It is so good to be back in a Studio, even though it is just a temporary place and I have been sewing up a storm.
The top above and the jacket below, plus many others have been added to my etsy shop. Link is in the side column. I also have a dyeing wet studio set up and have quite a few new hand dyed fabrics available.
I haven't been posting on my blog. Follow me on instagram (Tuscan.Rose) for more frequent updates.
my new baby arrived yesterday
So excited, her arrival has been long awaited. While she isn't brand new, she is new to me.
This is my second and it is just as exciting as the first.
Isn't she beautiful!
I will be distracted for a time and away from my blog but in the meantime, you must visit this site
Our members are showcased in portfolios with information on what they do and where they are on the web. Visit The List for our member directory or explore visually here. Interested in joining us? TAFA Membership info. TAFA members are vetted in based on their professionalism and quality of work. It is an honor to be a part of the TAFA List!
There are so many talented artists at the TAFA List site, I can easily spend an entire day browsing the links, websites and many of the artists have their works for sale.
You will be amazed at all the TAFA members.
Studio Destash Time
I have filled several medium flat rate boxes with paper assortments and vintage wallpaper and have listed them on Etsy.
i swim
i shop
i sew
and repeat
I have just added a few packets of vintage wallpaper, some patterns and vintage fabric to my etsy shop.
My goal is to add new items every week, maybe every day as I destash my studio.
I have been adding many destash items and large lots of items in my etsy shop.
This Halloween grouping has rubber stamps that I have collected over the years and feel that they are some of the best. The large spiderweb is one I have used many times and it is great for ATC's and journal art in addition to card making. It is wonderfully detailed. The haunted house stamps are another favorite.
I will be adding more to my shop in the upcoming days and next few weeks.
Next up will be some calligraphy and letter making books - some great vintage ones. Hopefully I will have time this morning for this beauty below.
making some new things for my etsy shop
Monkey on My Back necklace
loving blacks and midnight blue and any shade of blue right now but mostly black
I found this cute vintage creamer that I assembled into a pincushion.
Not sure what I like more, pincushions or making pincushions.
available on Etsy
Every week, I get emails asking me why I don't keep an art journal any more.
Funny, how it is assumed that if you don't post something on your blog that you are no longer doing something creative. Or that if it isn't what you have always shared on your blog, that you no longer creating.... I have no idea what I am trying to say here but maybe you get what I mean.
So anyway -
don't know why this photo is fuzzy but I don't have time to retake it - sorry
The thing is that I am spending so much of my time making and creating, I don't blog as much.
Above - WIP
an altered jacket that turned into an altered vest when it lost its sleeves last week
I have no idea where this vest is going but I am having fun working on it.
and a New York Beauty quilt block that I am very excited about
it is the start of a new quilt top
The color excites the gypsy in me and circles are a recurring theme that shows up in my projects.
I love the movement of the New York Beauty.
I suppose I could share pictures of my book that I practice and work out machine quilting patterns but that can get a bit dull.
Sometimes the quilting patterns find their way into my art journal
and many times my art journal finds its way into quilts
sometimes I go out and find really cool rocks
ones that have fossils or tiny hearts in them
if they have both all the better
So my message is -
don't set limits on yourself or let one thing define you
go make something or find something that is cool and excites you because
Superman don't need no seat belt - Muhammad Ali
My old sewing machine has started to have some issues which I guess considering how old it should not have been a surprise.
The repairman told me last year that it was the last time he will work on it and I was told it's time to upgrade.
My trusty but very old Singer 99K, it has served me well but it is time to put her into retirement.
I am taking a huge quantum leap in what I want for a replacement.
And when I say quantum leap, it is big from the most basic of sewing machine to a fully digital model.
Bernina 830
I am still testing two models trying to decide between them
it is a big commitment
or
Janome 12000
Tomorrow, I am test driving machines again.
The sticker shock just about blew my mind but the features of both are so incredible that it makes me wonder how I could ever go back to sewing with a 1940's machine.
The possibilities, the stitches, being able to sew knits...but the big dollars involved.
and so I am offering some art work and bags on my etsy shop
and some supplies in my second shop (there is a link in the side column)
and this is how seriously a new sewing machine is needed, I am offering for sale the Guadalupe vintage military backpack that I made a few months ago
and I would love to hear from anyone who knows, has or uses either of these two sewing machines as I am still wavering back and forth between the two