I have a soft spot for this bag! Perhaps because it has been so long since I sewed one, you think? But I really love this utility bag. Paint rag outer pockets that are totally accidental but seemed ready to be seen and admired. Made for stashing your handwork supplies.
Paint rag bag starts……..
…..from ‘Fearless Creating’ by Eric Maisel, PH. D.
“Working means holding the work.
Working means hushing.
Working means starting.
Working means mastering the disinclination to work.
Working means working in the moment.
Working means entering the trance of working.
Working means appraising.
Working means choosing.
Working means negotiating a maze.
Working means living with chaotic-mind anxiety.
Working means ordering the work.
Working means wrestling with the thing from the sea.
Working means manifesting drive and direction.
Working means reframing the impossible as possible.
Working means making and correcting mistakes.
Working means waking up working.
Working means working on a given day.
Working means silencing distractions.
Working means surviving disturbances.
Working means loving the work, not hating it.
Working means providing your own warmth.
Working means maintaining tension.
Working means working over time.
Working means surrendering.
Good luck!”
Sunshine was on my mind one day and I needed to grab onto a project so I quickly cut this shape for a freezer paper stencil.
Freezer paper stencil
Another sun work, background painted
I peeled and reapplied the stencil three more times. Three of these are quilted with cotton batting onto muslin, washed and dried to shrink and add texture. The one second Continue reading
Posted in textile art, Uncategorized
Tagged art2carry, functional art, inspiration, surface design
The truth is that not all things creative are born of inspiration. Some are just built a day at a time like Life until suddenly a direction is determined. It appears this piece started aimlessly to use up paint or maybe I just didn’t know what I wanted to do that day.
I liked the painted strip but decided to combine it with other fabric and somehow ‘mesh’ the two.
Sandwiching fabric and batting with a bit of modern Trapunto technique (the added circles)
With a theme of circles and connecting lines I ‘marry’ the light fabric to the painted insert.
Painted and quilted fabric pieces and planning the bag.
I know that’s quite a jump. It’s not hard to notice that more painting has been done. Alas, I couldn’t find any photos for you of the process. Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged art2carry, artist bag, functional art, inspiration, original bags, surface design, textile art, upcycled fabric, zipper pouch
Best title I can think of for now. This piece is in progress now at my living room chair. I’m adding hand embroidery. As often happens, I wandered from my original intention of doing something quick and easy by paint and machine. (Ha. Dreams.) This started by laying painted lace on denim. I usually have no idea what I’m going to end up with; I just keep working on it until the bell rings in my head for “stop!”. It’s very heavy denim and with the paint adding to the stiffness I am actually using my thimble. I plan to make this a card holder/wallet but……..I’m actually in as much suspense as you are as to what it will be. Well, I’m sure the uncertainty won’t keep you from sleeping soundly tonight.
Finished project is here: Denim Wallet
Tagged art2carry, embroidery on denim, fiber art, inspiration, lace, paisley, textile, wallet
At last, after machine troubles and ……..not too many brain troubles!….is the bag that came to mind inspired by the roll of old fence wire (previous post ‘First Snow’). Canvas was seamed to fit around a plastic pipe fitting, as I wanted the line of color to be continuous. It is wrapped with twine from my upholstery supply cabinet. This is a Shibori technique.(Certainly not an example of how beautiful Shibori can be but it suited my purpose.)
I then applied pigment with brush and let it set while I went to the dentist the next day. Back in the studio, I was eager to unwrap and view. I considered cutting into two pieces, then realized it still lacked the look I wanted. So I stitched continuously around the canvas tube. I love the ‘Slinky’ look! I then raided my vintage tin and found just the right button for the inner pocket tab. I sewed tabs for grommets, stitched a cotton lining with zipper pocket and large button tab pocket.
Available in my Etsy Shop.
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged art2carry, bucket bag, canvas, cotton canvas bag, country life, fiber art, inspiration, natural, nature, observing, original bags, rural life, sewing, shibori, snow, spiral, stitching, textile art, tote bag, wire roll
This blog is to show you – as well as myself! – how what I see each day influences what I create. Traveling, reading and listening all contribute to what hands and mind make for the world to see – or for you to use and value. My intention is also to encourage others by showing the beginnings of joining ordinary materials with inspiration and achievable skills.
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged art2carry, country life, country views, fiber art, inspiration, observing, original bags, rural life, sewing, stitching, textile art, USA
Sew Path 