Canada Post in full strike mode

Fortunately, the recent Canada Post strike hadn't affected me until yesterday, when it was Toronto's turn as part of the rotating work stoppage. But Canada Post has now locked out its workers and suspended operations.
Most of the supplies I recently ordered, and a birthday gift, arrived before the work stoppage in Toronto, but I'm waiting for some vintage fabric to arrive, and I just ordered some coloured metal purse frames (!) which I'm very excited about. In the meanwhile, I've put both of my Etsy shops in vacation mode, and I'm working on some messenger bags for Wise Daughters.

Sneak Peek

Normally I usually make smaller coin purses, but I've decided to make some larger ones. I already had some larger purse frames in my supplies stash, but I also purchased some even larger frames (over 8"), which I'm going to use to make clutches, but I need to purchase a different frame pincher (the one I use for the smaller frames isn't strong enough for the larger frames). For now, here's a sample of some new coin purses - the three larger ones at the back use either silk or vintage fabric (love the curved antique brass frame in the bottom left, it's my new favourite frame):



Recently I came across some vintage silk kimono fabric, which I'm going to use for the larger clutches. The fabric is really beautiful:



But I'm having major problems with my domestic sewing machine, which is probably close to 20 years old. I've never had it serviced, so that's a start, but I may look into investing in a new one, something that's got a bit more power and features. The research begins...

Skulls!

Somewhere in between craft shows, online sales, and Christmas shopping I made this t-shirt for myself. I had some black cotton jersey knit to use up, and I found this awesome skull fabric to use as a coordinating fabric. I used a t-shirt pattern, and copied the kangaroo pocket from a hoodie. I used the skull fabric for the sleeves and pocket (I love pockets!). I think it's pretty awesome.

The Workroom fabric sale

One of my favourite fabric stores, The Workroom, is having a fabric sale, in conjunction with the Sheridan Textile Studio Sale. This means not only is the fabric on sale, but there will be hand printed fabric, aprons, t-shirts, and other texitle gifts for sale designed by Sheridan students. Can't wait! I'm going to stock up on fabric to work on projects over the holidays and cold winter months.

My new favourite fabric store

Someone recently told me about the Toronto fabric e-tailer Tonic Living; after placing and quickly receiving my first order, they are now my favourite source for fabric. All of their prints are fantastic, and reasonably priced. They offer swatches, which are the perfect size for the little pouches and purses I make. Take a look - I've already used most of this fabric!

New Christmas cards

Here's another new item I've been working on, a result of trying out typing onto fabric:



I personally don't like traditional Christmas cards, so I think these will be a good option for people who want something a bit different, or who don't celebrate Christmas but want to send out a holiday card. These too will make their debut at the CBC craft sale Nov. 5.

Sewing project: MP3 player holder

Slight detour from my list of things to make. I don't know why I didn't make this sooner, as I certainly need it. The material was hand-decorated in a fabric design class I took last year. Using a bleach pen, I drew the design directly onto the fabric and let the bleach do its work (you then rinse in cold water with PH neutralizer, which stops the bleach). Then I used a fabric pen to fill in the design. Quite easy and fun to do! For the holder, I basically just took 1 piece of fabric and made a little pouch. Closes with velcro.

Current sewing project

One of my most favourite stores in Toronto is The Workroom, a sewing studio and store on Queen West, near Dufferin. Every time I go in there, I end up buying stacks of fat quarters, which are a good size for making Blythe clothes. Last year I purchased a serger, with the intention of making my own clothes. Well, the time has come: at my last visit to The Workroom, I purchased this lovely fabric:

It's called Moondance, by Jenean Morrison (take a look at her design work - oh!) for Free Spirit Fabric. I'm making a dress with the fabric, which has already been cut and basted so I can adjust the fit. I'm hoping to finish it by the end of next week.

More hand-dyed fabrics

Here are more fabrics I've worked on at my night class:
The hot wax technique is not something I found really worked for me, so what I've been working on is dyeing a base colour, and then painting a design or pattern on top; this technique allows me more control over the piece. There are only two classes left, so I'm going to cut out some pattern pieces for specific things I want to make, and design the fabric based on the shape of the item.

This week I was able to make some Blythe clothes with the fabrics I've made in my night class. Margot is modeling one of the ponchos (she needs it with that short skirt of hers!). I bought the wee pom-poms off of a supplier on Etsy.

Here are some other Blythe clothes
I've made with the hand-dyed fabrics:


This week-end I painted a bunch of table-top accessories and display items ready for my upcoming craft show. More info on that later.

Here's a selection of prints I've made so far in a fabric art and design class I'm taking:
I'm hoping to use some for Blythe clothes, or as linings for bags and purses. Lots of fun, but I'm really looking forward to exploring fabric paints and resist applications.