New (and old) Projects

So, I don't really get spring cleaning fever... but I do get spring project fever. Something about the added sunshine makes my head spin with ideas for new things to do and renewed energy for projects nearly forgotten. Today I will share some of my most burning ideas with you and I invite you to share yours in a comment!

one down- one hundred to go!

Off to a good start!

The little guy has begun the dance of tooth-growing and it has served to focus some of his interests. He is no interested in any toys that don't feel good in his mouth. His favorite has actually been the prefolds that I use for soaking up the various liquids that come with babies. I thought it might me more enjoyable for him to have some variety (and for me to have something prettier than white cotton), hence this project.
I pulled out some fat quarters of Anna Maria Horner's gorgeous flannels and my trim/ribbon/webbing collection and got to work. This tag blanket was shockingly easy to put together. I cut 13" squares from each of the fabrics and 4" pieces of each of the trims one morning before he woke up. That same night I sat down at the sewing machines while the Freds were in bed reading and whipped it up in about 15 minutes. He's chewing on it at this very moment- the best review possible!

For the Future

These are actually just two of a set of five half yards I ordered a few weeks ago from an Etsy shop based in India. They are authentic and unique to Maharastra. Awesome, no? Made from cotton with a bit of silk, they feel lovely and have a beautiful subtle sheen. I can't wait for little Fred to stop growing quite so fast so I can make him some pants! Probably not until next holiday season. I guess that's a good time for fancy pants.

New Techniques!

This is a first test of the bleach pen. Last weekend I got some sodium metabisulfite so I could neutralize bleach and keep it from destroying fabric and I've been itching to experiment! I like the color result on these deconstructed pants, but I think I'm going to make stencils for next time to get crisper edges. The lines on the left are from the narrow tip and the circles on the right were created with the fat tip.

Old Material, New Ideas

I have been collecting unwanted Tshirts for years. I have used them for all kinds of things. I've made dresses, rugs, scarves, you name it, but I'm always looking for something new, something that doesn't scream "I'm a cut up Tshirt". This week, I attempted a doily placemat and a giant friendship bracelet, both unsuccessful. What's great about failure though is that is leads to success. In working with these strips in so many different ways I find I can really get a feel for the material and divorce it from my preconceived notions of what a Tshirt can do.

I think I've found my next Tshirt project- I promise to share when I have a winner.

Bag Sale Fabric!

Since all of my products are made from repurposed materials, and many of them are made from textiles, when the local thrift stores have bag sales, I am a happy girl.
In my mind (meaning I have yet to make an official prototype), the fabrics on the left will be paired with the polished version of my bleach test above for some lovely rectangular throw pillows. Stripes and plaids with simple circles and dots- delicious!
The fabric on the right will be turned into more bibs and baby hats. I have discovered that I have a surprising affinity for paisley. I never go out intending to find paisley, but I have at least 6 different paisleys in my studio right now. Hmmm...

Secret Un-named Projects

Aside from all these juicy projects above, I am also working on four birthday presents that can't be photographed right now (for obvious reasons) but I think they're going to turn out fantastically and I will share their secrets soon.

Over the weekend I will be posting my tasty borscht recipe (who doesn't like pink food?) and I will be making mushroom stroganoff, tomato-free chili, steel-cut oats to feed an army, a fancy chocolate cake, and chocolate pudding popsicles, yum! Will post recipes next week. Enjoy your weekend!