Sunday, April 29, 2012

Awesomeness!!

Since it was a cold, rainy day here, I couldn't work outside and it was too cold and damp to be able to open the windows to paint.  So, what's a girl to do?  Quilt of course!  Having nearly finished my last project, I dove into the center panel for Justine's Steampunk quilt that I had done the sketch of earlier.  It went together faster than I had hoped and I'm really liking the way it has turned out.
 The basic applique for the Steampunk Airship Quilt #1.   The block is 20 x 25 inches so it's pretty big.
I'm pleased with the detail stitching I've been able to get on the ship.  Those decorative stitches have come in handy.
All of the rope work on the balloon and the sail will come when I quilt it.  I've still got a couple of flags to add on the back of the ship and the top of the balloon.

I'm thinking this may be a prototype for something I may want to sell someday.  What do you think?  I haven't seen anything like it in a search.

Preliminary sketch

I got the Celtic Knot wallhanging quilted and the binding stitched on.  Now I just need to turn the binding to the back and hand sew it.  I told myself that I wouldn't start on Justine's Steampunk Quilt until that one was done but I did start on the preliminary sketch for the central applique panel.
I know it's really hard to see since it is just a pencil drawing.  But it's the airship with billowing sails.  I'm pretty excited about this one. I've even figured out how to give it a bit of a 3-D effect with billowing sails. I can't wait to see it take shape.  But probably not today.  Justine still needs to finish her prom dress for next weekend so she has co-opted my sewing machine.  I suppose I could start cutting out applique bits.  I always have my trusty 30+ year old singer I can use.
I'm also excited to get started on this one since I've got tons of Steampunk ideas in my head for quilts and not many people seem to be offering those out there in the world.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Celtic/Asian Fusion quilt

Long time- no post!  Things have been hopping in life, just not in the crafty areas. Oh, I did finish a baby quilt for a co-worker but I haven't been doing much Dreaming.   Until this afternoon. I was going to work on a shirt for myself but noticed this project that has been languishing in the sewing room due to the distraction of warm weather outside stuff.

So, I completed the top for my Celtic knotwork/Asian Fusion quilt.  I'm calling it Asian Fusion because most of the fabrics have an Asian feel to them.  The batik has chrysanthemums on it and the pinkish line in the knot is a tiny bamboo print.  I'll probably be using that as the backing as well and will do the binding in the dark purple.  Hopefully I can finish it soon.  I'm thinking that this may be a wallhanging for our bedroom... or I may see if I can sell it.  I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Man's Victorian Shirt

Finally, another post and something to post about.  Life has been interfering with dreams and it has taken a while to get this project finished.  But FINALLY!  It's finished.
A men's Victorian shirt.
 This one has contrasting white on white striped bib, cuffs and collar.
I did not put a button on the band collar but may add buttonholes on either side and back for a button-on collar if we can find one.  I also put buttons on the cuffs.  Vernon thinks he has a set of cufflinks somewhere but I certainly can't find them.
So, this shirt would be available in men's sizes up to 44 with 2, 4 or 5 button options. White or off white, contrasting bib or not.
I'll update the photos as soon as I can get Vernon to model for me.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Victorian Shirt

More menswear in progress:
The pattern is from Folkwear
Not bad for a few hours work.
The bib and front plackets are finished.  Now, on to the pleated back and yoke.  If time allows, I may have it finished by the new year.
More fabric was purchased today. Brocade and wool suiting for vests.  Fabric for Justine's fitted jacket with tails, for a walking skirt for me and some for maybe another jacket.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Victorian Smoking Jacket



Port and Cigars anyone??

Red Velvet with black brocade lapels and trim.  Perfect for lounging after dinner with drinks.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

A Logo!!

Justine has been hard at work designing a logo for me.  She has also been working on a website.  I've got the domain name but I don't have a host site yet.  But here is the logo she designed:


She also did the banner for the top of this page.  Pretty cool, huh?
I'm working on the velvet smoking jacket.  Unfortunately, life has interfered with accomplishing my dreams.  But Justine and I obtained a few more patterns today- more period menswear.  I can't wait to get through the holidays and all that they entail so I can focus more on sewing.