this called? A Pot Holder?

But it's not one of those things on which you place a pot. It's one of those things you use to take hot pans out of hot ovens. Anyway, I combined the 'pot holder' and 'bib' projects and came up with my first me-made pattern. Sewing over super thick and bumpy bias tape was very challenging. I completely redid it at least 3 times. I see now, why so many are so fond of their 'seam rippers' ;)

And here's the back. Made of a piece of dark jeans.

I'm happy to be sewing/making things! It's not that hard if you're patient with yourself and have detailed instructions designed for your level of expertise. Finding a way to roll those things up in your Supplies Roll-Up ;) might be the trickiest part of learning a new skill though.


(See Project 1)
(See Projects 2+3)

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Monday, September 6, 2010

Feeling Like a Total Rock Star


Project 2

A Drawstring Pouch.

The top blue fabric used to be pants.
It's amazing how perfectly the color matches the blue in the print fabric.

See, you can carry your drawing pad and markers in it :)

Project 3

A Tote Bag.

I managed to line it. Not entirely sure how I did that but it worked!

So pretty, isn't it.

(See Project 1)


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