Sunday 13 February 2011

something a little different

to my collages. I've been busy making samples for my workshop . As I had out alll the white cream & lacey fabric I thought I'd start with that. As Rag Tag n Textiles are all about using making beautiful things using recycled fabric to aid mental health recovery I decided my workshop would be along the lines of making a new fabric using the unwanted bits from the recycled fabrics, particularly as there's always a bucket under the table for tiny pieces that could be used later. They are always kindly keeping little bits for me, stuff even they can't reuse. Recycled recycled - in fact it's very hard to find a real bin in the place!

For these samples I 'stripped' pieces of fabric into about a rulers length, or whatever the length of that fabric was (within reason!) The idea (not mine!) is to make a piece of new reconstructed fabric. The bit that's my idea is to make the size with which to make a notebook cover a cuff & a brooch in one.

I started of with the fabrics still out from last week  (just a bit of continuity ;)

My A5 notebook cover, including flaps is 450mm x 220mm wide. Add about 65mm to the top which will be the width of the strip of new fabric left after you've cut the book cover off. That strip is still 450 long so out of it can be  a cuff of about 180mm leaving 260mm to make a brooch, a pendant, a square motif for your notebook, motifs for your cuff & a button for the cuff. Confused?









Lots of stitching up & down, straight & zigzag. I tried to make a 'neat' cuff as the book was quite 'hairy' I used an old sheet as backing, not substantial enough, the corners kept disapearing down the feed dogs. (maybe that was just me)

Decided to try an old towel next, quite thick, .....& blue? Lesson learnt, use a backing in your chosen colors - how many times have I read that?



The one below is cut, you can just see.


Lots more stitching & extra strips to cover the blue towel peeping thru ;( (learning all the time!)

Notebook cover, lovely & hairy, feels great ;)


Decided to make a cuff


Looks like something swimming in the depths of the sea!



Getting nearer! Looks quite nice on! Then a needlecase - everyone is making them & I need one, can never find a needle!



Look at these by Julia, Ro Bruhn's friend, quite quite delicious! (scroll down to the bottom of the post)

just added, hello to Borgens 2, welcome! I can't visit you back as you don't have a link, I'd love you to comment then I can come over, thanks;)

I got behind myself this week. My middlest boy has just gone off to New Zealand with a mate for 3 months to travel & work - fruit picking hopefully. So exciting for him & I'm looking forward to more 'space' in the house. The longest we've been apart in his 18 years? A week or 2 here & there. I'm not weeping & wailing, just missing him...already. I'll try & get the rest of my samples up mid week....if I can keep the emotions in check ;)




20 comments:

ju-north said...

Interesting work - love the pieces you have made! Hope your son has the time of his life!

Jill said...

Another inspiring set of pictures Emma. Love the organic way your fabrics look as if they have grown together.

Suztats said...

Love what you're creating here, Emma!

Cate Rose said...

I love the white piece, especially!

Mail Art Dramas said...

very nice. I feel the need to pull my sewing machine out.
I hope your son has a safe trip. keep us posted on his adventures.
xxx,jill

Anonymous said...

Oh Emma, these are marvelous. I really like this technique. Clever girl by half and again some! I would so miss your son. Hope he has a fantastic adventure. Xox Corrine

Kelly Warren said...

wow, Emma! I love all that texture in these! I can't even decide which I like most, they are all so yummy.

Lorraine said...

love all the textures in the top neutral piece. Hoping your art teacher makes a quick recovery from her car crash..how awful.

Jan said...

always fun to stop in and see what you have been up to and it looks as though you have been a busy girl, as usual! Love these pieces, what fun they would be to use and/or wear.

Best wishes to your son, may he stay safe and have fun.

Laura said...

these are wonderful emma and I love that they will serve to help others beyond lighting up someones day because they are beautiful (not that that is anything to sneeze at either!)

thanks for your tender words over at my blog:)

Jensters said...

Some stunning work going on here Emma...loving those cuffs....i so need a needlecase too....lol

Jen xo said...

oh wow wow love them in both colorways...

Jen xo said...

Im back as i was looking to see if you had a owoh post ! i love your stuff and have joined onto become a follower, thanks for stopping by my blog too...

sweetypie said...

hiya emma just hopped over to say ,finally. I will be sending you your postcard just read your post ha ha same bookcovers who says great minds dont all think alike....love your stuff tina

Catharina Maria said...

Love your art work Emma !
Love ♥RINI♥ PORTUGAL

Linda’s Textiles said...

Fabulous work Emma! love the white/creams fabric and the red sets it off beautifully.

jackie said...

Its nice to have the space, but hard when they go away. One of my sons was in New Zealand for nearly a year, until he sent us an SOS and came back home to live for a while.

bois-fleurie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
bois-fleurie said...

Sorry had to remove it as could smell the supper burning and had to no time to sort out my bad spelling!! Love your work especially the notebook covers

suziqu's thread works said...

What a wonderful concept Emma - this has endless possibilities. I have several going through my head at present. You have done a great job with these!
X Suzy