My Pinweaving Project

Some time ago, Bunny did pin-weaving on a handbag.  Hers is shown on the link.  Years ago, I also did some pin-weaving, also.  I'm just finishing a hand embroidery, and thinking of a new handwork project.   Enter pin-weaving.

Unfortunately, I lost or threw out the Threads magazine  about that technique--#51, I believe.  I know I had it once upon a time.  Really, I should invest in their DVD magazine collection.  There is a more recent Threads article by Shirley Adams in #147, and online Here.

I decided to make fabric for the front and back of a handbag.  It will be a boxy style bag, in fall colors.  OK, I know, know--but I'm slow and it won't hurt to be ahead of the game for a change! I gathered some yarns and other fibers in turquoise, gold and rust for the bag.  Fabric can also be used in pinweaving, but I'm going to stick to yarns and trims. 

I have a pinweaving mat by June Tailor.  It's a board, covered, padded and with grid marks on the top.  I cut a piece of fusible interfacing a bit larger than my finished bag, and pinned it, fusible side up in 3'8" (approx) intervals.  That makes the "loom".

Then,  using a rust colored #8 Pearl Cotton, I made the warp by wrapping the thread around the pins, top to bottom across the entire piece.

These are some pin-weaving tools.  Usually, I prefer a very large yarn needle.



Then start weaving the weft.  It is free-form, taking shape as I work.  This is where it is now.

Pin-weaving is fun.  I've had a good time working with it today.  Handbags are fun to make, too.  You can get very creative with handbags, embellishing them to the hilt, which isn't always a great look in garments.  I'm carrying a summer bag that I made some time ago.

I love this bag.  My daughter has one similar.  I call it "MardiGras".  It is crazy quilted, and embellished with trims, pearls, iron-ons.  Makes me happy.

Back to my weaving.  Oh, and have a great 4th of July.  Be safe this weekend.

Kanzashi #2 and What's Outside My Window

There's been a lot of house construction in my home the last few weeks.  New windows and doors. Repaired ceilings.  Anyone who has lived through drywall dust know the mess I've been in.  I cut out Tshirts, had them stacked up and was able to sew a bit while the carpenters were here.  But, with the house being in such disarray and mess, it was difficult to do much of anything.  It is over.  House clean and everything back to normal.

Today, I wanted to try another Kanzashi technique.  I didn't have instructions for these petals, but looking at a photo, and fiddling with some fabric, I copied a Kanzashi flower I found online.  These flowers are my challenge project for the Designer group I'm going to on Thursday. 

It was an absolutely gorgeous day.  I had the *new* windows open, letting in a nice breeze.  I looked out the picture window in my sewing room and saw our visitors.

Two grown swans and 7 babies.  Not a bad view!

Tshirt Time

Every summer, I sew Tshirts.  Lately, there's been discussion on some blogs about PamelasPatterns, and her marvelous fitting Ts.   I've used the same old Stretch&Sew Tshirt pattern for years, but I'm going to order a Pamela pattern, along with the neckline variations pattern.  Although it's not mind-bending, creative sewing, for me it is essential if I want a T that fits the way I want it to.  I made this one:

I cut out thee others, which are in my "to sew" pile.  While in this simple sewing frenzy, I ordered a couple of cotton knits from TheFabricFairy.  One is this Betty Boop fabric. Silly. Whimsical. But, really, Betty Boop is an icon!  She makes me happy.

And, this green cotton knit.

When I get tired of repetitive sewing, there are these new top patterns I'll tackle.

As Betty says, "poopoopidoo" to you!

Kanzashi Flowers, New Books and Fabric

I belong to a sewing group called Designer III, an offshoot of another sewing group.  Funny, how sewing clubs grow and have babies!  The group issues a design challenge one month, and the following month, you are supposed to have worked on the challenge and have something to show.  This time, the challenge is fabric flowers.  I'm working on Kanzashi flowers.  They are Japanese silk flowers, traditionally worn in the hair.  The technique has been simplified and being used for embellishing clothing and accessories.

Recently, I bought a book called "Kanzashi in Bloom".

And I made this:  It's yellow and coral cotton fabric, artificial stamens and a button in the center.

What fun!  It's basically origami, using fabric.  I have some other fabric set out to make another.  There are several folding techniques that I want to try.  I'll probably wear these on suit jackets.  Making them is addictive, but what a fun way to be out of control!

I have "new to me" sewing books.  I have the original Couture sewing book by Claire Shaeffer, but couldn't resist buying her revised edition.  Twinkle Sews and and Pattern Magic 2, I bought just to study the drafting.  The Couture book by Linda Maynard is a beautifully photographed book, full of very good techniques. 

There is a new fabric store in town!  For the Michigan people, it's called "Sew Many Things", in Clinton Twp.  It's small, but has some nice fabrics with Haberman's prices.  I couldn't leave without buying something.  Three pieces-one navy knit and two cottons for lightweight, summer jackets.

Off to make a flower.  Since I can't grow them, fabricating them is the next best thing. Plus, your hands don't get dirty!