The thing you most need to know about me, is that I go in phases. I get bored easily, and have to move on, so a rotation of projects is absolutely necessary. I am approaching the end of my most recent sewing phase. I can feel that. But it is a terrible time for the onset of what I'm suffering from: creative block.
The wallpaper world project has left me feeling uninspired, unenthusiastic, and unsure where to go next. There is a possible portrait commission in the works, so I really need to paint. I WANT to paint. But what? I think I need to go back to the fantastic, illustrative version of the concept.
So tell me, folks, what do you do to overcome this block? What really gets you inspired? Help!
P.S.
It's been a while since you've heard anything from Rachel and her crazy way with words. So I give you this gem:
While fixing dinner:
"Cheese me, queen bee!"
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Post-Wedding Creativity
The lady and I went to Old Man's Cave yesterday, and did about a 15 mile hike. While I recover, I thought I'd bring you all up to date.
The wedding went off so beautifully! Seriously, I could not have asked for a more perfect day. Sunny, but not hot, no rain, no humidity. The food was delicious, the decorations made me super giggly, and I had the best time! I hardly got to see my new wife that evening, but that's the way it goes, I guess.
We've been flexing our creative muscles, just trying to use up our leftovers! Quesadillas made from marinated chicken? Yes please! Potato chicken soup from the potatoes and chicken. Steak burger chili. And lots of leftover sangria mix! If anybody knows anything to do with refried beans (too sweet for the chili) let me know.
Perhaps what I was happiest with were the dresses. I felt so good in that dress, and Rachel said she did, too! Of course, it wasn't until after the wedding that I learned how to properly install an invisible zipper. Anyway, here are a few pictures. :)
I learned three things that allowed me to go back and fix my zipper.
1. That I was installing it completely incorrectly, and how to do it properly. This tutorial helped me out a lot. I watched it several times!
2. Invisible zipper feet are NOT cheap if you have a Husqvarna sewing machine, but soooo worth it!
3. That my machine has a variable position needle, and how to adjust it. I always knew that dial did something!
Here's the before:
See? Not invisible.
But I'm proud of the after!
Much better! And the old seam holes pressed right out!
The beauty of these dresses is that they're not one-trick ponies! We get to wear them again!
The wedding went off so beautifully! Seriously, I could not have asked for a more perfect day. Sunny, but not hot, no rain, no humidity. The food was delicious, the decorations made me super giggly, and I had the best time! I hardly got to see my new wife that evening, but that's the way it goes, I guess.
We've been flexing our creative muscles, just trying to use up our leftovers! Quesadillas made from marinated chicken? Yes please! Potato chicken soup from the potatoes and chicken. Steak burger chili. And lots of leftover sangria mix! If anybody knows anything to do with refried beans (too sweet for the chili) let me know.
Perhaps what I was happiest with were the dresses. I felt so good in that dress, and Rachel said she did, too! Of course, it wasn't until after the wedding that I learned how to properly install an invisible zipper. Anyway, here are a few pictures. :)
I learned three things that allowed me to go back and fix my zipper.
1. That I was installing it completely incorrectly, and how to do it properly. This tutorial helped me out a lot. I watched it several times!
2. Invisible zipper feet are NOT cheap if you have a Husqvarna sewing machine, but soooo worth it!
3. That my machine has a variable position needle, and how to adjust it. I always knew that dial did something!
Here's the before:
See? Not invisible.
But I'm proud of the after!
Much better! And the old seam holes pressed right out!
The beauty of these dresses is that they're not one-trick ponies! We get to wear them again!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
For the Love of It
Evidently, September is National Sewing month. Boy, have I got the bug! This year's theme is "Sewing for the love of it." I think my latest projects fit: two dresses for my lady and me on our wedding. Can't wait to show you!
Anyone have tips for how to prevent your fabric from rippling around a zipper?
Anyone have tips for how to prevent your fabric from rippling around a zipper?
Friday, September 2, 2011
Beginnings and Endings
The last couple of nights, I've been working on the wedding dresses. I finally bought the material for mine on Wednesday. I've been determined to do everything the right way, so fabric for both has been pre-washed, and pressed. I cut out all the pieces for both of them, and started construction of mine last night. This was per Rachel's request. I think hers will go more easily than mine, and I would have started it first. I did alter the bodice, and didn't alter the pattern for the skirt, so I might have some reworking to do there. *sigh*
Last night, I managed to cut all of the pieces for my dress, and I have probably 7/8 of the bodice construction complete. All of the seams are smooth and tidy. I'm pleased so far. Can't wait to show you, but it will have to wait until after the wedding! :)
Today is the final day of the Anathema Kickstarter. Rachel changed the lineup a bit, and John Statema has been brought aboard. Yes, THE John Statema. Loves horror comics, knows the same stuff that inspires Rachel, influenced by Berni Wrightson. Can you say PERFECT? His "rough" drawings for the story made me weak in the knees. Seriously. So if you've been thinking about backing this project, make your way over there soon! It all closes at 10:00 tonight!
Last night, I managed to cut all of the pieces for my dress, and I have probably 7/8 of the bodice construction complete. All of the seams are smooth and tidy. I'm pleased so far. Can't wait to show you, but it will have to wait until after the wedding! :)
Today is the final day of the Anathema Kickstarter. Rachel changed the lineup a bit, and John Statema has been brought aboard. Yes, THE John Statema. Loves horror comics, knows the same stuff that inspires Rachel, influenced by Berni Wrightson. Can you say PERFECT? His "rough" drawings for the story made me weak in the knees. Seriously. So if you've been thinking about backing this project, make your way over there soon! It all closes at 10:00 tonight!
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