Sewing up a Storm!

Believe it or not, I've actually got stuck in and done some sewing!
I had SO many birthday's in the last month that I needed to "Buy" for, so I decided to make up a pattern I had purchased late last year.
THIS is Emmaline Bags, and they have wonderful patterns for sale, I got stuck into the Necessary Clutch Wallet, and the Teardrop Bag, and it was AWESOME!
The patterns are easy to follow and lots of fun, and I have an amazing sense of achievement now that I have completed these, and plan to make a few more! The ones I have made are still in the post, so hopefully the recipients don't read this before they arrive!
I bought a bunch of fabric from spotlight and fabric.com to make these, as well as 3 different weights of interfacing, double sided tape for fabric, twist locks from Voodoo Rabbit Fabrics to make the NCW's shut, magnetic closures (Because I can't get the twist locks locally),  I had to get tiny embroidery scissors to cut tiny holes in thick layers of fabric and interfacing... But it was all worth it!!

Behold!

 

 

Not study time again!

I haven't done much creative since my last post, but I've been reading up on techniques and getting really inspired!
I've ordered some black velvet to put behind my paintings when I photograph them (in the crazy event that I actually get some finished), which will hopefully provide a background that will absorb light and not detract from the painting in the photograph. I have a long way to go before my painting photography will be anywhere near a professional level, but it's a start!

In this order I've also got a few quilting fabrics and a couple of fabrics for dress making. I haven't got specific projects in mind just yet, but several patterns that are just screaming out to be made!
I bought the Emmaline Necessity Clutch pattern a while ago, and I'm very excited to try that out, as well as some of the Emmaline bags. I've never made anything like this before, and I'll have to write out a long list of all the odds and ends I'll need aside from fabric and do a good shop before I get started. I know of a lot of fellow sewers who have made these items though, and they have loved the finished products!

I had an afternoon of photography practice the other day, helping a friend out by trying out some portrait photography. We had some shockers, but also a few nice photos by the end of the session, I'm excited to see how they turn out. Note to self: Get camera serviced.

I have been putting a little thought into what sewing machine I would like to buy when I finally decide to upgrade from my lovely 30-year-old Elna. I'd love the ability to do some machine embroidery, but I also would like it to be a very good sewing machine (not a great emby with average sewing capabilities) Mum has a Bernina that cost twice what my first car did, and some... My best friend has a Janome which is only her friend sometimes. It'll be a long time before I can afford one, so I have a long time to ponder. If there are any guru's out there reading this blog, share your wisdom!

My bedroom is still more paint and paintings than anything else, but the progress hasn't progressed very far, hopefully I'll get some more inspiration in coming days before I give up and pack it all up. Uni has started again and it's only 3 short weeks until my fist essay is due, and 4 until I'm on the other side of the country for the practical component of my study.
Aaaaaaaaand I need a job, because I have to pay for my flights. Sigh.

Have fun, be creative!

Busy Busy!

What a wonderful few days it has been! I've been drawing, painting and sewing!
I've sketched my rose, in my black sketch book

I've worked on some of my dresses

Lining and zipper to go

Zipper and buttons to go

And I finally started working on my stash of half finished paintings!

Mountains in Colorado, promised to a friend a few years ago...

The mess

Rock of Ages in Port Hedland, on a beautiful overcast day

A very old painting of Table Mountain and Cape Town

Hibiscus

"POP ART" Water Lily & reflection

PRS Mira - My Partner's true love haha

Sunset over low tide in Port Hedland

A wonderful Corona Ad I found...

and again...

So I haven't been following the advice I found and posted about, taking the best photos of my art... but these really were just photos of my progress, so I can see how the painting is taking shape.

Any feedback is welcome. Have a wonderful day!