More Suffolk Puffs

On Sunday I realised that while I had enough suffolk puffs, I didn't really have any variety of colour.










Lucky for me that the discs were at the shop so I cut up some hand dyed fabric and made a heap in between serving customers.

This should keep us going until we head down to the Gold Coast for the A1 Super GP.

The Crafter's Way 110 - Quilt Exhibitions

This week's The Messenger column.





Quilt Exhibitions






This weekend there are two wonderful quilt exhibitions on show. One is about 1 hours drive away, the other is local.




The first exhibition is “Quilts For All Seasons” in Cooroy. The show will feature Quilts, Embroideries, and Textile Arts. You will also be able to see the results of the Special Challenge Quilt Competition. If you are in the mood for a little shopping there will be merchant tables and raffles. The exhibition is on September 26th & 27th from 10am – 4pm at the Memorial Hall, Maple St. Cooroy. Entry Fee is $ 4.00 For more information please Phone Julie Dodds on (07)5442 5433





The second exhibition is AMQAS 2009 Australian Machine Quilting Association Show. This exhibition highlights the work of machine quilting from all around Australia. There are sections ranging from custom/heirloom to art/pictorial. Works by master quilters as well as ‘bread and butter’ quilting by professional quilters will be featured.












Machine quilting is a relative new comer to the art of quilting. Commencing in Australia in the early 1990’s the only option at that stage was to import a very basic machine quilting system from overseas. Minimal instructions came with the systems so a ‘learn as you go’ was adopted. Patterns were difficult to find, the ones you could find were considered unimaginative and sparse. The list of difficulties was long so it was little wonder that early machine quilters found it challenging to meet their customer’s expectations. The end result of all this was machine quilting struggling to find a favourable reputation as an option for finishing quilts.





A visit to this exhibition will demonstrate just how far machine quilting has come. Technology has advanced to cutting edge level allowing the quilter to achieve the most amazing results. The Machine Quilting Professional is now able to offer a complete range of machine quilting options. Edge to Edge Quilting, Freehand or Custom Quilting, Formal Quilting and Whole Cloth Quilting being just a few of the options available.

The AMQAS’s website http://www.amqa.com.au/ is truly informative for both a professional machine quilter and a somebody considering using their services. I would also recommend a quick visit to the website before visiting the exhibition as I believe that you will fully appreciate the quilting art on display. The exhibition is open September 26th 9am – 5pm & September 27th 9am -4pm at The Auditorium at Eventide Beaconsfield Terrace, Brighton. For more info please phone Suzan Salba on (07)3425 2663.

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Kumihimo Braid Finished

This is the finished braid from earlier in the week.










If you look closely you will see how I warped colours together to make one element.

This braid is going to be bag handles.

Try Kumihimo here

Winding and Waiting

I've been winding thread into skeins for classes.









I'm not sure if you can see how fine this thread is but there is an awful lot on each hank. Once you cut it to start winding you have to keep going otherwise it gets into a tangle that there is no undoing.

So while I now have enough for my upcoming classes I am destined to keep winding.

And this Eco Dyed fabric waits to be packaged.

See more Eco Dyed Fabric here

Dylon Dyes 47

I've Shibori Dyed the white tank dress from last week's post. The winding techniques are the same as the ones I used in the Girlfriend Project, so just check there for the hints on sucessful winding.

Here the shirt has been wound, it was then popped into the Goldfish Orange Dylon Dye.

This is how the orange looked on its own.

Then it was rewound and popped into the Famingo Pink Dylon Dye.

Now you have an orange and pink Shibori Dyed Tank Dress.

All up it took 2 x 1hour for the dyeing and about 10 mins for each winding. Not bad. I saw a pair of ballet flats today that would look perfect with it. Like I need shoes.

Kumihimo Preparation

Yesterday at the shop I thought it would be a good idea to start warping threads in between serving customers.







I only warped 1 bobbin before decding that this wasn't such a good idea after all. It took close to 1 hour to complete one. I came home and finished the next seven in the same amount of time.

All ready to start braiding. I'm using some of the threads that have been left over from my kids classes. Three of the bobbins are variegated, three are various pinks and the last two are oranges. Should make for an interesting colour combination. I'll post a picture when I'm done.

The Crafter's Way 109 - Blog Giveaways

This week's Messenger column. Please check the closing dates as some may have passed since I wrote this for hard copy publication.

Blog Giveaways

Crafters are a generous lot. Not only do they openly share their skills but they are always donating their time and craft efforts to various charitable causes. It is no wonder that this generosity has extended to include blog giveaways. These are not competitions just good old fashioned craft generosity. This article has taken forever to write. Researching blog giveaways is so much more time consuming than I thought. I kept stopping to enter my name in the draws. To save you a little time I have listed some of the sites I found (and entered).

The first site is http://brisstyle.blogspot.com/ Every month BrisStyle features two members combined with giveaways. This month they feature Little Mary Moo and Wicked Child Designs. Entry is simple - just leave us a comment at the bottom of the post.

The blog site found here http://thehabygoddess.blogspot.com/ has regular giveaways. The easiest way to find the current giveaway is to click on the label ‘giveaway’ in right sidebar. Lots of great crafty supplied are offered.

http://www.mixed-media-artist.com/2009/09/book-review-giveaway-art-of-fabric.html This site is currently giving away this book The Art of Fabric Collage. Lots of ideas designs and instructions. Needless to say this is one I entered. This next one is for scrapbookers and paper artists. Lots of ways to enter this draw choose your favourite or enter multiple times to increase your chances.

This blog is giving away giving an embellishment package including an acrylic stamp and stamping block, and more! http://francineclouden.typepad.com/it_takes_all_kinds/2009/09/welcome-back-giveaway.html

I haven’t forgotten the quilters. This site is giving away a 2 Mini Fabric Honey Buns and the directions for the Secret Santa Stocking. http://sewfabulousquiltshop.danemcoweb.com/

These 2 sites combine an artist interview with a giveaway, I love reading about each artist inspirations. http://thedrifterandthegypsy.blogspot.com/2009/09/interview-giveaway-oh-hello-friend.html & http://www.audreysgiveaways.blogspot.com/

Before you drop everything to enter a couple of words of caution. Please read all the conditions carefully. Some giveaways exclude people from various countries. This is usually stated clearly. As I said before giveaways are not competitions and therefore are not covered by all the legal conditions. Some people use their kids to draw the winner, other use a random number generator. Go and have a look , your name might just get drawn. Good Luck.

Read more "The Crafter's Way" coumns here

Pink Dylon

I decided to tackle the Jeans I was dyeing Flamingo Pink today.

Here they are twisted up ready to go in the dye bath. Visit Living Creatively to see the project that I wrote that describes this.

No- Tie-Dye Jeans in Flamingo Pink. Have a go at this project to freshen up a pair of your jeans.

Want more Free Dyeing Projects?

Dylon Plans

These are my next couple of projects with the Dylon Dyes.











These brown jeans are looking a littled tired. I'm going to freshen them up Dark Brown.

These jeans vary a bit in colour so I'm going to pop them into the Flamingo Pink. Love those lacy godets.

The first two dye jobs are simple this one will be a bit trickier. This is white tank dress that I'm going to Shibori dye Goldfish Orange. That's only the first stage of what I have planned. Check back and see how it develops.

Living Danegrously

Question: What's the most dangerous thing a dyer can do?

Answer: Start splashing dye around at one end of the table while at the other end Alan is Folding and Packaging

All finished, Safe and Sound.

Want to see what these look like unfolded? Click here to see 1 metre lengths.

Lincraft Project

This is a project that I had written for Dylon specifically for publication by Lincraft.


The above photo was taken by me. The original embroidery was done using my hand dyed threads but Lincraft didn't like that as they don't sell it (I have a solution) so I had to redo it using Stranded Cotton.


If you want to view online just click on the above link.






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I Had a Plan

I had a plan for today, truly I did until life got in the way.

Remember all of those little tiny squares I was cutting out a week or two ago?

My plan was to join them all together. Well that was fine until the phone packed up and I spent and hour on the phone to Telstra trying to convince them that they really needed to send someone out.....Today. Then the bank phoned and couldn't find stuff we sent them last week and on and on. And I'm not going to mention that Mum's toilet packed it in and we needed to organise a plumber. Tomorrow is another day. Thankfully.

The Crafter's Way 108 - Macrame

Another Messenger column.






Macrame


Pssst! Can you keep a secret? Macrame is making a comeback. Yes, it’s true. There has been increased chatter on craft blogs and forums. A new book has been released and people of all ages are clamouring for information and patterns. Banish your memories of those knotted owls that adorned walls back in the late 70’s. Today’s macramé is refreshingly modern.













Macrame can be traced back to the 13th century when Arabian Weavers started knotting at the edge of loomed fabric. The term macramé is derived from the Arabic “migramah” which means ‘fringe’. The craft travelled to France and Italy during the 14th & 15th centuries. Knotted patterned fabrics were used by the church in vestments and altar cloths. Sailors were also credited with using macramé to make netting, bell covers and screens. The hippie movement of the 60’s and early 70’s revived the craft. Knotted belts, bracelets and wall hangings were all the rage. Macrame does not use expensive tools or equipment and therefore its minimalist nature appealed to the free spirited time.






So what exactly is macramé? Simply put macramé is a textile making process that uses decorative knotting without the use of needle or hooks. Geometric patterns are produced using simple knots such as square knot, full and half hitches. Threads and yarns can vary according to your own preference. Fine threads will produce a textile similar to fine lace while waxed linen will produce crisp stiff knots. Whatever type of thread you choose it is essential that has two characteristics; it must knot easily and it must be able to hold the knot without slippage.














Macrame is a craft that appeals to all ages and skill levels. Young children can begin by making a variety of knotted friendship bracelets, yet more skilled craftspeople can create beautiful and intricate designs. Want to have a go? The title of the newly released book is Mod Knots by Cathi Milligan.





Image of Footstools: Ineke Visser





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Dylon Dyes 43 - More Girlfriend

Got my copy of Girlfriend Magazine and wanted to organise a display with the page from the magazine and the top.









I kept planning to do this but found I was running out of time. I asked Alan (imagine slightly whiny tone) if he could come up with something. I think he did a fab job. Cropped the tiny photo of the singlet, enlarged it then laminated it with the cover of the magazine. Alan is now in charge of Visial Merchandising.

This is Jacquie from Dylon wearing a pair of the leggings I dyed for her. Poor thing ducked into a change room to try on this funky top and I snapped the pic when she came out. I think the top is just perfect for the leggings. I've got a purple pair.

Grab a copy of Girlfriend and have a go.

The Crafter's Way 107 - Crochet.

This week's Messenger column is all about Crochet.

During a recent trip to Sydney I enjoyed the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum. Using Hyperbolic Geometry the exhibition features coral reefs made from wool, plastic bags and fibre optic cables. The Sydney Morning Herald described it as “an artistic project that weaves art and community craft together with environmental activism and marine biology." This got me thinking about crochet in a whole new light.

The word "crochet" is derived from the French word "croche", meaning "hook", however how the craft got a French name is a mystery. There is no definitive history of crocheting available. Historians speculate that crocheting began in the Far East. Still others believe it to have started in South America. The reason for the speculation? Simply no archaeological evidence exists of crochet cloth or hooks.

Fast forward to Ireland during the Potato Famine where a group of Nuns taught a form of 3 dimensional crocheting that became known as Irish Crochet. Crochet became a popular method of creating imitation lace for the less well off. Crocheting ‘lace’ did not pay well so many of the ladies turned to prostitution to supplement their income. Apparently this is when the term “hookers” first came into being. Crochet continued with its less respectful reputation until Queen Victoria decided to learn to crochet.

Coinciding with a drop in cotton prices, the first published patterns began appearing in 1840. Crocheting’s popularity has ebbed and flowed since that time. World Wars saw a decline as thread and fabric was in short supply; during the 60’s and 70’s it enjoyed resurgence thanks to Hippie Fashions. Today, crocheting is enjoying yet another rebirth. Learn to crochet classes are being held at Craft Stores and Grandmother’s knees. Those Irish Nuns are at it again with one recently teaching me how to do Hairpin Crochet. In the United States crocheters have begun a practice they call “yarn bombing”. They beautify existing graffiti sites by draping them in their crocheted cloth.

With a vast array of thread, yarns and hooks available there is no reason not to get started on a crochet project. Who knows you might just start a new reef. Photos: Hypebolic Crochet Reef Project.

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Dylon Dyes 42

A week or so ago I received a SOS from a friend of a friend. She had been making a quilted wallhanging incorporating some hand dyed fabrics, not mine I must say. When she went to remove the marking pen the fabric had run into the cream. Needless to say she was a little upset. Was there anything that I could recommend. I recommended Dylon's Colour Run Remover. This is the follow up email that I received from her.





"I just wanted to say a very big thank you for your assistance last Tuesday with the problem of dye running from a hand dyed fabric. I was able to totally save my challenge quilt & went on to finish it and hand it in on time. I ended up using 2 of the dylon colour sachels (when I got the right ones having bought a white one first up) & with 2 soakings got rid of all colour runs. I followed the directions on the packet for hand washing. It was all very simple in the end. I am quite annoyed at myself for allowing the problem to occur. (untried marking pen, unwashed hand dye fabric etc).I have attached a photo of the finished challenge - the red on both the flying geese & the ribbon swirl had run. The cream flying geese next to the red was the challenge fabric which had to be used.

Once again thank you very much for your assistance."

Obviously a lady after my own heart, she read AND followed the instructions. I'm so pleased that her quilt was saved. Thank you Beverley for allowing me to share your story.

Want to see my Hand Dyed Fabric?

Computer Printing on Fabric

I've been printing on fabric using freezer paper for a while now. Lucky for me the projects I've used the fabric in hasn't needed to be washed so I have saved on the Bubble Jet Set. If you wished to wash the fabric until now you have had no choice but to use one of these fixing solutions. They work really well but can be pretty expensive if you want to do a heap of printing.
Recently I found myself needing to print on a huge amount of fabric. I set about experimenting with a more cost effective method of colourfast fabric printing.











After a couple of false starts I discovered this simple method. I soaked the fabric in a strong solution of Soda Ash. I soaked 20 x 5 inch squares of fabric with 1/2 cup of Soda Ash. I made up with enough hot water to cover the fabric. Leave to soak, stirring occassionally. You need to make sure that every piece is evenly soaked. Wring out and hang to dry. Wear a mask.

Cut Freezer Paper to size. Make this a little longer on one end. Lay Freezer Paper shiny side up on the ironing board. Place your fabric on top, right side facing. Carefully iron in place leaving at least 1 cm free of fabric. Turn over and iron again from the paper side of the Freezer Paper.

Insert Freezer Paper into printer. The leading edge should be the end that is free of fabric. I set my printer for printing on Matte Photo Paper. You may need to experiment with your printer settings.

You can see the leading edge coming out of the printer. Never leave your printer unattended while printing onto fabric.

When finished leave aside for the printing to dry. Once dry it is colourfast. so far I can only be certain that this works on cotton fabric printing black ink. When time permits I will check if colour and/or silk works. I'll let you know. You can reuse the Freezer Paper up to 3 times before it loses its stickiness.

A Word of Caution. If the ink prints onto the shiny side of the Freezer Paper it will not dry and WILL rub off on your fingers.

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Dyeing Rayon

This is undyed rayon thread. Looks like butter wouldn't melt in its mouth, sitting there so innocently. That is until I cut that knot then it springs off that cone faster than I can wind it.








Anybody who has been following me on Twitter over the last couple of days is well versed on my frustration with it. Anyway today I was able to start with the fun part...dyeing.

Here I am mixing the dye powder with the manutex. The ice-cream shop a couple of doors down gave me heaps (and I mean heaps) of these ice-cream cups. No more washing up of messy mixing containers.

These have been painted and need to dry before being heat set, washed and rewound. I love seeing how they look finished. Always different.

Want to see more Hand Dyed Threads?

Girlfriend Project- Dylon Dyes 42

The project that I created for Girlfriend magazine has been published. The instructions are for the leggings. I've added photos and instructions for the Red and Black singlet top that is also featured. The hints will also be helpful with the leggings.











The singlet actually started out as very washed out lemon colour.

To change the colour I used Dylon's Tulip Red.

Just follow the instructions on the back of the pack. Don't forget the gloves.

Let the shirt soak for 1 hour. Stir it constantly for the first 15mins then regularly during the next 45 mins.

Rinse the fabric under running water. Leave damp for next step.

Now for the fun bit. For the leggings I used a large soft drink bottle. For the shirt I used a 4 litre water bottle. No reason for the difference, just use what you have available.

The string needs to be very strong. Wind the string around the bottle and secure with a knot.

Start winding the string around the bottle. This needs to be firm. After every couple of winds push the fabric down towards the bottom of the bottle. The fabric should be forming pleats. If you can't move the fabric you have wound the fabric too tight. If it slid down very easily the string isn't tight enough. Don't wait until you have finished winding before starting to push fabric down. Trust me this is too hard and if you haven't done the winding tight enough you have to undo the whole lot instead of just a little bit. Slow and steady is best.

Keep winding and pushing until the entire shirt has been wound onto the bottle.

Mix up Dylon's Navy Blue Dye according to the manufacturer's instructions. Fill your water bottle with water, this will keep it immersed in the dye. Stand the bottle in the dye for 1 hour. No need to stir.

When the time has passed rinse the shirt under running water. Leave on the bottle while doing this. Once you have finished the rinsing you can remove shirt from the bottle and continue washing as per instructions.

Have fun.

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