Saturday Studio Challenge! The Flamingo House

I've wanted to try a studio challenge for a long while now. This is the first free Saturday I've had in months! Here's how I think it will work:

• Turn off the computer and enter the studio. 
• Start working!
• Update every 2 hours with a quick check-in
• Keep at it for at least 8 hours.

In fairness - I have no idea how this is going to actually work. Will the 2 hour check in interrupt my flow? Will the needs of the housemates take away too much attention? Will I just get bored and want to play Warcraft? Since I don't know - I'm not doing it live this time, but I promise not to change a single word after it is written (unless I spell original "origional" again). If it goes well, next time I'll do it live and maybe even recruit one of you to join! 

Getting Started: 10:30 AM

I picked up a pattern from Marcia Layton at the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo because it screams me and bestest friend Jess. Tacky to the max with flamingos, yo yos, and rick rack. One day - I'm going to make one for Jess and I to hang up in our retirement beach house, but for now it seems like a good practice opportunity. If it turns out - I will donate it to my quilting bee who is collecting house wall hangings for Habitat for Humanity. You may remember the first house attempt, mushroom house - Nice experiment, but I can do better for sure!









YO YO Mania: 12:30 PM

In the last two hours, I cut a super ton of yoyos with my fancy new circle cutter. I don't love hand sewing when I'm in the studio. It is much better suited for traveling and keeping my hands busy during movies or TV. I did want to have one or two of the different sizes made up to try as the wall hanging came together so  I decided to sew as many as I could before I hit the 12:30 update deadline. Time for a little snack and then it is back to work!










The Background: 2:30 PM

I finally was able to cut out some large pieces and see this thing start to come together. I fought with myself a bit because this is *NOT* how I would build this quilt. Then I remembered - the reason I do projects like this following someone's instructions is to learn new ways of doing things. Sometimes, as difficult as it can be for my hard headed self to admit, their way is better! (ok, you got me, MOST TIMES)

This project calls for using fusible fleece to applique the parts together. Until yesterday - I didn't even know what fusible fleece was! So far it is pretty cool. Works the same as fusible web, but is plushy. The sky and the sand go together and all the other pieces are appliqued on with a blanket stitch. It leaves a raw edge under the blanket stitch, but I think I can live with that. We'll see how it all comes together.



Applique Fever: 4:30 PM

Phew! I'm so tired of blanket stitch I could cry! My machine only has one right and one left blanket stitch and both are quite short. I find it a bit tedious to work with, but made it though. All of the water and sand has been attached as well as the house, door and windows. You can probably see, the windows are a touch wonky. I dont know if it is a machine or user problem, but I struggled a lot with two layers of batting and two layers of fabric. I know a walking foot would certainly help, but mine only works with straight stitch.

I started adding a few of the embellishments then deiced to take an hour off for dinner. A girl's gotta eat right??






Rainbows and Trees: 7:30PM

Alright alright! It's starting to look like something! I didnt have any of the ribbons recommenced. I made do with what I had for the door and made the awning all by myself. I'm quite pleased with my problem solving here - I had nothing that would just plop in there and manged to pleat *just enough* of the light blue ocean I had left. I didn't have any striped fabric, but I did have some ribbon left from the Hungry Caterpillar gift bag (thanks Jess!) to improvise. It is only 1/2 and she suggested a full inch. An inch is probably better, but I think it is ok at this size. 

The tree was quite a pain. It sits far in the corner and has lots of turns. I didnt think I would ever get it on there, but finally managed it. Marcia has rick rack to mark the frowns on hers, since I didn't have any, I just used thread. More problem solving!



Now the fun part is left - putting on all the little picture making things like the flamingos and crabs and such. I'll work on the yoyo's in my down time this week and see how it goes. I knew I didnt stand a chance of getting all the hand work done today, but I did kind of expect to make it through all of the machine applique. I'm famous for overestimating, I shouldn't be surprised!

I'm home all day Thursday (July 4). I may try another challenge with something I can actually finish in day! The rules I set out for myself worked ok other than I didn't really include time to do things like eat. I may just repeat the update times, 10:30, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 7:30. Anyone else home for the holiday and want to play along? It would be fun to check in on someone while I'm at it. :)


Link Ins:
Sew Darn Crafty @Sew Many Ways
Anything Goes @Stitch by Stitch

30 Days of Suedre & Bird, an installation art project

I think I mentioned I'm taking a Coursera class, Introduction to Art: Concepts and Techniques. If I didnt, well, I'm taking a Coursera class, Introduction to Art: Concepts and Techniques. In this class, we have an art assignment every week and this week is installation art. I instantly thought of a project I did back in 2008 with a plastic pink flamingo and a camera. I decided to review it and collect up the photos in a quick view mosaic. I enjoyed doing it and looking at the photos again so much, I decided to share the whole project, including the required artist's statement. The coursera folks only saw two of the high res photos, but I'm treating you all to FIVE, lucky you! Without further ado, here they are!

Tilte: Bird (2008)
Summary: 30 days in the life of Suedre told though images depicting Bird, my half of the pink plastic flamingo pair my best friend and I split when we moved to separate states. For close ups, I selected two that I think best fits what I was trying to accomplish - cheeky interactive personification of an inanimate object.

I completed this project in 2008. I made a Bird carrying purse and a few pairs of feet and carried him with me everywhere I went for 30 days. Each day, I installed Bird in a funny or interactive place, took his photograph, then published it on a daily blog. Some days were more challenging than others. For example, the grocery store manager was none too thrilled with me taking photos in his store. Sometimes it was just getting over feeling silly, like when I put a plastic tennis show wearing flamingo next to a statue at a very busy mall.

For this project, it was important to humanize Bird and make him part of his environment. I didn’t want to just put a plastic flamingo somewhere and take a picture. I wanted him to look as if he were an active participant in his various summer activities. It was also important to tell a story. He starts with the first picture leaving the house and ends with the last, going to bed.  For me, looking back on this project has been more meaningful than the project itself. Through Bird, I can remember and relive small everyday moments, like ordering at the drive through, that I would have never considered important or interesting otherwise. He tells the story of my life for those 30 days as if he were me.

This project started as a silly internet game but quickly became something else. By day 3, I was completely engaged in the challenge of putting Bird in various places and telling a story everyday with nothing more than plastic flamingo a cell phone snapshot.  In the five years since I completed this project, I’ve certainly gained significant technical skills in photography and storytelling through art. Maybe I should give this another go!

My favorite days!

Day 3, Shopping at Harris Teeter

Day 4, Offended at the July 4th BBQ

Day 13, OK - not part of the final photos, but it melted my heart to
run across this one when editing. She's so grown now!

Day 17, At the Sonic drive up (makes me giggle every time I see this one!)

Day 27, A new perspective.

I hope these made you smile and you enjoy them as much as I do!


Link Ins:
Really Random Thursday @ Live a Colorful Life

Hungry Caterpillar Custom Embroidered Gift Bag

As I mentioned in my last post, my very best friend in the world came by for Original Sewing and Quilt Expo in Raleigh. On her way back home she was going to attend a baby shower for a good friend of hers. She had already mostly finished a Hungry Caterpillar baby blanket and wanted a cute gift bag. We only had about six hours, but we were not deterred! We went to JoAnn's and picked up one of those pre-made blank canvas totes brought it home and ended up with this:

You're looking at the FAT version of the Hungry Caterpillar, so I suppose he is really the Full Caterpillar. I'll be honest with you - this was a rush job. Not a lot of time for marking, washing, and perfect stabilization, but still cute none the less. He and the letters are freehand. I made him as a patch with Sulky Water Soluble Stabilizer and tulle. I marked 2.5 inches tall and dropped those letters right in. I hand sewed his little hairs to his top side and added the ribbon with a straight stitch.

I promise, one day, I'll show you exactly how I make these patches. I was in such a rush, I didn't take the greatest pictures along the way or think about which ones I'd need to demo the technique. I'll show you what I have though and one day soon I'll fill in all the words and specifics.

So here we go... a WIP with only pictures!


If you're curious - here's her super cute blanket that goes with it!

 

I can't wait to see what everyone else is up to this week!



Link Ins
Mel's Daisy Patch Crochet and Crafts
WIP Wednesday @Freshly Pieced
Needle and Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation. 
Free Motion Friday @ Free Motion Quilting Project.

The Sunday Geekery: On The Sewing Con

Finally back home from the Raleigh NC Original Sewing and Quilt Expo and pretty much totally spent! I had a pretty fantastic three days and picked up all sorts of new ideas, learned about new products, and tried my hands and some fun little projects. Since this is the Sunday Geekery and we geeks love our cons, I thought this a good place for a little wrap up.

Nice Car Cover!

THE FACILITY

The facility was top notch. I'd not been to the Raleigh convention center since they renovated it and had no idea what I was in for. It's HUGE, clean, modern, and has tons of art all over the place. I can't even image how many people you could get in there. I'd far rather attend Dragon*Con at a place like this! Funny story, this big huge multimillion dollar beautiful facility had farting chairs. Every time someone sat down with even a tiny amount of force, they acted like little whoopie cushions. This made me giggle. every. time. I'm such a child!

This is just one "small" hallway, all of the spaces are open like this with giant ceilings and windows everywhere. I never had any reason to see the ballroom floor. I kind of regret not just going up there and looking anyway!

All of the rooms I attended were set up and ready to go. I didn't experience any technical problems or issues with classes starting on time. Both hands on classes were set up with Pfaff's. One in the $2000 price range, the other with a show special of $6500. Was I totally blown over and ready to do anything to own them? No, not really. They certainly have their conveniences, but none that made me want to impulsively bring one home.

I have been thinking about upgrading my machine though. I had kind of narrowed it down to a Janome and a Bernina so I was looking forward to trying them out at the show. Wouldn't you know? Not one Janome or Bernina dealer at the show WITH machines. Seems like the long arms are the order of the day. That disappointed me a bit, but it is probably just as well. I need to spend lots of time with them at my LQS.


THE CLASSES

I attended six hands on classes and five lectures. I would say my satisfaction level is with the programs is around 60%. A few of them were fantastic, a few total duds, and everything else somewhere in the middle.

These are from Stacy Michell's of Shades Textiles "Color Cups" class. It was by far my favorite class. Stacy is a good teacher full of anecdotes and knowledge. She certainly made my friend and I comfortable working with dye that we were both total newbs with. I had though the supply fee was a touch high when I signed up, but it turned out to be well worth it. You can see how much hand-dyed fabric we came home with and Stacy had thought of everything for packing and traveling.

Thanks Stacy!

This bag is from Hope Yoder's Hipster Chick class. If you like it, you can find the pattern with videos on her site. The kit was complete and Hope came prepared with extra supplies like Steam-A-Seam 2 and Sewing Clappers. She showed us how how to add a zipper in a bag and I managed to actually keep up. Impressive, zippers have always stumped me!

I really do like this bag. Well, *THIS* one is a bit of a problem, I'm not sure who the strap measurement was made for, but it isn't big tall me! I picked up the written pattern, pdf, and videos. I'll try again in the future with a strap that fits. In addition, I think the front pocket is a great phone pocket, but I'd never put my phone in there with a button or clasp of some sort.  When I get to it on my never ending list - I'll let you know how it goes!

Thanks Hope!

This was my introduction to Shiva Paintsticks on fabric from Helene Weber (sorry, can't find a web presence for her!). The paint sticks are oil paints that can be set with heat. They work well on fabric because they are VERY thick and don't bleed into the fibers.

I was quite torn on this class. I like to paint from time to time and as you can see, I'm not the worst painter ever. I managed to create nice soft image with a bit of depth from just the three primaries, but I didn't love the process. The thickness, that makes the paintsticks appropriate for fabric, was driving me nuts. I just couldn't manipulate it like I wanted to. I still have quite a bit of paint left, so I 'll try both painting again and using them to augment fabrics to see if they grow on me and they might.

Heh, this is me goofing off a bit in free motion class. Debby Kratovil teaches a nice class. She goes out of her way to make people comfortable trying out new things. I'm glad I took it and got a chance to learn some actual technical terms along with open practice.

The thing I walked away from this class with is there isn't much more to "learn" right now. I just need to practice practice practice. I get the gist, I know what I need to do and now I need to work at it until I'm actually good at managing both the fabric and the needle. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!


 
THE LECTURES

Here's the negative - Almost all of the lectures included a disclaimer like "this is not a sales pitch", "I just want to show you some new techniques", or "Let's get inspired". It seemed like they were "proving" it wasn't a sales pitch by not selling anything during or right after the lecture. Here's the elephant in the room - if your lecture includes "buy at my booth", "come by my booth", or "we have these patterns at the booth" every five to ten minutes over an hour - it *IS* a sales pitch. Can we just call it what it is please? Maybe even let them bring the products up. I'm obviously interested in buying them or I wouldn't have PAID to attend a SALES PITCH. OK OK, I know, Silly Suedre. I'm all about transparency though, especially in sales, so I get annoyed when I fell like I'm being manipulated.

Negative aside - Most of the lectures were good. I picked up some good pointers about using stabilizers from Meg Covalt and will certainly put them to use. I also enjoyed a few apparel lectures, both from really loopy and fun instructors, Kathy Ruddy and  Cynthia Guffey. We also checked out some bags and patterns from Linda Lee. I've never really considered making bags, but she had such fun and interesting textiles that I kind of want to try now! I didn't take a class on Zentangle, but heard the word a lot. After looking it up - I might need to check that out too!

SUMMARY
I saw some fantastic quilts, put my hands in different machines and project types, picked up two new patterns, met some amazing and interesting women, and was able to spend a little bit of quality time with my very best friend in the world. Pretty great weekend right? Now it is time to put my head down and start working with all my new skills and ideas!

I can't wait to see what you all have been up to over the last week. I've missed following your updates - If you made something beautiful while I was away, be sure to link me so I don't miss it!


Linking in with Anything Goes @ Stitch by Stitch & Happy Day @ Not Done Growing

Original Sewing and Quilt Expo, Ralegh NC: A little taste of Day 1

I survived day 1! All 14 hours!


lol @ Sir Walter Raleigh!

Wow! What a day 1! I've tried my hand at free motion, made a hip bag, and attended great lectures on techniques and products. I have a fair amount to say with actual pictures of the hands-on projects. I'm tired though... almost too tired to write without being dangerously punchy. I'll tell you about all the classes and what it feels like to use a 10,000 dollar machine in upcoming days. For now, you'll just have to deal some eye candy!

I saw the most amazing quilt, likely one of my favorites ever. I so wish my cell phone took better pictures because I can't even see the beauty of it here when I assure you, in real life, this thing will knock your socks off!


Quilts like these make me want to toss the dining room table right outside and put a big old long arm machine in there! The artist's name "Koi" is Dustin Farrell. It didn't list an associated website, but I suspect this is him.

There are scores of beautiful quilts, every one of them special in their own way. I promised myself I wouldn't post a million pictures. I limited myself to SIX, that's right, just SIX. I went for pieces that really stood out for a technique or something special I had never seen before.

Here's a fantastic use of denim from Lisa (omg I can't see her last name in the picture. Will find it and update soon!). All of these square are little pieces of denim. Some with seams, some without out. They are top stitched on with the red thread and it is just stunning.

This is an art quilt from Susan Bleiweiss. I love all the bright colors mixed with the stained glass technique. Certainly something I'd be willing to try myself.

There were 10 artist listed for this art quilt and I just couldn't help but smile at it. It really stands out as something different and fun.

Lisa Ellis has really mastered these grapes in "Abide"! I took a picture from the side to try to really show you how well she's made me them pop with thicker batting. I love how dimensional this piece is

Karen Marchetti's The Choice grabbed my attention because of the amazing use of quilting to create texture. It looks like she has used all solids and created the bricks, floor, and door using FMQ. Seriously? Unreal.

This is another one from Dustin Farrell. It's intention to show off the long arm quilting, which is amazing, but what really caught my eye and put this on over the top was the use of mirrors and 3D flying geese like border.

That's it for me. I'm hitting the hay to get a little rest before beginning again tomorrow! Just so you know - I put in a zipper today and it wasn't a total disaster. Look out world - here comes Suedre!

Original Sewing and Quilt Expo, Raleigh NC: Preparing

I made it! The eve of what we have dubbed at the house Quilt*con. Tomorrow starts three days at the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo in Raleigh, NC. I'm signed up for five hands on classes and six lecture type classes. We're talking 12 hour days of learning, absorbing, and meeting new people. I might not make it, but if I don't it wont be for lack of preparing!

Having attended Dragon*con (a 30K+ attended sci-fi con), I've learned a few things about how to both survive and enjoy these events. The most important thing is to have a well stocked bag that is both light and functional. Want to show off your custom quilted shoulder bag? Save it for another day unless your custom quilted bag happens to be a backpack with two padded shoulder straps. Here's a check list of the things you don't want to forget!

• A notebook. This is my black book of art and ideas that pretty much goes everywhere with me. I love the hard covers that makes it usable anywhere and can be a little table in a pinch. It is on the heavy side though - so something smaller could be a good option.
• Tickets, maps, event info.  Do any research you can. If you can find a map of the building, take a look it and figure out what floors things are on as well as the entrances and exits. An idea of the layout will help when you're searching for the room your panel is in.
• Headphones. Often, the social aspects can be exhausting. A pair of head phones (music on or not) can be a really good way to take a little break.
• Personal items. Chapstick, advil, breath mints, bandaids, and nail clippers. Yep. They will come in handy.
• A little something small for downtime. Books are a good choice. Here I have a sandwich bag project (ie, it fits in a sandwich bag!)
• Pen. Oh that crafty pen. It loves to stay behind. I like to bring a pencil too.
• Hard Candies. Never know when that sugar low is coming. Sometimes you find yourself parched or hungry and hard candy can do the trick for a short time.

Not Pictured, but coming with me..

• Hand Sanitizer
• Camera
• ID and a little bit of cash in small denominations
• Peanut Butter sandwich and granola bar
• Water bottle

I'm certain there will tons of blog-o-tunities throughout the event. I expect to be mostly offline so the info might be a few days coming, but it is coming! Be sure to stay tuned!




I'm quite excited. In addition to the event, my best in the world is coming for the last day and half. Can't wait to see her! If you'll be there - drop me an email, I'd love to meet you too!

Dizzy Dresdens: Get the point!

Last week when we left Dizzy Dresdens, this purple dresden had been completed:

I've been moving right along and completed the orange, blue, and yellow dresdens as well.

Frustration 1:
I found getting the points just so to be really difficult! In the beginning they were all over the map. Some done perfectly and some with bulky seam folds and weird rounding. By the last one, I was completely frustrated and wondered how in the world people were ever able to be successful with these buggers. Completely on accident, I realized what was causing so much trouble and every point after that was much closer to my expectations.

IRON FROM THE BASE AND NOT THE POINT.

Yep, that's the thing that made all the difference in the world. Here's two samples ironed from opposite end. In the interest of honesty, the bad one isn't THAT bad. I just couldn't stand to keep trying to do bad!  

Frustration 2:
When sewing them together, I had trouble get them started. I was sewing from the point back of the piece. To get all of the seams near the point in, I had to put it very near the edge of the needle starting point. Of course, that caused two expected problems - 1. I couldn't get the locking stitches right and the pieces would pull apart easily. 2. The pieces would get pressed down in the needle plate ending in one big messy knot of fabric, needle, and thread. Turns out - the answer was quite similar to the iron problem.

START SEWING FROM THE BASE AND NOT THE POINT.

So now you know - the dresdens are far from perfect. By the time I figured myself out, I was sewing the last one! No worries from me though - I still love them even with their little imperfections. Have you run into little nuisances like this before? Learned any great tips out of frustration?

Here's a great tip from commenter Cynthia Brunz Designs at Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework: 
Here is a tip on getting those points out. Take a needle with a thread (no knot) and take a tiny stitch right at the end of that dresden with the needle. Don't pull the thread all the way through - but grab both ends and tug. It should pull that point right out. You can even press while you tug. Then just pull the thread out! I do this on pillow corners, etc and it works great.


Want to see all the posts related to this quilt? Here's a handy dandy Dizzy Dresden index!


Linking in with WIP Wednesday @ Freshly Pieced.

The Sunday Geekery: NC Maker Faire

Yesterday, we went to the NC Maker Faire. For those of you that aren't familiar with the maker community, you'll find a good description on wikipedia. Go ahead, read it, I'll wait.

Alright - here we go!

I wanted to report back with all kinds of great stories and profiles of new people that I met. The sad truth is, all I have is some anecdotes and half ass pictures. It looks like the Maker Faire is a victim of its own success. There were so many people jammed in that tiny building that all I wanted to do was RUN as soon as I walked in. It was tight in there y'all, maybe even a fire hazard. People in every square inch. Stop look at something - good chance you're in the way and will get bumped, a lot. Not good for someone with crowd anxiety that also really really really wants to play with the cool toys!

We pressed on though and here's what I have to show you. First up - custom built Raspberry Pi arcade machines.

I didnt catch the fella's name, but he did have a sign with Tinkernut.com posted nearby. I havent looked yet, but there was also a link for youtube videos to do it yourself. This certainly caught my attention because we just so happen to have a Raspberry Pi and arcade cabinet waiting for some love. Oh, that project list just won't get smaller!

A really popular project that showed up a lot was custom built 3D printers. Here's the only one I managed to get a picture of (from behind two table where there just happened to be a break in the crowd.) I really like the idea of the printers and I'm looking forward to it being more accessible technology for the 'rest' of us!

My kid dug the gigantic ball roller coaster thingie also known as Craig Trader's Chaos Machine. I quite enjoyed watching the fella who appeared to be responsible for fixing the tracks as the kids came through and let them have it!

Robot repair break!!

Here's something that caught my attention. I've seen it mentioned a few times before on the web, but until I stood in front of a real person with a real passion for it, I didnt give it much credence.

The gist is - you buy a box of mystery items. You then create a piece of art using only the items in the box (you can add paint). After it is done, you can wallow in your awesomeness and submit it for prizes. I thought it might be fun, but only if someone else I know is doing it. Anyone interested?

What in the world would a nerdy/geeky thing be without Star Wars? There were a few storm troopers and a Boba Fett (aww, yeah, I recognized a Star Wars character!) hanging around in addition to a costuming maker group, 105th Squad, that was working on working on sculpting out some headpieces among other things. I missed a chance to take a picture of the sculpting, but here some of the cool stuff they were showing off.


Like Steampunk? There was a few makers showing off their steampunk wares as well. I thought this fella, Stephen Chapman, nailed the look and was showing some fantastic steampunk items. He was even kind enough to take a picture with the kid and let her touch one of his guns even though the sign clearly states no touch. Amusing, no?


For my crafty artsy fiber friends, there's something for you to see too! Here's a few of the people I was able to get to to see what they were up to, and liked!

A little bit of tatting from the Tri-Tatters

Crochet with old tshits from YourMomDesigns

I missed these ladies' names. Anyone know?

There was so much more to see too! Chainmail jewelry, art clay, lock picking, lots of Raspberry Pi's, soldering, wood cutting, science!, robots robots robots, local businesses like spoonflower and Bull City Craft... the list - she could go on for a while!

Here's the thing about the Maker Faire that I love - I mean in my soul, love - It's not commercial at all. It is real people doing real things that they love and sharing them with other real people. Grassroots all the way. There's all sorts of concepts and ideas in all levels of completion open to computer hackers and quilters alike. The act of making, experimenting, re-imagining, and ground breaking is celebrated and appreciated.  The polished setups are non-existent. Corporate logos and marketing mumbo jumbo is nowhere to be seen (suck it comic-con). I dig each and every person that showed off what they doing today and love the the community they have created. It's geekery to the max and a beautiful thing!

Optional Side Quests!
Look what popped up on Little White Lion today - Crazy and Brilliant Life Hacks.  lol @ the lawnmowers.

Answers to last week's Sunday Geekery sound game have been posted! Go take a look and see how many you had right!


Linking in with Happy Day Link Party @ Not Done Growing.