Exhaust Dyeing With Dylon

Remember Dylon's Intense Violet. This fabric was dyed as per the instructions on the pack.

Once the first hour had passed I removed the fabric and started exhaust dyeing. Exhaust dyeing is an unpredictable process, you never know exactly what colour your fabric is going to dye. It is a great way to add to your fabric stash for no extra outlay.

The piece on the top right was the first piece to go into the dye bath. I also decanted a small amount of the dye bath at this stage and finger pleated a piece of fabric, top left. Both these stayed in the dye bath for 1 hour. I repeated the exhaust dyeing process with another piece for 1 hour (bottom right) then finally the final piece also had 1 hour( bottom left). You can see that by this stage there wasn't much colour left in the dye bath.

See more Hand Dyed Fabric

Suffolk Puff Dress

Did anyone notice this dress on the front page of Brisbane's Sunday Mail 'event' liftout? It's made completely out of suffolk puffs or yo-yos.

It was part of a fashion shoot for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival. The photographer is Ian Golding. Unfortunately I can't tell you who designed the dress. They either don't give credit or I couldn't find it. I have emailed the paper so I might have some news later.

The photos were all taken at the Tangalooma wrecks on Moreton Island, practically my backyard. Check out the other designs at the Sunday Mail

Looking for a Kumihimo Disc?

BrisStyle at the Handmade Expo

Terry from Come Travel Australia has posted this lovely photo of Gaynor and Eliza
http://cometravelaustralia.blogspot.com/2009/06/hand-made-expo-27-june-2009.html



See them both at next week's BrisStyle Indie Designers Market





Have a look at our new Instant Download Stitchery Patterns.

The Crafters' Way 98 - School Holidays

Here is this week's Messenger column.

School Holidays are here again. There are quite a lot of Free or Low Cost Craft Activities being held across the region.

The Moreton Bay Regional Council has extended its very popular SHAFT program. This is a program for students who reside in or attend high school in the region. You can create your own abstract canvas or learn jewellery making techniques. ‘Fashion with Passion’ is an activity where you can learn to turn a recycled garment into wearable art. I’d love to join in with that one but my days of passing as a teenager are well and truly behind me. For further information on SHAFT activities visit the council website http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/

The Pine Rivers Art Gallery is again offering a wonderful selection of activities during these school holidays. The Pine Rivers Art Gallery is at 199 Gympie Rd, Strathpine. Ph: 34806941

Make your own Artist Book exploring several art techniques. This is a Free Workshop. Saturday June 27th 11.00 am – 1.00pm. Suitable for 6yrs- 12yrs Bookings Essential.

Jewellery Making Workshop: learn to make jewellery out of a wide range of materials. The Gallery has a couple of sessions scheduled throughout the holidays. Suitable for 6yrs – 12yrs. Bookings Essential. This is a Free Workshop.

Easy Weaving: have fun weaving while surrounded by the fabulous works of the Queensland Spinners Weavers and Fibre Artists. Friday July 10. This is a Free Workshop.

There are more Art and Craft Activities across the region being held at Council Libraries and Galleries. Visit the council website for more information http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/

Interested in Kumihimo?

Tree Jumper Update

This is my tree. The one I have been allocated to Jazz up as part of the Jumpers and Jazz Festival in Warwick.

These are my Recycled Jeans that I have dyed, using Dylon's new dyes, and started to redesign for the tree.

And this is is the start of me cutting out some stencils which I plan to embellish the jeans with.

Where am I going with this? Honestly I have no idea other than I have to incorporate some fringing, donated by Bubba Chenille, to the jeans. Why I hear you ask? The gallery asked about 10 days ago for some info that could be included on the official tag. I used the 'fringing' concept in the title. Nothing like working backwards to spark some creativity. I will be doing some serious Jean Jazzing over the next couple of days.

See some of TrishAlan Designs Stitchery and Cross Stitch Charts.

Dylon Dyes 30

I have only just realised that I missed out posting about Dylon's new Terracotta Dye. Great Red Brick colour.













The fabric on the left is the Laundered Silk and on the right is the Quilters' Muslin. I'm off now to double check that I haven't missed any other colours.







Take a look at TrishAlan Designs Hand Dyed Threads

Proactive Councils!

It's not often that you come across a Proactive Council(local authority). I have to say that I consider myself lucky enought to live and create with the Moreton Bay Regional Council.




They have just launched their new online portal for arts and culture in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area, Creative Moreton





Last night as part of their Food for Thought Series they ran a workshop on Website Optimisation. It was run by Danielle Carrol, who also ran the marketing session I attended. It was worth going out on State of Origin Night.






At both sessions I learnt so much really useful information. Can't wait to start applying some of it.




If you are an Arts Practioner or Arts Based Business in the region you can easily add your name. It's absolutley worth it.





See our Hand Dyed Fabric

Following?

When Google first introduced its "Follow Me" widget I thought YUK! The term 'Follower" sound a little too cult - ish for me. While I had a couple of people who had clicked to subscribe I never put the widget on my blog.




We'll that has changed. Thanks to Twitter. I've turned into a Twitter addict and guess what I have? That's right, Followers. So I decided it was time to get over myself and put the "Follow Me" widget on my Blog. So pop down to the sidebar and click to Follow.........





Click here to visit our website.

Eco Dyed Scarves

We had big rush on our Eco Dyed Scarves late last week. Sunday afternoon I dyed some more fabric.












And this morning I finished the hems. Of course I want to keep them all but how many scarves can you wear at once?









Click here to visit website.

Don't Craft When Tired

You'd think I would learn. When my eyes start to close of their own accord I shouldn't push on to finish. Remember my Reverse Applique T- shirt from last week? I was using some water soluble film as I was stitching. Was working a treat until I came to wash it out.

There was one strip that wasn't dissolving. I couldn't understand it. Then the penny dropped. When I went to cut this strip I used the plastic wrapping instead of the film. It did the trick while stitching but it doesn't dissolve. Guess I will be snipping it away very carefully.

Click here to visit our website.

The Crafters' Way 97

Here is this week's Messenger column.

Mixtape Magazine

With increasing interest in all things crafty it was only a matter of time before Australia had its own craft magazine reflecting the new ‘craft is cool’ vibe. At the recent Stitches and Craft Show I met Justine Telfer, the editor and publisher of Mixtape Magazine. Justine has a background of working as a Sales Rep for record companies. She believes that this has given her a good understanding of sales and marketing and the fact that she is following her passion shines through in the end product. I have to agree, here’s a little more of Justine and Mixtape.

What is Mixtape? It is a self published, predominantly craft maga (ZINE). We feature profiles, tutorials, music, books, eco awareness and pop culture articles. We have just published our 9th Issue.

How is it different to other magazines? It is made with love and not for money. It’s written by crafters, for crafters.

What was your inspiration behind the Mag? My friend and I loved an American craft zine called CROQ. There was nothing like it in Australia so we thought we would do our take on something similar. We also looked to the crafting blog world and the real world.

What is the best thing about editing Mixtape? Getting to choose exactly what I want to go in to each issue!!

Where can Crafters buy it? BrisStyle Markets, Rocking Horse Records and mixtapezine.com Between issues you can visit http://www.mixtapezine.blogspot.com/

I love the Australian Flavour of Mixtape. Its fresh and vibrant look is sure to appeal to Crafters and Artists of all ages.

Thank you for all the positive responses to our new logo. It was designed by local Graphic Design company Clear by Design

Click here to return to our website.

Website additions

Just added the last 2 Messenger columns to the website.

I'm trying so hard to keep up to date but sometimes they get away from me. Hopefully I will soon get into a routine of adding them and then I will tackle the backlog from 2006.





Click here to visit the website.

Dylon Dyes 29

I've finally finished dyeing these jeans.

I first dyed them Dylon's Intense Violet. This wasn't the effect I was looking for.

Today I re-dyed them using Dylon's Navy Blue.

Total coverage, no more blotches of colour.

I'm planning some applique to give them some pizzaz. Stay tuned.

Click here to visit website.

Upcycle

I've had this little upcycling project planned for a little while now but something else has always taken priority.

















Before I start cutting up fabric I cut out the stencil. I've used Freezer Paper as the stencil.


















Then I prepared the edges for the reverse applique. I can do the stitching at home.










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A Busy Couple of Days

Last Saturday Morning saw us getting up very early and heading to the Nambour Artisans and Farmers Market. Beautiful weather meant lots of people were out and about.

We then headed back to the shop to unload before driving down to the Gold Coast. Alan's sister had made a group booking of hotel rooms for her company. When somebody suddenly pulled out she offered us the room for the night. When we booked in the Receptionist advised that we had been upgraded to a Balcony Room. 'Lovely' we cooed in unison. 'You will be able to enjoy a drink on the balcony', suggested the Receptionist. This was our balcony, totally in the shade. It was so cold that I didn't even open the sliding door to take the photo.

And this is our view. I'm sure that this is what all of my overeseas readers think of when they think 'Gold Coast'. We could actually see the funny side, it felt like one of those b-grade teen comedy movies.

We did enjoy a drink in our mismatched glasses. Just like home. We don't own any matching champagne glasses as I keep breaking them. We had a lovely time.

Yesterday, I went to the Breast Cancer Screening centre. I arrived half an hour early and was taken straight in for a mammogram. Beauty, I will be in and out in a snap. Six hours, 2 mammograms, an ultra sound, and a biopsy later I emerged. I did have plenty of time to make more of my flower brooches.

I'm now going to sit out in the lovely winter sun and aimlessly flick through some magazines. How else would you spend a day off.

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The Crafters' Way 96 - Impress

Here is this week's Messenger column.

Impress

Impress Printmakers Studio operates a members’ access printmaking studio at Camp Hill, Brisbane. Impress Printmakers Studio promotes original fine art printmaking in various forms. They also conduct regular public access printmaking workshops and printmaking exhibitions for members. If you are interested in Printmaking you can book into the following workshops. For more info contact Sally Flynn, Workshop Coordinator on 0430199602 or email: info@impress.org.au

Collograph with Suzanne Danaher. Sunday 14th & 21st June, 10am – 4pm. Collagraph’s are an exciting way to produce a quality print without the need for etching a plate. A similar effect to etching can be achieved, however each print can be slightly different in its outcome due to the plate not being etched and the way the artist wipes the plate.

Single Plate, Multicolour Inking Method with Carolyn Mackenzie-Craig. Sunday 24th July, 10am -4pm. This workshop covers both a la poupee & viscosity plate inking techniques to print multi-colour etchings & collographs from a single plate. The a la poupee technique can be used to produce exquisite full colour images without the problems of registration and the cost of multiple plates.

Monoprinting with Sara Rumsay. Sunday 21st August, 10am – 4pm. Monoprinting is a process with endless possibilities for creative mark making, gestural and painterly impressions, and exciting ways to build up layers, colour and texture. Although each print is unique in itself there is the potential to make a varied edition of prints.

Artist Books with Sue Pickford. Sunday 18th October, 10am – 4pm. This workshop introduces the basics of Artist book making. Anyone can attend; no previous experience is required. Completion of this workshop will allow student to make and experiment with several versions of hand bound, artist books.

Image are by Sally Flynn. Sally is currently exhibiting at the Childers Regional Art Gallery.

Click here to return to website.

Handbags

This month we have lots of birthdays and assorted other celebrations. I made these handbags out of my hand dyed fabric. They can do double duty as gift wrap. So quick and easy to make.

I hung them up outside to take the photo. That's Lilly Cottage in the background.

I also displayed the new hand dyed scarves outside under the same umbrella.

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Bags Of Beads

First job this morning was reframing all of our stitchery models.

The rustic timberwork frames looks wonderful but were too heavy to hang up on display walls when we do shows. Haven't changed all over as some are a tad too big for that style frame.

I must say that tightening the frames was challenging in this morning's frosty temperature.

I then packaged up 50 odd bags of fabric beads. I still have a few to finish off but I've broken the back of the packaging.

Click here to return to website.

Camera Case Finished

I completed the last little fiddly bits of my Faux Crazy Patchwork Camera Case.

I attached the eye glass findings so that I can attached a cord and wear the camera around my neck when at the motor racing.

Click here to visit our website.

Giveaway Winner

I used Random.org to generate the winning number. I've never used this before so couldn't work out how to get a pic of the winnning number.



The important thing is I could work out which button to press to get a winner,



The Lucky person is Melisa from Sweet Home. Please contact me Melisa so I can post your threads out.



Thank you to everyone who entered and your lovely comments. I have planned a Giveaway to celebrate my 500th post, so keep visiting.


Click here to visit my website.

Giveaway

You still have a little time to enter my giveaway. The draw date is Monday, 8th June. And while I acknowledge that it is already that date here in Australia, some of our Northern Hemisphere friends are still to wake up to a new day. Click here http://trishalandesigns.blogspot.com/2009/06/sewn-giveaway.html to enter.

I've been making scarves, shawls &wraps.

The other night when I was sewing the hems I actually thought that my 26yr old machine had given up the ghost. I was too tired to fiddle around. So I just left it. Today I dusted and cleaned every moving part that I could reach. Still no joy. I discovered that the thread on the spool had caught on the bottom bit where you lock it in place. The Old Girl lives on.

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I Have a New Toy

I've discovered Wordle It's so much fun.

I created this word cloud by entering my blog url. Wordle did the rest. I'm thinking that this will create some funky new posters.

Don't visit until you have HEAPS of time to play.

Click here to return to website

The Crafters' Way 95 - Julie Shepherd

Here is this week's Messenger article.

The Redland Art Gallery is currently exhibiting White Treasure, an exhibition by Julie Shepherd. White Treasure is inspired by Julie’s experiences of Chinese Culture during her recent International Artist Residency at San Bao Ceramic Art Institute in Jingdezhen, China.
Julie has a background of creating functional pottery as a hobby for 20 years while living in Central Queensland. After moving to Brisbane she completed the Advance Diploma of Art (Ceramics) at the Southbank Institute of TAFE in 1999 and a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art in 2006 at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.

Before her Residency in China Julie’s signature work was very fine white pierced porcelain. You can view some of these pieces at the Gallery. Julie’s current work reflects the influences of the Chinese environment. Julie states that “Texture Bowls in the image were inspired by the numerous textures in the environment both natural and manmade. Everywhere I went there were piles of bamboo or wood or bricks. Rice drying on the side of the road, the fields of rice which had a different pattern each day as it was being hand harvested while I was there.” Julie believes the most exciting change in her work is the is the use of beautiful deep blue porcelain which is coloured with cobalt oxide. The contrast between the blue and white fine translucent porcelain is very striking with lots of different textures carved into the surfaces of the vessels.

White Treasure is on exhibition at the Redland Gallery until the 14th of June, however if you miss it there Julie will have some work at Fusions Gallery from the 3rd - 20th June 2009. Fusions Gallery is on the corner of Brunswick St and Malt St, Fortitude Valley.

You can also see Julie’s work at the Musuem of Brisbane Store, City Hall, Artisan, Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley or Ardleigh Cleveland Gallery, Hyatt Regency, Coolum.

Redland Art Gallery is at Cleveland, a short hop, skip and jump over the Gateway. Photos Courtesy of Artist.

Don't forget to visit the website to enter our blog giveaway.

SEWN Giveaway

I'm participating in the Sewn Launch Party Blog Giveaway.




Here's how to enter. Visit our website and find your favourite item. Come back here and tell me what it is in 'Comments.'




You will win a selection of our Hand Dyed Threads.





You have only until Monday 8th June to enter so hurry!




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Baby Booties

I have been dyeing some more baby booties.

The colour will blend more during the setting process, creating a more subtle look. Still bright though.

This is how I dye them green. I paint the dye on with a paintbrush, I don't want to flood the area. I use 2 different yellows. I then paint the turquoise over the top. This way I get at least 2 different greens. The super bright colours are the best sellers. I have a pastel pink pair that I dyed . They are still there whenever I sell out of the others.

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Dylon Dyes 28

First up I have to say that I didn't dye these Jeans.

I bought them from one of our local Opshops.

The colour is very patchy but hey I like a challenge and I'm redyeing them using the new Dylon Dyes. As I write this they are going through their final rinse. Care to guess what colour I chose?

The ladies at the Opshop must have been in shock, I don't think they ever expected these to sell.

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Dylon Dyes 27

Today's Dylon Dye colour is Intense Violet.

It's a very pretty colour. The fabric on the right is the Quilters' Muslin, on the left is the Laundered silk and the thread is Cotton Boucle.
I might just dye some jeans this colour, will keep you posted.
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Dylon Dyes 26

At the end of the Brisbane Stitches and Craft Show I was given this bag.

It's a brilliant bag, great size plus made of hardwearing canvas. The only problem for me was the colour, not very practical. As I will probably end up taking it to markets etc it will surely end up sitting on the floor and getting dirty.

I dyed it using Dylon's Amazon Green. A more practical colour for me.

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Next Step Day

No new projects today. I concentrated on finishing.

I dipped the fabric beads from last week. I've seen in books people using rubber bands to separate the beads but that takes way too much time. Roll a bit of Blutack around the kebab stick and move onto the next bead. Much easier to reuse too.

Alan reckons that it looks a little like a Native American Indian Totem Pole.

I also finished embellishing the Faux Crazy Patchwork Camera Case.

Still haven't found the instructions I wrote to assemble. I might have to wing it.

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