Sewing Wild

Sew Wild by Alisa Burke

I've gone wild!  Well, maybe unrestrained might be a better word to describe my stitching style for the past couple of days.  A few weeks ago, I bought Alisa Burke's Sew Wild.  This book is about Burke's style, her process and "messy approach to sewing."    Throughout the first part of the book, Burke describes different surface design techniques including using paints and inks, dyes, glue and bleach.  Burke discusses different stitching tools and is a big advocate of using the darning needle, or free motion foot, on your sewing machine.  She also explores color theory and pattern.  There is also a section in the book about finding inspiration for your design.  Burke uses a variety of techniques to create several different projects, including a hat, bag, scarf, and a quilt.  Burke encourages us to Go Wild!

I decided to release my inner wild woman and create a panel of stitched layers.  This lesson begins on page 82.  Basically sew bits and pieces of fabric, in layers, on top of a background fabric.  Burke uses her own fabrics, those she has created using paints, dyes, etc.  Since I haven't created my own fabrics, I used scraps left over from my Mug Rug.  I started with about a 12" X 12" piece of muslin, backed with batting,  and then began laying out my scraps in a rough layout.

I stitched the scraps down using straight and zig zag stitches.  Next, I took smaller scraps and placed them on top, in between to fill in the spaces.  I sewed these pieces with varying stitches as well.  I got a little messy wild here.

Before I was finished, I sewed even more black lines all over the piece!  I decided to make a little bag, so I cut a square from the piece and whipped up a 4" X 4" Shabby Chic Scrap Coin Purse.  I added a little frayed edged fabric flower.  I've added this little purse to my Etsy Shop!

  

Although I'm pleased with my results, I must say it wasn't that easy for me to get Wild and Messy!  Don't get me wrong, I've been known to "wing" some sewing instructions and measurements, but purposely being messy is hard!  It was difficult to "let go," but it was fun.  I really like this book and will definitely try more techniques, including stenciling, masking, and monotype printing!  So, look for more posts about the projects in Sew Wild.  First up:  Fusing Plastic!  Doesn't that sound fun?!  I'm off to round up Target bags!

Tootles!


P.S.  Thanks for the positive feedback regarding the Sew Loquacious Handmade Holiday.  Remember, you can add any handmade holiday post by completing the link information on the Handmade Holiday page!

An Owl and a Pussycat: More Embroidery and Applique

Hope everyone is having a great "short" week!  I've been super busy at work and at home, but I wanted to check in and post a few pictures of what I've been working on whenever I've been able to sneak away for a few crafty minutes.  This is basically an experiment in free motion embroidery (flag banner), rough edged applique (flag banner), "regular" applique (brown "tree limb"), and hand embroidery (cat and owl).  I used sequins for the eyes and I'm afraid my little owl looks a bit cross-eyed!  Maybe he needs glasses?

Just for the record, An Owl and a Pussycat is my first attempt at real embroidery.  It was sure slow going.  I've started the Embroidery Project classes I won, but I'm a few weeks behind.  I'm excited about the projects I've seen so far; I just hope I can catch up!

Tootles for now!

Embroidery and Applique!

Guess what?  I won!  Backstory:  A few days ago I was reading about The Embroidery Project, an online embroidery class, on one of my favorite new blogs, Wild Olive.  From there,  I hopped over to a "new to me" blog called Ooh Leela and I entered to win a spot in the online embroidery class.  And...I won!  I am super excited about learning proper embroidery skills.  If you've read my blog in recent months, you know that I've been embroidering embellishments on my image transfer bags.  I've also been experimenting with free motion embroidery, too.  But, I haven't taken any classes, etc.  In other words, I've been winging it all this time.  Now, I'm going to actually learn how to do the different stitches the right way!

I've been pretty lazy this holiday weekend.  If you can believe it, I've only just finished the laundry from our vacation return last Sunday!!  I did get a chance to get into my sewing studio Saturday, however.  I worked on a few zippy bag fronts, including the above tattoo inspired applique.  I also made a quilt inspired front and a quirky "Spot of Tea" inspired bag front.  I think they turned out pretty cute....even if I finished them before I start my embroidery class!

When these bags are finished, they will be about 7" X 6".  I'm also adding charms to the zipper pulls.  More stuff for my Etsy Shop!!  

To all you in the U.S....have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!!  Happy Independence Day!