Thursday, June 2, 2011

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!

19 Talk to me:

The Sewing and Knitting Loft said...

Gwen, your flower is just beautiful! I especially like the fabric triangles dangling on thread. My mind is busy seeing that done with metallic thread and some beads. :) Thanks for sharing.

Barb

Anonymous said...

Fabulous flower creation-my mouth is wide open in admiration. mssewcrazy

Karin said...

The flower looks fantastic!

Beth (SunnyGal Studio) said...

I got that book a while ago at my local library - it is great and fun to make those flowers. very pretty.

MushyWear said...

Oh I love your flower. So pretty. I've never been much of a green thumb either, so I like how you've accomplished coming up with flowers anyway! Enjoy the new books. I hope to find some uninterrupted time to enjoy mine this weekend. How nice to have a new fabric store. We need one!

Lori said...

What a gorgeous flower. Plus new books, new fabric store and new fabric, lots of fun for you. Enjoy

kbenco said...

I love your flowers. How pretty.

Faye Lewis said...

Love your flower Gwen.

Irene said...

Your flower is gorgeous! When you first mentioned this book, I thought that I would have to check it out, but of course didn't. This time I will make a note to myself - must check out this book. (Doesn't necessarily mean that I'll get around to making the flowers!)

Clio said...

Oh! What a great kanzashi flower! I made one once... it didn't go so well... ha ha ha

Sewingadicta said...

Wow! What beautiful flowers, especially when they are made ​​with fabric that changes color how here. Wonderful!

Rose said...

Beautiful Kanzashi flower, Gwen!

Diana said...

I love these.You make me want to learn how to make them!Lately, I've been wanting to learn something new. I'll check out the library to see if they have this book.

Cennetta said...

The flower is beautiful. This little pretty will certainly add uniqueness to your beautiful jackets.

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Wow - that is beautiful! My mother-in-law is Japanese and makes the most beautiful Christmas ornaments out of paper, but your fabric flower takes the cake - just beautiful. And I'm having a book fetish myself - can't sew because I'm too busy reading about sewing!

Jillybejoyful said...

So happy to have found your delightful blog! I've made some of these flowers before, but nothing even close to the beauty of your creation - inspirational, thank you!

Kyle said...

So much good news there--new fabric store--new books--new fabric flowers. Yours is gorgeous.
btw, there's food waiting for you on my blog!

Fran said...

Gwen, those are so beautiful -- thank you for sharing this technique. Lucky you for getting a new fabric store -- there is such a lack of fabric stores around here!

Anna Christina said...

I am in love with blog and couldn't be more excited find that you are in my area. Can't wait to check out the new store. Think I might head out today!
sewingtosoothmysoul.blogspot.com

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