Instead of working with a dizzying view of camouflage, my “to-do” pile is a very serene, zen white.

Instead of working with industrial zippers, quilted nylon and heavy-duty elastic, I’ve switched to soft, fluffy fabrics and lots of different kinds of cotton.

That change got me thinking – how does your attitude change when your project changes?

Even little things like my music preference will change depending on what I’m sewing.  During my last project, I liked upbeat music with a good beat and lots of energy.  At the moment however, I’m enjoying a more relaxed playlist… or even just quiet.

Do some projects make you feel like scrunching up your shoulders and make you tense?  Or are some projects just too much fun to take seriously?  How about those projects that make you bored… remember to not fall asleep at the sewing machine

Next time you’re sewing, ask yourself – “how do I feel?” – and pay attention to it…

image: C Findlay-Harder

Post from: Blisstree

Wordy Wednesdays

I was surprised by how many pieces of older lace they had for sale.  I restrained myself from adding to my stash, but it got me thinking about how many hours had been put into the embroidered, crocheted or hand-knotted lace by women over the years.

So if you like to give second-hand lace a good home, but aren’t quite sure what to do with it – here are a few ideas…

Why not frame it as a piece of art?  I’ve got a doily that my great-grandmother crocheted, framed and hanging on my wall.  Just because something was originally meant to be placed on a table doesn’t mean you can’t display it differently.  This is a good idea especially for valuable pieces of handmade lace.

For lace that isn’t quite as precious, how about actually using it?  That way you get the enjoyment of wearing it or using it – and it doesn’t just sit in a box for the next twenty years!

If you really want to be brave, lace can be dyed, altered, painted or even… distressed.  Hey, as long as you’re using it and enjoying it

image: C Findlay-Harder

Post from: Blisstree

Wordy Wednesdays

$1 per yard for a stretch cotton waffle weave!

At that price, how could I resist picking up a couple of yards?  No, I didn’t buy the whole bolt – I restrained myself to two yards, thank you for asking

There was a reason why it was marked down so cheap… there are some odd stains running through the fabric.  They don’t smell and didn’t really change with washing.  It almost looks like someone dropped some dye solution on the fabric.

While I don’t normally recommend trying to cover stains on fabric with dyes – these ones are so light, and the fabric was so cheap that I’m going to try.  I figure, even if it doesn’t turn out the way I’m hoping – it’s still a good learning experience, right?

I’m going to break out my favorite cold water dyes and dye half of the fabric a bright turquoise and the other half orange.  I’ll share the results after I’m finished.

Unless of course, they’re so dreadful that I will never mention it again…

image: C Findlay-Harder

Post from: Blisstree

Wordy Wednesdays

And then some patterns are strictly fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants improvisation!

My hubby has been wanting a particular kind of suspenders for awhile now.  He’ll meekly ask if I can make them, and then patiently wait…  And then ask again sweetly.  It’s a good thing he’s patient

He’s got a few requests for them – they’ve got to sit right there, but not with suspender clips – can we use snaps instead?  How about some elastic so they can adjust as you sit or stand?

I’ve never come across a pattern for this particular kind of suspenders, so the process was pretty much figuring out things from photos and measurements.  A challenging project – but satisfying to figure out too.

The suspenders are finally finished – with those kinds of clips, and elastic and it fits right just there… and with no pattern!

image: C Findlay-Harder

Post from: Blisstree

Wordy Wednesdays

I picked up two pieces of fabric a couple of days ago (no, not for my stash – I have projects planned!) and just pulled them out of the bag to be pre-washed.

So why am I amused?  The two fabrics are for completely different projects, for different people – and yet, they coordinate beautifully:

image: C Findlay-Harder

The green fleece is for a bunting bag and car seat cover.  It’s chilly enough here in the winter time that we’re going to need both to keep the little one toasty warm!

The pink is for a friend who loves El Dia de la Muertos, or Day of the Dead projects.  The skulls are covered with lush, pink roses and the effect is oddly cheerful.

For some reason, that green fleece and the little green leaves on the pink print match beautifully.  When I think about how many times I’ve tried to match colors, especially green, it makes me smile.  Sometimes the universe just makes things work – even though they won’t be used together!

Post from: Blisstree

Wordy Wednesdays

(Me, hoard fabric?  Perish the though!)

image: C Findlay-Harder

It’s Canada Day today, so I thought it would be appropriate to share   I bought a couple yards of this print years ago, but just couldn’t decide exactly what I wanted to make from it.  The fabric is a nice, crisp 100% cotton – so I’ve got lots of options.

I think I’ve finally decided what it’s going to be.  This is going to be made into a diaper bag – and hopefully it’s masculine enough that my DH will feel comfortable carrying it too…

Post from: Blisstree

Wordy Wednesdays

It’s inevitable that fabric gets pushed down to the bottom of a box, or to the back of the closet.  Reorganizing my fabric has given me a chance to “find” different fabrics that, I must admit – I had totally forgotten about

image: C Findlay-Harder

I’ve got fresh ideas for clothing, decorating and crafts – and all without stepping foot into a fabric store (which is probably sensible…)

So when was the last time you “rediscovered” your stash?

Now if I could only remember which box my scissors and pins are in…

Post from: Blisstree

Wordy Wednesday

How often do we go through our houses, without really appreciating all the lovely little details?

I found my favorite fruit basket today, and decided to pop some of my fruits and veggies into it – and then realized how beautiful the colors were together.

See what I mean?

I written posts about getting from photo to finished artwork, so I won’t get into that now – but next time you need some inspiration, why not check out what’s in front of you?

You never know what might happen…

images: C Findlay-Harder

Post from: Blisstree

Wordy Wednesdays

The old house has been cleaned and we passed the final inspection.

Of course, I still can’t find my good sewing scissors, I have no idea where my thread ended up and I’m not sure if my camera cord is in the house or in the garage…

This however, puts a big smile on my face:

image: C Findlay-Harder

My sewing table and sewing machine are set up again and ready to go!  Now to go sort through the 15 boxes marked “fabric” to find the project I was actually working on…

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Wordy Wednesdays

At least the flowers in my studio are cooperating

image: C Findlay-Harder

My hoya plant is in full bloom and smells glorious at night!  In fact, you can smell the flowers when you walk past my studio – they’re that strong.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to stop daydreaming and finishing priming the walls of my house – just a few more days until moving day!

Post from: Blisstree

Wordy Wednesdays