I just got back from three days of inspiration at the
Original Sewing and Quilt Expo, in Lakeland, Florida. This was my third time
visiting this annual event, and I was a little apprehensive about it being a
repeat, but I learned lots of new techniques, visited some new vendors, and had
a great time. Exhausted, sensory-overloaded, and overwhelmed, but SEW inspired!
The first class I took was by Barb Callahan: "Folded
Fabric Fun" which involved making an adorable bag using folding
adaptations of the Japanese art of Origami. Using some of Barb's collection of
fabrics and vintage buttons, we created this pretty pouch and actually finished
it in class! I think that's only the second time in my life that I actually
finished a new project the same day I started it!
On Day Two I attended "Color Your Fabric with
Paintstiks" by Laura Murray. I had tinkered with Paintstiks several years
ago, and didn't really care for them. But this class converted me to a user!
What a wonderful way to get texture and interest on fabric, with little effort
and a lot of fun...it was like being a kid again, coloring with crayons! Just
look at this fun fabric piece I made, first try!
Later that day I took a class from the delightful Joyce Teng
from TSC Designs. Her effervescent personality got me so excited about using
Tsukineko inks for all kinds of surface design, including stenciling, dyeing,
and painting...I was so enchanted, I visited her booth the next day and she was
kind enough to share even more techniques and information. Love using inks on
fabrics!
The last class I took on the last day was intense...Ice
Dyeing in a Mandala pattern. It was NOT easy, VERY messy, but the results were
fabulous! Since I've done lots of fabric dyeing with fiber reactive dyes, the
technique was familiar, but I had no idea you could somewhat control tie-dyed
results with Cindy Lohbeck's binding techniques...very precise and somewhat
difficult, but again the results were worth it:
Whew...I learned SEW much...now all I have to do is find
time to practice, practice, practice!
