Experimenting and making

I have been making some things this week and experimenting too.  Above are some polymer clay brush rests, made from scraps.   

Yes, I know they look a bit like multi-coloured slugs, but they will do the job of stopping my paintbrushes rolling around.  I made some others a while ago, (see the blog post here) but they weren't as useful as I had thought because they require more space for the brushes to lie flat across them.

Other experiments involved using shrink plastic for the first time.  I had initially wanted to make some colour swatch earrings, but these ended up a bit too big for that.  However, they would make good keyrings or bag charms.  More experimenting needed I think.

Finally, here is a paper napkin or serviette made into a textured net.  I had my sewing machine out and after watching this video on Youtube ('Distressing paper to make fabric' on Kari's Mixed Media Art), I thought I would have a go.  I shall probably use it to add texture to an art journal page or a tag.
 

Free Motion Embroidery

 I have been wanting to try free motion embroidery on my sewing machine for quite some time, but just haven't managed to pluck up the courage to have a go...until now.  I tried using a double layer of calico first,but found it was a bit too floppy.  These are the two pieces at the bottom of the photo above.  I then used two layers of calico with some thin polyester wadding in between.  It felt a bit odd initially, because the whole idea is to keep the lines fluid and not keep stopping (which I kept doing).  I have seen people demonstrating this on the TV and they suggest sitting and doodling with a pen or pencil, keeping the line fluid and trying not to take the pen or pencil off the paper, so that is something else I need to do.

 My next attempts with the wadding inside definitely worked better and quilted the fabrics too.  I wasn't sure how fast I should attempt to go, but I think I can go a little more slowly, which will allow me to have more control.  It will take a fair bit of time to get really proficient, but I was quite pleased with my first ever attempts.

I managed to write my name and draw a flower or two.  My idea is to practise lots more and then possibly use this type of embroidery to embellish my felt pieces.  Hand sewing as embellishment works really well, but is very time consuming.  Free motion embroidery will give a different look to the pieces and again, I won't be able to duplicate any patterns exactly, so will keep the individuality of each piece.  All I need now is time to practise...a lot...

For all of us beginner sewing machinists...

This was posted up by a friend and it made me laugh, so I have unashamedly put it up here too. Anyone who has wrestled with an unfathomable sewing machine manual will have some sympathy... you are not alone!

Sewing lesson 1

I had my first sewing lesson on Monday evening.  I was a bit nervous, but Sue, the tutor, was very nice and I soon felt relaxed.  She asked me about my sewing experience and my aims and then took me through the basics of the machine I'd be using (which is quite similar to mine at home), trying out different stitches and trying to sew straight lines (much more difficult than I thought!)  My sewing has always been a little wiggly and I discovered that this was because I was watching the needle and not the edge of the foot. 

 Once I had sewn a double turned hem and a seam, we went on to make a pincushion, using scraps of material.

I was very pleased with mine - simple but useful!  I am going to make a tote bag with a lining and pocket next time I go and then the next time after that, I'll be starting the tunic dress.  In between lessons, I am going to practise with my machine and improve my stitching lines.  Sue also suggested I make a tunic dress with her and then go and make one by myself as well.  After that, I shall be making the A line denim skirt with a zip (at long last!)
I really enjoyed the lesson and am looking forward to the next one!