Sunday, October 18, 2009

Books, Fabrics and All Things Good

The "Beading on Fabric" class I took last week was terrific. Two days of uninterrupted stitching with sewing friends and a first-class teacher.

Next month, the workshop is "Felted Wood Jacket with Seamless Piecing". We need a piece of wool fabric which has been wet-felted for the jacket itself, and pieces of contrasting felted pieces for the decorative technique we're learning. I had a large chunk of light gray wool that I got off the grab table at another sewing club. I washed it it hot water/cold rinse 5 times. It felted beautifully. For contrasting fabric, I went to the Salvation Army Thrift Store and picked up two wool blazers for $4 each--one black, one red. I ripped them apart, and felted them also. My jacket will be light gray with black and red contrasting adornment. Now, I have to order some Sulky 12-wt. decorative threads. What fun!

I bought Kenneth King's book, "Cool Couture". I have a LOT of sewing books, so I am particular what I buy now. This one does not disappoint.


Many of his techniques are different from the norm. His instructions are excellent, and he has a lot of ideas about embellishing. Those who are familiar with his work know his style is NOT boring! This is a good read, and I'm going through the book page by page.


I need long-sleeve knit tops for winter. Nothing cutting-edge, stylish or elaborate, but plain, scoop-neck, 3/4 length sleeve t-shirts to wear to the grocery and running errands. I found a black and a white solid cotton knit at Jo's that is adequate. I bought a couple of print knits from http://www.thefabricfairy.com/. I like cotton or cotton/lycra.



The crossword-puzzle print is a hoot! I couldn't resist! There's a black/red polka dot, a solid black and a solid white. I will cut these all at once, and line them up to sew.

There's socks on my knitting needles, the bead-work project on a board and a couple of holiday projects in the works. Last week, I had zero sewing time. This week looks more promising. Yay!

12 Talk to me:

Unknown said...

Felting sounds like a lot of fun. Makes me want to run over to the SA and grab some wool clothes. I do love Cool Couture! I'm definitely planning to use a kid print flannel as an underlining. He definitely speaks my language. Oh and I also love his way of doing french seams.

Faye Lewis said...

That is a wonderful book isn't it?

2BSewing: said...

Your beading class sounds exciting. Thanks for the heads up on "Cool Couture". I'm putting that on my wish list. I like your crossword fabric. I think trimming that with black will look really cool.

Your socks project sounds like fun. Can't wait to see pictures. Do you have a technique for "joining" in the round? That's the only thing I've haven't done yet...the joining. ;) Susan

kbenco said...

Your classes sound terrific. I am looking forward to seeing the results. I adore the cross word fabric, I would not have been able to resist either.

2BSewing: said...

Thank you for the instructions on how to join in the round with DPNs. You are a great help. Thanks for the inspiration. ;)

Unknown said...

I also have the "Cool Couture" book and love it! I agree, the instructions and illustrations are great! Love your fabric, the crossword reminds me of my mom...

julia said...

I need to learn to felt. Do you just wash the wool in hot water? Is that it?

Teddylyn said...

It looks like you will be busy--three shirts, beading, etc. The Kenneth King book looks interesting, too.

Thanks for the kind comments you have left on my blog too :>)

Lynda in LV

Ann Made Studio said...

I must get this book too!
Your fabric looks great.

Rhoto said...

Gwen, YOU'RE a HOOT!! So, the crossword fabric is purrfect, eh!!
Soft hug,
Rhonda in Montreal (PR)

Anonymous said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE your fabrics, can't wait to see them made up!!!! Have fun beading. Isn't it fun?

Jean said...

Thanks for the info about Cool Couture --- I've been wondering whether to read it or not --- sounds like it is a good read!

Love that crossword print!

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