Archive for the 'craft' Category

Page 2 of 4

Sewing Time is Bonding Time

Published on March 4, 2008 in Bucket Hats, classes, craft, Creating, family, inspiration, Learning To Sew, LuckyStitches and projects. 0 Comments

Do you remember sewing with your mom or grandmother or aunt or a good friend? Or maybe it wasn’t sewing, but knitting or gardening or cooking? Doesn’t a smile just start to sneak up on you as you remember the embroidery sampler, the scarf, the doll clothes, the vegetable garden? I find that I remember these things with my mom (sewing, gardening crafting), my grandmothers (painting, fashion show lunches, needlepoint, cooking), aunts who stitched, crocheted, photographed, read books, listened to music: the loving people in my life that were so passionate about their craft it seeped through every aspect and into mine? Sifting through their “tool boxes” as they baked in the kitchen. Smelling the oil paint, trying on thimbles, reading the climate maps on seed packets, fingering the embroidery floss and loving the colors, staring at bookshelves, loving the wonderful art books they found inspiration in. Maybe that’s one of the wonderful reasons sewing and these other arts are so comforting to me? The act of focusing on all these activities is so zen like, but how much of it is due to the love in how I learned to do it?

Each month at LuckyStitches I offer a class for kids and their parents to come in and sew a project together. This month, we made bucket hats.

Perfect for Spring. Especially since we keep having storm after storm and more snow (although today it was rain).

Everyone learned how to adjust the pattern to their measurements.

Cutting always takes practice.

Sewing circles takes practice and some advice from mom.

Making sure tootsies can reach the pedal, make for a tear free sewing experience.

Ages 7 and 10 – these little LuckyStitchers, along with their mom, made their very own hats. Together.

**Don’t forget to sign up for the 200th Post-O-Rama Giveaway by leaving a comment on that post by Friday.

ABC Cards and Dinosaur Scissors

Published on February 9, 2008 in about me, craft, Creating, Decorating, family, Iz and projects. 1 Comment

We took turns cutting – big squares and big letters. After gluing the big letters down, Iz got the cards so she could match up the little letters and glue them down.

While waiting for us…she ROARED with her dino “cuttings”.

We had so much fun taping these to the wall. You can see the big yellow tape that Iz used on some of the blocks. I LOVE gaffers tape.

I’ve really been wanting Alphabet Cards for her room, but just don’t want to shell out the cash-o-la. This was definitely more fun. (although the Art Director in me was trying hard to control letters, colors and placement, and thankfully, realized early on, that letting it just happen was the BEST.)

Another One For The Project List

Published on January 7, 2008 in art, cool ideas, craft, Creating, design, fabric, green, inspiration, sewing and thrift. 0 Comments

felted wool blanket in progress, originally uploaded by katrinkles.

Wool is good. Felt is good. Blankets are good. Lists are good. This is going on my project list. I found this picture of a felted wool blanket in progress by katrinkles. I can’t tell you how much I LOVE it.

I love it for many reasons. Using found materials is high on my list and finding things at thrift stores is not only fun, it’s good for our environment.

I love that wool is such an amazing medium. I learn more and more about wool all the time. Needle felting is something that’s on my list of things to learn this year.

And I love blankets. Maybe it’s the drafty and sometimes chilly house we live in, or maybe it’s the comfort of being wrapped in a warm blanket.

It could be a big project. But nice and warm. Maybe I’ll start with a small one, one for Iz to keep in the car.

We’re Going To Make A Gingerbread House

Published on December 8, 2007 in craft, Creating and family. 1 Comment

DSC01889, originally uploaded by artstarmarie.

I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I love gingerbread houses. I’ve seen the display in Seattle 4 years in a row. I stop and look at the kits in the stores. I remember making them when I was a kid. Making the gingerbread, buying all the wonderful candy, cutting out the shapes, baking the gingerbread, WAITING for it to cool, then getting to work. Now, I watch Martha make them and I really want to do it, but think it is just too much for me to handle. Well, now that my friend Marie is having a GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP!!!! (scroll down) we are going to continue the tradition with Iz. I think it will be loads of fun, especially since Iz has just discovered CANDY (it’s the only thing Santa brings – she says). There are 3 different workshops planned, it’s sure to be a blast.

Art, Soft Trees and a Bag Sew

Published on December 6, 2007 in art, bag sew, classes, cool ideas, craft, Creating, design, Flickr, HomeSchool Sewers, inspiration, Iz, LuckyStitches, projects, sewing, sewing series, sewing with kids and The Bag Sew. 0 Comments

We’ve been busy making things over here.

Iz has been working on some of her Christmas presents. Here’s a sneak peek:

I’ve been busy with my AWESOME HomeSchool Sewing Series Class. It started on Wednesday. We spent a good half of the class learning about the sewing machines, how to wind a bobbin, how to thread the machine and what all the lines and numbers mean and what happens when you move them all around. Then we made soft trees. We made our own patterns (because you know I like to do that…), but it was all inspired by Stephanie Congdon Barnes’ pattern on little birds handmade. Check out what these creative and super talented kids made and their wonderful personal touches of beads, stitches and embroidery:

Check out the Flickr group for more soft trees.

Later that night there was another Bag Sew :: Sew-cial at LuckyStitches:

Bag Sews will be happening at least once a month at LuckyStitches, and they happen at other times too, at other places around the Valley and Hilltowns. Sew-cials happen almost every other Wednesday at LuckyStitches.

And then, I just have to share the most wonderful note I received just a few hours after a class:
Original art card:

and inside:

Slippers and Circles

Published on November 27, 2007 in about me, Christmas Tree Skirt, classes, cool ideas, craft, Creating, design, inspiration, LuckyStitches, projects, sewing, slippers, stars and workshops. 2 Comments

It’s been super cold at my house. There is no insulation in the crawlspace under our 200+ year old holey-frickin-moley farm house, so perhaps you know or can imagine what the floor may feel like. It took me a year to realize that was the reason Iz always wanted uppies in the winter time. So today at LuckyStitches we made wool felt slippers:

We drafted our own patterns from our own feet. I didn’t used to be a pattern person. When I was in school, I’d make my own clothes and clothes for my roommate before we’d go out. I’d cut bodices, sleeves, pants, skirts, all without a pattern. Then, after several years of intensive patternmaking, I’ve come to LOVE making patterns for things. I love it when things look good and have a great fit!

The orange and pink slippers were made with wonderful thick wool felt. They are comfy and warm. I think these will be the first of many. I think family members and friends will be knocking down the door…

These are mine (note the stars):

I don’t think you know this about me (except for those of you that have gone shoe shopping with me), but I have EEE wide feet. What this really means is that NONE OF MY SHOES FIT. ever. IT SUCKS! Shoe shopping is, while I try to keep a chin up and hopeful, one of the most devastating things I’ve ever done. I can literally leave a shoe store in tears because NOTHING FITS, not even the ugly shoes. sad, but so true.

Anyway, I made these slippers, and they fit. I added stars to remind me of the left and right.

I added a layer of fleece to the sole. They are warmer than I could have imagined.

With a few dabs of fabric paint, I added grippers to my slippers.

I might have to add a few pairs to my list for Christmas presents. They are fun, and would work with old sweaters and blankets too. I think my next pair will have even another layer for the sole, just for a bit more cushy-ness.

On another note, tonight was the first part of the Christmas Tree Skirt class. Below is the winner of the BostonMamas.com LuckyStitches certificate, using her dollars wisely. She’s starting this really great business around her ideas and sewing (maybe more on that later…), so we talked about that for a while, then got busy working on our skirts.

What I came to realize from our talk about Christmas Tree Skirts, is that they are so much more than the 2 pieces of hot pink satin I’ve been draping around our trees for years. Rather, they are an opportunity for family tradition and memories. While they are displayed for just a few weeks, they can come to mean so much in a lifetime.

Family Nights

Published on November 25, 2007 in about me, art, cool ideas, craft, Creating, design, family, friends, green, holidays, inspiration, Iz, kindness, projects and stars. 0 Comments

Years ago, I started making my own Christmas cards (I can’t believe I don’t have any pictures!!! argh). It started out of necessity really, I was a college student, completely broke, but wanting all my family and friends to know that I have been thinking of them throughout the year. Being in art school, I had tons of supplies, and my beau at the time (now my husband) was handy with the paint and paper, and he helped me make the cards. I think we made 30 that year. So every year since (barring the year I was pregnant, and the past 2 years), we’ve made our cards.

We’ve always used things from our stash, but sometimes complemented them with tin and velvet and beads and cellophane. I would start thinking about cards after every new year, try to get started during the summer, but never really start until mid-December. For the few years while this has been on hiatus (due in large part to becoming a mom and figuring life out again), I so wanted to make cards. I think about family and friends all the time, but I’m not as fabulous at keeping in touch, and I always feel like these cards are my way of saying, “I’ve been thinking about you all year long…”

It’s been on my little wish list to start again this year. So, now that it is after Thanksgiving, I thought it would be a good time to start. It’s a family affair. We’re making cards, working on them after dinner. The list has grown to well over 100. Tonight we started prepping, cutting and painting cardboard stars. Everything is from around the house. The only thing we’re buying this year are the stamps.

It was a lot of fun. I think Iz is about the age where memories stick around. I love that we can do things like this as a family. Family traditions are so important and can be loads of fun. I get pretty giddy thinking about the memories we are making as a family and wonder what Iz will remember and cherish. I love the holiday season. I love taking the time to make things that will let our family and friends know that we are thinking of them. I can’t wait to do more tomorrow night.

Getting ready for Halloween

Published on October 19, 2007 in cool ideas, craft, Creating, Decorating, Halloween and LuckyStitches. 1 Comment

I’m a big holiday fan. It’s not that I go all out, but rather I really, really enjoy the Holidays. I love the thought put into everything, from the food, the the clothing, to the decorations and so much more. It’s a fun time to be creative and expressive. Imaginations run wild with the possibilities.

Now, as a mom to a 2 year old, it’s kind of giggly fun. Everything is new through her eyes. I find myself wanting to try things I haven’t done for years, just because Iz will get to experience it.

Here’s a sneak peak into our decorating for Halloween this year (more as we get closer):

I wish I had found *cuter* skulls. These are kind of gross in their mean-ness. She still loved them. Has anyone found *cute* skulls? Oh do tell!

This is part of Iz’s costume. We are all going to be pirates. I’m making a little apron-ish thing for her to wear as part of her costume. One of the rules this year is to use only what we have (it’s a great rule, might just as well be a standing one forever, makes it more fun!)

These are all the pieces. All rectangles. I had envisioned something a little different than what I sketched below, but as I’m working on it, I’m in love with it.

This is what most of my flat sketches look like. Actually, they have a lot more writing on them with different colors and numbers crossed out and re-written over and over again. (I keep all of them, in little books and folders – great for referring to later.)

I showed it to Iz this morning in progress, explaining that it was for her pirate costume, and she said, ” No, it’s too bling”. I kid you not. I’ve never said the word bling to her, except for when she was just a few months old and in love with the bling someone was wearing in the office I was working in.

There’s lots of great costume inspiration out there:

Sew, Mama, Sew! Halloween Pool

Intructables Costumes

Makezine Halloween Archives

And if you are nearby – don’t forget out getting some help with your costume at LuckyStitches this weekend:

Costume Night (a LuckyStitches and Art Star Event)

Skill Level – ALL WELCOME!
$35 plus the cost of any supplies

Session A – Wednesday, Oct 17 6pm-9pm
Session B – Wednesday, Oct 24 6pm-9pm

Are you putting together your costume and need a little help? Starting from a commercial pattern? Making it up as you go along? Come stitch, sew, paint, glue, you name it, get help and advice.

Supplies Needed: It will vary. Are you planning on sewing? Then bring your machine and kit and all needed materials. Are you planning on using glue and paint? Then bring your base costume and the items needed for embellishing and we’ll warm up the glue guns!

Costume Emergency (a LuckyStitches and Art Star Event)

Skill Level – ALL WELCOME
Suggested donations starting at $10

Session A – Saturday Oct 20 9AM-12PM
Session B – Saturday, Oct 27 9am-12pm

Come for 10 minutes or come for 3 hours. Spread out and work in the space, get advice, a helping hand, use the glue guns or a sewing machine.

Supplies Needed: Bring whatever you are working on, including embellishments

Learning to Use Your Sewing Machine and Domestic Inspiration

Published on October 17, 2007 in about me, book review, classes, craft, Creating, family, friends, inspiration, kindness, LuckyStitches, my house, projects, sewing and totes and bags. 2 Comments

Last night was part 2 of the 4 part Sewing Machine 101 class where we are stitching up our own messenger bags. The fabric choices are creative, the applique designs/concepts sparkle and I can’t wait to show you more after next Tuesday. Here’s a sneak peak:

I’m sure by now, you’re up to date on the whole brouhaha about Jane Brocket’s book The Gentle Art of Domesticity. You can hear the interview that sparked it on BBC Women’s Hour.

I don’t really need to add my 2¢ (but…). I think you know, after all, I’ve sewn all my life making my own clothes and many, many gifts, been the breadwinner for many years, taught myself to knit, CHOSE to leave my office job to raise my daughter, and most recently launched a business, yes, a sewing business.

Through blogs, circles, groups all of these have social aspect too. For me it’s all about inspiration. I hope to inspire others and be inspired. How boring if I sat in my chair in front of the television by myself and did nothing but veg? I don’t want a mush brain. I choose to sew and knit and bake and craft it up. Keep my brain thinking about patterns and colors and textures, all of which include color theory, math and vocabulary and pattern making. I want to learn new things. I rarely do the same project twice, I’d rather pick something I haven’t done before, something challenging, change the pattern, scale, use an unexpected color or medium. It’s even better if I can experience it with like minded individuals who are just as passionate (or more) about it as I am. And all this while I raise my daughter and make a home for my family (I didn’t say it would pass the white glove test).

It’s disappointing to me to hear people complain about what other people do with the choices they make about the creative outlets they choose. While I wouldn’t want to run a marathon, 26 miles isn’t for me, I’ll be their cheerleader on Lafayette Ave (NYC Marathon route). I don’t want to write a book, but hey if that’s what you want to do, go for it, I can’t wait to read it.

Maybe those complainers need to be more critical with their own creative outlet choices than with others, and should be thrilled that they are able to choose what’s best for them.

Ode to Buttercream and a Happy Bag Sew

Published on October 12, 2007 in bag sew, craft, creative spaces, fabric, friends, LuckyStitches, LuckyStitches Sew-cial, photos, sewing, The Bag Sew and totes and bags. 2 Comments

Oh Buttercream, I love you so. Not too sweet, but oh so rich and fluffy, creamy, smooth, buttery, creamy, heavenly, LOVELY! Ok, more about the buttercream in a minute.

11 fantastic fabric bags made from scraps of fabric, curtains, stashes, a throw and a nightie. That’s what we made Wednesday night. These little loverlies will get donated to the Bag Share, a Hilltown Sustainability Initiative. A local shop will get a basket of reusable bags, mostly made from fabric like what you see above, that will sit next to the cash register. Customers can borrow the bags, instead of using paper or plastic, then return them to the store (or another in active in the Bag Share program), for the next person. Extra special thanks to Tracy, Marie, Jen and Julie who stitched it up!

This one is made from a throw. It’s groovy bag – check out that fringe!

This is made from really cool old green curtains. (This is Marie. Hi Marie! She and I are sharing the space, she’s holding art workshops – ArtStar)

Labels get sewn onto the bags as they are finished.

It was a really fun Sew-cail. We’ll be doing it again, more regularly after the holiday season. While we were able to finish 11 bags, we still got in a few good stories (note the arms in the air) We had coffee, tea and lovely, lovey cake, baked by Marie and partially donated by Bread Euphoria (Thanks – it was awesome!)

LuckyStitches!! xxoo

Archive for the 'craft' Category

Page 2 of 4

Sewing Time is Bonding Time

ABC Cards and Dinosaur Scissors

Another One For The Project List

We’re Going To Make A Gingerbread House

Art, Soft Trees and a Bag Sew

Slippers and Circles

Family Nights

Getting ready for Halloween

Learning to Use Your Sewing Machine and Domestic Inspiration

Ode to Buttercream and a Happy Bag Sew

Recent Comments

Elsewhere

Inspiring

Lovely Reads

Recent Posts

Categories