Dylon Dye 64–Overdyeing

I received an email from a reader who told me how she wanted some hot pink and black fabric for a quilt. Unfortunately she was unable to  find a commercial fabric so she bought some black and white fabric and pink Dylon dye. Well naturally I was curious.

I bought some black and white fabric. Washed it well to remove sizing.

Mixed up some of Dylon’s Amazon Green. There was quite a lot of fabric in this bucket, certainly more than 250g. I needed to be very diligent about moving the fabric to ensure even dyeing.

Now this has got me thinking. I have another project forming in my mind. This could keep me out of mischief for quite a while.

PS: when I first wrote this I could not for the life of me remember who it was who told me about this. Was it one of my buddies from the many forums I'm a member of, maybe a twitter follower? It was in fact Eileen Lau a FB friend. Thanks for the tip Eileen.

The Crafter’s Way 202–Craft Magic

I’m weaving a little magic with this week’s Messenger column.
What is this?

No, it’s not a wand, it’s a Yarnz. I spotted it while aimlessly roaming the aisle of a craft store. Having just come from the doctors where I had been diagnosed with a high temperature I threw caution to the wind, ok it was probably delirium, and invested a whole $2 to give it a go.

Step 1: Insert elastic through the hole in the middle. I used 6mm elastic. Slip the end of the elastic into the notch and tie a knot.

Step 2: At the other end secure your thread/yarn around the tube with a knot.

Step 3: Hold the tube in your left hand and wind the thread around the tube with your right( reverse for left handers).

Step 4: Slide the wound thread off the tube and onto the elastic. Continue winding and sliding until you have your desired length.
The instructions on the pack tell you how to finish off a scarf. I was making bracelets/hair scrunchies so simply knotted the elastic and let it spring back into the wound thread.

This is super simple; I made 6 bracelets in 15mins. I can see these in this year’s Crafty Santa Stockings. Be sure to include plenty of threads and yarn as it is sure to be a Christmas day activity.
For $2 how could you go wrong?This is the best piece of craft magic I have seen in a long time.

PS: After heaps of queries re this product I thought I should pop back and tell you all I bought the wand at Spotlight.

Vintage Sewing Patterns

Pandora’s Box is literally overflowing with Vintage Sewing Patterns.

These are a few of my favourites.

Not sure I like the term “Matron’s Frock” though.

These are coats. The bow closure is a nice touch.

This pattern is my absolute favourite. The square necklines front and back is a lovely contrast to the flowing lines.

These and many more are available in store for $5 AUD each.

Fit for a (Craft) Museum

I have a split personality. One part of me is very utilitarian, the other craves perfection. No, that not right. Perfection is linked more to my control freak side. Ok I guess that makes my personality count # 3( I’ll discuss that with my therapist).

What I need to get off my chest is my desire to preserve  items in a  pristine condition. Not just any items, craft items. You can see how this causes me distress. On one hand I can’t wait to muck in and create yet I can be paralysed into inaction. This is not paralysis caused by fear of not being good enough. It caused by staining, cutting into and using beautifully presented craft supplies.

  There is nothing I enjoy more than staring at a brand new paint box. The possibilities are endless, dreams abound.

I want to hold that moment when you first open your new watercolour pencils forever. You know it too. When they are all in order, the lead sharpened evenly just waiting for you.

Don’t even get me started on fabric still on the bolt. Colour coordinated collections tempting you with their sumptuous displays.

I can wander the aisles of art/ craft supply shops for hours. Not purchasing anything just immersing myself in all the colour and splendour. I know shops can not survive on my need to be visually stimulated so I have a plan. It’s more of a loose idea at this stage but I propose we have a Craft Museum for pristine craft supply items. Somewhere for generations to come and see what possibilities await them.

Gold Coast 600 V8Supercars

Most people when they head to the Gold Coast take holiday snaps of Sun, Surf and Sand. I don’t. As I said to my sister last week when she hoped ‘you have fun at the beach’, I reminded her they don’t race on the sand.
My pics are more groupie photos than holiday snaps.

Steven Richards about to head out on track for the Carrera Cup Race 2.

Craig Baird won.

Mark Winterbottom. Not really a fan but he sure can drive, he won Sunday’s race.

L to R: Darren Turner, James Courtney and Ryan Briscoe. Talk about an international event.

Garth Tander, who I think has finally stolen Rick Kelly’s title of ‘the Holden driver most disliked by Holden fans”

Paul Dumbrell.I really admire this guy; CEO of autObarn and fulltime V8 Supercar driver.

That’s Jamie Whincup at the front.

And Craig Lowndes. I'm a huge fan. I wasn’t too worried that I didn’t get a really clear pic cause I got a brilliant one when I taught him Kumihimo.
Another brilliant event, well done V8Supercars.

The Crafter’s Way 201– Owen Hutchinson

 

Owen Hutchinson is a Printmaker based at Sandgate. I met Owen earlier this year at the Pine Rivers Art Market.

1 .You started printmaking at High School. Have you done it consistently since then or has your interest/time waned and returned due to work commitments/life etc?

My interest in printmaking really took off seriously when I was asked to take an art class at Maleny High School in the early 90s. I first learned it as part of my Junior Classes at Banyo High in the late 50s but I studied Maths and Science in Senior. I do remember taking it pretty seriously ,even doing some extra prints at home using cardboard. I became seriously interested in pre-retirement and decided that it would become a major part of my retirement activities, so much so that I built a studio/gallery on our property at Maleny. We moved to a new home at Sandgate in2009 where I have a new studio/gallery and I work 5 days a week.

2. Have you tried other arts?

I tried watercolours while teaching art at Maleny but then I got caught up with Printmaking which I found more interesting.

3. You also say on your website that you are drawn to wood. Have you done any other wood crafts ?

I grew up on the banks of Cabbage Tree Creek at Deagon and as a child I always making model boats and trolleys from wood and wire from old cases. My older brother became a professional boat builder and I would help him build dinghies and sail them. Later I built my own sailing dinghies (Lightweight Sharpies) and raced them at Sandgate I made nearly all of our furniture and our first house and while teaching in country schools I took up wood chopping. I really like working with wood and have recently built a new Sharpie and even used wood from a mango tree that I felled and had milled . I have also used the mango wood for some prints.

4. What inspires you?

I guess I like “nice things” that carry a theme or feeling. This is probably due to my studies of Literature and History as part of my BA at the UQ in the 70s and 80s and my subsequent teaching of these subjects. Many of my prints have their origins in mythology , history and literature.

5. What is the process from start to finish to create a print?

After my initial inspiration (and I have heaps of these) I work hard at the composition and drawing .I find this the most difficult area of printmaking. Many decisions have to be made. Not only does the drawing have to be correct but with printmaking you can’t change your mind as you go. When I am happy with the drawing I cut the block(s) and trace the drawing in reverse onto the block. Next comes the carving process which I enjoy the most and then the actual printing process. This can take 2 to 3 weeks depending on the number of colours used.

6. How does the process change from a creative piece that simply inspires you to a commissioned piece?

I have only done a couple of small commissioned pieces so I can’t really make a valid comparison except to say that I like to do my own thing.

7. In your opinion is Printmaking still a popular choice among younger artists? Do you share/teach your skill? If so where?

I think that printmaking is in a pretty healthy state in Australia, especially in the southern states. It is a big commitment for aspiring artists because of the cost of acquiring a press and the necessary tools…..it is cheaper to take up one of the painting mediums. I have taught numerous people at my studio at Maleny and have conducted two workshops on the basics of printmaking but only one person has taken it up very seriously. I can teach printmaking at my studio at Sandgate.

8. Where can people see your work?

All of my works are available for viewing at my studio/gallery at Sandgate…..Bayside Gallery, 21 Second Avenue , Sandgate. There are a number of prints at David Linton’s Fine Furniture at Maleny. I also have 10 really large woodcut prints on the carpark side of the Woolworth’s building at Sandgate. These depict the history of the Sandgate area.

Does Size Matter?

Men, and women have pondered this all important question throughout the ages. Scientists have conducted study after study.

 

Now we have the definitive answer.

 

Of course it does.

 

And who did this research? Crafters!

I had this Clover Suffolk Puff template for ages. I also have the teeny tiny one, the slightly bigger one, both heart sizes, both flower sizes and the butterfly maker. but then I saw…..

This super dooper blue one.

I don’t know how I managed without it. My life is now complete. And here ended the lesson… Size does matter.

The Crafter’s Way 200–Coaster Brooches

These brooches are fun to make. Chunk the steps into a couple of parts and you will find they are quick to make as well.

You will need: Plastic Coasters just like the ones in the photo. PVA Glue, Acrylic Paint, Fabric, Button, Felt, Brooch Back, Needle and Thread.

Step 1: Paint the front and back of the plastic coasters with glue, allow to dry.
Step 1a: When the glue is dry, paint front and back of coasters with paint. The glue assists the paint to adhere to the plastic. You may need a couple of coats.
Step 2: Cut fabric circles at least 2.5 times the diameter of the plastic coaster.

Step 2a: Thread the needle, fold over fabric 6mm and stitch a gathering thread around the circle.
Step 2c: gently gather up fabric until the circle closes, secure with a backstitch.
Step 2d: Cut the back out of the fabric circle.

Step 3: I have used a handmade Singleton Button. You can get directions here http://trishalandesigns.blogspot.com/2010/04/crafters-way-131-singelton-buttons.html If you prefer you can use any decorative button of your choosing. Thread the needle and secure the button to the fabric circle.
Step 4: Stitch the brooch back to a small piece of felt.
Step 5: Stitch the fabric to the coaster before attaching the felt to the back of the coaster.

Look What I Found in the Back of the Fridge

Not month old vegetables. Thickened dye left over from some project or other.

I spooned it onto a glass plate.

Then with gloved hands started spreading it out.

Before placing a piece of brushed cotton on top. I used the brayer to ensure good contact.  Now at this stage I need to make a couple of points. The thickened dye was old and there was no guarantees about its effectiveness. I also hadn’t actually planned to do this so hadn’t properly prepared the fabric, no prewashing etc. So colourfastness wasn’t a priority or even likely.

I could have sworn I  took a photo of the fabric before this stage but sadly no. After I had finished stamping the t-shirt from yesterday I used the leftover gold paint to add a little detail.

No need for heat setting. The dye wasn’t set so I couldn’t see any point in going through the motions. I’m now pondering my next move. Exactly how I will use it is unknown except that it won’t be washable. I have a few ideas but with the busy time of the year quickly appearing it might be put on the back burner for a little while. Something else for the list.

Saving the T-shirt

I was a little disappointed with the blotch of dye on my t-shirt yesterday.

The disappointment didn’t last too long when  realised that this was an excuse to play.

I dug out an flower stamp and fabric paints and started printing happy flowers randomly over the top. The ‘stamps’ are mdf cut outs bought from a hardware shop. I coated them with PVA glue before using them as a stamp the first time. This was to stop the paint  absorbing into the mdf, you just need to wipe them clean when you are finished.

I also added some gold paint which I applied with a dry brush. A few beads to finish I will be done..maybe.

Dylon Dye 60- French Lavendar

French Lavendar was my next choice to try out the new Dylon colours.

As usual I set out to dye a piece of cotton, washed silk and sari silk. I also dyed a cotton t-shirt. But first the fabric.

The cotton is on the left. And yes for all you eagle eyes there are only 2 pieces not 3. I prepared the third piece, sari silk, then completely missed it when immersing the fabric in the dye bath. It lives to dye another day.

An interesting problem with the t-shirt. As soon as I immersed it into the dye I could see a small blue particle of dye that hadn’t dissolved properly  go and attach it self to the shoulder. The instructions on the pack say to mix well, I would recommend mixing very well.

See what  I do to the t-shirt tomorrow.

To Each Their Own

Alan and I set off on Saturday morning to one of our regular Garage Sales. It wasn’t long before I started collecting bits and bobs like the wire star.

 

Then I got really lucky. I spied  these vintage children’s sewing/craft books.

Ladies of a ‘certain vintage’ will recognise the Ladybird book. I can remember at school each classroom having this series. When you had finished your work you could go and pick one.

Then Alan found a bag with this camera and a heap of cables. he didn’t expect the camera to work but decided that the cables were worth the money. I guess it is a techno geek version of ‘who dies with them most fabric wins’. My bag of goodies went into the boot, Alan’s into the front seat with him. I am driving into the shop and Alan starts pulling everything out of the bag. Cables- check, Discs – Check, Memory card – Check and the camera works.

Did I mention I bought a LadyBird book?

Who Put That There?

Do you ever have moments when it suddenly dawns on you that you have been missing something?

Like a tree? This tree has been between our shop and the one next door forever AND I don’t think I have ever noticed that it gets flowers.

I have cursed its leaves, which seem to love our verandah, but have never, ever in all the years we have been going out to the park noticed the beauty of its flowers. I’m glad I finally paid attention.