Running Hot and Cold!

by Heidi Emmett

“Kaffe Fassett Extravaganza!” That is the name of our Trunk Show. Christine Barnes and I have long had an interest in all things Kaffe, from fabric to his knitwear, to his needlepoint, mosaics, and of course, quilts. So we were off to Merced for Trunk Show # 1, this past Monday. Below is the coolest Mosaic in the hottest part of the day, 108 degrees! I saw this as part of a wall to sit on. That streak of white is the blazing sun.  The A.C. was on and the quilt guild in Merced was a hot group! They were such a creative, lively, and nice group.
And look what Lora Wheeler made, her own Mommy & Me vest! I love it. She bought the pattern at our Artistic Alchemy Booth at the Pine Tree Quilt Show back in May in Grass Valley, CA. It is always so fun to see what you all create with one of my patterns. She used a fabulous puckery type of rayon. I thought it was silk.

I just love what you did Lora. You were thinking outside the box! I sure wish I could come back and take your “upcycling” workshop-taking four shirts to create one.

On to San Francisco! It was 63 degrees when we arrived! Ahhhhhhh, so refreshing. As soon as we got to our hotel, I took a walk across the street to Sutro Park. It has tons of Nasturtiums, they are such a happy plant. Great colors.

I came close to the edge of a trail and stopped in my tracks! Yes, this was my view. It is just astonishing! That large green patch is the beginning of Golden Gate Park! Did you know that it is 3 1/2 miles long and 1/2 mile wide? Wow. And check out that HUGE beach area.  A lovely rose. Sutro park is 128 acres of loveliness. Adolph Sutro purchased that acreage in 1881 and built a Mansion, Conservatory, and a Parapette. When he passed, the whole place went to ruin. All the buildings were torn down but all the foliage stayed. It is now a city park within San Francisco.   

These homes border the park on one side.These home owners can walk down the hill to the Cliff House restaurant.  Don’t they look like places on the Cote d’Azure in France?  Succulents in front of the hotel, Seal Rock Inn. Cool and crisp looking.  There it is, Seal Rock Inn from Sutro park. 

The ladies of the S.F. Quilt Guild were also a delight. We had a great time telling them  some things they didn’t know about Kaffe Fassett. He grew up at Nepenthe which is near Big Sur, just down Highway One, south of San Francisco. Thank you Cathy and Laura, you were great hostesses.

No, NO! Christine and I didn’t want to leave. A 63 degree high, I had to dig through my Kaffe samples and find my Kaffe Alpaca sweater to wear. Who knew?  

Thanks for stopping by. At our Artistic Alchemy Retreat in September, my workshop, “Pick a Pattern”(Designs by Heidi patterns) is still taking students. Maybe you will want to design and create your own Mommy & Me Vest. I would love to have you in my workshop. I will help you fit whichever pattern you choose. Let’s all get our creative going. Hugs, Heidi

 

Maui, Hawaii—–Listen, you can almost hear the waves.

 

Aloha! And in case you didn’t know (there are new signups every week, to which I say thank you), my husband and I went to Maui to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. I brought along my newest “Proto-type.”  It’s a top/blouse and its’ working title is  “The Sparky Top.” I feel sparkly” when I put it on and it’s also in honor of our sweet dog, Sparky, who would be curled up in his bed right next to me as I wrote my blog posts or worked on my patterns and projects.

Besides the new “Sparky Top” check out the sand. Yes, It really is  really dark brown almost black. The beach in front of our condo. has at least 5 different sands. Each one is very defined. We are at the “black beach” section.  

As Heidi looks towards Molokai you can see that this top will be a wonderful addition to your 3 season wardrobe. It has an all in one cap sleeve, bias taped neckline, and falls longer in the back than the front. There is a back yoke which is a little blank canvas for, piecing, quilting, embroidery, whatever you choose.

Tell me what you think. Too long, too loose, just right? Do I need a better description?

76-82 degrees for the entire time we were there. It sprinkled once, for 15 minutes.

Flowers from the tropics.  I don’t know all the names. They remind me of the flowers in the fabrics I used in my new pattern to be (three more months until publishing, argghh).  I know this is a Kaffe Fassett fabric but I’m at a loss to say which one (I had no selvage to look at). Also, I only had scraps left for this back yoke. So, I stiffened more scraps with Terial Magic and raw edge stitched around the fussy cut flowers to hide my seam. 

Even under the sea creatures (at the Maui Ocean Center) reminded me of the colors and shapes in the fabrics. These are sooo cool! I shot this straight on using my Nikon on Auto (I have no time for “Raw”) and no flash.

Below are Coral that are iridescent. They are such glowing colors in very low light. The shutter speed was sooo slow, hence the blurring (and I forgot to hold my breath). But the colors, check the colors.!  This flower is a little tired but the shapes of the petals on the stem and the original color next to the rich green leaves, it’s a keeper. 

The only blue violet flower I saw. Stunning.

Some flowers need no words. Thanks for visiting Hawaii with me this week.

I still have room in my”Pick a Pattern” workshop at our Artistic Alchemy Retreat in Sept. Let’s create your own Art to Wear Piece. Mahalo, Heidi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shortest Post Ever!

ALOHA!

 

I have returned from a most FABULOUS!!!! time on Maui! I only have 745 pictures (that’s on my camera, not my phone) to go through. Did I say it was a fabulous trip? I’ll be mixing in posts now and then, and yes, there will be fabric, creativity, and design stuff in those posts too. I promise.

I was beyond exhausted coming home. Ha, ha! I’m TOO OLD for red eye flights (what were we thinking, although it gave us one more whole day on Maui). Trying to sleep in a sitting up position is a new form of torture. Almost missing (by minutes!!!) our connecting flight added more stress. What time is it? What day is it? Where am I?

Here it is: Shortest post and only 5 pics. Enjoy

First morning, from a long, open sided hallway/balcony. This was 7:00 a.m. Maui time

Yes, our first stop after picking up the car was a grocery store for proper coffee, and supplies. Kona coffee, little bag, $19.99 (that is correct). Maui coffee, little bag, $9.99. It’s the mugs and the scenery, first, coffee selection, 3rd. 

Sitting on our Lanai, 5: 45 a.m. the first day. My husband, Robert, enjoying his cuppa. We are on the 10th floor, and ON THE BEACH!!! The days of “Peek-a-boo” or “Garden” views are over! 

10:00 a.m. and we have been walking the beach in front of our condo for an hour. Do you see it?

We missed it on the first walk by. Too funny.  So exciting, in my opinion, to see a turtle up close and personal like this within hours of our arrival. June is egg laying season on Maui. Whales, ya gotta come in January for those. 

I have been told that I take waaaay too many sunset pictures. So, I will get this out of the way now. This was by far the best night for a great sunset and yep, it was the last night. The island that you see (8 miles away) is Molokai.

 

Mahalo for visiting my blog today. And Aloha. Until next week, Hugs from Heidi

 

 

The Saga Continues….

Hi there. Last week I showed you what I just knew I would use on my Upcycled Summer coat by Adri. Well, I changed my mind again. Acck! I need a break. In fact, I’m taking one. My husband and I are leaving in a few days for a much needed long awaited vacation. We’re going to Maui, Hawaii. We are celebrating our 35th anniversary. 

So yes, more flowers. This is Genesta, a hybrid Scotch Broom. Genesta is not invasive like the broom. It is a real show stopper in my mom’s garden. 

Isn’t this cute? Sandra Bruce made it. I collect unusual pincushions. 

The cup and saucer are so sweet. I have collected my own cup and saucers over the years for pincushions and they are still in a box, just the cups and saucers. Thank you Sandra. 

This is Sunfire Tickseed, a member of the Coreopsis family. It’s so happy looking. 

What is going on here? Is this a garden blog? Noo, I am just in love with all the beautiful flowers in my yard this month of May. Did you know that Heidi (I was told this) in German means “a field of pretty flowers.” So I come to love all these flowers quite naturally. Ha, ha.

A gorgeous peony just opening. 

The fabulous rose bush, a climber on our newly renovated, rose arbor. These roses smell divine. 

Enjoy this Memorial Weekend. And remember that Freedom isn’t Free. Thank you to the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the beauty of the season in our own yards and neighborhoods of these great United States of America.

I will talk to you again, rested and refreshed, ready to sew, on June 9th. Hugs, Heidi

I didn’t want to do this!

Let me explain. I wanted to do the post,but, I did NOT want to present an unfinished garment. But alas, It could not be helped this week. I have Sciatica (the first time). It is oh so painful, and takes a few weeks to heal. And my mom went into the hospital a few days ago. She is home and after all the tests, tests, tests, they found out she has high blood pressure. That’s it!! What a remarkable 86 yrs young my mom is.

So check out what I started with. I think this is Circa 1986 (it’s quite obvious that I don’t give much away, hence the over stuffed closets, oh, and this is from the overflow closet upstairs. I’m hopeless).

I think my machine applique work is quite good, thank you very much.  

I did some dry-brush painting and then glued, yes glued on beads. 

Gotta take a break (I’m standing while I work on the computer). I will be back in ten. Dr’s orders, walk, walk, and the minute something hurts, stop doing whatever, and go walk! 

Here is the pattern I used. Carol Horn was super popular in the 80’s. I made this coat as a sample for my fabric store.

It’s time to trim this Carol Horn down. It’s too bulky looking.

I need something cool for the plain fronts. I gathered this huge pile of treasured fabrics, blocks, and trims. I auditioned each one and finally came up with….

this smaller pile…

And a closer look. Check out my own hand dyed yarn. Make your own by dampening a loose skein of white cotton or silk. Place in a ziplock bag and sprinkle several colors of a powdered dye (like Procian). Microwave on high for 10 minutes. Let it cool down all the way and adding white vinegar to the rinse water. Gently rinse until water runs clear. Pretty nifty. 

And now for some inspirational Iris pictures from my yard to stimulate your creative juices for your own Iris project. 

  Look for me and what I do at all these sites. Click on an icon and you should go right to whichever one you choose. 

Time for another quick walk. I’ll go down to my mom’s granny house and take pics of her Iris. Aren’t these fabulous. These cost the big bucks but you can see why. It’s called “Batik.”

Ahhh, that’s nice. Thanks for stopping by. Next week I’ll show the finished project. Hugs, Heidi

 

 

Pinterest-Easy to Use and Fun! Sign up and Follow Me!

If I can sign up for Pinterest ALL by MYSELF, anyone can! It will open a new UNIVERSE of everything you have ever wanted to look for and see. It’s like having 200 magazine subscriptions, but none of the clutter of tearing out pages and saving them. Shameless begging right now, please, “Follow” me – Heidi Emmett- or type in Designsbyheidi.wordpress.com.  Help me get to over 10,000 followers!! It’s silly, I know……

So, today, just a few, O.K.! 10 pictures, ten only, of some of the “things” I am re-pinning on Pinterest.

This top gives me ideas of how to upcycle something I already own. 

Really different, I know, but one or two or three around the bottom edge of a pair of jeans might be kinda fun….

You just can’t beat nature pictures.

ADORABLE!

There is room in my “Wearable Art, Pick a Pattern” workshop at our Artistic Alchemy Retreat at Zephyr Point, Lake Tahoe (the Nevada side). Go to Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com for all the information you need.

Below is from a blog that I follow called,  Blue Mountain Daisy.  She is in Australia and it is so fun to see what a quilter/flower lover’s life is like, “Down Under.”

Not sure what these are below, but I pinned them because I like circles, the design, the colors. Hmmm… fabric printing idea, quilt idea, mixed media idea, fiber jewelry idea, SEE WHAT I MEAN!! I love Pinterest. 

I love cute dogs and cats and funny sayings, and when I’m feeling blahhhh…I go to my Pinterest boards and look at my pinned pictures under the board, “Things That Make Me Laugh.”

The title on this picture makes me laugh, “Branch manager, & Assistant Branch manager.” 

I pin lots and lots of my own pictures too. This one I took, Helleborus , comes out first thing in the spring. 

Your “creative” this weekend is to sign up for Pinerest if you haven’t already and Follow all of my boards or just one or two. Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there. Hugs, Heidi

“Woof, Woof, and Meow, Meow!!”

 

The speaker in April at our Pine Tree Quilt Guild here in Grass Valley, CA was Jane Haworth. She spoke on Creativity in our Quilting and what we love to do. More about that in future posts. Her workshop the next day was “Pet Portraits.” Below are a few of her pet portraits. Be sure to visit her website Janehaworth.com for more inspiring work.

Jane is just beginning the stitching process on this one.

The newspaper is 3-D!! Love that. 

We looked at hers and said, YIKES!! we are going to do this too? We’ll see. Below I am showing you the progress on Jax, our son’s dog.

The pictures of our pets needed to be 8 x 10. I chose a profile shot.

We started with the eyes. It was hilarious. The pieces were so small that I was constantly losing “the sparkle” or some other portion and that was JUST the eye. Patience, patience.  

Slowly, Jax is coming alive. Take a workshop or class. Challenge yourself. You will ALWAYS learn new techniques, new ways of trying things.

 

Taking pictures as you work and viewing them, give a whole new look on the project. 

Here are some of the other students work. I think they are ALL coming along beautifully! And we all said, I can’t draw pets! And just look at what we are creating!

Jane is showing us the stitching techniques she uses to make our pets have depth and texture. 

Fabulous idea! Use a lighter weight thread on the bobbin such as “The Bottom Line” so your bobbin is really, really, full. That way you can sew that much longer before winding another bobbin. Brilliant.

Below is a Llama, just because. 

O.K., after I do a picture on the wall for our son (wrapping it around a canvas for a “painterly” look), I want to do a Pet Portrait on, you guessed it, clothing. So, I pulled out a couple of my jean jackets (yes, I collect jean jackets too) and I’m thinking, what should I put on the back of jacket, a woof, woof, or a meow, meow? I’ll keep you posted.

Love my flower bowl that I just bought. Look at the pollen on the blossoms. Don’t forget, there is still room in my “Pick a Pattern” workshop at our 4th annual Artistic Alchemy Retreat at Zephyr Point at Lake Tahoe, this Sept. 4-8th. Click on the logo below (if it doesn’t work, go to Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com). Thanks for stopping by. Get in some creative time this weekend. You’ve earned it! Hugs, Heidi

P.S. Our Spring Time In The Pines quilt show is at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley this weekend. I will be in our Artistic Alchemy booth, selling patterns, books, and helping people sign up for the retreat. It’s going to be a GREAT show. Stop by if you can.

 

 

Off The Grid Vest pattern….How Did it Come to Be?

Once upon a time, I took the Urban Ombre’s quilt class from Christine. It was great fun. It was the first time I had seen the Diawabo ombre’ from E.E. Schneck in grey or is it gray?Throughout the class I kept thinking, all these fabrics together would make the coolest vest. But what design? So, I took my blocks, along with everyone’s scraps (I ASKED them first), and put them on my design board and began to think.

 

Later, Christine said she was doing a lecture at the E.E. Schenck Trends Show (a show for shop owners  in Porland, OR). Since Schenck sells the grey background fabric Christine was showing her quilt and then she said, hey, that vest idea you had, that would be great, I’ll take that too, so we can get your name out there. O.K., that sounds good, when is it? 

In a month. Whaaaaattt?! I have done NOTHING! The little pieces were falling off the design board, or covered by other projects that were creeping in.

An hour later, I stood at my ironing board, fabrics spread out and I said a prayer. I had a nice chat with God and said, Help!! I walked over to my little garment rack of purchased pieces (whether from a “Real” store or the thrift shop)all for ideas for future project. I pulled out a super short jacket that had bad fabric and design, but the collar!! and while that jacket had a skinny front band, I liked how it connected to the collar.  

I whipped out my sketch pad and started with rectangles. I knew I wanted a long, lean, look to this vest pattern. The rectangles kept coming to mind. 

I also wanted to showcase the interesting fabrics on the front, so I made the front panels really wide . Those pieces, the rectangle  shaped log cabin blocks, and the “sticks” (remember those pieces people discarded?), again they are all rectangle shapes.  

It all came together so smoothly (remember that prayer at the ironing board?). I was sewing up a storm and it was time to add the front panel pieces. WAIT A MINUTE!! They are too short at the bottom, no, no, NO! (Oh, dear, I just told the world that I made a major measuring mistake). And NO TIME to make new front panel pieces. 

Upon further trying it on, looking, thinking, I came to the conclusion that I LIKED it that way! Who knew? I like it being “off” at the bottom edges (hint, hint, Off the Grid).  You will be happy to know that yes, I finished it in time for Christine to take up to the Portland show. She said it was a big hit. Yea….

I use Terial Magic on the strips used for the blocks and sticks. I love how this product keeps things from fraying while I”m raw edge stitching them down.

It’s so fun to use Marcia Derse prints, and other ombre’ fabrics. The blocks have their edges turned under and are edge stitched to the gray ombre’ background fabric. 

I use glue (the bottle in the picture is basting glue), but I also use basic school glue (like Elmer’s). You can see the subtle change in the background fabric. I really enjoy turning it this way and that, darker portions verses lighter sections. It’ what YOU like. That’s why I call for 3 yds. for the background (room to play). 

Notice please that I use a zig zag stitch (rectangles again), and it also encases the raw edge of the fabric. 

And I do, what I call, “Shadow quilting.” They are always done in a rectangle shape . I like the look and it adds more quilting to the piece. 

I do any all over quilting in gentle curves because it’s easier on the eyes (if they were straight it’s too hard to sew perfectly straight) and adds movement. 

Look at the SUPER COOL necklace my 93 year young friend, Lila Sugg made for me (she is a MASTER sewist). It is so perfect with my vest (a secret, shhh…the gorgeous chunks of turquoise are made from potatoes).  Google that one, people! 

My workshop is called “Pick a Pattern.” I have at least 9 patterns to choose from or you could pick some from my NEW book! It’s out now! Buy it from me, your quilt shop, or Amazon. I’d love to see YOU in my workshop this September at Zephyr Point.

And listen to this, E.E.Schenck now carries my patterns and my book! And I have been asked to come to the next Trends Show and present a trunk show on my Art to Wear patterns and book. Sharon, the buyer, said that “Art to Wear” is coming back in a big way in the quilting world and I’ll be right there!  Hugs, Heidi

“Off The Cuff”

One of the projects that Gayle showed us at our “Sewing Sistas” retreat started with a sweatshirt. She got the idea from a visiting teacher (tracking down her name) at another event. I love, love, LOVE this project. If you can sew a straight seam, you too can make one of these. My husband named this pullover for me, “Off The Cuff.” You will see why soon. Commercial break first.

 

Yes, my newest thing is my Etsy shop. Look for the name, “Designs by Heidi Emmett.” All my hard copy patterns and my new book (selling really well, thanks to all of you!) are available there.

Alright, let’s get started. Find a preferably plain sweatshirt. Yes, this men’s XXL is the exact color I wanted. The fish, hmm…we’ll see. Buy the sweatshirt larger than you normally wear.Big and loose is the look we are going for. Remember big and loose on top, tighter fitting on the bottom. Baggy tops and bottoms are not a good look for anyone.

I thought I had taken pictures of this project while at the retreat, but I didn’t, so I did it from memory improvising here and there. So it’s safe to say, you just CAN’T mess this up! Begin by NEATLY cutting off the neck, cuffs, and bottom ribbing. Notice that I cut beyond the stitching line of each piece, right into the sweatshirt itself, beyond the stitching. After the sweatshirt is complete you will throw it into the washer and dryer and some of the edges will roll or curl a little. You want that curled look. 

Step 2. Look at the cuff above and the pile of “string” below. Cut ONLY the ribbing off of each piece, EXCEPT the neck. Set the ribbing aside. The circle of “string” just below is from the bottom ribbing. Leave the neck and cuff pieces in circles. That FISH!! Hmm…still thinking…

For the back,If you have a tank top that you can cut up, great. I did not. I used a white mock turtleneck (had a hole in the sleeve) and took a tank top that I had (as a pattern) and cut out a piece. I left the hem on. 

Ah ha!! Great idea to hide that FISH! I covered it up with a pocket placed at an angle. 

I love “text” fabrics. The pocket measures about 6 x 9″ and I stitched down 3 sides (one long end is open). It has become a secret pocket. 

I stitched the white “tank” cut out onto the back , along on the edges. I remember a circle of hand stitching on the back. What to use, salad plate or soup bowl? 

The pen reads, “Fine Point Disappearing Ink Pen.” Works beautifully. Never, EVER, put one in your purse and write a check with it, like a customer at my store did. Ha, ha. Good thing she was a local. Even the bank had a good laugh. 

Three strands of a taupe colored embroidery floss, and two rows of stitching. Nice. 

The unveiling of “Off The Cuff.” Whoops, I forgot to tell you to stitch down the circles after weaving in the strip cut off of the bottom ribbing. Leave the neck edge alone as well as the bottom edge. Roll up the sleeves.

This is the most freeing project you will make! There are no mistakes, just new possibilities. I had so much fun that I promptly went to the thrift shop the next day and yes, found (some)  sweatshirts in the men’s section. O.K., O.K., I found six, but my husband snagged two of them. Give it a try, and a HUGE thank you to Gayle for this fab, fun, Off the Cuff, super creative idea. Oh, I almost forgot, I wore mine the very next day, went to three events, and got mobbed at each one because they all loved my Off the Cuff. I can’t wait to see what you make with your sweatshirt. I leave you with flowers of Spring. Enjoy your creative weekend. Take time for deep breathing. It’s a great stress reliever. Hugs, Heidi  

These are right out of the wrap from the florist. Don’t forget to check out my workshop, “Pick a Pattern” at our Artistic Alchemy Retreat. Go to: Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com for all the details (at home page, tap on Workshops). I’d love to have you join the fun!

Snap, snap. This one with the sun behind the tulip. These colors are so yummy. 

Rubix came up for a sniff just as I snapped this one. I had to include it too. 

 

 

 

Mini-Me-Vacation, Part 2!

Sew many ideas and sew little time! Four days wasn’t enough. Below, it’s a family affair. Two daughters, Wynn on the left, Alex on the right and mom, Helen.These three were always busy, busy and they got projects DONE!!

We took this picture at the last moment on Thursday morning. Several had already left.  The amount of talent, generosity of sharing what they know, enthusiasm, and just plain fun to be around, that these beautiful women had was simply amazing.  I made so MANY new friends. 

Two racks of clothes to copy off the patterns if we wanted to. What great creations to check out. Did we bring enough bridal runner cloth to use for copying (great idea by the way)?

We all had our own sewing areas but were all in the same well lit,huge, room together.Check out Victoria’s shoes (in the middle). I want a pair of those.

Another great idea, the Ikea lights on giant clamps, on Mary’s and Patty’s machines. I have one too but it sits on the table. BEST direct lighting ever! I can work at night on black fabric with one of these puppies. $12.99-$14.99 range.

Mary is so smart. She brings everything but the kitchen sink to work with and puts it in this tiered cabinet. She has been enough times to know NOT to bring lots of little boxes. 

Cutting tables, nice and high, JUST for tracing, and cutting out projects. How nice not to have to clear an area somewhere (like I do at home). At home, a flat surface is for covering up with myriad projects, and the like. 

The FREE and Buy it table. New things were added several times each day! Every thing from fabric (all types) patterns, yarn, books. Toooo much fun! I’ll show you in the months to come what I gleaned from this magical, ever changing table. 

Kari’s  fabulous top in an “Alabama Chanin” style. Two t-shirts put together with Sashiko stitching.  A little painting, cutting, and stitching and voila’ !  Of course, as soon as I got home, I purchased two t-shirts to try this technique myself. Her underneath olive colored shirt barely shows above the collar of the black shirt.

Every day we had a show and tell.  Very cool things. These talented women really think outside the box. I loved this part so much, as the creative juices were really flowing in and through all of us. Terry (on the left) is wearing her own “Meiko Minsk” styled vest using a purchased piece of Kantha Cloth. Gayle looks like she is wearing some Merimekko fabric. Love the bold design. 

Below, Gayle and Helen are showing off their super cool Jean jackets. I will talk more in another post about this project that I want to make too. Acckk! Didn’t I say sew much to do and sew little time!

 

Look what Victoria gave me. She also brought, besides clothing projects, her latest quilting idea. Whaaat!!?? I could have brought quilting projects too? I put this square on a black table just to show it off. Victoria laughed at me and said, “It’s just a block Heidi (Log Cabin to be exact).” It’s the design, the fabrics, and colors she used. The black and gray print is a Valori Wells fabric.  Very modern, hmm..where is my sketch pad? 

Then, Mary brought her way cool fabric, so soft and drapey. Whaaat!!?? you PRINTED this yourself? Well, of course she did, and I should have known (she is one of our teachers at the Annual Artistic Alchemy retreat this Sept.)Go to: Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com  to learn more. A fun time on Lake Tahoe. 

Terry is trying on what Mary made out of her fabulous printed fabric. It is a very fun, cozy sweater/coat with a built- in collar.  Contact Mary Boalt at  Squeakypieces@gmail.com  She will get you an email address of Jenny,  the woman who will draw up a pattern for you too for $25. It is such a designer look. 

The back…

And three lovely models wearing three different fabrics in the same pattern. Helen (in the middle) made hers using 3 1/2 yds worth of cut up t-shirts. She made it in just a few hours. Really!! We all saw it. Heidi was still deciding, cut something out, sew something, I brought, hmm..how about using my felting machine, oh, wait, I could trace the pattern for the cute dress Mary is wearing right now, aaccckk! What to do, what to do.  

Here’s the cute dress I was telling you about, that Mary let us all trace patterns from.

Helen is busy at work helping Roxanne with her very own Jean jacket.

Here is Roxanne working with Helen. Several ladies watched a video on the whole project. A Dremel is also involved in this project. Really! Terry showed us. Another post, another post…..Are you feeling it too? Sensory overload! I need to take another walk and breathe. 

Thank you one and all for joining me today. Much more to show you. In a later post. Happy Easter to everyone. Talk again soon!  Hugs, Heidi

My “Mini-Me-Vacation”—Part One!

I have been home one week from my “Sewing Sistas” Retreat held at the St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA. I had such a wonderful time with my Sewing Sistas. I have never been to anything like this. I am so overwhelmed (in a good way!) that I am dividing it up. Part one consists of the Flora on the grounds. I took walks everyday and at different times of the day. The natural lighting was fabulous.

 

What a peaceful, beautiful place. Enjoy the pictures. Below is the chapel on the grounds.

 

This picture, we are looking up the hill toward the dining and conference room areas. Aren’t the fuchsia colored flowering trees gorgeous. These are native to CA, called Red Bud. They grow well (but slowly) from Sea level to 3000ft. 

African Daisies. Taken at 9:00a.m. I like the shadows. There’s that Fuschia color again. 

Here they are in white. 

All the water droplets are from a gentle rain the night before. Look at the difference in color on the back of the petals. 

Scabiosis, also known as “Pincushion” flower. Perfectly named as these flowers surrounded the fountain that the Sewing Sistas walked around while carrying our myriad sewing supplies (would you believe I had 1/2 of a king cab truck, a TRUCK!, filled with my sewing paraphernalia )and Kari, my sewing friend who drove us there had the other half. Oh, the little black dots are ants. 

The grape vines are just starting to leaf out (in the foreground). California wine grapes love the central valley and coastal areas. 

Eucalyptus trees, so many species abound along the coast and into the valleys. I love the way the bark peels off every year (there is some left in the branch crevices). The colors of the bark are amazing. A great color palette for any project you have in mind. Google that.

One of many vistas. Old, old, oak trees dot the hill sides that slope gently to the valley below. The hills in the background are toward the east. The San Luis Rey Reservoir is just past the tallest peak. It’s FULL!! The first time in 6 years. The drought is really over.  

Stunning, massive, solid, strong, just a few descriptive words for these oak trees. 

All of us who live up north in California (near Lake Tahoe four of us) commented that we could not believe there were so many beautiful shades of green. After taking the oak tree picture above, I looked down at my feet and just look at the lush grass and beautifully striped leaves of a spent fuchsia colored Thistle.

We were told this small lake on the property had been dry for quite a few years until this past winter. 

One large cluster of lilies at one end of the lake.

 

Look what arrived while I was gone! All my lovely projects came home. Now I can show people the projects with my new book. I am so excited to hear that Fashioned Quilted Accessories is selling well. Buy it on Amazon and if you are so inclined, leave a comment to help boost my number up some notches from the bottom! Ha, ha. Hugs to you for that. 

I hope my flora pictures will inspire you to pull out some fresh colors of spring fabrics and stitch up something that makes you happy. Until next Friday, Hugs from Heidi

Customize Any Tote Bag with Terial Magic! by Heidi Emmett

 

Customize Any Tote Bag with Terial Magic!

 

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Let’s start thinking about Spring! Don’t you love the tote bags and cross-body bags out there? Let’s add some raw-edged circles to make them playful and fun.

I chose to add circles because when they’re cut from fabric that has been treated with Terial Magic, there is very little fraying. So, gather a few items together, and let’s create!

 

What You’ll Need:

• One tote bag or cross-body bag of any size, color and material (Note: This technique works on leather, faux leather, plastic, etc.)
• 1/4 yard of several cotton quilting fabrics (Note: Smaller designs will show up better)
• 1 yard of cotton muslin
• Thread to match fabrics
• Basic machine sewing supplies
• Terial Magic fabric stablizer
• Fabric glue
• Iron

Step One

Let’s get started! Before we cut the fabrics we want to treat them with Terial Magic so we will have nice clean cuts that lay flat and are fray-free. Watch this short video on how to  treat fabric with Terial Magic to make sure you are treating it correctly. It’s simple: 1) Spray to saturate 2) hang for 5-10 minutes to let it soak in 3) iron to dry and smooth. From here cut each of your fabrics in half so they measure approximately 9″ x 22 1/2″. Next, decide where you want to place the circles and measure across that area. 

Step Two

Since this area measure 9″ across, I’m going to make the largest circle 3″ across. Every tote will be different, so measure, then draw a little sketch. Maybe yours will have 4 or even 5 circles across. And the amount going up is dictated by the height of your tote.

Step Three

Search around the house for items you can trace. You will need two, one larger than the other. Using ap encil and on the back or inner side of the fabric, trace abunch of cicles. Then cut them out.

Step Four

Your fabric circles should feel paper-like if you followed the instructions for use above, so you can see how clean and fray-free the treated fabric cuts! Begin stacking a smaller cicle on top of the larger circles. No gluing or pinning is necessary as they stay together as is.

Step Five

Set up your sewing machine with thread to mach, a new needle (I used size 12 universal) and a regular sewing foot (a clear one might make it easier to see). Start sewing in the center of the circle. Slowing sew to the outside edge of each layer in a continuous spiral motion. Backstitch at the beginning and end. Then trim the threads. Repeat with all other circles.

Step Six

Mark the halfway point on the width of the tote at the bottom area where the first row is. With fabric glue on the back of a circle stack, place the first cicle on that mark. Continue glueing and placing circles on either side of the center circle. Eyeball the placement of those. Mark the halfway point on the next row up and continue with subsequent rows in the same way as the first. You did it! Wasn’t that fun? Here’s the final result with the coral cross-body bag on the left.

My name is Heidi Emmett and I have been working in all things fabric since I was 7 years old. For the past few years I have been creating a line of Art to Wear patterns. Terial Magic has changed my fabric-creating life! It has allowed me to expand into more creative sewing and quilting adventures than ever before and I am excited to show some of them to you as a guest blogger, for Terial Magic.

For more information about Heidi, visit her blog at Designsbyheidi.wordpress.com or check out Heidi’s pattern line on Craftsy.com

Tags: Inspire, TERIAL-MAGIC, Terial Arts, Latest, Recent

TTF, it means “This and That Friday.”

 

I am miscombobulated today! I have had so much going on this past week. And starting this weekend, for 5 whole days I will be at a sewing retreat called, “Sewing Sistas.” I can’t WAIT!! This is the first time EVER!!, that I get to go away and just sew, and sew, and sew some more.  I will keep you posted via Instagram. I’m under DesignsbyHeidi or Heidi Emmett. Let’s take some time to smell some Spring flowers:  Happy Daffodils via Safeway. Buy them closed, rubber banded, and in bunches of 10 for $1.67. Bring home, snip off 1/2″ from bottom, insert into a cool watered vase and voila’ days and days of sunshine in your home.

I took the picture of my primroses one day after they were totally covered in 4″ of snow. You would never know it by looking at this picture. Love these sweet hardworking (to stay blooming) flowers. 

I walked around the corner of the house and BAM!! Forsythia in full glory. On a stormy spring day, I enjoy looking out the windows to see these bastions of spring, looking fabulous. We enjoy this hardy bush all four seasons. 

More sunshine in my life. Thank you Christine for these pictures. Some of my friends coming to my first EVER book signing party this past March 11th! Bonnie has a new stack of my books for sale that just came in. From the left: Connie, Bonnie, Heidi, & Kris. Luv to all of you who came that day. We all got the memo, wear some black!! What a shot girlfriends.

Another friend Terry McFeely. Terry invented Terial Magic of which I cannot work without. It is showcased in the project I am wearing and the cool headband and scarf project that I’m holding. Terial Magic is available through iii. I just did a guest blog post for them last Friday. Acckk, I forgot to share it! iii is Imagination International Incorporated. I’ll share it to my FB page in a few minutes. 

The following week I dashed down to the huge Sewing Show at Cal Expo in Sacramento. I stopped at Dorie Javier’s booth D’s Designs and she was wearing her version of my Mommy & Me Quilted Vest & Quilt pattern. 

Look at her gorgeous Sashiko quilting and fun designs shapes. 

Yes, this was the vest she saw me wearing just a few weeks ago. 

And here is the pattern. Look how different the above two vests are. I’d love to see what you might create. Easy peasy to make and VERY comfortable to wear. I have a new one cut out and will work on it next week. Oh my GOSH! Do you all realize, no cooking, no cleaning, no working in the garden, no book work, just sew, sew, sew. Ahhhhhh..

And a week before Sacramento, I opened my email to find pictures from Jeanette Floyd of San Diego, CA. She created her own “Off the Grid Vest” using my pattern below.

 

I love Jeannette’s wavy quilting lines. I’m calling this “San Diego Sunset” with the off white background and the yummy warm colors in her own version.

I just love this! Look at her button closure people! A perfect finishing touch. 

I love creating fun and easy to sew, Art to Wear patterns for sewists (doesn’t that sound fancy?) of all levels. I can’t wait to see what you all create this weekend. Thank you so much for stopping by. It means so much! Hugs, Heidi

 

“Are you “Wearin’ the Green?” Maybe in some Irish crochet?

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Yes, I married an Irishman, and he was named after the great Irish martyr, Robert O. Emmett.  Before I go into Irish crochet,  let’s take our first commercial break…..

 

Yes, my first book that I have authored is OUT NOW! You can purchase one at Sugar Pine Quilt Shop in Grass Valley, CA . “Fashion Quilted Accessories” will also be available to buy at my Etsy store (on Monday, March 20th). My shop name is Designs by Heidi Emmett (or tap on the logo above).  Amazon, Joann’s, and other independent shops have it too.

I am very happy with how this book turned out. I think it has a beautiful quality to the pictures. There are two full sized patterns inside, 8 ,fun and easy projects, and all this for only $12.99.

My workshop at Zephyr Point this coming September,  is called “Pick a Pattern.” This year it will include, besides all my other patterns that are available, projects out of my new book, “Fashion Quilted Accessories.” Whatever project you choose to create, tips and tricks for success will be given on an individual basis. We will have so much fun! Check it out at Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com or click on the Artistic Alchemy button at the top.

Have you ever heard of Irish Crochet? It was born out of the potato famine in Ireland. Young ladies needed jobs and if they had any talent in the finer needlework skills, they were taught how to crochet using really fine threads and super small crochet hooks. I have been fascinated by Irish crochet for many years. When I made and sold my lace vests (pattern now available, called Mommy & Me & My Lace Vest and quilt), I used a beautiful lace that was a copy of an original Irish lace pattern. Below is a vest I own that is Irish Lace. 

I saw a squirrel, look at the vest above and see the crown? Yes, everyone should have their own metal crown. Anyway, underneath the crown is a piece of crochet surrounding petal shaped pieces of linen. I don’t think this is Irish crochet (not small enough stitches) but it is beautifully done. 

I don’t mind all the back lighting in this shot as it shows off the back of my vest even more.

Irish crochet is also a more free-form type of crochet. Pieces (like the lavender flower) are made separately and then placed on a pattern shape (a vest back perhaps). Fill in stitches connect all the separate pieces (the ochre colored thread) together. 

The few pieces I own are so special to me that I keep them near my “go” bag in case we have to leave in a hurry. This is true. I really appreciate the skill and time and creativity in these pieces. 

Traditional Irish crochet has always been done in cream or white. Here is a close up of my cream sleeveless top. 

Wedding dresses during Edwardian times were popular in Irish crochet. 

If you want to see more Irish Crochet, go to Pinterest and type it in the search bar. Ebay might have some too, or the patterns for it too. Eastern countries like Russia, Latvia, etc. have an interest in Irish crochet too, but that’s another story. Today is all about the Irish.

I think I’ll wear my vest tonight and celebrate Saint Patty’s Day with my husband. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs, Heidi

 

 

FASHION QUILTED ACCESSORIES— A book by Heidi Emmett

 

Taaa Daaa! It’s here! My new book by Leisure Arts, “Fashion Quilted Accessories!”

Eight projects total. 2 vests and 6 accessories. And the vest PATTERN PIECES are INCLUDED in the book! And all this for only $12.99!!  The following pictures show some of  the projects.

I have my first EVER book signing this Saturday, March 11th, at Sugar Pine Quilt Shop, here in Grass Valley, CA. It is from 11:00-1:00p.m.  Maybe I’ll see some of you there!

I just know that you will enjoy making all the projects in this book, after all my motto is “Make it up, make it FUN, and get it DONE!

And don’t forget, pdf patterns, hard copy patterns, and soon books, are available at Craftsy or Etsy. Just click on one of the icons below.  Have a super weekend and thanks for stopping by. Hugs to you all, Heidi

 

Designs By Heidi goes to San Francisco!

      by Heidi Emmett

It was a cold, snowy, morning.  I couldn’t wait to get out of Dodge and zip to San Francisco with my friends. I needed to recharge and get some fresh ideas generating. 

Ladies and gentlemen, for what it is worth, you are reading two blog posts by me, Heidi Emmett at two different sites. Designs by Heidi. wordpress.com and over at Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com. If you haven’t seen one or the other, please check out one AND the other. Both will give you a nice break in your day.

Yes, Christine talked about the de Young museum (located in Golden Gate Park) last week. But I have different pics and a different take. And that’s what is so fun about what we do as 4 very different workshops at our Artistic Alchemy retreat at Zephyr. My workshop is called “Pick a Pattern.”  Go see the patterns under workshops/ Heidi Emmett, and you can choose from my new book too!

My BOOK!! It’s OUT! Joann’s and independent quilt shops and fabric stores (if they pre-ordered) next week. Amazon, RIGHT NOW! Here is a picture of the cover (from a cell phone at Leisure Arts). I did NOT make it up. It really happened.So, pick a pattern and join the fun in my workshop at Artistic Alchemy this September.

Now, back to our program: What a gorgeous day we picked to go to San Francisco. After, a stop at Fabrix, a fabulous shop on Clement St. where designer fabrics abound at super prices, we booked it over to the de Young museum. Taking advantage of that bright, yellow orb in the sky(haven’t seen it much), we sat outside the museum to eat our brown bag lunches and soak up some  Vitamin D (which has been in short supply of late).

Look how they wrapped an ordinary cement structure (except for the scrunchy portion) in steel mesh. Pretty cool looking. See the bank of windows near the top? That is the observation room. What great views of the city from there. No time to go up today.

Love the red orange and yellow gold of this opening flower. I think there is an entire universe in each and every flower we look at. The precise detailing, the colors, the shapes!

We get inside purchase our tickets and shazamm! Staring me in the face is a fabulous mural by (Christine told us his name last week)…. It’s huge and colorful. It’s worth another look. Here is a close-up first. Look at the 3-D qualities in the lower right area. Hm…layered applique.’ Tuck away idea number one.

The people standing there give you a sense of scale. I was so surprised by the vastness of the room (it held the mural perfectly) and I am snapping pictures left and right when what do I spy in my viewfinder? A GUARD! YIKES! He’s shaking his finger at me. Big whoops! I had the flash on!!!! 

So, it’s kind of like eating dessert first, except we are in a museum and several of us decided to hit the GIFT SHOP first.  Stuff and ideas are myriad in a gift shop. 

Check out this very cool silk scarf with flotsam and jetsam (aka fabric scraps) stitched down. We can do this. Do I have that many silk scraps?   This scarf is really worth the $115.00. Lots of work. 

Ohh, I like these cross-body bags, or whatever they are called. I have some great home dec weight fabric, that would work.

Uhhh, do ever get the feeling that someone is watching you? I turned and a clerk was giving me a not so nice look. Hey, I had the flash OFF! But I forgot to ask permission. Exit quickly, stage right.

In the hushed quiet of the “Embroidery” room, we all gaze at the many examples of beautiful handwork over the centuries.

A close-up of a woman’s Mola Blouse, mid 20th century. Panama, San Blas Islands. Reverse applique’. I’ve been doing a little bit of that. Nothing like this gorgeous example. I would show more examples of embroidery, but, well….my battery drained in my camera. That’s what I get for not asking permission and using a flash!  

Thanks go to Patty Park for the rest of these deYoung pictures.

Wow, wow, who knew that charred pieces of wood could make such a statement. It’s organized chaos suspended in air. About 16 ft. high and 10 feet deep. A study in black and white. Hmm… I see stamping on fabric maybe. And don’t forget the 3-D looking wood bench in front of the Mobile burned wood.

That’s my back (to give scale) next to this amazingly large metal-like piece (individual pieces of aluminum covers from Whiskey bottles (now THAT’S a LOT of Whiskey). It really has so much movement to it. It’s very cool. A woven bodice that shimmers…how about using embroidered lame’ instead of Whiskey bottle covers.

This beautiful sculpture is by Nicolas Africano (b.1948) and it is Cast Glass. I didn’t know one could even “cast” glass. Exquisite.

An amazing basket. It’s hard enough making a basic basket. I see great quilting designs on one of my vests. Or how about Sashiko stitching in wavy lines like this on a vest?

Ahhh, Chihuly glass. Great color combinations for blocks in my Off The Grid vest. 

That’s me wearing my own simple Sashiko inspired vest (From my Mommy & Me, Vest pattern), standing  in front of a true work of art Sashiko vest/wall hanging/apron? I was so blown away by the embroidery that I forgot to read about the piece. 

Onward we traveled to Stone Mountain & Daughter in Berkeley where after much idea matter going in and out of my brain, I was forced, yes, FORCED to buy more fabric so I could make those ideas come to life. New ideas need new fabrics! That’s my motto this week.

Hard copies of my patterns are now available for purchase in my newly minted Etsy shop. It’s called Designs by Heidi Emmett. Please visit.

Thank you one and all for stopping by. I leave you with this quote from Miles Davis: “My future starts when I wake up every morning….Every day I find something creative to do with my life.”        Hugs, Heidi

“Wear-With-All,” And My Students had the Wherewithal to Create their Own!

 

I recently did a trunk show called “Art on the Wall, Art to WEAR!” for the Folsom Quilt Guild in Folsom, CA. What a delightful group. Thank you ladies for having me. I felt so welcomed and appreciated. The next day I did a workshop on the Terrific Tabard (aka Skinny Vest). What an amazing group. Let me show what they were working on:  Dorothy (on the left) and Gail came prepared with many strips (for filler sections) already sewn together. Amazing! (hmm..teacher’s pets maybe). 

Sandi, got right to work on her Large Scaled Aboriginal print by treating it with Terial Magic first (to make it stiff like a board)  and then cutting it up into interesting shapes. 

Susan also used some Aboriginal fabrics along with a few Kaffe Fassett piecesin the mix. 

Don’t you really like how she has combined flowers and shapes. The black and white Aboriginal fabric is the great unifier.

Brenda is using the Tree of Life view in Terrific Tabard to create a collaged vest. 

Lorraine is working with black and gold and batiks. This lady is the SPEED queen! She put pedal to the metal and got really far along in her vest Adventure. She plans to do some diagonal strips with shots of color added(via small squares) into a modern look.  

Brenda and Susan are working hard!

Linda has already titled her vest as” Peony Madness.” Hmm..what madness is this? I get it though. See her beautiful Kaffe Peony Fabric below? It is a large scaled print. And sometimes they just don’t work out as you planned. Keep the faith Linda. This process can take some working and re-working.Save the black and cream around those flowers and mix it along with some other black/cream prints.  Use at least one more larger scale print Linda that goes with all. That will pull it all together. 

Mairy (with an “I”), arrived later (she had be at work), and she was a busy, busy, girl in no time at all!!  I love her use of intense yellow green and red violet, all grounded with our favorite, black and white. 

Suzanne is using sweet prints, similar in scale. That works well as a base for the beginnings of her garden scene. The little bird comes from her lining fabric (see it off to the left).

Diana is using all “happy” fabrics. I love the way she is using her strip pieces. Glue those puppies down (instead of sewing them together as “filler pieces.”) and stitch them as raw-edged collage.  Great idea. 

There’s smoke coming out of Lorraine’s sewing machine, I just know it. Whirrr….. I am teasing you Lorraine in a good way. I wish I could create that fast. 

Susan is flying on the back of her vest. Black and white, White and black, always, always, pull the whole look together. Really fun. 

Dorie is our Over Achiever! Not only was she “in charge” of my coming to Folsom, she is already WEARING Terrific Tabard # 3 that she has made. Yes, that’s right, three vests BEFORE the workshop. Dorie, you make me look good! Thank you. 

Beautiful choices. Each one is so detailed! And I am so proud, bits of black make a statement in all of her vests. We ran out of time to take pics of her other two. I will see Dorie in May. I’ll get those pictures yet. 

I like what Sheila is doing here. She’s laying out her strips first (to get ideas for placement) and then look at the difference in background choices for her large print flowers. Hands down, in my opinion, use the black. 

We had a “walkabout” and looked at all the vest creations. We all learned from each other. Mairy, I just love your creative idea of “color” outlining. See? Brenda is pointing to them. 

Sandi get the prize (waay up at the beginning), she temporarily suspended work on the Aboriginal (it happens, she’ll get back to it). I saw her beginning to cut out some fish , and a few days later she sent me these FABULOUS pictures! Thank you Sandi. You must post these on the Kaffe Fassett site. That little fish wants to eat your button!

Whimsical and so fun. I love it. And ladies check out that black trim, and that little bit of black in the row of flowers and white/black print. Perfect. 

And then, YIPPEE! Mairy sent me a picture of her completed back piece of her vest. Love, LOVE, what is happening in this piece. Mairy, this is stunning! I can’t wait to see what’s next.

 

Didn’t I tell you they were a great group of sewists? A whirlwind of activity and fun in that workshop.

One last thing before you leave, check out the new Logo that has been added! Yep, my Etsy store is up and running. It’s for “hard” copies of all my patterns. Deisgns by Heidi Emmett is my store name. Thank you for stopping by and come back when you have time and visit past posts. I hope they will inspire you to get creative. Hugs, Heidi

I’m Feeling Blue—-In a GOOD Way!

 

Rain, rain, rain. I don’t mind it though, because I have more time to sew! Did I tell you that I live, “as the crow flies,” 50 miles from the Oroville Dam, in Oroville, CA. Some of you may have heard about the problems. All the ruckus started last Sunday, late afternoon. Their fixes seem to be working. The water behind the spillway is down 30+ feet (and still falling), while last Sunday, 2 feet OVER!  A very Scary time for all those people.

I’m feeling blue, because I want to get those little yo-yos onto my “Mommy & Me” vest that I showed you in my 1/20/17 post titled- “Yikes, Black & Blue ……..” I’m using a gorgeous Perriwinkle blue, boucle’ wool for the base (from my stash, yeahhh).

Here is the pattern I used. I wore it for the first time this past Tuesday and received rave reviews wherever I went. Easy to make the foundation vest, but do all the embellishments you want BEFORE you sew it together.

Of course, never one to follow my OWN rules, I am NOW adding the yo-yo’s. It isn’t bad doing things later as this vest is nice and loose. 

Felting down a yo-yo. Or you could stitch it by machine, or by hand. I like the yarn idea. The picture below was taken at night, lousy light, just like the video, my very FIRST one that I posted to FB. Did you see it? My FB is DesignsbyHeidi. The video is good, for my first one, ever, it’s just the bad lighting.  The video goes with the sweater further down the page.

I will add beads tonight. I just can’t STOP!!! 

Rex came up to help while I felted. He blends right in doesn’t he? Check out the pillow he is lounging against. 1/2 off but still $50.00.  I bought it for the felting and wool fabric manipulation ideas. It looks good on the couch upstairs in our t.v. room. That’s where I usually felt so I can watch t.v. too.

Here is the yarn I used to felt down the yo-yos. Amazing amount of other colors. I LOVE this yarn, called Gina by Plymouth yarns. 

I pulled some off the skein to use and check out what happened to this yarn. 

Here’s a close up. Maybe one of you marvelous knitters can tell me why it twisting up on itself so much? I reeled off just what I needed and took it to the ironing board and with the iron set to wool and steam, gently tugged the “kinks” out of it. It worked really well.  A close up of the kinks below. 

Then I proceeded to felt it to my gorgeous Eileen Fisher, Perriwinkle Blue, Merino wool, sweater. The “hole” reason I was felting is that I discovered a real hole in the sweater. I thought I will cover it up with bits of yarn felted down. Well…, you’ll see that I really did NOT check to see where the hole really was. Here’s the back. 

I saw something similar on a gorgeous sweater from an Anthropologie catalog from 5 years ago. Did I ever say that I can’t throw much away? I treasure those catalogs and others for an abundance of future ideas. 

Taa daa!! There is the hole. I guess I will sew it closed (by hand) and then continue on with the yarn felting. The single strand felting of yarn is VERY fast, and very fun to do. 

Maybe it’s raining where you live. It’s a perfect time to start a new project! Hugs, Heidi

P.S. Don’t forget to find my felting video on my  FB business page (DesignsbyHeidi).  I will learn how to get it to the blog posts and to You Tube, but I just had to try it right then and there, last night.

P.P.S. Sign ups for the Artistic Alchemy Retreat have begun. I have my first student! So yeahh for that. Remember, my workshop is called, “Pick A Pattern.” Click on the logo below and you’ll get all the information you need to sign up.

 

Patternless Sewing! It’s Easy!

 

Start with my Off the Grid Vest pattern (the miracle vest!).

 

Add some beautiful batiks (these are by Alison Glass) and a fabulous foundation ombre fabric (buy it at Christine Barnes.com)

Prepare fabric pieces with Terial Magic and cut strips from them.

Stitch up some off-centered Log Cabin blocks (it’s all in the pattern instructions, not to worry).  Whirrr…… pedal to the metal! 

Gather some highly technical tools to create your own pattern pieces from the measurements I give you. It really is easy. 

Have fun setting out the pieces to create your own unique design. 

Add some simple, let me say that again for emphasis, SIMPLE, quilting lines on the vest back, then arrange some strips. and using either Basting glue or Elmer’s school glue, glue them to the vest back. 

Log cabin squares pinned to the fronts and then glued. Ready to stitch in place. 

Some more stitching and echo stitching to create a slimming, linear look. 

A nifty finishing technique for all the edges and a cool flat stitched seam allowance. Simple instructions are included of course.

You have to get this pattern for a truly, Art to Wear piece. You will be walking on air with all the compliments you receive. I’m not joking!

And here it is inside out! So many ways to wear it! 

Isn’t THIS a cool look? My friend, Lila Sugg made this fabulous necklace for ME! I think it is a perfect compliment for my vest. Lila is 92 years young! You are one amazingly, talented woman Lila. Oh, did I mention its made using real potatoes? I posted about this, a long time ago. I HAVE to get my past posts organized. Soon….

A student’s vest (Pat from the Bay Area) from my Art to Wear workshop at one of our Artistic Alchemy Retreats. Love the deep rich colors. 

Carolyn from New Zealand created this stunner after purchasing my pattern online. Carolyn is 82 years young (you go girlfriend) and made this to celebrate her birthday with family in Switzerland. I just love it!

And Trish, at an Artistic Alchemy retreat, made her version of Off The Grid vest. She walked out of workshop wearing hers!!! You are the BEST!

And at last years retreat, Sherri also walked out at the end of the retreat with HER FINISHED Off The Grid vest. Beautiful work Sherri. And she added her own twist to the back.

I LOVE the back of this vest that uses a quilting panel piece. Thank you again Sherri, for saying yes to my using your panel idea in a project for my upcoming book. It’s going to press next week!! I’ll  keep you all posted.

Commercial break: Here we are in order from the left, Mary Boalt, Sandra Bruce, Christine Barnes, and me. Sign ups for Artistic Alchemy #4 have just opened! Sign up soon. I hope to see some of you in my workshop this year: “Pick A Pattern.”  Click on the A.A. logo below to learn more.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you all have time to do something creative this weekend (cleaning up after recent storms does NOT count). Hugs, Heidi

 

Anatomy of My Modern Patchwork Project!

I love hearing from those who have made one of my projects! Thank you so much for taking the time to write and send pictures. Modern Patchwork,  Fall 2016 is the latest magazine project.

I received this picture from Karenanne from Portland, Oregon. She made these two Free-Form Circles pillows for her sister for Christmas. And then, she had so much fun with those, that she created her own design for a third pillow.  Way to go Karenanne! I love them on your red couch. 

Carolyn from New Zealand made her version of F.F. Circles Pillow for a friend for Christmas. Love the black background to make the colors pop!

Carolyn had so much fun with that one she said and her friend liked it so much that she made her another one. Way to go Carolyn! 

Another woman from North Carolina emailed me. She hasn’t sent pictures yet, I hope later. She asked if she could teach this project to her beginning machine quilters. Love that idea!

Now who is this? Jax, is our son’s dog. We were dog sitting and we spoil this dog. He can sit anywhere he wants! Jax saved us from a would-be robber who was casing the neighborhood. 30 robberies had been committed in our neighborhood. It was broad daylight and the robber came to the door on the pretext of needing to use the phone. Jax is very well trained, but lunged out the door and my husband had to pull him hard, back into the house. Long story short, the guy exited quickly after that and we called the Sheriff and they caught him.  Jax is a hero in my book. Rescue dogs and cats are the BEST! 

Saw a squirrel, sorry about that, now back to our story about Free-form Circle Pillow. 

Long ago, in a room filled with fabric, I collected a bunch of “Grunge” fabrics by Moda. I fanned them out and thought and thought. These colors are so yummy next to each other, how about stacking them some simple way? P.S. Those flowers in the picture are Oragami Roses my son made for me for Valentine’s Day, years ago. Best gift EVER! 

Now to get to work. I found three circle objects of varying sizes and traced them onto stiffened fabric (using Terial Magic) and cut them out.  Take note of the scraps in the upper right corner. You’ll see them again shortly.

Fanning them out just to look at them. 

While fanning out the circles, I glanced over to those scraps I mentioned. Uh oh, I saw a squirrel. What if……?

And look at these felt balls that are mere inches away from the scraps. 

Oh my, I turn to a pile of Alison Glass (Andover fabrics)and yowzaa look at that Medallion piece (I CAN NOT cut that up, it will forever remain like that I’m sure). All these colors and designs are fun together. Aacckk! 

And yes, there is paper in my life too. The piece below was wrapped around a house plant. I believe the house plant is long gone, but I love the design on the paper.  I just know I can incorporate this design with everything above.  

More scraps of shapes, color, and design. So it’s O.K. to have some playtime with scraps. You never know where it will lead. It’s no wonder I have a hard time falling asleep. 

O.K., O.K. back to free form stitching. These circles are NOT supposed to be perfectly, evenly, stitched. That is the whole idea for the project. Freedom to enjoy the process. I had to include this black and white picture, for a rest from all the color. I used iron on fleece for the batting. It is great to work with and never hangs up on the feed dogs. 

Super, handy hint for you. When free form machine quilting, if you backtack a few stitches when you first begin, you can go in with your scissors and trim off the excess. Otherwise, that open toed darning foot can get hung up on loose threads and cause you angst. 

 

If you want a copy of Modern Patchwork, Fall 2016, I have a few left for sale. There are some great projects in that issue. hmemmett@gmail.com Be sure to dash over to Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com We are GOING LIVE to tell you all about the Artistic Alchemy Retreat at Lake Tahoe this Sept. 4-8th. Fun and more FUN!! Hugs, Heidi

Designs by Heidi meets Artistic Alchemy

by HEIDI EMMETT         

Welcome to all the new and returning people to our blog for Artistic Alchemy and to my lovely peeps from my personal blog! We appreciate you stopping by. Today, our “Go Live” for our Artistic Alchemy Sept. 2017 retreat is……….delayed. Aarrrgghh! Technical difficulties.Part of the technical difficulties are missing pictures from past blog posts by me, Heidi Emmett, and ALL pictures from our newest teacher, Mary Boalt. So please, allow me to re- introduce myself: I have been working with all things fabric since I was 7 and have developed many talents in the fiber arena:  I have been a full-service fabric store owner for 16 years, a quilting teacher, an “Art to Wear” pattern designer(see my full line of patterns at Craftsy.com/sewing patterns/designsbyheidi), a magazine project contributor, a blogger (designsbyheidi.wordpress.com) a guest blogger, a retreat creator/organizer (Artistic Alchemy, yeah!), and just recently, a book author on my Art to Wear! I love to, “Make it up, make it fun and get it done!”

My workshop for Artistic Alchemy is titled, “Pick a Pattern.” Don’t be afraid of wearables. You have made plenty of quilts – it’s time to WEAR some of your creations!

Together, with easy techniques, we will make one of my Art to Wear patterns to fit your body shape. Below are two examples. “Off the Grid” vest (requires little to NO alterations – ask my past students, it’s a miracle vest!)

Two versions of “Terrific Tabard” vest pattern (also know as “Skinny” vest).

And as a newly minted “author” of a book, there will be two sweeeet vest patterns in the new book by Leisure Arts, of which, sadly, I can show you nothing right now. The book (no title yet either), will debut on the shelves of every Joann’s store by early spring.Then, it’ll be picked up by independent fabric and quilt shops around the world. I am beyond excited!!  

Barring any other issues, our “Go Live” for the Artistic Alchemy Retreat, 2017, will happen next Friday, February 3rd. Mary Boalt will reintroduce herself on Feb. 10th with all new pictures of some of her newest, never before seen, painted pieces! Sew ready, set, go, and kick your “artistic alchemy” into high gear this weekend. Hugs, Heidi

 

Yikes, Black and Blue all Over!

 

Did I get your attention? Fortunately I’m not black and blue, but the fabrics I’ve been working with are. And then I must mix in purple, blue and red violets too! Such yummy colors together. Read on….

In case you are new to my blog (welcome by the way and thank you for visiting), I have posted a few of these pictures of my Three Tiered Skirt Pattern in other colorways. Easy to make. It is  luscious in Colbalt Millefiori fabric by Kaffe Fassett. I wear it summer and winter too. 

A summer early evening at Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Point, Nevada side. 

Remember this? Just a few posts ago. It is from my “Mommy & Me & My Vest & Quilt” pattern. And yes I said it was a P.I.P. (Project in Progress) that I had finished! finally! Well….I was working on those yo-yo’s. I can’t stop making them. I am playing with the layout on the vest above.

Lots of ways to add these to the vest.

I think I will add them in the way you see them below. Yes, there are yo-yos inside the yarn and beads. I will lay the yo-yo down and to hold it in place, I will machine felt it in place with yarn. Oh, don’t forget I’ll add beads too. The pictures below are from a “techniques” wall quilt where I try lots of new ideas I have sketched out. 

Rats, what I thought was done(the vest)….less is more…well, I think more is more better!! 

And yes, another P.I.P. in the black and blue arena is my circle crochet vest. This goes waaay back in the post archives (I really need to organize my 4 years worth of posts). In another post the same vest is in red yarns. I tend to buy yarns one skein at a time. I’m easily bored and like to switch often. Also, I buy different yarns for machine felting.

Love this black and blue, and red and blue violets swirling around. It will be done soon and I’ll post it with the red one along with the pattern. Fun, and easy to make.

I’m off to an Artistic Alchemy meeting! We are in middle of figuring out the whole program for September 2017. I really hope to see some of you in my workshop this fall. It will be Art to Wear with techniques sprinkled here and there to keep it exciting. Talk soon, and have fun creating something new and different this weekend. Hugs, Heidi

 

 

I Was Seeing “RED!”

Yes!! I was seeing red. Firstly, I didn’t get this post done on Friday as I should have. Secondly, I was seeing beautiful red fabrics and stitching and working it all together into a FABULOUS, NEW, Terrific Tabard Vest.

 

Mary Boalt, from our Artistic Alchemy group introduced me to Kantha cloth. She had made her piece into a jacket.  My piece below is a “throw” size, which is about 50″ x 60.” Kantha cloth is two pieces of fabric sewn together (no batting) by hand, using a heavy thread and straight running stitches. Looking at this  I just knew I had to add Kaffe Fassett fabrics. 

They needed a certain “stiffness” to work my magic so I threw pieces of Kaffe fabrics into a bag and sprayed them with Terial Magic. 

While they were still wet, I pressed each one until dry. 

Coming back to this project, I began to lay them out on the wrong side (plain red with stitches showing). I say coming back to it, because everything got wrinkled in the bag. See how stiff Terial Magic makes them. It’s perfect for all the top-stitching  I do.

I used one Mille Fiori piece, colorway “Red,” and stripes, and one Shirting stripe, all from Kaffe Fassett. 

After finding the perfect layout I glued all the pieces down. Aim for a very thin stream of glue, not the blob I have coming out of the glue bottle. Too big of a stream and two things happen, it spots the fabric (it will wash out but who wants to do that?) and the needle really clunks through everything when its being stitched down. Oh, look at that. I just happen to be wearing my Peruvian Connection, Kaffe Fassett, Alpaca, hand knit sweater. Love, LOVE, it. I will own this sweater FOREVER! I’m telling you. 

While letting the glue dry I was flipping through my “FLOWERS” calendar and saw this page (Jan. 14 & 15, 2017). A vibrant floral tapestry of cut bouquets at a market in Kumming, China (Workman publishing (my favorite calendars), New York). This totally reminds me of Kaffe Fassett MilleFiori, and Paperweight fabrics. 

Thousands of stitches later and TaDAAAA!! Isn’t my Terrific Tabard aka Skinny Vest gorgeous? Feast your eyes on this Boho Chic vest. Christine Barnes, another member of Artistic Alchemy told me that basically, Boho Chic is another name for Hippie clothing of the 60’s. 

Now it’s time to turn it inside out. I love this with denim. A long sleeved t-shirt and skinny jeans and boots. Perfect.