Friday 26 November 2010

B*******!!!

I was really determined that I was going to write a post this week and not leave it so long, so I have managed 
six days so I have just about fulfilled my brief. I seem to have been really busy with visits for x-raying Mr T's knee (which is no longer giving him pain), the chiropractor and the hairdresser as well as spending a good few hours with the Nutty Knitters. I actually did some knitting this week, but ... well I might share it with you... I don't think I shall be knitting again for a while.  I have finished an order for a couple of book covers and a purse for a friend and a couple of mini-journal covers, but  I think this cycle of making has almost come to a close.  I had to remind myself that my Etsy shop is somewhere I can offer for sale the things I make rather than feeling I must make things to sell, which was not the point.  A little part of me feels I ought to exploit the Christmas present market, but only a little part. It has made me also realise that my urge to create is much stronger than my urge to make  money.

So I am going to share with you my next project, although the final idea I am keeping to myself for a while. 

This is my sketch book developing the idea of a tree in each of the seasons. I sketched them onto four 8cm x12cm rectangles of pelmet weight vilene.
I then coloured them with some Koh-i-noor watercolour dyes
and then enhanced the colour with my  lovely soft, waxy,  blendable Karisma colour pencils which are no longer available.

I then free machine stitched each panel over layers of coloured voile and organza .... but just as I finished with the orange/yellow thread on the foliage of the autumn tree my sewing machine seized up!!  I cleaned all the fluff out of all the accessible bits but that didn't help... oh no... B*******!!! have I done something wrong, or is it a fault with the machine?   I bought it locally from a very long established supplier so I do hope Mr Theobald is able to help me tomorrow.  Luckily I had finished my orders.
The little panels are ready for hand stitching, I want to build up lots layers of embroidery and I have in mind something to make with them, but I'm keeping that quiet for the moment. My Honesty Seed head book cover is more or less finished, I've added quite a bit more stitching since the last picture,  so it is waiting to be made up into a book.  I don't need my sewing machine for any of these things thank goodness.  
(Up-date: as the machine is still under warranty it is back to the manufacturer, so only hand stitiching and paper projects for a while)


I've just noticed that I have 97 followers, so when I reach 100 I shall have a special give-away so watch this space.

15 comments:

Lizzie said...

Hmmm... I can't "Follow" you for a second time. Who can I coerce - oops, I mean, "encourage"! - to come and join your Followers, so we get a giveaway? Hmmm...

Tree project looks interesting, Jill. I like "Four seasons of Trees" as an idea - I've used it before too, also a design of four seasons in colours, for embroidery. I'd love to see your finished result!

flutterbycrafter said...

Looking stunning already

Rita said...

I know what you mean about enjoying the creating more than thinking about making money. I hope you can get your machine up and running right quick! :):)

LAC EMP 2020 said...

Jill,
You always said from the outset that it was all about the creativity for you and any Etsy sales were a bonus so it's lovely to see you exploring another theme. Sorry to hear about the machine. That has happened to me sometimes but that's down to abuse. My husband says I 'drive' the thing like I'm on drugs. I'm sure you're much more disciplined. Please share the knitting..... Lesley.

Marigold Jam said...

Brrr! here too this morning - must get to the shops whilst we still can methinks!! How annoying that your machine gave up just as you were enjoying yourself - hope it can be fixed today and that we will see what you are making with those lovely trees soon. I can imagine that having an Etsy shop could make one create to sell rather than sell having created and am glad that you have realised that you want to create first and foremost thus releasing some of the pressure! You will find you soon have 100 followers - your posts are well worth viewing!

Take care and keep warm.

Jane x

ju-north said...

Can't wait to see the finished textiles! Hope you get the machine fixed soon

menopausalmusing said...

OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! (Twice! because of your machine and because Karisma coloured pencils are no longer available!!!!! I didn't know that). Loving the look of your tree panels.

Clare Wassermann said...

This looks fascinating - a box perhaps?

Maggi said...

Your trees look very effective. Good that you have decided to create for the sake of it as there is nothing more soul=destroying than to have to churn out things that really are past their sell-by dates as far a your creativity is concerned.

Robbie said...

Love the trees!!! Really cool!

thekathrynwheel said...

Wow, loving your trees :-) Hmmm, can't believe the sewing machine has packed up already, how very annoying and inconvenient for you :-(
Ah, go on, show us your knitting!

Linda Vincent said...

This looks like a great project Jill...and so interesting to see your progress.

Sandra Hall said...

Hi Jill, just popping by to see what you've been up to...those trees are awesome! I love the way you take us through the stages of your creating :) Hope your sewing machine problem is sorted by now. x

Heloise said...

Your project looks interesting, have fun working on it. Hope the sewing machine is home soon.

Unknown said...

I'm very glad to see you continuing to move forward creatively. I love the things in your shop (as you know) but it is even better ti see new ideas come through. I hope the sewing machine comes back soon.