Finding Balance

It's summer alright, I can tell because I can't remember the date or day of the week at least a few times every week now. Just yesterday I thought it was Wednesday. Ha!
When you have no particular place to be at any given time or day and you spend hours (OK, more like days) on end in your studio working and watching Netflix, I suppose it's understandable. Right? (I have two calendars next to the very entrance!)
Well, I must confess that this summer schedule of no-schedule is difficult for me.
I need a schedule in a way. Not like be somewhere at 8 am schedule, more like I must do A, B, and C today. If I don't give myself specific tasks, I wander. I fiddle. I loose myself in completely unnecessary or random tasks.
So in the spirit of trying to stay true to my #1 goal of more frequent blogging, I'm going to share some snapshots of my campsite, I mean work space from this past week.

Moon Rise

the work table

Late night paper CSI marathon

Random junk accumulating at the end of the table

Small doll progress

Forever shredding newspapers

The work table

I have since cleared the work table, done a bit a sweeping and am preparing to delve into some fabric projects again. I have been paper mache-ing for 5 days straight now. Time for a break!

I hope you're having a productive weekend!

-M.

Hand Stitching Time : WIP Wednesday

Screwy Update:
It can be extremely frustraiting when your go-to machine is sorta, outta sorts. Still, the screw will not tighten. Glues, wrappings, I am determined to find what works!
But in the mean time, I've re-attached the regular walking foot and am almost ready to sew everything that doesn't require any free-motion quilting (bummer). I say 'almost' because I've spent most of the last week sewing things by hand, just to change things up and try to calm my nerves about the FMQ foot.

I made some (very little) progress on the Flying Fish Mola, started the top layer stitching. This project is on my FAL 2014 Q1 list so I really need to spend more time working on it. It's going to be one of those time suckers as traditional appliques usually are.

Speaking of traditional applique, I've been seeing that it's gaining popularity amongst the online quilting world! Above are some of my favorite tools that I've inherited from my Grandmothers applique techniques. Straw needles are excellent in helping make tiny almost invisible stitches. I've been using needles out of that case of 16 for over 6 years now, they last along time. But a word of caution! They are sooooo tiny and thin, be very carful not to loose them or have a cat try and eat one (that's a story for another time!)
I also like to use that niffty little awl to turn under the edge as I go along. But you can use anything pointy like toothpicks or an ice pick or even a bookbinders awl. You get the point.
I'm working on an Introduction to Applique tutorial and possibly a class structured around the Mola style appliques I've been working on. Pretty excited about that!

Also in the hand work category, I've been doing some embroidery at night. These two pieces are really random stitching. I was going to frame them by themselves, but having them on the design wall made me think about adding some patchwork boarders and making them the centers of mini quilts.

And the horse doll prototype is coming along. Next up are the legs and then the fabulos details like hair, eyes, tails and of course a costume! 

Back to work I go! Linking up with Lee @ Freshly Pieced WIP Wednesdays

WIP Wednesday nearly Screwed!

I've had a bit of a frustraiting start to the week.
My regular sewing machine, the Husquvarna Lily has been recently experiencing some screw tightening issues where the foot attaches. You know, that metal bar that holds the feet. Well when this first happened about a week ago, I almost had a heart attack. Why wouldn't my screw tighten in the hole?!?! Then I realized there was some strippage (my own word) going on. The screw lost some screwy-ness. So I hunted for another screw. Problem solved. Or so I thought!

Yesterday I was gleefully enjoying my new machine cover and was so ready to jump into some FMQing of my art quilt on the wall. (Another from my FAL Q1 list!) I innocently unscrewed the regular foot to replace it with my FMQ foot, and then it happened again! My new screw would not be held in the hole!!! Dear Lord, how I almost lost it. I wasn't in the greatest mood to begin with, and this just about killed it. I promptly went on a search for some of that screw tape stuff plumbers use.

 Found some! Merrily returned to the studio feeling good about my improv solution, wrapped the screws and tried them out. Surely this will work, I thought.
No. It did not.
I had to find something else to do before my brain exploded. There's nothing worse then something not working at the exact moment you feel inspired to use it!!!
So I brought out my featherweight which had been giving me serious tension issues the last time I attempted to use it. Fearful that I'd have another failed fix, I crossed my fingers, got out the manuels and took a deep breath.

After a little tinkering, I found that the stupid needle screw thingy wasn't tightened on the opposite side. DUH! I got her working in no time, easily. Crisis averted. Whilst sewing up new doll bodies for the sad paper mache heads that have been floating around, I thought of another temporary solution to my screw tightening dileima on the Lily. I clear coated the shaft hole (pardon my language) with clear nail polish. A couple coats. I've let it dry and will reattempt a screw tightening tonight!

I leave you with lovely visuals of the mess I made yesterday. I like messes when they are full of making! There are visions of a horse doll coming!

The sketch above is courtesy my significant other and his amazing sketching abilities. Horse dolls are coming alive!

Linking up to Freshly Pieced....my whole life is a work in progress! Happy sewing!

Sunday Thoughts

I have thoughts today.
That's a good sign.
I was also very happy to see 2500 page views of this blog this morning.
I'm doing better, but there is always room for improvement.

Here's what I've been working on this weekend....skeleton dolls are back!

And now for a small uncommon rant, comments welcome:

*******
Today my mind is on the notion of going back to school (again), actually it's been on my mind for a few days now. Having a degree in art (cringe) would help some people (family) accept my career choice. It would also probably help launch my name/ideas better and provide a solid networking base. As much as I disagree with paying money to be "professional" (because that's what you are with a degree in hand) I'm seeing the necessity of it as I get older. Our society is too hung up on "having a degree". What to do? What to do?
Then there's the decisions of where to go to school? How do I get there? How much paperwork do I have to fill out? (worst part) How many loans will I have to take out? How my soul be owned for the next 4-6 years. Granted I did enjoy my small stent in art school but just thinking about all this is giving me a headache. The one line I'm being told from a family member that is completely pissing me off and making me want to run to the hills and never return,

"Go to school. Then you'll be able to make better money and then you'll have time for your art work."

That's pretty much the most depressing thing I've been told, and repeatedly I might add.

So on the other side of this equation, I've been pondering my little handmade business and  how pathetically I've let it slump into a nothing business. I was doing pretty good for a while. Monthly craft shows and commissioned pieces. I managed to finish a quilt a month while having the downtown studio. I still have people asking to see new stuff. But I let it fall to the wayside and quietly curled into a ball of thought. 

I needed a good break. I needed to think about what I want to do with my life. I needed to make better choices and learn harder lessons. I needed to grow up a bit more. All in all, I've had a nice little vacation from myself. But the aftermath of dropping the ball has been nagging in my mind. I have so many projects I'd like to accomplish. And here I've been glued to a chair staring into the internet like a crystal ball, admiring the talent of the world and doing nothing for myself.

Something had to change. More change.  I complain (to myself) that I lack the energy. But I've had the energy, just not mentally. I have no more excuses. That one line told to me repeatedly is like a battle cry calling me to war. I must defend what I love to do. And though it has never really mattered much to me, an income from what I love to do is important. I must be self sufficient. I need to get away from that one line and not look back. Time to re-list my goals. Time to do what makes me happy. I'm not afraid.

Sometimes, you just have to dive in.

Yeah, I'm with you.

This is my mothers day. A swapmeet trip. Good stuff. New Marushka, wool, burlap, wooden bag handles, vintage Pinocchio cloth dolls, new wig, and sweet dice earrings. Lovely weekend. And a new bed. Wonderful start to the week.

Works In Progress Wednesday

I have so many many many things I'm doing at once, I feel like a machine. I am a machine. I like being a machine.
After work yesterday, I spent a few hours at the downtown studio again and finished up another quilt top and basted it. (Insert amazement here.)
That's two quilts ready for stitchery. Makes me squeal with delight.

Yes. The Summer Sampler Series I started last summer will be finished before this summer! I like this photo, the angle lets you ignore the not perfect alignment of the blocks. I didn't do that bad of a job, but you know, if it's the tiniest mistake, I see it.

Anyway, I look forward to doing a bit of stitching on both tops this weekend.

I also am working on a super special custom doll for the daughter of a very good friend. I've redesigned my patterns again, attempting a more child-play friendly design. And new eyes, no more buttons. PLUS this darling child has a passion for dressing, so I'm making this doll some nifty outfits! I'm so thrilled for the challenge.

I've got some great doll inspiration these days. I pulled some fabrics for the doll itself and below is the beautiful fabrics she gave me to incorporate as I wish, though I already know I'm going to make some fabulous little dresses to start!

Doll body fabrics

Dearest Friends contribution.....simply cheery

I leave you now with a view of my table this morning. Happy Creating!

Link up!

A Christmas Present

Jon Roach Doll facial detail
Originally uploaded by amandamillar
After being hounded....I made him his very own self doll.
It feels like rolling down a hill. The momentum is amazing.
Jon is immortalized in cloth.
Merry Holidays!

No complaints...just look at the ceiling.

Beginning the day.
good music
clear sky
good memories
building

:: Studio is bumpin' ::

Adventure into the Elks Time Warp

It was a gamble. Neither of us had done this show before, in the local Elks Lodge.
And having no grandparents left myself, I was rather excited to be drenched in Senior domanated territory, it'd been a while. I didn't realize how amazingly entertaining the elderly clubhouse would turn out to be. Having a witness to the chaotic craft fair made all the difference and the time fly. The lovely Maggie of "Button, Button, Who?" joined me for the weekend of many wide-eyed looks, giggling, sneezing and bake sale over indulging. 

I was fetching a piece of stuffing from my car in the parking lot the first day and an elderly couple pulled in near by. The man and woman were quick to exit the car and head toward the building. As she started away from the car the woman said to her husband, "Well I didn't know we were stopping here Dear, I don't even have my eyelashes on. I didn't know and I'm not wearing my eyelashes." He seemed unconcerned with her lack of eyelashes, I'm guessing because she was wearing sunglasses at the time. *Priceless

The first day was slow and yet i felt great with so little sleep. I explored, being drawn by the "Breakfast in Bar" sign. Our table (#48) as it turned out, was literally 10ft. from the bar entrance. If i had been in the mood to drink, I would have been thrilled. From the bargin bake sale table at the entrance to the late-60 style 'Ladies Lounge' this place was filled with the smell of grandma. We (the twins included) hoped Sunday would turn out better with the promised 'after church' crowd.

Sunday started well. A lovely bright sky, a bit cooler than the day prior. Being able to leave out tables set up and covered was a luxury. I rolled out of bed, stopped for 7-11 coffee and headed in. I spent my Sunday finishing up a little going away present. It turned out quiet well, the scarves together make a whole sun, separated (and worn by their owners) each has a sun rise/set. Perfect project to make me smile.

  

And the moral of the story; 'if you want to get rich off grandmas, you'd better make birdbaths from terracotta pots.'

Till next time,

Manda

Test Runs

When really i should be falling head first into building stock....but instead i designed some new plush. Fair.

These i made out of suede, legs and arms cotton lightly stuffed. I hand embroidered the faces and added button eyes to suit.

I'm satisfied with them well enough, but i wonder how much smaller and larger i could make them. The story needs to be developed as well. And alas i cannot share any of those details yet. This test run must pass inspection. Then, we'll see.

Ciao for now. Manda

P.s. They all are small enough to fit in my palm. Baby being 1 1/2in.

The Blue Sprouting Change

True. April is long gone and here we are at the end of May.
There has been plenty of crazy......Who would have imagined this photo of me in the Vermont woodlands would foreshadow my coming future.

And there was plenty of this in my wake. Lets just say i threw myself into this "rubbish" shoot and called it a day. I find myself now with 8 day of work left and hours building in my studio. Good times are ahead.

The dolls agree,

2010 Year of the Metal Tiger

This time last year was different. I lived in an awful apartment that we were forced to move into. We lost a lot last year, including each other. But everything happens for reasons we may not wish to accept up front. I have sprouted new roots unto myself. I am re-learning how to walk this planet in conjunction with my own solidarity. There fore, today i am unfolding the past 365 days of creation. This is where i was and where i am now. Big differences. Emotional to say the least.

 

 

  

March 2009

  

  

  

  

April 2009 Nothing...Into May 2009

June 2009

 

 

 

July 2009

 

  

 

  

  

  

  

  

August 2009.... moving again...this time home.

September 2009

 

 

  

  

  

  

 

 

October 2009

  

  

November 2009

  

  

  

  

  

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

December 2009

  

  

  

  

And we cross over to January 2010

  

 

 

  

 

And up till today.....

 

 

 

  

And it is done, this year of the Ox. I feel my progression moving in a swift upward movement.....I am happy for the moment, learning how to enjoy being alone again.

I am fiercely attacking my future this year.

Happy New Year!