Flyin’ On a Jet Plane to Portland, Oregon, for QUILT MARKET!

Hello everyone! When you read this I will already be in Portland getting ready for….

a book signing party at the E.E. Schenck booth! I was asked to be there to sign copies of Fashion Quilted Accessories, by Heidi Emmett (that’s me!) .  I have to tell you that I never, ever, thought I would be signing books at Quilt Market! It is held twice yearly for shop owners. It is a REALLY  BIG DEAL! People and businesses come from all over the world! It is AMAZING, BUSY, OVERWHELMING, and FUN! I’ll keep you posted  via Instagram and then tell you more via a post. 

Also, more news, Sparky Top is finished! Taa Daa! The tissue pieces arrived this past week. So, Sparky Top is also ready to show at Quilt Market. It too will be in the E.E. Schenck booth. Schenck is one of my distributors of my patterns and my book.

The week of May 28th, I will get Sparky Top onto Craftsy and into my Etsy store. If you want to purchase it directly from me, that’s fine too. A hard copy from me (all sizes includes  8-6x) will cost $16.00 (includes tax and shipping). Email me at hmemmett@gmail.com.

Perfect top for beginners and super sewists alike. Fast and easy. It is a blank canvas. Make it using all your favorite fabrics, even light weight knits. Here is a close up of the neckline trim and the front fabric (has cute little spiral circles (already sewn on. I did NOT do that myself). 

The one time it’s o.k. to press gathers (in the back) flat! There are so many gathers that the “flat” pressing allows for a smoother finished look.

The front and center back are made from a light weight, re-embroidered mesh  (acts like a knit). 

Some raw-edge stitching for a more decorative look (to cover a seam as I had run out of fabric). 

The next two Sparky Top samples are made from Double gauze scraps from Shannon Fabrics. You might see these on the Shannon Fabrics Blog in the near future. This fabric is a DREAM to sew!

 

The back shows that I really ran out of double gauze scraps. I found a re-embroidered cotton in my stash and had to add a little ruffle at the bottom because I didn’t have enough length. 

And the linen bits came from a skirt that I bought on the super sale rack at Stein Mart (love that store).  100% linen skirt I washed first to pre-shrink it. 

This is one of the side panels. I had so little to work with so major improve was going on. I could not follow ANY type of grain line, but it just adds to the charm. I would call this Upcycling, indeed. This is one of the things we will be doing in my workshop up at Zephyr. UPCYCLING! Oh yeah, what FUN! There are still a few spaces left in my workshop.

Maybe I’ll see YOU at Zephyr Point this year. I’ll tell you all about my adventures at Quilt Market when I get home. Take care and find a block of time to sew this weekend. It can be so relaxing and we all need some down time. Hugs, Heidi

INSPIRATION! At The Pine Tree Quilt Guild Show.

An absolute PERFECT weekend for a quilt show at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, CA. Here is the Artistic Alchemy Booth 2018. We were showing what they will see and do at our Retreat at Zephyr Point on Sept. 3rd-7th.

It was a time of discovery.  All of us in the sewing world have a sharing connectivity.  Let me do a “show and tell.” to explain what I mean. In the picture below, see the canvas that Mary Boalt  created in the upper left? She started creating some canvases this year in a herring bone fashion so that it could be turned into a great vest. And I’m wearing my latest “Terrific Tabard” Vest that I made using one of Mary’s canvases. This the one that got Mary to thinking about canvases that would be great for garments too. 

I took a walk down an isle of quilts at the show, and there was another Terrific Tabard Vest created by one of my students.  Go Robi! And a ribbon winner too!

 

I walked back to our booth and, Patty a student from a past Artistic Alchemy Retreat is wearing her latest creation using the Zephyr Jacket pattern. Check this out! She used a batik from a recent trip to Africa.

And I had to take a picture of her necklace. She created this herself using a natural stone and pine needles!  It is a perfect necklace for this Zephyr Jacket.

Walking down another isle, I spied all the “Pet Portraits from Jane’s class. Jane Haworth is our newest teacher for Artistic Alchemy. 

Aren’t these great?  In her retreat workshop, you will go in-depth with your own portrait. And you will have time to go bigger if you want.  

Back at the booth Jane is showing what she created in Sandra’s Material Matrix class. 

Sandra’s polymer buttons, earrings, pins, add the finishing touch to our numerous garments, totes, etc. I use them many times on my own creations. We have a “store” up at the retreat where the four of us sell our creations.  Did I not say there is a creative “connectivity” ? And we experienced it all weekend. 

I just read Mary’s post at Artistic Alchemy

I had already written the above but felt compelled to add her last paragraph to my own post. We were having a mind melding moment there and didn’t know it. Ha, ha.

Our day as Artistic Alchemy at the Pine Tree Quilt show was another success. We received 5 new sign ups for our Zephyr Retreat. Welcome ladies! We are dwindling down to just a few spaces left in the classes. If you are on the fence, here are some things to consider; there is NOTHING in the creative world as satisfying as being with like minded people. It’s as if you have found your tribe. Your creative juices will be quadrupled by spending time talking and sharing with them. And our show and tell in the evenings will blow your socks off. The weather is beautiful that time of year and the crowds have all gone home for the summer. You will leave with some projects and knowledge you didn’t have before. Perhaps you’re designing something for yourself or just getting ideas for gifts. What a great time to enjoy yourself, make new friends and learn a new technique.

I can NOT leave you all without a little wander through my yard. This intense color in the Dogwoods are rapidly fading, but that’s o.k. I have these pictures.

 

And–In The News!- I will be at Quilt Market in Portland, Oregon on the 18th, 19th, & 20th. This is a twice yearly show for shop owners only. I will be signing my book in the E.E. Schenck booth and demonstrating one or two of the techniques from it. What? You don’t know about my book? Here is a picture. Until next week, let’s get our creative juices humming! Hugs, Heidi

Pine Tree Quilt Show- Grass Valley, CA -Nevada County Fairgrounds- May 7th-8th!

It’s going to be a beautiful weekend for a quilt show. And it’s being held at the best fairgrounds in the state! Pine trees everywhere.

If you are close by or not, please come! And don’t forget to stop by the Artistic Alchemy booth. Here is our booth from a past year. And guess what? My braces are GONE!!! MY BRACES ARE GONE! Yes, I shouted it out, So you can congratulate me on that ha, ha.

Here’s some pictures of our booth. 

Come see the samples from my patterns and my book. I will be selling patterns and books. 

Here is my newest version of Terrific Tabard aka Skinny Vest. I’ll be wearing it one of the days of the show. One half of the vest is a Mary Boalt canvas.  If you are on the fence about coming to the Artistic Alchemy Retreat at Zephyr Point this September, come by the booth to see what each teacher will be teaching. And then you NEED to ask one of us about something special if you sign up for the retreat this weekend!

AND….you need to meet our newest member, Jane Haworth.  You’ll love what she teaches. 

The day we took shots for our yearly postcard, some of us had just noticed Sandra’s car. 

Yes, Heidi is the drama queen. Well now, Mary comes in a close second. Sandra is explaining it, while Jane is doing what we were all supposed to be doing, smiling for the cameraman. 

Two spring items that I took pictures of on a walk yesterday. 

Hope to see you at the quilt show. It is always so inspiring! Hugs, Heidi

Easy Felting Ideas- Soothing Circles…..

Remember my trip to Ashland, Oregon?  Well, I stopped at Webster’s to gaze upon their yummy yarns. Well, well, these four beautiful skeins jumped into my basket, saying buy me, buy me! These are Bamboo Bloom Handpaints by Universal Yarn.

Oh look, I didn’t plan this but the fabric (fat eighth’s) from Sew Creative I had purchased the day before goes perfectly with one of my skeins. 

More about those yarns further down. Felting was the right thing to do this week. I pulled out projects that I had intended to add my “felties” (little circles of yarn) too, rolled some yarn circles and fired up the felting machine. “hmmm” is the sound it makes while poking the yarn into its’ intended background. In this project, a crocheted circle vest. 

Oh wait, there will be no “hmmming” if I don’t use my crisp netting (acts as a glue to hold the yarn in place) to cover the circle. This netting is the type used in petticoats. 

You can barely see 3 circles under the netting. Once the circles are felted, pull off the netting. I am only placing one layer of it (folding this back just to show the netting) on my felties. 

Taa daa! Just a few felties dancing across the bottom of the vest add some pizzazz!

Commercial break: Don’t forget to visit my Pattern site at Craftsy.com (or click on the Craftsy icon below  and it should take you to my pattern site). I designed this pattern over 20 years ago. Yes, I know, there are many tiered skirt patterns out there, BUT, not like mine. I made the tiers specific lengths to flatter in the hip area and accommodate different heights. I sold tons of these patterns over the years at my fabric store. I’m offering it for FREE at Craftsy. I want you to see what my pattern store at that site is all about. And to see how easy it is to use.  I think the 3 tiered skirt is a timeless pattern. The 2 below were made in Kaffe Fassett rayons. I LOVE the drape of rayon in this pattern. Linen and cotton work too, but add a crispness. To have those fibers hug a little closer to the body, use the broomstick method (perfect for traveling). Pick up the pattern to learn about that. 

 

Now where was I…. Look it happened again. Found some fabric that goes with the yarn and felties. 

Look closely at the upper and lower pictures. When I can’t decide what to put a feltie on, and I’m in the mood to felt, I pull out my scraps of bridal illusion or tulle (veils are made of this).It comes in many colors (not that important really, this piece was a remnant). Wind the yarn into a circle and place onto the tulle (one layer is fine). Don’t forget to add the netting. “hmmm….hmmm…” ahhh, such soothing circles. I just LOVE working with fiber whether yarn or fabric! I keep them on their tulle until ready for use. Then I cut away, carefully, the tulle around the outer edge of the felties. They are sufficiently felted at this point so that you could just stitch them down by machine, in the ditch around the outer edge, or machine felt them down. You do not need netting at this point. 

I wanted you to see what this yarn looks like when circled.  

Soothing circles, soothing sunset at Lake Tahoe too. Click on the Artistic Alchemy icon above to see what’s going on with us: Heidi, Sandra, Mary, & Jane. 

This is what a 6 year old side garden looks like in the Spring. Azaleas (background), Phlox (lavender), Genesta (foreground low growing not in bloom yet), and the large bush with white flowers (foreground left) a Viburnum. 

Viburnum blossoms close up. Soothing to my eyes. I’m into soothing anything today apparently. Ahhh….these are lovely to gaze upon. Hugs, Heidi

 

Cruising Pinterest and I Found This!

Something new for Coach. I was intrigued. Hey, I’ve been doing something similar for quite a few years! Let’s take a closer look. These bags range in price from $375-$495.  These are by  Keith Haring.

Each bag/purse has applique’s AND some simply stitched fabric pieces on it! We can do this on our own Coach’s. Wait a minute, I DID do that! I was ahead of the curve on this. Keep looking. 

Many Coach bags have split leather on the bottoms. They get dirty fast and look, not so nice. The bags below, I scored while Thrifting. I took them home and cleaned the smooth leather and scrubbed the split leather and canvas portion (yes, I used a soft scrub brush with cool, sudsy water). The split leather darkened a bit (because of the washing) but still looked dirty. So I covered it up. And I love the results. Yes, I showed it last year but after seeing the above NEW coach collection, I had to bring them out again. Besides, mine are perfect for spring.

Quilted some Kaffe Fassett fabric first, and cut out and stitched it to fit. I used Fabric Tac Glue (This stuff REALLY holds nicely). Here are the beginnings of my second Coach “upcycling.”

 

The colors in the yo-yo’s reminds me of the little Pansy’s STILL blooming at my kitchen sink. I have had this one and kept it alive! since the end of January. 

A cozy day for Rex, sleeping by the fire. We had a dusting of snow a few days back. 

And for Rubix too. 

Packaging materials I arranged because I liked what the shadows and their natural shapes created. I’ll file these pictures into my “ideas for ???” folder. 

On the sunny days I took some pictures. I loved the play of light and color. 

This one kinda looks like it’s floating. I like that too. I’ll file these in the same folder as my paper designs. 

My mom has always said that it isn’t Spring in Nevada County, CA until the snow falls on the Daffodils. 

She’s right. And for the next 5 + days, it will be in the low 70’s! The ground is too wet to garden( I think it is), sew I will be stitching and felting and upcycling this weekend for the “boutique” section of the Pine Tree Quilt Show in Grass Valley, CA the first weekend in May. Make it up, make it fun, and GET IT DONE! Hugs, Heidi

P.S. Don’t forget to pop over to Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com  to see what the four of us teachers have planned for this years, 5th annual creative retreat. We’d love to see YOU there!

 

 

Upcycling, Its Time! And Some Student Creations From My Patterns!

 

I’m getting ready to begin upcycling some of my men’s shirt. It’s TIME! It is so easy for me to fill my bins with fabulous shirts that I buy when thrifting.  I often start sketching ideas or look at Pinterest. Here are some recent pics from Pinterest.  Upcycling will be a big part of my next week projects. But I need some ideas to get started!

And next week, I plan to have a denim day. One project is already on it’s way to being finished but that never stops me from finding NEW!! ideas. Love these two totes. 

O.K. I scored several pairs of gorgeous jeans in a size that I might have worn when I was 12. I am determined, I say DETERMINED to make them fit me! I really think the ideas below are going to be quite workable. They all used ribbing (the stuff you buy by the inch, and it is used for cuffs, waistbands, and necklines. Amazon.) This is so clever, the low riding jeans, I’m ALWAYS hiking them up! I wont buy “mom” jeans but this should do the trick. 

I tried and TRIED to edit out the “maternity” part(of the picture below), but to no avail. So, la, la, la, disregarding the verbage, check out the clever idea of opening up the waistband with ribbing in the pocket area.

This next one looks like a little more work, but stretch lace, again, very clever.

At our last Pine Tree Quilt Guild meeting, in Grass Valley, CA, some of my intrepid students came and showed off their latest “Art to Wear” creations. Thank you ladies!

Margaret did the coolest thing! She made Zephyr jacket in a wool plaid and the front panels in turquoise blue silk. The wool drapes beautifully and looks good. But what I really, really like, is the addition of the long raspberry colored silk scarf. She said she added it because the wool scratched her neck! Who knew? I think it adds a layer of sophistication and pretty color around her face. 

Jill took Terrific Tabard to a whole new level using only Kaffe lighter weight cottons (so she can wear it all year round).

I wanted you to see the darts she put into her vest for a smooth fit. Darts are added before any embellishing or quilting is done. Easy to do, try on the vest when shoulder seams of the foundation fabric have been sewn, wrong side out. Pin the sides together where you think the tab and buttons should go. If you see any “gaposis”, then it’s time for darts. Pinch out whatever amount is needed to make it smooth  and pin it, in the shape of a dart. Stitch the dart and for the other side, take measurements from the first side.  

Love, love, Jill’s embellishments! 

Marta found a heavier weight rayon (sort of  an ombre’) and worked it into a BEAUTIFUL Whisper Blouse.

She placed the rayons in the perfect figure flattering combination.  She is a beautiful seamstress. AND, she has nailed the “twirling” aspect of Whisper Blouse. 

  Thank you for stopping by. What will you work on this weekend? Remember only 15 minutes a day is all you need to get your creative going. Hugs, Heidi 

Check This Out! From these to THESE!!

    

I used to design and create cool projects for Stitch magazine. It was really fun. The magazine is gone now but I bet you can find copies on Ebay or Etsy.  Spring/Fall leaves was one of my projects. It is such a versatile,easy peasy idea.

That’s my project in the upper left corner of the picture below. 

And here it is again as seen in the magazine. I also did a lovely summer version, two completely different projects (for their Stitch summer E-book).

I used Alison Glass cotton batiks and for the center portion, a batik type muslin by Marcus Brothers. 

Here I mixed silk shantung with glorious Alison Glass cotton batiks. Love this. 

Here is the first “summer” version I sent them. These fabrics are all Marcia Derse fabrics. Our sweet rescue dog, Sparky. We miss him so…16 1/2 years we had him. 

Second summer version shown here is the one they chose. 

Close ups. I think by looking at the next few pictures, you will be able to figure out this project. I do tell you how in a past post (that I forgot to categorize, acck). Sometime in the Fall of 2015.  I’ll tell you next week I promise, no time today to search. These leaves are like the Lays potato chip slogan.  Except, I say, “You can’t make just one!” Addictive!

Another hint, batiked fabrics (like below) are more tightly woven so there is automatically less raveling (perfect for raw edged designs), and have no right or wrong side, although one side typically looks a teeny tiny bit lighter. 

Well,we now come to the part where the title of this weeks blog comes into play: From the projects above to the projects below.  I decided it was time to use my leftover leaves and this is what I came up with. LOVE these Kimonos now. I keyed off the linings of the two of them. See below.

The lining of this Kimono is a beautiful leaf printed silk(whoops forgot to take a picture). The leaves are purposely off-set, because they are hand cut, they will never match, and I really don’t want them too. I had to take pictures of this one in place but not sewn. Phew, I beat the rain!

Also, I’m part of a great group of “Art to Wear” fiber artists and we are having a “Pop Up” Sale at 485, 12 Bridges Drive,Lincoln, CA. It runs from 1:00p.m.-5:00p.m.  Clothing/accessories/jewelry, so many beautiful items. Maybe we’ll see you there !! Hugs, Heidi

 

 Lots of places to find me. Click on one or all!

Road Trip/ Business Trip Part 2!

I’m still at the Trends show in Portland, Oregon. I’m meeting and greeting as many new people as I can to tell them about my love (or is it obsession?) with all things “Art to Wear!” I even had my picture taken at two “booths” just for 50’s fun. That was the theme for the Spring Trends Show. Some great costumes were walking around. I even spotted Elvis.

I spotted this cool necklace and asked its’ owner if I could take a picture.  These beads were plastic but how about polymer clay, or fiber pieces? Hmm..I will file this in fiber/polymer jewelry… I really like how it is strung (she bought it at Macy’s years ago).

Someone won, YES, won, this adorable 50’s “kitschy”  display made by Mr. Kelly. It was about 4′ x 4′. 

This show took place in a GINORMOUS warehouse. Look up and beautiful quilts were on display. These were entered by shop owners across the western states. Iowa was the furthest east that I met. Yes, those are shopping carts. Big ones, easy to fill, use as many as you need, load up on the latest, greatest, of fabrics and notions. Ackk! I want to do that too!

Aisle after aisle, after aisle! It boggles the mind. Ladies had their “shopping” lists in hand and wheeled their carts down all the isles. Fill one up, just park it in a special place and get another one.  

This is Miss Elizabeth. She is the Iris Apfel of the West Coast. She called her coat, “The Four Seasons.” It goes all the way to her ankles. I thought the flowers on the front were quite intriguing. Let’s go in for a closer look. 

Some kind of Origami. I think they are fun. This is the “Spring” side she said. 

Below, a lady and I are trying to arrange my “Sensational Scarf Vest” She is from Eastern Washington (so sweet)). She gave me the BEST idea for Scarf Vest. Using fabric paints, stamp or stencil on plain (any color)silk Georgette, to make your own beautiful fabric. In case you didn’t know, Scarf vest is made up of two layers of the same sheer fabric so there is some lovely pattern on patterns created. 

Work is done, LET’S PLAY!! Five hour drive south  from Portland on Interstate 5 brings us to Ashland, Oregon.  Here I am in Lithia Park. It is so lovely. It is a 99 acre park in the middle of the town and has a large stream running through it’s length. A very European feel. It is also home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

The top of the hills behind this picture all had a dusting of snow behind them. Brrrr…

Lovely homes everywhere. This one is on East Main St. 

And THE FOOD!! Ohh so yummy. An Antipasti plate. 

Another view, everything so fresh. Can you see what my glass of wine says? This is Pie and Vine, with wood fire ovens for that fabulous “Pie” below.  We liked the food sooo much, we went back a second time. 

We took a little drive in the outskirts of Ashland. 

And then, on to the play! Center seats and four rows up!! This playbill cover is so cool don’t you think? It was really well done! We had never seen a Jane Austen in play form. Kate Hamill did a wonderful job. Love, love, LOVED everything, the town, the food, the shops (more about Sew Creative and Web-sters in another post!), the plays, the scenery. Sheesh, it sounds as if I don’t get out much. Oh dear, that’s kinda true. Oh well, I enjoy it that MUCH more when I do get out and about. 

We’re in California now and this is a stunner of a view from the car, on Interstate 5 looking at Mount Shasta. 

The mountain, all 14, 412 feet, is all covered clouds. The taller mountains make their own weather patterns. Mount Shasta is particularly stunning as it is a classically shaped volcano all by itself. They say the last time Mount Shasta errupted, was 1786, when Sir Francis Drake was busy discovering places along the northern coast of California , and made a log entry that he had seen an eruption to the east.  

And that cloud shape above the other cloud layer, I think, gives an eerie, other worldly look to it. That is a “lenticular” cloud and caused by lots of wind.  Historical facts, meteorological facts, that’s what a road trip is all about. Ha, ha.  

I have other pictures and fun factoids but I will leave those to be mixed into other posts. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Easter to all, Spring, and rebirth!    Hugs, Heidi

Road Trip/Business Trip, Part One!

Last Thursday, my husband and I drove north to Portland, Oregon. One of my distributors, E.E. Schenck, had a show for shop owners in their ginormous warehouse. They invited me to come and speak all about “Art To Wear” patterns, MY patterns. I was so honored to be asked. And I decided I had sooooo much eye candy to show that I would need to bring it up myself (not on a plane).  And, it was time for a road trip. So pull up a chair, and pour a cuppa, as you travel from Cedar Ridge, CA to Portland, OR .  It’s still winter so snow and rain greeted us right outside Lake Shasta. We were stopped along with 1000’s of other vehicles for 2 1/2 hours while they cleared two jack-knifed big rigs because of snow. Everyone involved were o.k.  Mount Shasta was totally covered by clouds so I got this picture of an “itty bitty” cinder cone that is next to 14,162ft.  Mt. Shasta.

Whaaat?? A business owner likes color as much as I do…this came up so fast I couldn’t get a panoramic shot. Every color of the rainbow, trucks lined up out front. 

A much needed break for coffee in Yreka, CA. Look, more color, but better yet, love these, half oval shapes.  Perfect for some machine stitching. When this idea pops up in one of my designs, I will remind you of this very picture. 

Ohhh, what cool patterns, shapes, and colors we have here. 

At last, over the border into Oregon. First thing I noticed barns and ranches and happy cows, sheep, and horses, and green grass everywhere! Again, in the barn I see rectangles, washed colors, and depth of design. 

Cottage Grove, Oregon. Blooming ornamental plum trees, EVERYWHERE! Gorgeous!

The largest pansy flowers I have ever seen.

I see an entire palette in this picture. Hmm…does all that moss on this plum trees trunk mean lots of rain to go with? Well, Oregon is noted for it’s rain, rain, and more rain. 

And SUDDENLY here I am in my “Meet and Greet” area, after my Trunk Show. The beautiful quilts behind me, sadly, are not mine, but they are each made of only one fabric that is produced by E.E. Schenck. This is called “Gelato”, and each piece in the line is what we call  “ombre” fabric. I am wearing my Off The Grid Vest, and the base of it is this same Gelato fabric in Gray.  I love, it sew much.  Schenck is adding new colorways to this line as well.  If you want some now but can’t find it in your local shops, visit, ChristineBarnes.com She carries it in her online store. I’m holding my Tahoe to A “T” (black & white) and my latest Terrific Tabard. And showin’ off all the projects in my book, “Quilted Fashion Accessories.”

More about my trunk show and other pictures in “Part 2” next week. Thank you for stopping by. I have to cut this short as I have to get out a ton of orders for my patterns and books. And that’s a GOOD thing! Hugs, Heidi

Busy weekend!

I’m on a road trip to Portland, OR.  I was asked to speak at the Trends fabric show at one of my distributors of my  patterns.  Excited to get show shopowners what I do and how easy my patterns are to use and actually enjoy wearing.

I’ll tell you all about it next week. Make time for some sewing or other creativity  this weekend. Check out Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com to see what our creative retreat is all about. Hugs, Heidi

Let’s Machine Felt and Throw In a Little Quilting too!

We finally got some winter around here in Cedar Ridge (that white stuff, called SNOW! Yippee). So of course, I need to work with yarn. I have had this beautiful extra thick and soft Cashmere sweater (thrift score!) for the longest time. And now with the colder weather I want to add some pizzazz and WEAR IT!

 

Auditioning fabric and yarn. These are perfect. I used the “Fibs & Fables” by Westminster Fabrics and found yarn to go with it. 

I talk more about my felting machine, how it works, yarns, ideas, fibers you can use, etc., in other posts. Visit the home page and check the categories on the side (look for fun felting and upcycling).

I pulled some yarn right off the ball of yarn, positioned it into a circle onto one of the bell sleeves.

My “glue” of choice is a piece of regular netting, NOT tulle netting. I just place it right over the circle of yarn and push it all under the 5 needles (they are inside the protective cover). Whirrr…….whirrr…..whirr….I just LOVE this little magical machine. Remove the netting and voila’

Here are a few more “felties”, that’s what I call them, off one skein of yarn. 

Wait. I have to tell you about a very cool tool I just discovered. It is called a “Gleener.” It has three different edges to take fuzzies off of wool, acrylic, polyester, and fine fabrics. And has a velvet lint brush on the back and it’s own little carrying case with instructions.

Two of the blades sit inside and the third one is on the outside edge, ready to use. In one word, “AMAZING.”

I think I’m done with this bell sleeve edge. There are felties all the way around. Took maybe 20 minutes for one sleeve. Pretty sweet, right? 

I have to have a kangaroo pocket. Adds tremendous cozy factor in my opinion. Before attaching the pocket to the sweater, I have to do a little quilting on my regular sewing machine. Attach a darning foot (I like open toed so I can see better), lower the feed dogs, and start outlining or doodling across the sandwich of lining/batting/fashion fabric. I have also pre-sewn the sandwich together, right sides together, turned through a 5″+ opening and pressed. Back to the stitching process. Whaaat fun. Very relaxing, just like adding the felties. 

After pinning the kangaroo pocket to the sweater front, I got a cool idea. Look for the flower headed pins (one orange and one yellow).  Follow the faint white (chalk) line from the orange pin head down to the center of the pocket. Another yellow pin running horizontally. Stitch in a “V” formation through all thicknesses. Also, through all thicknesses, at the top of the pocket and leave the middle section of the pocket open (still talking about the top. Sew all the way across the bottom edge.  DO NOT stitchthe short ends (like I did, oh, Heidi, Heidi). I need a place to put my hands. Silly me.

Sew I stitched down the pocket and now I need to add some felties around the pocket and around the lower back. But first a cuppa in my special open cup to savor the rich coffee smell. I set it down and looked at it and remembered something very special to me. 

I remembered my Grandma Castleberg (my mother’s mother) and a friend of hers (a photography student) wanting to take a Black and White study of Grandma for a class project. And here it is. I love this picture and will treasure it always. I feel that I get my extra dose of creativity from my my Aunt Rose on my father’s side. I’ll share that story another time. 

Back to felties. It’s done! Check out the “V” pocket idea I had. I like it. 

I received these violas from a friend. What a great idea to brighten someones day. Buy a tiny clay pot (this one is 3 1/2″) and gently place a Viola (from a pony-pack) inside the clay pot. It has to be placed somewhere close by for the maximum happy quotient. Also, you’ll remember to check it every day for a possible drink of water.  Mine sits on the edge of my kitchen sink. Who will you pick to brighten their day with this simple idea?   Have a “Make it Up, Make it Fun, Get it Done” weekend! Hugs, Heidi

Whisper Blouse, Art to Wear in Shannon Fabrics Double Gauze

by Heidi Emmett  

Hello, My name is Heidi Emmett and I am an “Art to Wear” sewing pattern designer.  I was recently given the opportunity to work with some beautiful Double Gauze from Shannon Fabrics.   The version of Whisper Blouse below, features 10 different double gauze pieces from a full range of solids and prints in their Embrace line. I will list all the gauze prints used, at the end of this post.

I have never sewn on Double Gauze, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.

It was like sewing through “butter.” Ha, ha. Double gauze is a loosely woven cotton, two layers of it put together by a secret machining technique. And the result is one piece, light as a feather and whisper soft. 

Below are the front and back covers of my Whisper Blouse pattern. 

Ten different pieces, where do I place them? I literally lay out the pieces in a “quasai”  Whisper Blouse look and audition the pieces for each spot. I’m showing this layout as it was the first one I tried, but clearly not the last. When in doubt, pick your  favorite fabric for the bodice and then work out from there. Always take a picture of your work. It helps you visualize the finished blouse.

I wanted you to see the skirt pieces put together. It looks quite random, but there is a method. I chose the Mariposa-Multi (butterflies) for the center panels and side panels. Pretend this is a clock face. 6 o’clock is the center front. 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock are the side panels. You will never see the whole skirt at once so placement isn’t that crucial as you can see. The picture below shows the inside neck edge. I am using a double folded bias tape to finish the neck edge. The super tightly woven bias tape is a perfect stabilizer for the loosely woven gauze. It makes for a beautifully flat neck edge. I give clear instructions in pattern on how to apply the bias tape.

Below is a bottle of your new best friend. Go to their website, Terial Magic.com, to see all the uses it has. I spot spray it in regards to sewing. Works best on 100% cotton, which double gauze is.  Lay a piece of muslin on your ironing board. Spray T.M.  where you need stabilization of the fabric (hem of the skirt pieces in this picture). Iron it dry with a dry iron set on cotton. When it’s dry it will feel like a piece of paper. Press up the hems and stitch in place. You can easily remove the stiffness by getting the stiff area wet, to rinse out the T.M. and squeeze out the excess and iron dry. 

I can’t wait to wear my new Whisper Blouse. Twirling is a must with Shannon Fabrics Double Gauze. I truly enjoyed working with this fabric so much that I have almost finished two more  projects and am ready to cut out a third.  I will bring those to you in a future post. 

Here are the pieces I used: Queen Anne’s Lace-Coral, Mariposa- Multi, Premier Garden Toile-Colbalt, Floral Fields-Teal, Premier Dandelion-Aruba, Plumage-Teal, Premier Blooms-Aruba, Herringbone-Steel, Fun Dot-Malibu, Aim High-Teal.

Thanks for stopping by. Please visit my personal blog: Designsbyheidi.wordpress.com for more creative sewing ideas. And click on the Craftsy or Etsy logos to see my collection of “Art to Wear” sewing pattern.  Hugs, Heidi

  

 

Denim Daze!

 

In case you didn’t know, I love to upcycle or repurpose  garments. Today it’s denim! I was on PInterest at 6:00a.m. today and denim things just kept popping up. Let’s look at some of my latest “pins” and then I’ll show you two of my own easy, peasy, projects. Aren’t the totes below, cute. While you’re thrifting, look for purses/totes that have handles you can reuse.

I like the way this vest uses several different denim colors to create a really distinctive look.

I love, love, LOVE this denim coat. Don’t use too heavy of denim pieces or you will never want to wear it. 

Great use of jean pockets. 

A super creative use of denim and belts. 

A very creative way to lengthen a top and use light weight denim. I believe they started with a denim shirt. 

A very fun way to use bits of denim and some favorite dress fabrics. 

 

Below are two projects. The bottom piece is a duvet cover, designed and created by Christine Barnes for a Sunset Book, project. Look for a copy of this book, Reinvent Series, Kid’s Rooms, by Christine Barnes for Sunset Books. You can find them on Ebay. This Duvet cover is one of the great quilting projects in the book. Today, though,  I will show you the pillow project that I designed (sitting on the duvet cover).  

I call the pillows “Rods and Reels”, because the design on the front reminds me of a rod & reel that you fish with. This was a “denim” issue that included my “vintage” denim pillow project. I enjoyed designing projects for Stitch and wouldn’t ya know it,  Interweave dropped the magazine. You might be able to find back issues on Ebay. 

I used all Kaffe Fassett striped fabrics. Yummy colors. I pre-stitched some denim pieces WRONG sides together and zig-zagged the seams open. Then I washed and dried the pieces so the white area would fringe some more. 

Terial Magic sprayed on all the striped fabrics really helped in the sewing process. Check it out at Terialmagic.com 

Laying out the rods and reels

I am using basting glue for this project. While it is a wonderful product, it is a bear for me  to get out of the tube. I have constant clogging issues. Sew, I have now started using good ol’ Elmer’s school glue. My hands don’t ache anymore. 

I put on my open-toed darning foot, lower the feed dogs, and have fun!

Below is my version of denim catch-all containers. 

Cut up the legs of a men’s pair of regular legged jeans(I have bins for legs, bins for waistbands, bins for pockets, ackk, I’m “binned out”).

Then I went to the shortsleeved shirt bin, sigh, it’s a disease, but I AM EMBRACING IT! Notice that the sleeve fit perfectly onto the leg piece. I did stitch out the fullness of the sleeve at the under arm portion   

I call the these “mock box pleats.” Make certain that they are of equal distance on both sides. 

Whirrrr…..stitching around the top edge. The hemmed edge of the shirt sleeve is turned to the right side of the container. Done!

A winterscape at Zephyr Point, Lake Tahoe, Nevada side.  This is where we will hold our 5th annual Artistic Alchemy Retreat. Aren’t you glad we will be there September 3rd-7th instead?      Tap on the Artistic Alchemy icon for more

What is that white thing on the end of the dock? 

We went in for a closer look. My whole side of the family was up at Zephyr Point a few years back. The “thing” on the dock is a  snow sculpture made by a nephew. Here I am with hubby, and son.   Brrrrrr…..  it was really cold but we all had a great time!

 

Stay cozy this weekend. A perfect time for some handwork. It feels like crochet time, embroidery, polymer, knitting, fiber jewelry time. Accckkk! By the time I decide, the snow (that’s expected) will have melted. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs, Heidi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK THIS OUT! A New and Different Terrific Tabard by Designs by Heidi

I’m changing things up at Design’s by Heidi. Same great patterns, but I’m looking forward to working  with different fabrics, and a sleek and smooth look, so very little to no quilting. I will always have beautiful quilting fabrics in my designs and lots of stitching, but now I want add fabrics such as silk shantung, linen, wools, etc. and add some solid colors and/or more black. I am just getting started on my “Black + A Color” collection (using my current patterns). Below, I present to you, the FIRST piece in this collection: Terrific Tabard aka “Skinny Vest.” Here is the basic pattern.

 

I bought one of Mary Boalt’s beautiful “half a canvas.” I love it sew much that I was determined to use every, single, scrap! And I have. Let me show you how I did it. Below, on the right side of the vest, I used the majority of the panel. It measured approximately 18″ x 29″.  I used View “A” with the rounded front piece (near the neck area). I chose to pin my vest closed at the top instead of a button at the waist. A whole NEW look.

O.K., let’s unpack how SIMPLE this vest was to make. I think that laying it out flat shows how easy it is. 

And here are the lining pieces. Before we go any further, this is the biggest change to the Terrific Tabard pattern. Normally, all creative work is done on the wrong side of the lining/foundation piece. This time, creative stitching is done on all the outside pieces and the lining is used to create the finished outside edge. Here is the order to put this together: 1. Stitch, right sides together, the decorated pieces at the shoulders. 2. Copy that on the lining pieces. 3. With right sides together, pin the outside of the vest, to the lining of the vest. 4. Begin stitching all the way around the vest on one side of the back. 5. Stitch, stitch, all the way around until you come within 6-7″ of the beginning. 6. Turn the vest through this opening. 7. Press, add loops, buttons, etc. 

Now for some of the details. My beautiful “closure” pin. Look in your long forgotten pin drawer. Who knows, an entire vest may come from one of your treasures. 

This is the largest, leftover piece I had. Oh, great, a chunk is missing. No worries. 

Sew a piece to it. Stitch in a gentle curve (no time to make it fit exactly in the empty space). Press FIRST, then trim away excess (I have been known to trim off the WRONG edge). 

It has been pressed, trimmed, and greaaaat, there is a pleaty thing going on. No worries. This is “Art to Wear” and improvising when necessary is the name of the game.

Getting ready to trim off the excess. I use my rotary cutter, ruler, and mat, as much as possible. It increases accuracy in my cuts. 

Now the fun begins!  I’m auditioning some of my favorite fabric pieces. I always have a main fabric to key off from. In this vest I used Mary Boalt’s  (check out her work at Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com ) hand painted and stamped canvas.  

Remember I said I use every single scrap? There is one scrap above (I added that polka dot to, and below is another scrap). Hmm..it has a “sort of” pocket shape. That’s it, make a pocket. 

I lay all three pieces out and pick and choose my fabrics to go with. I don’t have any idea what I really want. Ya just have to start. A few things I do know: 1. I want long, lean, lines. 2. I want at least one pocket. 3. I wont add anything to the beautiful panel piece. Taking pictures of what you are doing can really help. Also, leave it for awhile and come back with fresh eyes. This picture already shows me one thing I don’t want and that is bunnies hopping across  my waistline. That’s a horizontal line= feeling larger.

Note: Yes, I placed these pieces on top of some major piles of fabric. Acckk.. it’s an ongoing job, straightening and rearranging in my studio space.

The bunnies have hopped around to the back and I’m putting a strip of polka dots on the front and running it at an angle for a thinner look. The pocket is already on. See the thread on the the side? That is where I stopped stitching. This gives some depth to the pocket so stuff wont fall out.  And now I’m thinking about closures and buttons. What to do, what to do,….Oh, and there is another scrap (under the button), should it go there? Acck..I have to stop for a bit.I can’t decide on anything because I’m hungry.

Well, I just found out that our personal chef wants to quit. Kidding, the personal chef is ME OF COURSE! So I sent my CTO & CFO out to pick up something (that CFO, etc. I’m not kidding about, is my husband). O.K. back to it. Button, button, where is the perfect button? These are all so cool. Sandra Bruce makes the best polymer buttons and earrings. See her treasures at Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com   

Too funny. All those beautiful buttons and I ended up with a pin. A smoother look (I wasn’t liking a tab or ties for the front). The pin is perfect.

I forgot to point out the cute little colorful ties that Mary added to her canvas. The finishing touch. I love them. 

Now I am topstitching all those pieces down. Use glue or pins to hold them in place until sewn. I have the presser foot up (needle in fabric)in this picture as I am getting ready to turn it around and stitch right into the silk. I call this cardiac stitching (goes up and down in a zigzag pattern similar to an electrocardiogram).   

I am putting a spotlight on the stitching down of the long strip that I added the polka dot fabric too. I ran it, longwise, through my serger. I got ready to press it under, but I thought, that I liked the texture that I just made, sew I stitched it down. Oh, and to the left of the bunnies, that is where the little scrap ended up (I originally had it under a button. 

 

There is some more stitching on the front.

Here is a rectangle of stitching from the front side. Whaat is going on here? 

Here is the wrong side. I found a scrap of a light weight canvas. I stitched it down all the way around on the wrong side of the vest front. Who cares what the fabric looks like, as the vest will be lined. But the weight is perfect to prevent puckering.

Back to the right side and stitch, stitch, stitch, up and down, back and forth, until it looks like this. I have named this method, “Stock market Ups & Downs.” 

Another rectangle ready for the stock market stitch. 

 

I just had to include these next two pictures. When it gets too cold (and/ I’m doing some cleaning) in my attic studio, I bring fabrics down and  do my cutting out on my dining room table. I see four projects in this picture in various states of readiness to sew. Rubix zeroed in on the soft pile of my newest Kantha cloth acquisition. He looked pretty cute. He loved his puddle of sun so much, he stretched out on his back and……

promptly rolled right off the table. Of course he sauntered out from under the table as if to exclaim, “I meant to do that.” There are stories in this picture. Yes, that is a sewing machine table in the background. My sweet dad put that together 50+ years ago and my mom gave it to me when she downsized. It’s a treasure. The Leopard chair (ultrasuede) is from my Mother-in-law. There are two of those. Hmm…I think I have enough leopard items to do a post on “All I know about Leopard prints and why I love them so!” You saw the Kantha which is now,  another post idea coming to the forefront of my brain, “All About Kantha.” Last but NOT least is the FABULOUS Mary Boalt canvas on the chair. Of COURSE I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER ONE! After my new favorite Terrific Tabard that you just read about, the ideas just keep coming for ways to incorporate her canvases into other Designed by Heidi patterns.

Thanks for stopping by! Get creative this weekend. Hugs, to you all. Heidi

 

Terrific Tabard goes to the Pine Tree Quilt Guild of Grass Valley, CA,for a Workshop!

After a fun-filled “Trunk Show” with Designs by Heidi in Grass Valley, CA,at the Pine Tree Quilt Guild (the guild I attend), I taught a workshop the next day using my Terrific Tabard Vest pattern. I had 12 amazing students.  Come see what everyone was working on….

Margaret, the workshop chair, wore her beautiful T.T. vest to the workshop. What a perfect advertisement she was. Lots of detail work.

Apologies on the blurry picture. I HAVE TO LEARN to tone down my enthusiasm for my students work until AFTER I TAKE THE PICTURES! Margaret, this is a beautiful vest and you wear it very well.  I apologize in advance, as I messed up on other pictures for Lori, Arline, Raedean…..acckk!

Jill is laying out her Kaffe Fassett stripes that will be added to some of her pre-made Kaffe blocks and pieces. She is using Terial Magic on every piece going into this vest as these stripes and shot cottons are not that tightly woven.  And she will whistle while she stitches ’cause Terial Magic makes fabrics like paper for ease of stitching. It all washes out it you want it to. 

Lynda has some stunner hand dyed fabric. She plans to use this as a foundation/lining piece (it acts for both) for one of the front pieces. 

Carolie is keying off one large scaled print to pick up all the other colored pieces for her collage styled vest. Like “Tree of Life” , view B. of the pattern. 

Holly has used a floral (the circles of flowers) to pull out other colors. She is using that rayon print (behind everything) as her lining/foundation fabric. What a fun, contemporary look. I encourage everyone to always think, “long and lean” with their raw edge collaging. And that is just what Holly is doing here. 

Pavana is using a large scale print as I did for view A in the pattern (Aussie Angle). Teal and lime are so great together and see how the large flowers fill up the space? Cut out a bunch of the large scale pieces and arrange them in a way that you like then begin filling in the empty spaces with strips and other chunks of fabric. Pavana is using that same all over print for her lining/foundation piece. The white that you see is her batting.  

Robi is contemplating her beautiful batiks. This the way you do it. Audition all your fabrics for choices. Taking a picture and looking at that, is another way to help make choices.  While the geometric piece isn’t “large scaled”, scroll down and see where it started. 

I had suggested she cut out chunks of the geometric batik and Robi went above and beyond with this intricate looking puzzle-pieced fabric. The piece in the middle is the uncut fabric. 

She is trying to decide which one she likes the best that will become her foundation/lining piece. Which one do you like best? 

Do any of you still work on the floor? Margie gets the “Miss Limber of the year award!” It is a great way to see how all the fabrics you have chosen will look. 

Margie chose this beautiful 100% linen field of flowers for her foundation fabric. One of the colorful pieces will be used for her lining. The floral piece is not long enough. So, she gathered her palette right from the flowers and will create a “piano key” strip across the bottom. Brilliant idea. 

Check this out. A fabric that looks like burlap! Go to the Connecting Threads site of the same name. It’s a solid without being solid, ha, ha. It’s like my super fav. fabric, “Grunge” which now has 180 colors. Whaaaat? That’s right (Christine Barnes told me ’cause she has the color cards). 

Julie is a great example of working with large scaled fabrics and small prints for  a resting place for the eyes. Kaffe Fassett fabrics tend to have more medium values across the board. So doing what Julie is (using large and small scales together) is perfect. 

Julie is working on the back first.  I suggest this as it is the largest “blank canvas” and if you want to make changes, those can be done on the fronts, because you will be a pro at that point! 

Oh, this is going to be fun! Now this girl put her “pedal (maybe it should be “petals”) to the metal and is already working on the fronts. She will be totally prepped to raw edge stitch. 

And look at my special treat. Julie saved all her scraps for ME! I shamelessly asked that if she was going to throw them out, I would take them. And she obliged. Thank you Julie. 

Next month the Pine Tree Quilt Guild is having a March mixer. There is not the usual Show and Tell time, but hopefully, many of my students will be WEARING their Art to Wear creations. I’ll get CLEAR pictures, I promise.

Next week I will post my own newest, latest, greatest Terrific Tabard vest and how I did it.

 

A late summer sunset at Zephyr Point. You could be HERE this Sept. 3rd-7th with Artistic Alchemy. We have TONS of fun. Go to Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com for all the details.  

Have a terrific weekend. Four days for many of you. Let’s get some creative sewing done! Hugs, Heidi

A few words of wisdom from Cathy Stone (she just moved to Gig Harbor, WA, we miss you Cathy!): “Learn to Let Go, or get dragged.”  It makes you think, doesn’t it?

I Heart You!

I wanted to wish you all some Valentine LOVE today!

Thank you for visiting . When I post, I feel as if we are having ” good friend “conversation at my house, and a cuppa of tea or coffee.

The pictures below are some hearts I have collected over the years.

Jax, our, “can sit anywhere he wants”, gran-dog (remember, he’s the one who saved us from a would-be robber, and because of Jax, they caught the bad guys), is coming for the day today. I am making him a neck kerchief cause we love him lots! He’s a GOOD BOY!

Found this stitched leather heart and to me it signifies having a strong heart when life throws things our way that are hard. 

I used to sell all these little treasures at my fabric store. We made special valentines one year and of course I kept mine. It makes me smile. 

From an old quilt, had a verse attached to it: “Love one another.”

Another old quilt- a little heart pin. 

An old brass plated charm. It’s heartfelt. 

A postcard sent to me from Anthropologie. I do LOVE visiting that store and getting their catalogs in the mail. Great inspiration from color combos to new design possibilities. 

Hearts “on fire.”  I made this by putting two fabrics together and machine stitching a heart shape and cutting away some of the top layer. Easy Peasy ( Terial Magic first)!

A Valentine came in postcard form one year from my friend, Sandra Bruce.  Sew sweet. 

Have a super Valentine’s Day!  Big HUGS from, Heidi

 

 

Haute Couture Socie’te’ in Stockton, CA, where it’s CREATIVITY All the Time!

by Heidi Emmett

Last Saturday (Feb. 3rd), I made my way down to Stockton, CA in the early morning. I was giving a Trunk Show on Designs by Heidi, and a workshop in the afternoon.

If you want to see what they are all about, you must ATTEND their 50th Golden Gala, Fashion Show and Luncheon. Details below.

I arrived at a wonderfully, open, and airy, place to do my Trunk Show, and workshop, both in the same place. What could be easier? I set up my area with samples and patterns and then had time to watch the ladies file in.  Wow, wow, WOW! It was truly a fashion show on its’ own. So many wore their latest, greatest, “Art to Wear” creations. I saw felting, upcycling, quilted, and more.

As the program started, ladies who had just finished a vest challenge lined up. My pictures are NOT good at all, as I got really excited about the vests I was seeing and did not position the camera properly. I did not do any of them justice. I do have better pictures of the vest on the left (ties) and the vest on the far right, my Off The Grid vest pattern. 

Here is Marta wearing her own creation of a vest made with silk ties. I’ve never seen ties look so sophisticated. 

Kris and her Off the Grid Vest (a pattern I designed). It turned out so well. Long and lean looking and the black background makes the colorful squares really pop. She used a variegated metallic thread for all the quilting lines.  

LOOK! Kris can wear this inside out and show off the batik butterfly lining. So cool. 

And then the workshop started. I had so much fun and worked with each student, on sizing the rectangles of Tahoe to a “T” tunic to fit their own bodies. Here are a few things I learned……….my students teach the teacher all the time. I really like that.

Judy reminded me that there is a product called “Color Catcher’s” by Shout. Throw a pod in the washer and it will keep your colors from bleeding on each other. Brilliant!

Sandra went outside the box in a way I had never thought of, she used a border lace for her front and back panels. Brilliant! She said I could copy her. I have a very special off white border lace and I will put it on off white linen. Oh yeah!! Now where did I put that lace piece?

Carole has a sweet little helper with her. Little Lamb, her rescue Shitzu(puppy mill mommy) was very interested in what Carole was creating. The fabric in the chair is 100% linen and on the table are summery batiks that go with the the linen. She is not sure how she wants to make up her batik fabrics for the panels. L’il Lamb will help her decide.

Now, I did take pictures of  my students work, I’m certain I did! Can I find them? NOOO! I have no idea how they disappeared. So unfortunately, the above (which a student sent me) picture, is it.  Accccckkk!

To see more about what a “Tahoe to a T” tunic is, scroll back on the posts to Feb. 2nd’s post.  and read all about it.

Quick commercial break. Tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 10th, 2018, I am doing a short, demonstration at Sugar Pine Quilt Shop at 9:00a.m. Please join me for quick tips on making the chic, “Sling Bag”. EXCELLENT gift idea or how about one for yourself!

Next week I will show the work of Terrific Tabard student’s work from the Pine Tree Quilt Guild of Grass Valley, CA. I visited them with a Trunk Show and workshop a few days after Stockton. It was a busy week, but very satisfying for all involved. I made it up, made it fun, and they are getting their creations done! Hugs, Heidi

 

You Could Make a Dozen of These!

I’m on my way tomorrow to the Haute Couture Societe’ in Stockton, CA. I’ll be doing my Trunk Show on Designs by Heidi with an afternoon workshop on making  “Tahoe To a T”, a Tunic. Wish you all could be there too.

You really could make a dozen of these, and in pretty quick order too! Once you create the pattern pieces (three rectangles), the hardest part will be picking out the fabrics you want to use!  A great thing about this pattern is that is a 4 seasons tunic. It just depends on what the base fabric is, linen, lightweight denim for summer/fall and corduroy, canvas for winter/spring.  And you can easily wear it with or without a t-shirt. I love the T.T.T. below using a turquoise light weight denim for the background and Marcia Derse quilting cottons for the panels.

 

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But wait, here’s another one. Black linen for the base and hand painted cotton for the panels. Love it!

And here are all the teachers for the upcoming Artistic Alchemy Retreat Sept. 3-7th being held at Lake Tahoe at Zephyr Point. Check out all the particulars. Click on the icon below or go to Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com  My workshop is jam packed with creative FUN!

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Find 15 minutes a day, that’s all I ask. Your creativity is right there waiting for you. I can’t wait to see what you do.

 

 

 

Heidi’s Studio Sale, Going, going, GONE! Great Prices….

Well here it is: Heidi’s Studio Sale. THESE HAVE ALL SOLD- On April 7th, 2018.

All prices include first-class (if the package is under 13 ounces) or Priority postage (it depends on the item(s) and their weight). If you decide to buy several items, I’ll consolidate the order and hopefully be able to refund some of the total postage cost.

How do you purchase something? Email me personally, at hmemmett@gmail.com I’ll send you a Request for Money through Pay Pal. You don’t need a Pay Pal account to do this transaction. Once you pay, I will send it. Or, if you would rather, send me a check. The first person to email me that they want an item, gets it. That simple.

Everyone’s computer sees color differently. So keep that in mind. If you purchase something from me and don’t like it, I will take it back within 10 days of shipping it originally. I will refund your money after I receive the item back. I will not be able to refund any shipping charges  Here we go:

I collected some Kimono’s. They are timeless and look great for any occasion. I found that true Kimono’s are just not my thing. I am ashamed to say that I thought of cutting them up for the fabric. WHAT WAS I THINKING? So having saved them from my scissors, I now offer them to all of you. As items sell, they will be removed from the post.

Yellow Green kimono lined in a leaf print.  100% silk. Shibori is the dying technique. Beautifully hand sewn. Width from sleeve edge to middle of the back neck = 25″. Bust area (front pieces meeting= 40″. Hips with front pieces meeting= 42″. Finished length, measuring from the top of the collar to the bottom edge= 30 1/4″. Price: $29.00 plus $7. shipping. 

Cream with Shibori dyed Dark Green, Blue Green & Umber Circles & Mtns. 100% silk. So much detail in the Shibori. Beautifully hand sewn. Width from sleeve edge to middle of the back neck = 25″. Bust area (front pieces meeting)= 21″. Hips with front pieces meeting = 42″. Finished length, measuring from the top of the collar to the bottom edge= 33 1/4″. Price: $29.00 plus $7. shipping.

 

 

And now we have some beautiful items from Peruvian Connection. I collect Peruvian Connection sweaters.   I am moving some of them along while it is still winter. This one is Alpaca and Pima cotton. It is in very good condition. I wore it twice. Bust=40″, sleeve 22 1/4″ (from shoulder seam), length from center back= 50″.  A beautiful piece, colors are on the dusty, softer side, the black is a true black. All the edges are bordered in a beautiful tight single crochet (keeps it from stretching) design with picot edges in Pima cotton. The body is Alpaca with some Pima cotton. Wear with black skinny jeans or leggings and a black turtle neck. Stunning. In past catalogs these sweater coats range in price from $399-$599. Knitted in Bolivia.  $75.00 + $5. shipping. I will pay the additional $10. +

This Sweater Dress is so Boho Chic! 100% Alpaca. Size Medium. Bust 38″, Hips 40″ Sleeves (measured from Center Back to sleeve edge) 29 1/2″, Length from center back neck edge 48 1/2″. It has a nice moderate stretch. I added the little wool felted coins with a blanket stitch to give it some extra texture. They are NOT to cover any holes.  Gently worn condition. $75. plus $5. shipping. Actual shipping charges are much more but I will pay them. 

That’s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by. I will also post these in Artistic Alchemy’s blog. It is Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com  Hugs, Heidi

Upcycles, Free Pattern offer, Inspiration, & Studio Sale!

So much to talk about, let’s do this. Snow first. It was truly magical. 4 ” (of course I measured) of the lightest, fluffiest, squeakiest  (when I walked in it), snow. 

It happened last night, January 25th, 2018

I want to, from time to time put some of my treasured items from my Studio up for sale. I call it my “Studio Sale.” Find out much more on Monday, January 29th, 2018, I’ll send out a post. 

Inspiration and upcycling in one picture. I think this is really fun and different.  I need to try this.

Maybe not all the ruffles but an ingenious way to use a favorite pair of embroidered jeans. Cut off the legs, open one up and add whatever collage you want. See the faint triangle line on the ruffles portion below? 

You know how much I love circles. Besides all the bias edge of a circle and none to very little raveling, they can be used oh so many ways. Here they are on a t-shirt. 

A few super simple upcycling ideas. I bought this top for the copius amount of fabric. But then I tried it on…..I think I want to wear it instead of cutting it up. But it’s so loose in the neck area. It is a 1X and I wear an 8-10. 

It could not be easier. Pinch it whatever amount you need on one side of the neck (can’t do too much or it will look silly) and add a favorite pin. Off- set the pinch for an asymmetric look.

I’ve seen these many times on Pinterest. You can buy one for $26.99. I think this is a terrific idea. I own so many tops that seem just a little too short for the “look” I’m after. 

Check out this weeks version (I have more coming. They are in a pile to be sewn) I started with a mini -skirt made of stretchy tiers. This one was made for someone REALLY tiny. The waist was o.k. but the hips, uhhh….not so much. How do you like my fluffy backdrop? I was too lazy to run upstairs to my studio for the white board background. This backdrop is a pillow off the couch.  I kinda like it, Ethereal looking?

I found the center back, slit it up to the waistband and inserted a triangle piece of stretch lace (from a lace t-shirt). I even have a scalloped border. 

I like the fact that depending on the over-top, I can wear the lace bit in the front, or switch it to the back. A sharper image of the “under-skirt” below and guess who else? Rubix. 

FREE PATTERN!! No strings attached. Click on the Craftsy icon below and visit my “Art to Wear” pattern line  on Craftsy.com. Look under patterns/sewing/Designs by Heidi.  When I had my fabric store, this timeless 3 tiered skirt pattern was one of my best sellers. While there are many tiered skirt patterns out there, besides this one being free, there was much thought put into exactly where the tiers would hit on many body types. Enjoy!

  

The rose below is really inspiring to me. To start your own collection of inspiring pictures, go to Pinterest and do these things:  1. Follow Designs by Heidi 2. Look at some of my boards. 3. Find an interesting pin and email it to yourself. 4. Open that picture and add it to a specific folder (I labeled mine “Downloads”).

Oh, I just love those circles, don’t I. 

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.                                    A quote by  Roxanne of Roxanne’s Wish & A Dream (a quilt shop in Carpenteria, CA , an area that has gone through fires & mudslides). Visit her site: Roxanne’s A Wish & A Dream.com    Take care everyone and find time for some new creativity for yourself this weekend. Hugs, Heidi

What an Inspiring Day I Had At SWAG!

 

Once a month I meet with a group of ladies who are excited about working with fiber and “stuff” that goes with all the fiber.  I have mentioned them before, and here they are again. It is the Sierra Wearable Art Group located in Nevada City, CA. Every month is sew special. We are all diversified in what we all create.  I want you to check out this months inspiration with me

Below is Janet showing what she created using fabric she bought when she was at the Artistic Alchemy Retreat 2 years ago. It was fabric from my stash as a fabric store owner. I brought bolts and bolts (of course I brought bolts of fabric home! I needed to insulate the attic studio my husband said)of yummy fabrics that I just had to keep for myself.

The base of the vest is elasticized denim. Isn’t it cool? ( You all would have loved my fabric store. My most favorite thing was purchasing unusual fabrics, that were not seen in any other stores.) I love Janet’s attention to details, like her Ralph Lauren labels (saved from other jeans). And all the piping details. Easy method from a Lois Ericson book (check Ebay, great reference books).  

Here’s the Vogue pattern she used. 

Kari got me into machine felting. Kari and I both have HuskyStars (made by Husqavarna). Check Ebay for machines. HuskyStars are not being made anymore though. So sad.

Kari brought her vest to show. She felted wool pieces to wool background (the grey). This is her right side.   

Here is her wrong side of the same section.

Another right side. Lots and lots of stitching. But by machine, whoo hoo, it goes so fast! 

And the same piece turned to the wrong side. 

Finished vest. Sew creative Kari!

I had to snap a picture of Janet’s bracelet. She bought it at a boutique somewhere and could not  remember the artist. I’d buy one.

Deb bought this really unusual piece of Double Gauze. She thought it was too soft in coloring and stamped it with Jacquard paints to add interest and more color. As well as silk organza. Isn’t this the coolest thing ever?

If that wasn’t enough, Deb decided to make three buttonholes on the front of her jacket using the same silk fabric. See the buttonhole in the lower right corner? Whaat? See next picture. 

Here is the back side of that same buttonhole. She placed a piece of fabric on the back side of the finished jacket, stitched a buttonhole shape, cut the buttonhole open, slipped the fabric through that hole and it came to the front of the jacket. Deb then did all the fancy stitching, tucking, stitched some more and voila! I tilted my phone in such a way that it’s blurry but I think you get it. Love this! 

I was so excited about the technique and all that I forgot to get a picture of her wearing the jacket. Trust me, it was really fun. BUT, I do have the pattern that she used: “New York Jacket” by Sewing Workshop.  While explaining her jacket techniques, Deb also passed around the book you see below. It might still be available on Amazon, or (I already purchased mine right when I came home that day) Ebay.

Linda is wearing her hand stamped, linen  vest and carrying the coolest tote bag. She “wet” felted this at a special class at the Tin Thimble in Rocklin, CA. What a great store it is. They are on the web. Looking so good Linda. 

Stephanie brought some small embroidered pieces she is working on. She started with the small piece in the center. It was cut from a special tablecloth that belonged to her mother. Stephanie said all this embroidery came about by visiting the site of Judy Hill of Spirit Cloth.  I’m going there myself, tonight! 

She brought her embroidery in a tote she made from a placemat. Really fun. And it’s reversible. Who knew? 

I found out why some my pictures from my phone look like they are moving. I get so excited about what I’m seeing that I snap 3 sometimes 6 in the blink of an eye! When I get them off the phone onto the blog, this happens. It’s “Moving Art!”

Patty, I am so sorry that my phone could not capture the absolutely gorgeous midnight blue stretch velvet you made this stunning jacket out of. She stenciled the flower  using Jacquard paints. One one the back and one on the front. Elegant and simple. And the perfect trick for hemming this sometimes slippery fabric? Use a terry towel underneath and a press cloth on the wrong side and use a double sided fusible.Such a smooth hem. Brilliant idea!

Joan brought a lovely antique button necklace she made. She made the silk cording and wired the buttons together with silver wire. What an excellent way to use some of your very special buttons that we ALL collect. 

Yep, the wobble pictures again. Joan has such a cute vest on. Funnel necklines are so flattering. And the design lines (aka princess line) and raw edging make this one fast and easy. She walked the isles of Home Depot to find the closures. Clever, so clever. Joan could not remember the pattern she used, but several of us think it was a Vogue (very easy).

Deb also brought a necklace she made for the holidays. She copied one from a catalog that she had. She refused to buy it for $200. so instead went to the Bead store and spent $100. on supplies. If she is like me, she also purchased more beads for future projects. Acckk, it’s a disease! 

Patty also brought this tote that she picked up at Diane Ericson’s studio in Ashland, Oregon. Yowzaa, let’s all go, take one of her classes, o.k., go on line and see what she is all about.  I want that stencil. Paper airplanes. So fun. P.S. my “featured image” (at the beginning of this post) is also by Diane Ericson. I found it on Pinterest. If you want your sketches to come to life, what a fun way to see what fabrics from your stash you might want to use.

Can you see why I never want to miss a month? I am also so happy to tell you that our SWAG group has a Facebook page. Come and join us that way.  Get connected and be informed about upcoming events, sales, fashion shows, etc. ——-Join the email list: WeHaveArtToWear@gmail.com        Hugs to all, Heidi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is It Going to Be, “Sparky Top”, Sparkalicious, Sparkle Top,……?

Remember this garment I showed you that I took to Hawaii? Well I have made 3 more prototypes and FINALLY!! on Monday first thing, the pattern pieces move to step 2 of this long process (since it’s just me doing it), the pattern grader in Napa, CA. Yeahhh!! I just had to tell you. I have a really good feeling about this new pattern. It is so much fun to make and really fast to stitch up.  Loose fitting, but really stylish. I can’t wait to get those boxes of tissue pieces from Simplicity.

Well, here are a few more of the same but really different. This one from my new “Black & White” collection that I’m working on. The Black & White collection is going to be a great post-later down the road. 

Remember this Whisper Blouse? I used Shannon Fabrics Double Gauze. Go to my home page and look under Categories- Whisper Blouse- It’s a good read.

Well, here is another proto-type using the scraps from that same group of Double Gauzes (after the Whisper Blouse picture). The perfect necklace is from my son. He gave it to me for Christmas. Of course, I love it! And I look at it thinking, how can I make one, maybe felting,  , felted circles, some polymer? Accckkk! I just can’t STOP!

O.K., the scraps are dwindling but it’s great, forces me to get creative with my piecing. I added a white on white embroidered cotton lawn, and a cross stitched linen. 

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you are inspired to sew something, anything, this weekend. Hey, don’t forget to pop over to Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com    It’s my turn this week. And there is a surprise- an added post- “Heidi’s Studio Sale”- hurry quick before they all sell.  I will do one here too, tomorrow even, different things, but I am so done for the day. Three separate posts, yowzaa, took most of this day. Hugs, Heidi

 

 

Tahoe To A “T”, A Blank Canvas for some Creative Stitching!

The possibilities are endless for fabric manipulation masterpieces! Check out what you can do with this fast and easy Art to Wear sewing pattern by Heidi Emmett.

 

It really is an all season Tunic. Spring and Summer, wear it sleeveless with lightweight capris or leggings.

For Fall & Winter, wear a long sleeved or 3/4 sleeve t-shirt and leggings or skinny pants. And then it’s, belt it or not. Sooo much variety.