What are those horrible things at the bottom of my leg! I've had them all my life and they've done me well. But now that the genes have kicked in the toes are all over the place thanks to my Dad. I shall never forget the crossover toes that suddenly appeared in his later years. The Doctors now say do not have surgery unless it is absolutely necessary and from my experiences from working in hospitals I can tell you I have seen some pretty bad errors when it comes to improving the bone structure of one's feet. However, along with the rest of our imperfect bodies we do what we can to alleviate another's discomfort when noticing all these things. (Some people are real scrutineers). It's a difficult thing to find flattering, comfortable footwear, especially in the hot, hot summers we are now experiencing and I have long experimented with the disguise of my wayward toes. My latest idea is something down to earth. Yes, it's that old sack again rescued from the dark days of looking after dirty potatoes, coal and grain. In the days of gift giving a thoughtful member of the family gave me a whole box of unusual beads and after years of storage (no not in a sack) I am finally putting them to use and what a match to the flip flops, jandals or sandals they are. You can do it too if the toes need a pretty up. Thanks for reading. Would you like to visit my online shop called creatifbitsnpieces on Etsy. I am now more into the creative side of textiles even though I have to forgo sales of more practical items. Never mind.
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To transfer an image is a very interesting process. The Pitman's shorthand you see on the purse in the photo is a transferred image using Gel Medium which you can buy at your local art and craft store. It comes in a jar and is a white viscose jelly which you paint over your image, place on fabric and leave for about 12 hours then rub off the paper very carefully. So it's not quick and easy. How did you get the shorthand outlines so clear? Again, not an easy process. Where did I get the patience! The challenge I guess was a driving force. But it isn't perfect as you can see. I'm looking for people who can read shorthand. I know you're out there because I learnt with you all those years ago and now I'm hauling back the memory, the recall, and it's surprising how much one remembers when one learns by rote. Anyway this purse is a gift so that is a clue. Gambatte! Catherine from Creatifbitsnpieces on Etsy. Thanks for reading.
It is not easy to dip dye. Look at all the drops, splogers and stains on this project. And effects can only be of any depth if you use highly absorbent fabric such as linen. You're getting tired of reading about linen I know and I'm getting tired of experimenting with dyeing linen. Especially now as these two cloths, about the size of tea towels, have washed out completely. Just as well I took a photo as the images are gone forever........... Yes, there are highs and lows with creating, trying out new things, using techniques other people advise, mixing colours etc. So here I am wracking my poor brains trying to think of how I can rescue washed out so called works of art on fabric. All I can say is watch this space.................. Thank you for reading.
The tea towel began its life in Victorian middle class in the late 18th century. Imagine a life without tea towels before then! Tea was a big thing, a social event, in those days and the best fine bone china was used on the finest of tablecloths. Of course they then needed the right fabric to dry that precious porcelain. Down through the years tea towels have been used for a multitude of uses as you know. Van Gogh used tea towels to paint on when he couldn't afford proper painters' canvas. In fact, one of those tea towels sold in the year 2000 for 2.1 million pounds! The photo below shows this piece of wonderful linen dipped dyed four times and once the dye is in the fabric it has been encouraged to find it's own way through the fabric. Remember Creatifbitsnpieces on Etsy.
Dear o dear! What ever next! If you know your tea towels you'll know linen and cotton are involved. Of course it's because they absorb moisture and just right to wipe those pots and pans. And who cares if they are stained because it won't matter. Will it? Lots of splatters and the usual old dots are there too. The dots are there to tell you it's a determined work of art. No I didn't trip with the Japanese ink the effect has been well thought out. I'm sure all artists feel as if these kind of endeavours could result in a disaster. I like it and I loved creating it so that's all that matters. Fabulous linen again. It has such great qualities, absorption being one. When you paint on linen you can get depth and character and of course great frayed edges. I'm sure, just as food has memory value, well so does linen. It reminds me of the quality clothes that were affordable all those years ago, cut and sewn so accurately and completed as tailored masterpieces. (I might have overdone that description a bit). So please manufacturers keep on weaving that linen out of flax or whatever the raw material. If you're interested you can see this bag on Etsy at creatifbitsnpieces. Yes, I'm not sure about this wall hanging. I appreciate the artist and his work all those years ago, however I think it might have a different interpretation in 2019. I couldn't find the artist's idea with research but mine is the rise of equality, With the sun strategically placed at the small of the back could define the energy involved and the lines encouraging a higher reach or level. Anyway I've put it out there. It's a denim background with sun and lines screen printed with fabric dyes. The figure I have painted in myself with acrylics. It measures 87cm by 46cm or 18 x 34 inches.
Have you ever tried writing words with your sewing machine? It's very difficult. You need a lot of practice. It took me a while to realise the machine can go sideways after you take away the footer. Oh, what fun! You have to estimate an even size of lower case letters. Anyway it's good to try. I've managed to incorporate everything, that is, writing and appliqué into a practical bag. You can see the finished result at creatifbitsnpieces on Etsy.
Such a simple design. I wonder who invented the envelope. If you have a square of fabric or paper it's just a matter of a few folds. I bought 6 stained cotton but hand crocheted and embroidered napkins for a dollar. You can do that too and enjoy some creativity without breaking the bank. I think it's best to stiffen the fabric when finished so as to give it form and body. I haven't put it into the Etsy shop, creatifbitsnpieces, just yet.
There is a growing trend towards the old, darned, stained and worn fabric. Not only are people attracted by aged fabric but to the character and history of where it's been and how it's been worn and of course who has worn it. Shibori, for example, is a very old Japanese method of restoring new life to fabric in hard times. Perhaps and because we are all into the age of recycling we feel good using what otherwise would be discarded. And suddenly there is a resurgence of values, saving money and creating an artistic interest in the dilapidated. You will notice more and more rough edges, ripped gashes, darned patches and unevenly dyed fabrics. Look at this knitting bag sewn from recycled linen. How great linen is! Creatifbitsnpieces on Etsy. Thank you for reading.
Denim is a simple fabric, dating back to 18th-century France. The fabric originated from humble beginnings as workwear in 19th-century America, through its love affair with 1940s Hollywood, by the adoption by a rebellious generation of teenagers in the 1950s right up to its subsequent spread throughout a world hungry for this symbol of American cool. "Denim" describes the evolution of the denim business, from pioneering brands like Levi's, Lee and Wrangler to its use by high fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Denim depicts the material's infiltration of subcultures such as 50s motorcycle rebels, the London mod scene of 1965, Woodstock era youth and LA hip hop. I think you would be lucky if you found that your latest thrift-store jeans purchase could be a vintage rarity that's going to be worth a fortune.
How many pairs of jeans have you got? My last pair of jeans cost $5.00 so I thought I would buy another pair. Did I need them in the first place? No. My father said only buy what you need. Denim has a history. I have a book about Denim and indigo dyeing and it goes way back to 1870 in America. For a long time Denim was a tough workman's cloth. It has great qualities and it's interesting how manufacturers or designers keep changing the fashion. It's truly fascinating to see Denim being sold frayed, worn and embroidered or darned. Some of the most expensive denim is now being sold in Japan as "Boro". Denim which was holes, patches and plenty of darning. Shibori, an ancient dyeing process, was used by the Japanese to renew their clothes by using indigo dye and this is again highly sought after. The image shows a pouch big enough for a mobile phone, sun glasses, wallet or whatever you need to keep secure and close to your body. See it at Creatifbitsnpieces on Etsy. Thank you. |
My name is Catherine Rowe. I live in Australia.I'm busy producing new creative items for my Etsy shop called Creatifbitsnpieces. Fashion is becoming more artistic don't you think? It's now a challenge to think of new things. Archives
August 2021
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