For The Love Of...

New Blog

2011-07-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

My new blog about my new fabrics and clothes, the aim of the blog is to promote these things using pictures and minimal write ups. The fabric in this picture is my 'London Calling' design and am using it to make a very cool skirt. Again I had the fabric made with Spoonflower - my new best friend.

The Easiest Dress - Ever!

2011-07-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

I am really a dressmaking novice so I wanted to make the simplest dress that would require no zips (my achilles heel) and no darts (haven't learned how to do them yet). I am also lax at measuring so this is a one size fits all. I gave it shape with a belt made from the same fabric. Without the belt it kind of looks like a night dress and I could easily make one with appropriate fabric. I didn't really have a pattern I just made a basic dress outline that I used for the front and back. My sister-in-law and mother-in-law both asked me where I bought it, which is a very good litmus test of how successful it is. The worst thing is if a dress looks 'homemade', this is where your careful seaming and trimming of threads becomes crucial.

Minnie Mouse Skirt

2011-06-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

I am practicing some clothes designs for my new fabrics. However the fabric is quite expensive so don't want to do trials using them in case I make mistakes. This piece of fabric I bought as a stash and loved the pattern. I also notice it was already cut and hemmed into a semi-circle so used it to practice making a elasticated waistband for a skirt. The result is fun, with a great asymmetric ruffle. I added a bow to the top to cover the join of the elastic. I remember Minnie mouse had a bow in her hair and wore polka dots, so here you are!

A 'room' of one's own

2011-06-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

ui
I have become quite the little space Genie! Remember all those weeks ago when I complained that sewing was a pain because I had to pull out and put away my stuff? Well I would like to present you with my solution. This closet was designed for a washer and dryer, but we don't have one so it has been a linen stroke, junk storage closet since we moved in. I had been putting off tackling it for a while but after constantly lugging my heavy sewing machine around, plus its voltage converter (my sewing machine is from the UK), vacuuming because threads are getting everywhere, I decided enough is enough.

As you can see I have started to use the walls for more storage but can't add extra shelves because this is a rental space. Instead I have used hooks to hang up things like scissors and rulers, the things that I need to hand the most. Supposedly the hooks can be removed when you are done, without leaving marks. The plastic drawers are actually full of food (the closet is also our pantry!) but I am going to add more open free standing shelves eventually to the left of the table once I have sorted out the box. The sewing machine is on a table I got from a rather famous American cheap store, and the light has a 'daylight' bulb, essential for looking at colours.

One day I will have a wonderful studio, but until then, this will do nicely!

razor blade hairband

2011-06-21T17:20:00.001-07:00

razor blade hairband, a photo by liz_watkin on Flickr.

I have recently been working on some new fabric designs. Here's a razor blade pattern that have produced using the wonderful Spoonflower.

Cushion Cover

2011-06-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

New cover, the rosettes are paper pieced and hand appliqued, the top will be machine sewn as soon as the voltage converter comes for my UK machine!

New Projects

2011-06-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

These are going to look awesome as cushion covers once I get the colours right ...

kimono Silk Patchwork

2011-06-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

I love kimono silks and my love of paper piecing works great with them because they are so thin and floppy to work with. The paper templates are a great way of stabilizing the material.

As you can see I am using them for a fan block, the completed one is a Dresden plate block which I made years ago. These are good blocks for kimono silk pieces which I buy and are not always all that big.

Kimonos - true love forever

2011-06-01T14:20:00.001-07:00

I have a problem when I get such beautiful fabrics, I can't bare to cut them up! I may not use this for a project but seam it and wear it as a scarf -yum!

Bye Etsy

2011-06-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Yes,
I have put my store to rest, I'm afraid. Maybe I will go back to it, but I doubt it right now. I love shopping there and will continue to do so, as a crafts person it's so hard to get noticed! Luckily I am in a place brimming with craft shows, stores and studios. Even so I am going to focus on building up my work before I consider all that, I had to give up so much of my craft stuff when I came to the States, that I have a lot of work to do.

It's more than just sewing and making pieces, it's also having some kind of cohesiveness and fresh approach, so that's what I will be doing in the coming year or so.

Easy Facelift - for a room

2011-05-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

I cannot get over how merely switching out cushion covers can change the feel of a room. We have inherited a really great, green leather sofa, but the covers we inherited with it were very dark, old fashioned and basically not very nice. The whole feel was jarring, as we have really tried to keep the room modern and airy. I finally go around to making a cover after a bit of a sewing machine saga (more on that for another post) and love the results. The burlap looks so good but is a little unstable because of the loose weave, my advice is to give yourself a seam allowance of an inch to stop any unraveling and consider lining it with a similar color of cotton because you can sometimes see the white cushion filler with ours.

I am definitely going to use more burlap in future.

Cross stitch not as most know it

2011-05-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

Quick snapshot on a piece I am working on that will become a picture. It is an abstract piece and it's almost finished. When it's done I intend stretch it onto a frame like a canvas so it can be hung on the wall.,

Work Station

2011-05-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

After over a year of planning and discussing we are finally living in Asheville. Our apartment is tiny but I love it. We are walkable distance from downtown with great views of the city and enough wildlife to make us feel free.

My plan is to find work - a hard task here - and in the mean time work on starting up my craft business again. However I am quickly tiring of pulling all my stuff out and then putting it away again to keep everything tidy. So here is the idea, to turn one closet into a work alcove or station. This closes looks small but is a good five feet wide and a couple of feet deep, enough for a small card table and chair and space to store stuff, it also has a lino floor which makes cleaning up pesky threads and what not easier, and a couple of power sockets - perfect!

Here are the before pictures, can't wait to show you the after!

Craft Essential: Masking Tape

2011-01-31T08:49:00.000-08:00

Masking tape is just one of those multi-purpose gems that I have to have in my craft inventory. It's great for all sorts of stuff,I personally use it a great deal when embroidering or cross-stitching. I tape the edges of my fabric to stop fraying and because it doesn't have a mega-strong adhesive quality, it comes off easily. I also find it useful for keeping track of embroidery cotton. When you divide up your threads, the extra ones can be taped to a sewing box lid or even a piece of paper and you can write the colour code on the tape itself.

If you have other uses for masking tape - feel free to share.

Inspiring

2011-01-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

Decorated Water Bottles

2011-01-25T12:37:00.000-08:00

Be environmentally friendly with these great bottles, my white one on the left was well-used in Zambia and as a result got a little bashed around so a bought a new one at World Market. They sell them in a lots of places in the States, but online I discovered Earthlust who specialise in fresh designs on water bottles in various sizes. Everything from dragonflies to chandeliers are emblazoned on these painfully cool necessities. I love their yellow 13 oz bottle with budgies. Recommended.

Treasury Tuesday: My Orange Valentine

2011-01-25T04:22:00.000-08:00

'My Orange Valentine' by L1zW

Orange is a warm colour and a sexy smell. Awaken your senses with colours, tastes and fragrances that will ignite passion. Yum!

As you can my re-ignited love affair with Etsy has resulted in a romantic, steamy treasury list for Valentine's Day. Husband take note.

Storeyshop $6.00	VintageRethrea... $16.00	EmilyBalivet $15.00	dancinggrassho... $6.00
roufe $35.00	SimplyTempted $6.00	FusionSweets $8.99	BiscottiQueen $6.00
sandynejedly $12.00	Souperspices $4.50	lollidreams $27.00	themuddymoose $4.50
thedirtyhousew... $4.50	TheMoongladeGa... $1.49	FusionSweets $6.50	ADKaromatherap... $4.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Treasury Tuesday

2011-01-18T08:11:00.000-08:00

'Let's Go' by L1zW

Essentials for long haul travel from one who knows!

Towards the end of this week I will finally be flying out to the US to live. Inspired by new emigration I came up with this treasury of things I think are essential when travelling long haul, along with a few fun items. Loose comy clothes are a must, but that doesn't mean they have to be ugly! Refreshing moisturizing spritzers and lip balms are vital for your skin to survive the horrible air in the plane.

After tons of flying I have honed down all wants and needs and passed them on.

roundtrip $60.00	undertheroot $20.00	BeasBargains $60.00	ikabags $64.72
Tamarasherbes $4.50	Naturallogic $6.00	CubistLiteratu... $18.00	primitiveperso... $2.50
Kallibuch $57.00	Onlylovelove $8.50	echoshop $20.00	Relogyyy $72.00
morsel81 $22.00	hollysvintage $20.00	sygnetcreation... $10.00	SimpleBrightMo... $80.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

How to Friday - Ruffle Dress

2011-01-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

Great dress, thanks Threadbanger. XXX

How to Friday - Reverse Applique

2011-01-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

This is a great way of doing reverse applique if you have a non-fraying material like felt or jersey. It is so simple, will defnitely try it. Click on the picture for the tutorial from That Darn Kat. For more of her patterns, check out the Etsy shop

The River Arts District, Asheville, NC

2011-01-13T07:29:00.001-08:00

IMG_2831
Originally uploaded by liz_watkin

Taken in Asheville, this picture of the River Arts District was part of why I decided the city was for me. I have visited quite a few 'arts districts' in my time, however this was the first I found that actually seemed to be a hotbed of genuine creativity rather than a gentrified tourist attraction.

My husband and I wandered around thrilled with the lack of order, the spontaneousness. It seemed genuine and exciting. Now I am concerned to hear there are plans to redevelop the area. Whilst I am a big supporter of development, I have so many fears that it will become a twee, sterile exercise and the rents will go up. I have seen this happen so often. When one hears city authorities and the like using phrases like 'clean up' it usually means a sanitised version of the world withouth character or diversity. Think I am being alarmist? Read this article and then tell me. Graffiti Wall in Asheville's River Arts District Declared Off Limits.

East London, Paris's Left Bank - these places were orginally populated with artists, writers and the like because they could afford to live there and pursue their creativity. Then it became fashionable to be seen there and unless you made it big like Damien Hirst, it was time to move on. Of course the haphazard scenic River Arts District may leave people who like more conventional arts and crafts bemused - that's fine, they will find what they need in the Woolworth Arcade. But please, leave the River Arts District for the real artists!

To Etsy or Not to Etsy?

2011-01-13T04:29:00.000-08:00

'Fresh Fun Home' by L1zW

A modern, homely living space full of light and space.

When I first signed up to Etsy I was so excited to find this wonderful site full of creative people. I was inspired to enough to start my own shop - Phyllis B - but was not too successful. There were a number of reasons for this but my overall summary is that Etsy is good for buying, not really for selling. There is even a blog now devoted to problems with Etsy called Etsy Bitch and while I don't always agree with their posts, I think it is important to highlight some issues with the site. That said, after a hiatus of over a year ( I was in Zambia and online shopping is a bit of a pipedream there) I have come back to discover that there have been vast improvements. The site is slick and finally they have made it easier to create treasuries, (though bizarrely there is no code generator to share them). What I sell there again? I doubt it as I still think they are not seller friendly. But I still think it is great for fabulous design inspiration and original items.

Now a big big thank you to Whaleshark Websites that has an awesome HTML generator for treasuries, making this possible.

MidwestFinds $15.00	ThistleTreeVin... $25.00	appetitehome $16.00	roddyandginger $35.00
IngeIVStudio $24.00	elementclaystu... $45.00	BurlapAndBlue $14.00	dbabcock $45.00
summersville $8.50	LoucheLab $20.00	marybethhale $20.00	BurlapAndBlue $27.00
StellaDeer $4.25	TippyTumble $12.00	lunarloungedes... $1100.00	dbabcock $45.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-13T03:32:00.000-08:00

I know it is slow coming and I apologise for my tardiness. The laptop was out of action for a little while, but I am now back in business. Life is slightly calmer since I packed up our extra stuff and shipped it off, I will be eagerly awaiting my beloved Singer sewing machine, fabric stash and much loved sewing box over there in North Carolina. There have been some tough decisions to make - most of my crafts I have decided to donate to a local school here in Staffordshire - but it is time for my husband and I to put down some roots.

This early spring cleaning and packing has also forced me to reassess my ridiculous blog obsession. Honestly I have far more than I can ever give my full attention to, so a cull is imminent. Don't worry, this lovely blog is staying, but I will merge my food blog with it. You can see that I have already given it something of a facelift to honour our new year.

More on our move to come, the next chapter is open.....

After Zambia

2010-12-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

The photo above shows the gift I received from the Visual Arts Council in Zambia at my leaving party. The paintings are a triptych of an area in Zambia where I used to live - Katete. I was very moved to get them and also chuffed to find that they fit in my luggage.
I am back in the UK for Christmas and taking stock of things. It's weird to be in your thirties and to find yourself without a fixed abode, permanent job or any of the other things most people have that define them. '

Now begins the task of searching through what belongings I do have and deciding what to ship to the US and what to give away. I was very pleased to see all my crafty things again and they are a good place to start from in terms of building a new life. One advantage of the transitory life I have had is that you have less junk to sort through, and only what matters really remains.

kangaroo

2010-12-23T01:53:00.001-08:00

kangaroo
Originally uploaded by liz_watkin

I made this kangaroo by special request for a dear friend who collects them. I am really pleased with how it turned out. It's been some time since I made any cross stitch, and this has reminded me of how much fun it is!

My Friend Stary

2010-09-01T03:42:00.001-07:00

When you look at the work of Stary Mwaba your first thought may very probably be, 'Why have I never heard of this artist before?' Stary Mwaba: remember the name, you will not forget his work.

His paintings, within the cultural context of Zambia, his home, take great risks in their concepts and themes and yet his technique is so accessible, in other words he challenges the viewer without alienating them. One of my favourites is entitled 'I am not Your Stereotype' (above). At first glance it may seem like a beautifully executed picture of a girl sitting, half-lounging (a common stance for Stary's subjects) surrounded by abstract, almost human forms. But let's look a little closer. First of all, see her hair, slightly golden brown in colour – unteased and natural. Then, let's look at the thigh and the back that are exposed, with the light glinting off them, wrapped casually in a chitenge – a Zambian cloth that women wear traditionally for modesty or to protect their clothes from dirt. In Zambian culture it is taboo for a woman to reveal these areas of her body, and yet here they are on display. Move now to the face and note the look of lazy defiance. She is beautiful, she is African and she is not afraid.

Stary's painting 'Baby' (below) was not well received in South Africa. The depiction of a black girl holding a white doll was seen as inappropriate, as if the addition of a white doll was an oversight, a mistake. That girl holding a doll, has a great deal of power in my opinion. The doll has no clothes apart from socks, whereas the girl is fully clothed. This touch subverts the nature of the poor African girl running around in rags – it is the white doll that is naked.

His marriage of technical skill, abstract exploration and genuine affection for his subjects in his paintings make your mouth water. If it is possible to be gently controversial, Stary Mwaba has achieved it.

I believe this is just the beginning for Stary, his work is becoming more experimental as he grows as an artist. In September, not only will he exhibit in Lusaka, but also fly to New York to take part in a residency at the Watermill, Brooklyn. For more on his work you can visit his website: http://starymwaba.webs.com/.

The post also appears on my art blog Scrapbook

Return to the Blog

2010-06-24T01:28:00.001-07:00

I know it has been ages since I posted anything here. I have been overtaken with trying to finish my quilt before cold season, and basically failing. I know Africa is supposed to be hot, but it is so cold now! I am still working on the quilt but I think I will use it as a throw for our living room now.

If you are wondering what I have been up to all these months, then check out these blogs. Mainly I have been writing and working at the gallery. I am also now heading up a team that is planning on publishing an art paper for Lusaka and Zambia. So if you want to know more about that, go to this website.

I will try and be less negligent, but I think my posts will have to be once a week as I am considering a new Etsy shop that will be a radical departure from Phyllis B, but with some of the more crafty elements.

To be honest I have been taking this time to work out a new direction for myself, knowing full well that some ventures don't work out and then I have to find a new obsession! However I must admit that I am extremely lucky to have this time grow creatively.

Check it Out

2010-02-17T23:44:00.001-08:00

http://craft-digest.blogspot.com

New Blog Guys!

2010-02-17T23:40:00.000-08:00

I have been gathering various how to projects off the internet for a while and decided that maybe I should share them with you crafty people. Hence the birth of Craft Digest, I have been trying to add tutes at least once a day. So far there have been stitching tutes, bookbinding and there are more coming.

My Pennant Quilt Progress

2010-02-17T02:03:00.000-08:00

I am still squirreling away on my paper pieced quilt and about half done with the top. Superbowl weekend I laid my first lot of strips out and found one doesn’t quite match in size which is a little irritating and also mystifying, but I am sure I will come up with a way make it work. I have made a new template to add straight edges to each end of the pennant style triangles so that I have a straight rectangular quilt to work with when the strips are sewn together.

Crazy Patchwork Valentine

2010-02-14T04:55:00.000-08:00

So this is the card I made for my husband. It's in the style of crazy patchwork using fabric glue. I just stuck a bunch of scraps to some card then cut out the shape of a heart. I think I'll make some more cards like this.

Zakka Folder

2010-02-13T04:49:00.000-08:00

Here is the first folder I tried to make to keep my crafty papers in. Unfortunately I didn't plan it well so I couldn't add pockets. I have a new method though so the next one will be perfect! I experimented with two types of applique. I like the button hole style but it takes a while.

I used extra thick interfacing to make th folder slightly more rigid.

Business Journal III - Finding a theme

2010-02-11T01:24:00.000-08:00

Since I have been thinking seriously about selling my crafts, I have been deciding on a cohesive theme for my pieces. Since I am a bit of a geek/writer/bookworm, I have decided to focus on new designs for stationery solutions. So that means folders, book covers (of course), pencil cases etc.
I am also carefully choosing fabrics, as you know I have mentioned before how limited materials are here, but I have been making some really cool pieces from upcycled bedsheets, so I think I will continue down that route.

Zakka Book covers

2010-02-10T01:15:00.000-08:00

Zakka book covers - they're all the rage don't you know! The first one I made was too small for my notebook so I use it for keeping recipes clipped out of magazines! The second was just right! Want to make more to sell at the craft market. The second is from upcycled bedsheets, my new thing.

Zakka Bag

2010-02-09T00:58:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the bag is finally finished. The material came from some bedsheets a friend of mine was giving away, they matched so beautifully I couldn't resist making something with them. My friend went crazy when she saw the bag so I am going to make her one. There are a few modifications I would like to make: First, the lining material wasn't stiff enough so my bag is kind of floppy! I wanted it to be like an academic satchel. Second, I didn't include any pockets or dividers becaus I was too impatient, it definitely needs some as I am fishing around for my phone and keys a lot.

Craft Business Journal II – Like minds, research and plans

2010-02-04T07:09:00.000-08:00

Lusaka is quite a small place really. When you meet certain people six degrees of separation seems an entirely plausible theory. After building my social network here I have found another ex-pat who is a sewing enthusiast and has made quite a good business from her creations.
After a few texts, I finally met her today and was really inspired by her work.

In a place like Lusaka where materials are difficult to find, it is invaluable to find someone who can give you essential info on anything from haberdasheries to shipping resources from abroad. My new acquaintance also gave me some advice on what sells here and when to sell certain things. Many foreign workers (of which Lusaka has a ton!) go home in the summer months, though here it’s the cold season, this is the perfect time to sell crafts inspired by local themes as they want to take them home as gifts and souvenirs.

I now have some solid tasks ahead of me; I need to think of some new designs but also some that are African inspired for May and June. I also have a sewing machine on loan for a week so I better get some stock together!

Craft Business Journal I: Plans and plans

2010-02-01T01:02:00.000-08:00

As part of my blog I have decided to record my attempt to sell crafts here in Zambia in the hope some of my experiences might inspire other hopeful artisans.

Today is rainy and finally almost cold! It's Monday which for me means cleaning up the house after the usual weekend shenanigans. This Saturday we went to the big craft market that happens every month, I love it mainly for the food and in the hope of finding a good book to read at the secondhand book stalls. However this month I had other reasons for going; I wanted to research getting a stall there, I got all the info I needed and spent the rest of the time looking at what people were selling and how they set up their stalls. Thankfully there seems to be very little of the kind pieces I make and most needlecrafts there were quite 'Africany', which means my Zakka inspired stuff will be pretty much unique - yay!

I had the plan of getting stock together for next fair at the end of this month, but my terrrible, cheap sewing maching has decided it hates me. Now I have to make some money under my other guise as writer to get a new one, so things might be put off until then. I also need to work on getting materials, not too easy here as crafts are not big - dare I trust the post here to get some supplies online?

New Zakka Bag!

2010-01-30T01:25:00.001-08:00

Working on a Zakka inspired satchel, stay tuned for more, pictures in the next few days - Zambian internet permitting!!!

Stories of cross-cultural relationships

2010-01-29T00:03:00.000-08:00

Stories of cross-cultural relationships - Our story

New Good Links

2010-01-28T01:47:00.000-08:00

Despite not having the internet at home, I have managed to steal a little time to surf and find some new design sites. These are fun and lovely to look at.
http://www.mintdesignblog.com/
http://pitchdesignunion.com/
http://www.okaygreat.com/?cat=1938
http://www.illustrationfriday.com/

Salaula Treasures

2010-01-26T00:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to the giant salaula market here in Lusaka. Salaula is second hand clothes and this market had EVERYTHING, as another friend said, it’s like a department store, the market is organised into sections – skirts, children’s clothers, shoes, menswear etc. I saw some really great stuff and bought these wonderful bed sheets which I will use for quilting. Aren’t they funky?

Quilting Plans

2010-01-25T06:12:00.000-08:00

Even though I lived here before, I have seen so much in the time since we moved to Lusaka in September. I can’t pretend it has been easy, and coming back has made me realise I could never make Africa my home, but I also want to use my experience creatively. I have been mulling over ideas for a while now, but have come up with an idea in particular which I think might be the best. I want to try and document my time here with a series of quilts. In the past quilts were sometimes used as kind of pictorial journals but mainly in one quilt, with each block depicting an important even. I would like to try and make a number of quilts using different methods – appliqué, patchwork, embroidery, crazy patchwork.

It’s a big venture and I am always coming up with crazy and over-ambitious ideas, but I am going try this one out. Stay tuned for more.

Studio Dreams

2010-01-23T06:07:00.000-08:00

Those of you who have been following my blog will know I had a nice little room back in the UK that I used for quilting. To be fair I only used when machine quilting and for storage and spent a lot more time in the living room working because there were comfy chairs and more space.

Here I don’t have a room at all, I have a box that I work from and a chest I stuff things in. My dream is to one day have my own workroom, but rather than it being a room in the house, I would love a little studio out in the garden of wherever we will end up settling. I have a bit of a shed obsession, I just love them, they can be large or small, cheap or expensive, quaint or modernist. When I was visited some artists friends of mine here in Lusaka they showed me their studios. For more on these studios and my work with artists here in Zambia check out my other blog Scrapbook.

The opposite side has more glass for light, unfortunately the studios are being eaten by termites – a big problem in Zambia. I keep this picture as something to work towards, what a great space it would be especially if we treat the wood to stop insects devouring it.

2010-01-21T06:40:00.001-08:00

Is Esty a Con?
Just how successful is Etsy for artisans who want to sell their own work and make a living?
Read More

Paper Piecing How To

2010-01-21T06:01:00.000-08:00

I know a few months ago I gave a few pointers on paper piecing but I don’t think there is any harm in going over them again.
I generally use paper piecing for basic repetitive patterns but they can also be used for patchwork blocks. In particular if you have a block you want to copy but you don’t have the measurements, method etc. Paper piecing makes this easy because you don’t need to work out seam allowances.

You will need:
Cardboard for your template/s (for example old cereal boxes)
Scrap paper (magazines or newspapers work well)
Scissors
Tape
A thick pen
Needle and thread
pins
Scraps of fabric

First make your template:
The triangle I am using I made by using a rectangle of cardboard, placing it lengthways, find the middle then drawing to lines from the bottom two corners on the shortest sides to the opposite side dead centre.

If you are making a number of templates for a block, number them and then number the block you have to make it easier to work out how to place them.

Tape the edges of your template so that when you draw around it, you don’t soften the edges. Alternatively you could use template plastic, which is available at quilt stores – or use plastic from packaging. I am trying to use as much recycled materials as I can, plus I don’t have a quilting store here!

Next, use your scrap paper to make the paper pieces by drawing around your template with the thick pen and cut out. Make a stack so you don’t have to keep going back to make more.

Pin the paper pieces to the wrong side of your fabric, leaving about ¼ inch space. Cut out the piece a ¼ inch away from the edge of the piece – very important, do not cut flush with the piece!

Fold the excess fabric over your paper and sew with a large tacking stitch to the paper.

When you have enough for all the stages or patterns you want, you can start assembling.

Place the fabric covered pieces right side to right side with the edges lines up and sew together with a small slip stitch. Check carefully that you have your pieces lined up correctly.

Keep going until you have your quilt. Easy!

New Adventures in Paper Piecing

2010-01-20T00:34:00.000-08:00

I was feeling kind of down recently. It’s hot here at the moment and after Christmas I felt quite homesick, seeing all that snow and knowing my family is so far away. Nothing improves my mood than working on a craft project, especially sewing, I find it very therapeutic. So I decided to start a new quilt and luckily I have tons of new fabrics to work with (some of you regulars will have read about my love of chitenge material). As I sorted through my fabric stash and bathed in all the colours and shapes, I immediately started to feel better. I chose paper piecing again because I wanted to hand stitch my quilt and I find the slip stitch used in paper piecing super-strong. I also love the whole process of paper piecing and love the feeling of keeping alive this old method.

Considering how important precision is in quilting it’s a bit ironic that I am not a very thorough person, for example I never washed my fabrics when quilting back in the UK. Modern methods of dying mean you don’t really need to pre-wash fabrics, but the chitenge material here often runs, so I did wash them this time. Look how lovely they are with the sun shining through them on the line and the wind blowing them.

The design I am using is very simple, an acute triangle repeated alternately in cream fabric and the various patterns. I think this design will look really elegant and the cream fabric sets off the patterns well. This is a very good method if you want to use up scraps. Watch out for my method of paper piecing for you to follow coming up in the next few days.

Life Etc.

2010-01-18T00:30:00.002-08:00

uiI know it’s been a while since I posted, settling in and trying to find some ways to occupy myself kind of took over. The house is more or less how we want it now, and I really love our little nest. I am now helping out an art gallery here in Lusaka with promotion and consulting with them on how to create crafts and merchandise. It’s all voluntary but I really enjoy it and the people I work with are great, I am learning so much, there’s more on the gallery on my other blog Scrapbook and Lusaka Art Scene. On top of that I have started to do some freelance writing which was kind of an accident, I write for a local magazine and then decided that if this magazine liked my writing, maybe others would too! All of this would be fairly straightforward if we had internet at home, but we don’t because it’s just too expensive in Zambia, so every time I want to send a piece, it’s off to the internet café. The lack of internet is really driving us both crazy. Regardless, I am coming up with lots of new recipes and articles and my food blog – So Eat is going strong, not enough visitors to monetize it yet though.
I think a pretty big issue for me has been trying to stay motivated when not working, I suppose it has made me resourceful and since we are in a country with very few craft supplies and we are trying to economise, it has been a great challenge to my creativity – in a good way. I also want to use this new landscape as inspiration for quilting and other needlework projects. Time to get back in the saddle!

Kabulonga Craft Market

2009-11-09T01:41:00.001-08:00

On the last Saturday of every month a craft market is held at the Dutch Reform Church in an area of Lusaka called Kabulonga. It's a definite highlight of my month, for sale are a tremendous array of crafts, as wells as plants and fresh produce. It's also inevitable that I will bump into someone I know, as it seems to be the highlight of many Lusaka dwellers' calendar as well. Even if you're not up for some retail therapy, it's a great chance to eat anything from home made cakes to fresh Chinese dumplings or BBQ. I was also thrilled to see a couple of used book stalls, new books here are so expensive, so the chance to buy some at a cut price is great.

If you've been following my blogs, you will know we are currently decorating our new home and we bought a few gems at the market that were pretty reasonable. The pictures show the 'Zam Leather' stall selling hides and footballs made by the organization my husband is working for – 'Alive and Kicking'. We bought from them some funky place mats and coasters made from leather and cow hide.

Soft Stackables

2009-11-05T04:08:00.000-08:00

We had quite a bit of foam left over from the chaise longue pad so I decided to cut it into four and cover them with the same chitenge fabric we have been using for the living space. These can be used as scatter pads for extra seating, extra padding on the seats, or to rest your feet on! Because we have a mix and match style to the room, cushions and pads can be moved around as we like for however we want to be comfortable.

The reed mat was an absolute bargain buy, they are used outside a lot here for sitting on, they are really comfortable and I plan to keep this one in here for lounging. I will keep it rolled up when we're not using it though because the room gets so dusty. It's also been useful as a space for cutting out fabric so I don't pick up any of the dust off the floor. It goes really well with the natural fibres of the room and lightens it nicely.

Intelligent Patterning

2009-10-30T03:58:00.000-07:00

With so many amazing different patterns and colours of chitenge it is very tempting to go crazy and use as many as possible in a new place like ours. We have so many windows that need curtains and opportunities for upholstering. We have been very careful though, because we don't want an over the top colour scheme. Here we put together the 3 fabrics we are sticking to for the décor of the living space. We think they match nicely and are not too over the top – the yellow print is bright and funky with the 60s style flowers, but it is complimented nicely by the pale aquamarine and gold one. We fell in love with the retro pattern on the black chitenge but have had to use it very carefully – our floors and furniture is quite dark and the print could have looked quite heavy. Instead, I cut the pattern out and used it on ecru curtain fabric so that the design is showcased and not lost against the dark wood of the floor. We have continued to use the ecru fabric as borders to maintain a uniform design.

Pin Cushion Fillings

2009-10-28T04:10:00.000-07:00

I bought a cute little sewing set the other day and found the pin cushion felt a little strange when I put pins into it. I soon realised the inside had been filled with paper. First off this is a great way to upcycle paper and it also meant the pin cushion was nice and hard and gripped the pins really well. Obviously you can't wash it but then, who washes their pincushion. If the idea of filling you pin cushion with paper doesn't turn you on, try stuffing it with fabric scraps, the really small ones you can't do anything with.

Ababa House – Craft Centre

2009-10-26T04:10:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about the place we have moved to is its location. Lusaka is such a sprawling city, really built for cars and I don't drive. Walking is fine but at the moment it is so hot that walking can be exhausting. There are buses of course but they can be dangerous and the routes are quite minimal. I was really happy when I discovered that, not only is there a big supermarket 2 minutes away and a vegetable market 15 minutes away, there is also Ababa house about 5 minutes walk away. It's in a little complex where there is also a great café (more on So Eat about that!), a chocolate shop, a hairdressers and plans for more to come. It is a lush green compound and the craft section is quite well designed with rooms leading onto each other in a gallery style. They sell a lot from social projects that help local people, including an organization called 'Tribal Textiles'. Tribal Textiles print their own designs onto fabric and make wall hangings, cushions etc. They are based near South Luangwa national park and specialize in training local women of the area so that they have new skills and a regular income.

Quick Curtains

2009-10-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

The house we have moved into is unfurnished and buying furniture has proven to be as expensive as back in the UK, sometimes even more so. Curtains for example, cost a lot if they are ready made, so to save some money and to give me a new craft project, I have decided to make my own.

The main thing with curtains is accurate measuring so you don't have curtains that don't cover your windows properly or drag on the floor, you also have to pay attention to seam allowances. Make sure you have a straight edge to begin with then carefully measure your seam allowance so your curtains don't look slanted. Also, be careful with plain fabrics because I got my seams wrong by folding one over one side and the other the other side instead of the same side!

I am not a patient person and I couldn't find curtain bands to sew into my curtains. Luckily our windows have a kind of wooden border across the top which conceals the top of the curtain. So I decided, that instead of sewing curtain hooks along the top, which would take a while, I would use safety pins.

After measuring and seaming your fabric, go to the top seam and add safety pins at regular intervals along the width of the curtain, then you simply hook the safety pins through the loops on your rail and clip shut. I used the seam line to keep the pins level then to makes sure they are evenly spaced, fold your fabric in half, add a pin at the fold, fold again, add pins to the two folds and so on until you feel you have enough. Add pins at each end. Depending on the weight of your fabric, you may need more safety pins. I find this works really well with light cotton in particular. You will notice that I have not seamed the sides, this is because they were the selvage sides and I didn't see the point if they aren't going to fray, and it doesn't matter that the selvage is unwieldy when you make curtains.

Zam Crafts

2009-10-22T04:10:00.000-07:00

Necessity really is the mother of invention. Being somewhere like Zambia forces you to be creative, and it helps that people here are so crafty as well. Below are pictures of some of the furniture we have had made for the new house. The chair and chaise longue look great but are a bit are hard and bumpy to sit on so I am planning to make pads and cushions for them. Doing my own upholstery means that we can have the exact décor we want.

Here so much is handmade simply because people can't afford to buy things new. I have seen homemade cars that kids make out of wire and various other bits and pieces, handmade wheelchairs that use bicycle pedals, handmade cages for parrots, the list goes on. Unfortunately, whenever I see these things, I never have my camera with me! I must start carrying it round more.

Retro Applique Curtains

2009-10-21T04:06:00.000-07:00

If you have been following the process of us decorating our house, you will know we are inspired by retro designs. These curtains really bring that side of the room out and I am pretty proud of them. I appliquéd the pattern onto the ecru curtains as the fabric itself is quite dark, and anyway the pieces were too short for the windows. I did them by hand and each curtain took a day to make. I played around with design a little bit first so I had my pieces in a pattern that I liked.

I simply drew a circle around each pattern with tailors chalk, cut them out at least a ¼ inch away from the outline, snipped the shape all the way around up to the chalk line, pinned the shape to the curtain, folded under the sections and sewed together with a running stitch in thread that matches the curtain. The curtains were then hung using my safety pin method.

Alive and Kicking

2009-10-20T04:09:00.000-07:00

Here's my husband Chad with an example of why we are here. His organization is called Alive and Kicking and they make footballs using local materials. They train local people to sew the balls, providing them with a regular income, then the balls are sold in shops or donated to local social projects. The balls can be made with the logo of any company on them, as you see here and also carry health messages.

The organization is also starting to develop health education programmes, so important in Zambia where 17% of the population is thought to be HIV positive and malaria is one of the biggest killers.
I hope to visit where they make the balls soon and show you the printing and sewing process. You see, crafts are a great medium for social change in many ways.

A New Addition

2009-10-18T04:09:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce my new and rather ornate looking sewing machine! I have been looking into sewing machines for a while but the more modern ones are pretty pricey, and since I have a good sewing machine back in the UK, AND I want one for a short time here, it seemed silly to buy an expensive one. Thankfully, my favourite taxi driver Litiyah also has a secret talent – he makes a fabulous personal shopper and new exactly where to take me to find something basic and affordable. So here we have the 'Flying Dove'. It looks like a Singer but is more cheaply made, when I saw it in the shop it was a manual with a hand crank, which would be a great work out for my arm! Anyway, for a little extra they were able to fit a motor so that I can use it with electricity. It works fine, though there is no zig zag stitch, the thread snaps and the motor smokes a little when you go too fast, but I managed to make some curtains with it, and I find it easier to operate than more fancy machines. I don't think it is up to things like appliqué, but I prefer to do that by hand anyway.

Chitenge Therapy

2009-10-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Moving back to Zambia has been a big transition, even though we lived here before. However I am so happy to be able to buy chitenges again. I went to the local market and got a few 'samples' so we could decide on how to decorate our new place. The colours and patterns are so vibrant and different (you can find chitenges with floral patterns, geometric, pictures I have seen some with mobile phones and razor blades on them!). They could be a little overwhelming, so we are using them quite selectively and matching them with a pale cream to tone it down a little.

Beginnings

2009-10-16T04:09:00.001-07:00

Here are a few snapshots of our new living area. I love the wood floor and stairway. As you can see, we have a door that opens onto a communal garden, but we also have a little raised bed of our own where I want to start a small herb garden.
We are here quite temporarily so we don't have huge plans for the house itself, but we do want to make a nice living area. We recently got the first season of Mad Men on DVD and love the 1950s style offices with the dark colours, clean lines and the artsy prints and we are using that as our inspiration. As you can see the floor is an excellent start.
It's a lovely big space and I am not a fan of clutter, I am considering a scatter cushion area in the future though, with a mat. Anyway, we'll see.

I also want to make some quilt tops. You can get batting here but it isn't cheap. I am wondering whether to make patchwork covers for blankets in the cold season - a little like a duvet cover.

Zambian Craft Markets

2009-09-30T01:24:00.001-07:00

I haven't been here a week and it's hard getting acclimatised. But at least I got to one of the local craft markets that happens ever Sunday at the shopping complex Arcades. Here you can find all kinds of gifts from wood carvings to traditional clothing. Surprisingly, the vendors of the wood carvings were not keen on me taking photos, sadly this might be because a lot of what they sell is mass produced in Congo and smuggled over. This is a shame, but just shows you that Western ideas of business have really spread. That said, there are still plenty of genuine artisans, and they are proud to show off their wares!

Today's The Day

2009-09-25T02:17:00.000-07:00

Off I go, I fly out tonight and not sure when my next post will be!

Internet in Zambia is not very reliable and rather slow. That may not necessarily be a bad thing as I think I have become quite addicted to it since I left my job! Although I will still try to post, I think the frequency won't be the same. Probably once a week or so, hopefully more when we get our own place and get it installed (fingers crossed).

Wish me luck.

Packing and Plans

2009-09-24T01:49:00.000-07:00

Packing aah! I have had to move from one place to another on average at least once a year for the last eight years. As glamorous as that sounds, moving to Italy, Zambia etc. I am getting rather sick of it now. I am having to leave all my sewing stuff behind and a lot of my clothes, but this is not too heartbreaking. They'll be there when I get back (it will seem like new stuff)and it's a good chance to build up a stash in Zambia.

It's been ages since I sat down and did some sewing, either I have been plonked in front of the internet or getting ready to leave. I am cursing the fact we can't take sharp implements on the plane because it means I can't sit and work on this lovely kit I got as a wedding present from my new sister-in-law. It's so sweet and the threads she bought for it a gorgeous quality. She bought the kit from a place called Needlepoint.com in Raleigh, N.C.

I am getting excited about leaving especially since my husband might have found us a place to live that is really nice and I am thinking of all the cool projects I can start with the wonderful chitenges. Some of you may know about these because I blogged about them months ago. Chitenges are sold in 2 metre pieces and the women wear them around their waist as a kind of sarong to either cover themselves for modesty (the booty is mucho sexy in Zambia) or to stop you getting dirty. They are also used for carrying babies, items and much more. They come in wonderful patterns and are very cheap to buy. I can't wait to start a quilt (we will need a light quilt for cold season) but I also have ideas for more projects including clothes. Check out my other blog Scrapbook for a video about African fabric.

Some ladies modelling the use of chitenges, you can see they wear them as headscarves as well. The lady on the far right has one tied across her chest because there is a baby in there!

When you're pounding maize you can get quite dirty, so an old chitenge is the best apron or overall.

My First Cross Stitch Commission

2009-09-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

From little acorns! The friend I mentioned with the new Etsy shop Crashboxdesign has commissioned me to make her a cross stitch picture of a kangaroo. We chose this design which is from the Australian road sign. She wants it done in reverse like the fawn and squirrel I did before. So I printed out the sign directly onto graph paper to save the job of tracing it and because it has been enlarged it pixellated itself quite conveniently. As you can see, the design is very fluid so I will need to incorporate half-cross stitches to keep the curves.

A great little project for Zambia. One of many I hope. Pictures are a bit fuzzy because I used the web cam - I have packed my camera!

Advertise Here

2009-09-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

I am offering ad space on my blog for just $15 a month, check out my Feedjit and visitor calendar to see how many hits I get.

Then, if you decide you want to advertise, click the buy now button on the side panel, send me the code from you Etsy mini, Coriandr shop or wherever and I will add it to the side bar. The mini should be 1 column by 4 rows. The ad will stay for a month, and I will email you a couple of days before it is due to expire in case you wish to renew, if you do, I will give you a discount!

Etsy Favourites

2009-09-20T04:18:00.000-07:00

Things to Look Forward to in Zambia

2009-09-19T03:06:00.000-07:00

My husband's house when he was there from 2005 - 2007

Chitenges - the amazing fabric pieces you can get at a steal that the women use to wrap around them or make clothes from

Outdoor bars - warm nights and cold beer

chibwabwa - pumpkin leaves with ground nuts, yum

Soya chunks - yum again

Cute kiddies - sometimes annoying too though!

Nice people - Zambians are lovely

New job - maybe!

Great weather - sun, sun, sun and maybe some rain.

Travel - safaris, cute lodges with pools, quiet retreats and lots of really cook countries on our doorstep.

Me teaching adults 3 years ago

My Friend's New Etsy Shop

2009-09-18T03:48:00.000-07:00

Apart from finding someone amazing and having a great time with them, being married also means my friend pool has extended and I have met some amazng people through Chad. One of these people is a very good friend who has opened her new shop on Etsy called Crashbox Design - this is also the name she uses for her graphic design work.

She makes these great pictures with names on, we got one as a wedding present and I love it. It's so simple but effective and I love the fact she respected that we are keeping our names.

If you interested in graphic design, here is her site for that.

Zambia getting closer

2009-09-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

I saw my husband off at the airport a couple of days ago and I am due to leave next Friday. I am looking forward to a new environment and to finally start our lives together, but also not really sure what to expect. Although we lived in Zambia before, we were not in the capital. Lusaka is quite a crazy city, with lots of amenities, but is not as pretty or idyllic as living in the rural area we were in before.

However I am open to all the influences being there will have on my crafts and blogging. We have so many cool little bits of kit to help us document out life there and the things we find.

As for Etsy, the clearance sale I have been plugging has pulled up little interest, so I think I am going to close my shop. I love Etsy but as a seller I felt like a needle in a haystack and I don't have the time right now to devote to it. So, vacation it is.

But this is by no means the end of my crafts. Stay tuned!

Lucky Dip Day

2009-09-12T04:40:00.000-07:00

Today, buy an item in my shop and get another one free - but it will be a secret until it arrives! Go to my Etsy shop to join in fun.

Today Only - Get Cheapest Item Free

2009-09-11T04:24:00.000-07:00

For today only, buy any 2 items at Etsy and get the cheapest free! Convo before ordering, telling me what you wish to order so I can make the necessary deductions before you pay.

Big Sale at My Etsy Shop

2009-09-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

More in my Etsy Shop
So I need to sell off as much of my stock as I can before leaving for Zambia in two weeks. Then Phyllis b will go on vacation mode for a while. Everday I will add a new special offer to my shop. From today until shop goes on vacation mode I am offering buy 1 get 1 free on all greetings cards - except multiple packs.

Make Your Own Notebook

2009-09-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to find a new notebook to take away with me to Zambia. Some ppl can make their notes and sketches on any old paper but I am a bit selective. The cover should be plain so I can choose to decorate it or not, the pages should be thin so that it is light for travel, but also means you get more pages per book (essential when I am out there where nice notebooks are hard to find) and the pages should be unlined. I succeeded on the first two but not the last requirement. Infruriatingly, all plain pages were in sketchbooks which meant they were heavy and thick. In the end I opted for Muji notebooks which are very nice, suitably nondescript but LINED! I am putting up with it and then found this amazing How To for making your own notebooks on Instructables. Will definitely try it when I have more time. It's a great website BTW, and you can download a lot of the How Tos as PDF files.

Make a 100 page Notebook - More DIY How To Projects

Plans for the Future

2009-09-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

My crafting pursuits have been put on a back burner for the moment. What with the wedding and now arrangements for our move out to Zambia.

My new husband has a job out there with a charity and I will go with him and look for work there. We met in Zambia so it is really special that we are getting the chance to go back. I am excited about the fabrics I will be able to find there - African prints are so diverse and vibrant. I also hope to get involved in a crafting group there, maybe one that helps Zambians.

We will be based in the capital where there are a couple of craft fairs. I am very excited about our new life.

The Big Day

2009-08-29T03:57:00.000-07:00

Well the wedding day came and was wonderful. Everything went smoothly and we had such fun! Now we are back to reality and have about 2 weeks to get ready for our move to Zambia where my new husband has got a job. I am not sure what to do about Phyllis b at this point as I doubt the postal service in Zambia will be reliable enough to fulfil mail orders. I will definitely continue my crafting pursuits but what the future of Phyllis b at Etsy will be is very much undecided!

Rule Britannia Coasters

2009-08-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

It's been harder than I thought to keep listing on Etsy while also planning my wedding, which is less than a week away! At least I made these coasters as a little thank you present for some family and friends who are coming for our wedding. My next plan is to make some for the shop in this design but also others as well, I think it's nice way to make cross stitch more functional.

Save the world, buy a ktichy bag

2009-08-14T03:29:00.000-07:00

This is my new listing on Etsy, a vintage style shopper made from oganic cotton that's fairtrade. I love these bags and have lots of them myself. They fold up nice and small so you can carry them around and look so much nicer than plastic bags.

I also use mine to carry packed lunches to work.

Treasury Feature!

2009-08-11T07:03:00.001-07:00

My hummingbird gift tags were featured on this Etsy treasury!

New Delights for Etsy

2009-08-05T03:01:00.000-07:00

I have been really enjoying my time off so far, pottering around, gorging on internet and stitching away. I am trying to work out a system whereby I try and list something everyday or every two days. I have come up with the formula of making a batch of things that take less time and then as I add each of those I can work on things that will take a little longer.

Here are my first items for the week, a keyring and some gift tags. I am quite happy with the keyring as it looks kind of anitquey and preserved. The lace adds to that feel .I was so thrilled to get keyring blanks that are made in the UK.

Next are my hummingbird gift tags. I think these turned out well and they quite fiddly to make, since the pictures are quite small. They come in a set of six. Today and tomorrow I will be working on the union jack coasters.

New Cross Stitches

2009-08-02T10:29:00.001-07:00

Finally moved and have most of my sewing bits around me again. I managed to knock out the first of my coaster designs, it was really fun to do. I plan to make 3 more add to the set.

Patchwork inspired Woodwork - so special!

2009-08-01T04:19:00.001-07:00

Thanks to White Serenade

2009-07-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

I am so flattered that fellow Etsy seller White Serenade has featured me on her blog! Thanks!
http://whiteserenade.blogspot.com/2009/07/etsy-feature.html

Christmas Come Early at Phyllisb/Etsy

2009-07-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

Time to think ahead! Ok, so Summer is slow, sales are miniscule but I am CONVINCED that come Christmas, things will change. In anticipation of this tidal wave of sales, I am preparing some Christmas items. First are these Xmas cards which I am selling in packs of four, what do you think? OK, I admit my photos still need work and the moment it is at the top of my list of 'areas to improve'.

Next will be gift tags, Christmas decorations and plush stockings!

Biding My Time

2009-07-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

We're in the middle of moving out of our flat, it's been a lovely place to live, but things have changed. My fiancee has finished his course and I have left my job. So begins a slow but sure packing process. Last week much of our stuff went back with my 'rents, including all my sewing stuff, or most of it anyway. This means I'm left twiddling my thumbs and avoiding putting the zip into the clutch bag I made for my wedding.

To occupy me, I have been making cards for my Etsy shop, which I am very happy with, including some for Christmas. On Saturday afternoon however, I decided to sit and do some designing for my new range of cross stitch magnets, keyrings and coasters.

I have had a go at PC Stitch, but still prefer to map out my initial ideas on graph paper. Can't wait to get my sewing bits together and get started.

I am Getting Married, so have a free gift!

2009-07-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

I know the recession is hitting some of us pretty bad,so to soften the blow, I am offering a free gift with any Etsy purchase from my shop Phyllis b between now and the end of August. This is my way of saying thank you for everyone's support and to share my excitement at getting married. Wahay!
The first free gift is this bookmark for whoever buys from my shop next. See below.

Etsy, Etsy, Etsy

2009-07-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

I dragged my feet for quite while about opening my Etsy shop, I naively thought I would be overrun. The opposite has been the reality. Sales are so slow! Part of this is due to it being Summer, partly it's the recession but I also decided to get some criticism of my shop.

It turned out that many felt my photos needed work as well as my banner. Well I have done the banner and I am planning to re -do many of my photos. Anyway I am pretty happy with the banner and I think it reflects my work more accurately than the first.

Another comment was that I should list more often, but this is hard when you work as well - needlecrafts can take some time. But I have at least built up my stock of cards and plan to work on my cross stitch ideas next month.

Making a going of being an artisan is harder than I thought, for sure, but it is no less enjoyable for that and I am so greatful to my fellow sellers who have helped me so much.

Zakka Inspired MP3 Player Sleeve

2009-07-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

My sister was the one who suggested making ipod sleeves. I don't have an ipod, but I have an MP3 player that is beginning to get a bit banged around after so much commuting. I've recently become obsessed with the Zakka style and wanted to do a little project.

I made the sleeve over 2 evenings, in total, it really only took a couple of hours.

I cut the felt pieces and made sure they would fit over the sides, with extra for sewing the seam. I then added the cute little shapes with simple running stitch. I blanket stitched the two pieces together in contrasting embroidery thread - 2 strands. After sewing two of the sides, I cut a hole so I can see the display and use the select dial. I then stitched this to add to the style and also to prevent the felt from stretching. I sewed the other edges and left a little gap on one side so I could reach the button that locks it.

I really like the felt, the colours are so bright and zingy! Plus it looks good with the thread. Next time I will back it with cotton to further prevent it becoming mishapen, and to tidy up the stitching.

The Fabric Postcard Swap

2009-07-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to make a fabric postcard for a while, so when a fellow crafter on the network StitchinFingers suggested a swap, I knew it would be a good opportunity to learn from others and finally try my hand at making one.

The card I received is a wonderful example of how to use selvage scraps.

My own offering was a little late, and although it isn't perfect, wasn't a bad start I think!

I had embroidered the origami crane ages ago. After, I added it to a cotton base and also added the ribbon. I used fabric glue for both. Then I sewed the lace to the ribbon and the buttons. I used extra heavy interface for the back part of the postcard and zig zag machine stitched all the layers together. I sent it in an envelope because of the buttons.

Clutch Bag Tutorial Part 2

2009-07-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the wait! What with getting married, working and trying to get my Etsy shop up and running, I barely have time to actually do any crafts these days! But things will calm down in August, I hope.

Anyway, here's the second part of the clutch bag tutorial. This will take you up to sewing the layers together. Part 3 will deal with fitting the zip.

After sewing your two halves together, your bag should look a bit like this.

Next, you need to add the centre piece of fabric. Put the open hole over the wrong side of the fabric you want to use and draw a circle. Cut this out with a 1/4 inch seam and pin to your bag.

Turn over and slip stitch tiny stitches all the way round.

When this is done, remove the papers from the fan (these can be used again if you are careful!),make your quilting sandwich using the batting and lining fabric. Allow excess for batting and lining, it comes out smaller after quilting.

You can now pin the layers together for quilting. Either quilt straight lines throught the fronds of the fan or 'in the ditch', following the seam.

Next, fold the lining and and outside patchwork edges inwards a few millimeters and sew the layers together using whipstitch. Or you could add bias binding and machine stitch.

You now have a disc ready to fold in half to add the zip!

Gone Campin'

2009-06-30T00:37:00.000-07:00

Away for a few days for some R&R, wedding, work and the like has made me a bit crazy, so need some time alone with my man.
Will be back on Saturday with second part of clutch bag tutorial. XX Check out first part below.

New Ways with Patchwork: Clutch Bag Tutorial Part 1

2009-06-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

I originally found this design in a book my friend has on patchwork bags, I LOVE fan patchwork and it's the perfect project for my pending nuptials. Months back when we first got engaged, I went mad buying kimono silk with the idea of maybe using them for the wedding. Well here's my chance. The bag is just the right size for lipstick and the like.

I amended the pattern to my own method using paper piecing which I love. It is such a small project that it won't take long and you can use very small amounts of fabric.

You will need:

Scraps of fabric (size depends on how big the purse will be)
Scrap paper for the paper templates
Batting 2oz for a 24cm long bag

Inner fabric as above

Thread (sewing and quilting thread)

A zip

Here's part 1

First draw a circle as big as you want to clutch to be. Mine was drawn with a compass set to 12 cm.

Cut the circle out. To make the fronds you need to divide the circle into 16 equal segments. Do this by folding the circle eight times, mark the folds with a ruler and pen. Set a compass at 4 cm and draw this smaller circle in the centre of larger circle. Cut the large circle in half. Then cut out the semi-circles and then cut the 16 segments out - picture below.

The semi-circles you don't need but the fronds are for your paper piecing. Pin them to the wrong side of your fabric and cut them out with a 1/4 seam approx (sometimes use more). You will see I used pinking shears, this was to stop the fabric fraying - very common with some silks.

When you have cut out the fabric pieces, use a contrasting thread to tack the sides over the paper in biggish stitches. After, you can remove the pins.

Use the pieces to decide on your combination then take the two first put them right side to rights side, with the paper and fold seaming showing outward and whipstitch together. Continue until you have two semi-circles.

Part 2 will come when I do it myself - either tomorrow or day after!

sunglasses

2009-06-23T01:05:00.001-07:00

sunglasses trim
Originally uploaded by liz_watkin

Here's a little project I am working on. I designed it myself and it is super easy to stitch. I am thinking of making the chart available as part of a sewing kit and selling it.
I love the yellow with the grey it really looks classy against the white fabric.

Finished

2009-06-20T01:18:00.001-07:00

dear trim
Originally uploaded by liz_watkin

Here's a picture of the road sign cross stitch picture I just finished. I was travelling back from my folks' place on the bus when I saw it and love the design.
I traced it onto graph paper then blocked all the curves, diagonal lines etc.
Very pleased with it.

My First Craft Fair

2009-06-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

Well I finally took the plunge and decided to try selling my littles bits at a craft fair. This one was at the Custard Factory in Birmingham. Although I only sold one item, it was very thrilling to make a sale and I certainly learned a lot. The craft fair will continue for the next two Saturdays, so if you're in the area you should definitely check it out, as there were some very talented ppl there. I shared the stall with fellow Etsy Midlander Becky who makes amazing graphic art prints under shop name Beckyismyname.

I think I will wait a while before doing another, as I would like to work on some more cross stitch designs. Getting everything ready in the lead up was a little fraught as well which takes the fun out of something which has always been a really enjoyable hobby. I don't think I'll be quitting my day job!

Anyway, I now have a couple more items to add to my shops including kitch, vintage style shopping bags and little greetings cards.

Coriandr / Phyllisb / Assisi Squirrel Picture

2009-06-04T09:23:00.001-07:00

Coriandr / Phyllisb / Assisi Squirrel Picture

Shared via AddThis

Patchwork Fix

2009-06-03T10:48:00.001-07:00

IMG_0807
Originally uploaded by liz_watkin

So I have decided that when I want to experiment with patchwork, the quickest way is to make them into cushions. I also love how cushions can change the image of a sofa or bed instantly. Definitely one of the most efficient ways to inject new life into tired decor.

Honeycomb Garden Throw

2009-05-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

Seems a while since I added anything about quilting recently. Here is my completed honeycomb throw. It's not really a quilt as it is backed with fleece rather than with 3 layers, this was to speed up the processs and make it more versatile.

Now up for sale on Etsy! Ok, yes a bit of promotion there - sorry.

Become a Fan!

2009-05-27T09:44:00.001-07:00

Hi All,
my little venture has a fan page on Facebook now where I will post updates concerning anything Phyllis b. I don't want to clutter this blog up with promo stuff, so if you are interested in the shop please check this place out.

There is also a page for Phyllis b on My Space.

My Etsy Shop is Open!

2009-05-26T00:41:00.000-07:00

I bit the bullet last night and opened my Etsy shop! There is one item in there at the moment, but more will be coming very soon!!!

I am excite but also a bit nervous, it's all quite new and I hope it goes well.
Anyway, please feel free to visit my one item!

Busy as a bee

2009-05-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

The craft fair is just over a week away. I am busy getting as much stuff together as I can and have made a couple of cushion covers today. More of what I have made can be found on my Flickr profile.

More about Phyllis b can be found here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=76775&id=77268993849&saved#/pages/Phyllis-B-quilts-whimsies-and-textile-tidbits/77268993849

Phyllis b launch - May/June 2009

2009-05-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about starting to sell my creations for a while now, and well, when I start to consider something that usually means I've already decided!

But I was dargging my feet over actually getting anything done, until I found out about a craft fair near where I live. The Stockton Brook Brownies are having a craft fair on 31 st May and when I first heard about it on Folksy, I didn't think it would be possible. Then I thought again and contacted them about booking a stall. There was one left, and it seemed like fate!

So now I am trying to put together enough stock to sell as well as sort out business cards and an online store for any future contacts I might make. I have decided to go with Folksy rather than Etsy for now. This is because it is UK based and I feel most of the people who may wish to buy from me after meeting me at the fair may be put off by Etsy's selling in dollars.

Committing to the craft fair has really forced me to take the idea of setting up a business more seriously and I am now much more focused. Sometimes you just have to go for it.

I am really excited about this new experience! I hope I sell some of my wares and I also hope this is just the beginning. My plan is set up my Etsy shop in June and if all goes well I want to do more craft fairs. So stay tuned!