Stitched Headband

 I've been playing with Alabama Chanin's sewing techniques and trying a few projects from her book.

 I cut up a couple old t-shirts. 

 I used a sponge heart shape to stencil with.

The only fabric paint I have on hand is Lumiere. I've never tried washing this fabric paint, so I'm not sure how well it will hold up, but 

I was anxious to get started.

 I outlined the hearts with beads and cut away the top fabric. 

Then added decorative stitching along the side seams to finish it up.

I really like the color combination, and jersey cotton is always comfortable to wear.

Alabama Chanin T-Shirt, part 2

I made my second t-shirt sample to check for size, because my first one was too tight.

 I was keeping my fingers crossed the entire time that this t-shirt would fit.

It does!

It's form fitting, but it fits.

Next up is a skirt.

Weaving Fabric

Studio update.........

Having fun weaving fabric with two old shirts.

Alabama Chanin

I first learned about Alabama Chanin on Rice Freeman Zachery's blog. I immediately fell in love with Natalie's style, so I bought one of her books.

This is a fabulous book where Natalie graciously shares some of her stitching techniques.
I purchased some of her fabric to see what this "organic cotton jersey" felt like.

I expected it to be soft and flimsy like the cotton jersey t-shirts I usually wear, but it's not!
Natalie suggests making a sample t-shirt to check for size, so I did.

While I was hand sewing, I hand time to really feel the quality of the cotton, then I started to picture the beautiful clothing made from this cloth. 

I am excited about the possibilities!

Unfortunately........

My sample t-shirt is too small!

 Oh well! I enjoyed every minute of it, and tomorrow, I will start sewing the next size up.

Palestrina Stitch

Learned a new stitch.

Palestrina Stitch

New Discoveries

I discovered these rice bags among old table clothes that belonged to my mother.

They have a nice feel to them, and I think they will make good backing for a quilted piece.

I also discovered that some cotton fabrics do not tear well.

The fraying on this heavy weight cotton fabric was uncontrollable, so I think this particular cloth will end up being used as embroidery thread on a later project.

"Trees" Is The Theme Of The Day

It was a beautiful day for a hike today. I was in the company of some lovely ladies, and Mr. Sunshine graced us with his presence.

This particular tree caught my attention with it's massive size. It symbolizes strength, life and mortality. 

 After our hike, we had lunch at this cute little restaurant that just happen to have a tree growing through the roof.

This tree seemed to symbolize grounding because it was happily sharing it's space with the restaurant. 

So, when I sat down this evening to do some stitching, I knew there would be a tree.

My tree symbolizes growth and adventure.

Even though a tree is dormant in the winter, the roots are capable of growing depending on the temperature of the soil. That's why it's good to mulch around the trees and plants in order to increase the soil temperature. The same can be said of our roots. When we give them what they need, they are capable of growth at any time of the year.

Weaving Cloth

I'm learning to weave cloth with Jude Hill of Spirit Cloth. She has a wonderful way of telling a story through her stitching. 

The look and feel of torn strips of fabric held together with hand stitching pleases me.