Whoop-de-doo!

 
Look what arrived yesterday!!!!

If someday down the road someone asked me to write a book about opening a new store from the ground up I know the first advice I'd give; get your logo designed first, then get your sign ordered about two minutes after you sign your lease. Forget about setting up bookkeeping (but not forever!), contacting vendors, and buying furniture, it will all just be sitting there looking pretty while people drive by you day after day and not know you are there and your hands will be tied in regards to doing any print jobs or advertising. In many ways I lost four weeks of potential business because I did things in the wrong order.

I have to give a quick shout out to my friend and fabulous designer, Chris Ford. I met Chris online about 5 years ago or so on a now defunct scrapbooking site dedicated to scrappers who didn't fit the stereotype of what the scrapbooking world expected. I've admired her mad digital design skills ever since. I was happy to finally get a chance to work with her on designing my logo (and soon a redesign of the website.) Sometimes working with a friend really does work out.

Time flies

 
Last night we sat in the upper level of the high school in the finally spring-like heat to watch MiniMe walk with her class for 8th grade graduation.

I'm resisting the urge to write a bunch of sappy stuff about how fast she's grown up and how proud I am of her. I'll save that for four more years. (Don't get me started at how ridiculous the concept of a full-on ceremony for 8th grade graduation is in my opinion. Or how over the top some of the girls went with their dresses, hair and makeup last night. I'll be nice.)

Check it out!

I've been doing a lot of web surfing lately looking for cool projects to try (and to share!). In my quest for all things cool and eclectic I've found some new blogs and other websites that I'd like to share with y'all.

First off: True Up: this is a relatively new fabric blog dedicated to fabric and nothing but fabric. If you're a lover of all things fabric, this is the place for you. Somedays she features new fabrics offered by the hottest new designers, other times she shows fabulous vintage fabrics, and then other times she inspires us with ideas of becoming a designer ourselves!

Looking for awesome apparel fabric? Gorgeous Fabrics is just what their name states. I found Ann and her site via Project Rungay, she's a regular commenter and "Friend of Emmett." If you are a lover of all things Bravo and fan of fabulosity, you must read TLo!

I've had a thing for aprons for years. I bought my first antique ones at a church rummage sale back in the early 90s and began looking for them at yard sales and antique stores ever since. I struck apron gold a few years ago when we still had a vacation house in western Illinois and had the opportunity to shop some tiny rural antique stores along the Mississippi River. How excited was I to find The Apronista blog! And with a tag line like; "Life, Love and the pursuit of Ric-Rac" I knew I had found my peeps.

Last but not least; 5th Street Studio in Nebraska. I've gotten a lot of inspiration from these ladies. They are creating the kind of local community of artists and crafters that I would like to bring together here in the Fox Valley. Lots of fun classes, tons of eclectic messiness, and a fabulous community of people working together. Reading this blog and seeing what they are doing at their studio makes me want to put $80 of gas in the Volvo and take a road trip to Nebraska.

Edited to Add:
As soon as I hit post on this entry I clicked over to Google Reader and saw the latest from WhipUp and read a very cool tutorial: Recycled Dog Collars. Heidi and Shadow may be getting new high fashion neckwear soon.

I encourage you to go visit these sites and leave a comment.

Happy Weekend!

 
E came with me again today and finished up some of her earlier sewing projects.

First of all she added the slots and knob to her "Awesome Toaster" plushie. This creation was all her. She had the idea and with only a little guidance from me, executed the plan. She really learned a lot about designing in three dimensions and basic construction techniques.

Second project completed were her plaid flannel pajama pants. Now I would never suggest that someone attempt matching plaids for their first garment sewing project. But this is E we're talking about here! When she sets her mind to accomplishing something, she will. I helped her with the pattern layout so the plaids matched and guided her through the contruction process.

She used Simplicity #4039. I don't know that we'll use this pattern again. I prefer a pajama pant pattern without side seams. It makes construction so much faster and easier for the first time sewer. (Not to mention that it eliminates matching plaids on that seam!) But even with the side seam, these went together quick and easy. They also seem to have a little more tapered leg than some pj pants I've seen. E's are a little short because after pre-washing the fabric, it shrunk, and we didn't have enough to match plaids and make them long enough! She just chose to roll them up to capri length anyway.

I'm looking forward to seeing where her newly acquired skills will take her next.

We were joined by two other sewers today too. Stacee came in to get some help on sewing dresses for her adorable Knitted Babes. After a little coaching and encouragement, she left with a fairly complete pink dolly dress and (hopefully) enough confidence to continue on toward a complete wardrobe for her funky babes.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of helping Catherine with a dress she is making for her teenage granddaughter. Today she came back with her lovely granddaughter and we did another fitting. She's making this the "right way" starting with a fitting muslin, making her adjustments, and then transferring all her alterations to the final fabric. Smart lady and lucky granddaughter! I can't wait to see the finished dress. Her granddaughter is preparing for a 10 day mission trip to Equador with her family this summer. I wish them luck and safe travels.

I hope all of you have a fun and safe holiday.

Tie one on.

 
Minerva is modeling the latest Saturday sewing project - a handmade necktie.
Pattern: FREE! at Burdasyle.com
Fabric: Amy Butler Full Moon Polka Dot from the Lotus Collection
Notes/Modifications: There has been some questions on the BurdaStyle website about what kind of interfacing to use. Store bought ties use a woven wool interfacing that is kind of like a lighter weight buckram. That is nearly impossible to find in a standard fabric store. You definitely want to go with a woven interfacing because it will have more drape and give than a non-woven. I used a light-medium weight *fusible woven interfacing. In order to get a slightly stiffer body however I folded it in half and fused it to itself. You do not want to fuse it to the actual tie fabric! If you can find the right weight in a woven interfacing, get it in non-fusible. If you fuse interfacing to the tie fabric you won't get a nice smooth tie front. Also, I did not cut my interfacing on the bias because I didn't have enough to make it fit. I seems to have worked okay, but it would probably hang a little nicer if I had.

    
If you would like to surprise that special someone with a one of a kind, handmade necktie for Father's Day, join me to "Tie One On" Saturday, June 14 at 11a.m. ($50) Call, email or stop in the store to sign up and reserve your space. Supply list will be provided at registration.
 
What Annie Hall would've looked like if she had been a brunette circus clown?

Bag Ladies

So cool to see that my tutorial has inspired a bunch of sewing around the bloglands.

Check out these cute Eco-Totes:

Traci at Amazing Mae
Tanya at La Familia Rivera

They are making these for end-of-the-year Teacher gifts. What a great idea! Why didn't I think of that?

My niece Mylene also made one along with a friend of hers.
  
I've read where some people are confused about Step 4. It is getting late today but tomorrow I will try to clarify that step a little better here and on the download.

Project Idea:Mixed Media Cork Tiles

 
I finally finished a project I've been working on for a few weeks. E and I started this one Saturday morning. The idea was to make a cork tile wall where we could pin pictures and other stuff. Then I got the brilliant idea to make it an eclectic mess.

I wanted each tile to represent a craft medium or product in the store. E and I brainstormed some ideas and got to work. She made the paint palette and the button on the bottom row.
  
This one with the scissors and real fabric stitched to the background paper was my favorite one. It was also the first one I made. I learned a valuable lesson. Always paint on a coating of gesso first, even if you are covering the entire thing with paper. It keeps the cork from warping as the glue dries. This one ended up so buckled that it would stay on the wall and when I tried to flatten it out, I broke it!

E's palette has the same problem, I'm attempting to remedy it by gluing another piece of paper on the back side to counteract the warp. I'll know if it worked tomorrow.
   
   
Click on the above thumbnails to view a larger image of the details.

That black, silver and purple one? That is duct tape! It was the last ditch replacement for the paper and fabric scissor one that broke. I think it is really cool. I can see variations on a traditional log-cabin quilt squares done in duct tape.

The purse is made from Amy Butler fabric and is slightly stuffed with a layer of batting under the fabric and then machine stitched to the background polka-dot paper. The "beaded" handle is made with paper circles covered with Diamond Glaze to give them dimension and shine.

Never too old to be a fangirl.

Last night was the season finale of one of my favorite shows, SUPERNATURAL. But I haven't had a chance to watch it yet. Thank the Wendingo for Tivo! But in anticipation I took this quiz. My results were pretty much spot on. Jensen Ackles/Dean Winchester is my desktop background on my computer here at the store. Every night I switch off the machine and say good-night to Dean. I'm a dork, I know!

Are You Compatible With The Supernatural Boys?

More on Supernatural. Created by BuddyTV

Alien Invasion!?!?!

 
Softies/Plushies are all the rage in the craft/sewing world right now. The sillier and uglier the better too. I've wanted to use up some of my stash and make some for quite a while. Then we got

 
Plush You!: Lovable Misfit Toys to Sew and Stuff

and  Softies : simple instructions for 25 plush pals by Therese Laskey into the store and I had to have a go at it.

Emma and I cut, stitched and sewed Saturday afternoon until I had this funny little alien/octopus guy. She is working on a purple and silver toaster but hers isn't quite ready for unveiling yet.
 
  
Watch for a Monster Plushie Making class coming soon.

Book Review: Where Women Create by Jo Packham (Sterling Publishing)

Creativity comes from the heart and soul, but where you work can either interfere with or inspire the artistic process. For some, it may mean claiming a little nook in the family room. For others, it's important to set up a studio in order to start a business. Whatever your size limitations, you can carve out a space dedicated to your dreams come true.

Let "Where Women Create" be your starting point and fill you with exciting ideas and plans. In these pages more than 20 of the best-known artists in their field open their remarkable work spaces to you. They answer many questions about setting up a practical, beautiful haven. (from the inside front cover)

This is a visually beautiful book. The photography is fabulous and the subject matter is both awe inspiring and envy producing. It is easy to imagine myself a world acclaimed artist, if only I had a space like these to work in. Then I read the accompanying text and see that these women are no different from me or probably you, they have a creative vision and they have moved forward to make it a reality.

The book shows in both pictures and examples multiple ways to store and organize all types of art and craft supplies and media. From antique cigar boxes containing vintage trims and costume jewelry to an unused dishwasher used to store paints, brushes and cardstock.

What I found most inspiring about this book is the variety of ways the artists have made the mundane and practical beautiful. (That is what artists do after all!) These creative women have transformed the necessities of their craft into objects of beauty, many times in simple and inexpensive ways. By just painting and adding an antique frame to a plain bulletin board or repurposing an antique flower frog into a pencil holder they put their own personal stamp on their space.

Also each featured artist shares a tip and a favorite quote.

Keep your materials organized and in view with decorative glassware. You'll be able to find what you need, and the very items that inspire your work will be visible, inspiring you to work. (Anna Corba)

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" (this quote is also on my personal tea mug that I use here at the store!)

Product of the Week: Sublime Stitching

 
This week's Product of the Week is Sublime Stitching!

Jenny Hart turned traditional embroidery on its head with the introduction of her Sublime Stitching patterns and book.

I carry a large selection of her iron-on transfers in addition to her book that has 100s of unique and reusable designs and complete instructions for the first time stitcher. I also carry her transfer paper that can transfer designs onto dark fabrics and her very special T-shirt stabilizer. If you've ever tried to embroider on stretchy knits before you'll appreciate this nifty new product.

For this week only (May 13 - 17) you can take 20% off the price of any Sublime Stitching product in the store. Simply mention that you saw them featured on the blog.

New Class: Teen Sewing Workshop

I've had many requests for a learn to sew class specifically for teens. The Teen Sewing Workshop will meet once a week on Tuesdays from 3pm - 5pm starting June 10th ($35/week).

As a mother of a teen and a pre-teen, I know their schedules can be very busy and very unpredictable. The Workshop is set up so that teens can attend once a week or once a month, whatever meets their needs and fits their schedule.

This will be a self-paced class rather than based on a specific project. Each participant can choose their own project based on their interest and skill level. I will help guide participants in project selection and provide instruction and help along the way.

The first time you participate in the Workshop we will go over basic sewing skills, learn how to use the machine and discuss pattern/project selection. Subsequent classes each person will be responsible for bringing all needed supplies and materials to work on their project. Basic supplies like pins, scissors, seam rippers, etc. in addition to sewing machines will be provided. Do not worry if you can not join us on June 10th, you can join the Workshop at any time and I will help you get started with the basics.

As with all my classes here at My Eclectic Mess, I have limited space so early registration is strongly encouraged. Because of the ongoing basis of this Workshop, it will be necessary to notify me a week in advance if you are planning to attend. Payment is due at the beginning of the class each week.

Saturday is for sewing

My routine for the past few weeks has been to work on a project while at the store on Saturday mornings. Sometimes E comes with me and we do something together. Or like today, I decide to finish a project I've put aside far too long.

 
This chair has been sitting in our basement for too many years. It is yet another inheritance from a neighbor that gave it to me when they moved. I loved the lines of the Windsor styling and it is actually pretty comfortable. It swivels and rocks!
My dad repaired a broken leg on it when he was here in April. Now all it needed was a fresh new cushion and perhaps a pillow.
I knew when the Amy Butler 'Nigella' fabric came in that I would use one of them for the cushion.
 Imperial Fans was it.

 
It needed a pillow so I took the leftovers of other Amy Butler fabrics from a couple other little store projects and made a simple pieced pillow.

Just to prove that even "experts" make mistakes...
 
The first time I sewed the pillow cover together, I goofed up and sewed it with one side wrong-side out. Doh! That's why God invented the seam ripper.

Vignettes

 Green and brown.
 Lilac and White.
 
 Vintage ephemera for collage.
 Learn to Sew.

Complimentary

Come on in and make yourself a cup of your favorite hot beverage.

Or satisfy your sweet tooth.

French Memo Board Project

This isn't the project I said I was going to share with you yesterday* but instead another one that I did on Saturday afternoon. (*I wrote that post yesterday but had to repost it today because of my blog/hosting issues.)

This project is pretty easy and rather quick to finish.

Materials
Scrap of foam insulation board - mine is approx. 18" x 28" (I found mine in the store basement! Shhhhh.)
Quilt batting large enough to cover board and wrap around to the back.
Fabric also large enough to wrap around to back (just over a half yard for mine)
3/8" grosgrain ribbon - approx. 8yds for mine.
Glue gun and lots of glue sticks.

Instructions

Iron fabric to remove and creases or wrinkles. Lay face down on clean work area.
Layer batting over fabric, smoothing down.
Lay foam board centered on top of batting.

Starting in the middle of one side, apply glue generously to foam board and smooth batting and fabric around back. Work down one side gluing batting and fabric to back of board, being careful to keep fabric straight.

Glue opposite side in the same fashion, gently pull fabric to keep it smooth and wrinkle free.

Glue the other two side in the same manner. Be careful at the corners to trim away excess batting and fabric to reduce bulk and miter the corners.

Now if you just want a pretty fabric covered pin-board you can leave it as is and hang it up.

To add ribbons start in one corner and using a protractor or quilting ruler with a 45° angle marking lay out your first piece of ribbon, pinning it in place. If you chose to make your board square, this should go from corner to corner diagonally and you won't need a protractor or other angle thingy.

Using the quilting ruler continue to place ribbons across board (mine are 3.5" apart). Turn and do the ribbons from the other angle across.

Making sure that everything is securely pinned in place, flip board over to back again.

Glue each ribbon end securely on back.

Flip back over to front and remove pins.

Glue buttons or other decorative items at the ribbon intersections. I used vintage wooden bingo markers.

Initially I used those double sided adhesive foam squares to hang mine, but they didn't hold onto the foam board very well and I came into the store today to find that it had fallen off the wall. To make a wire hanger I cut a 6" piece of wire (I don't know the gauge) and bent it in a "U" shape. I stuck the ends of the wire into the foam in the opposite direction that I wanted to hang it, twisted the wire loop a few times and bent it up in the opposite direction. I then secured it with a piece of duct tape (it does hold the universe together after all!) So far so good, it seems to be holding fine.

Joel Dewberry - Aviary

The sun is out and the birds are singing. This new fabric from Joel Dewberry's Aviary line captures that perfectly. I was happy to find this shipment here waiting for me this morning.



My fabric display is officially FULL!

Giving Birth to your Muse

I've seen a lot of posts in the craft blogs recently about how to craft using your children's drawings and I wanted to share something I made a number of years ago.

This little art doll is now hanging behind the counter at the store. She is as much a mascot for My Eclectic Mess as Minerva (the dressmakers' dummy). She hangs above the original artwork that inspired her.

Mini-Me went through a phase when she was about 5 or 6 of drawing these very detailed girls. I saved my favorites and eventually made this doll from this one.

I didn't write up a tutorial at the time because I wasn't a blogger (did blogs even exist back then? We're talking old-school website at the time!) But I can give you a general idea of how I did this.

I traced the basic body parts with mylar and a sharpie to make a pattern. There are three basic parts: the hair, the head/face, and the body. I also did the lower arms/hands separately to make turning them right side out easier.

Then I traced each part onto a doubled piece of muslin. The traced line became my stitching line and using a small stitch length, I stitched around each piece. I did not leave a hole in the seam for turning, rather after sewing and triming very close to the stitching line, I carefully separated the layers and cut a small hole in the back of each piece for turning.

The hair piece was done differently so it would remain flat. I layered two pieces of muslin over a piece of batting and stitched, leaving an opening and then turned it right side out. Then I machine quilted the "hair" lines.

After turning and stuffing each piece I applied a generous coating of gesso and let it dry.
The clothes were painted on with acrylic paint. The face was drawn, following the look of the original as much as possible with colored pencil to imitate the crayon lines in the original. I made earrings using macramed embroidery floss and pony beads.

After everything was dry I hand sewed all the parts together and attached a small ring on the back to hang her by.

Having really creative children is a joy. I'm continuously inspired by both of my daughters. It is easy to feel at times as a mother that our children are inhibiting our creative process. We've all known that moment at one time or another where the creative spirit has hit us hard and we're up to are eyeballs in a new and exciting project and WHAM! we realize it is time to run pick someone up from school or drop someone else off at practice. Or maybe read an article or blog post that gets our creative juice flowing right before the baby wakes from his nap and the moment is lost. It happens to everyone and we soon realize that it is just the way it is sometimes.

But other times our children serve as our muse and provide us with the impetus and inspiration needed to move us up and out of our creative ruts. Their freedom and inhibition is a powerful creative tool that we can all learn from. Give yourself permission to play, alone or with your children and you may be amazed at what you can make!

Tomorrow I will share a project Little E and I started Saturday at the store. It started off as "my project" and when she added her energy to it, it really took off. She has started coming to the store with me on Saturdays and it has become a time for us to create together and brainstorm new ideas for classes and projects we can offer for parties and teen clubs. Having her there with me that one day a week has helped me step away from the "business" side of the store for at least one day and tap into my creative energies again.