Pillow Talk

Finding myself with time on my hands after finishing a special order for a customer I dove in some sewing I've been wanting to do for a while. I've been scouting thrift stores for fabrics. Some of my favorites if you don't need large quantities are extra large men's shirts. -Then I can almost always find down pillows for real cheap to re-cover. I have amassed quite a collection of bits of fabric over the years. Far more than someones who does't sew very often should have, but there you have it.
  Anyhow here are three. Each one got a bit more elaborate than the next. After finishing the second I decided to make one for my Mom.

These all three have contrasting fabric backs (the above piece has the green/grey plaid for a backing)

 This one I used a very pretty piece of woven white fabric. I have a collection of 6 of these I got for a deal as antique place mats. I would mess them up pretty quick, so i've been waiting for a good use.

 And below is the back of the above pillow. Both the last two all have contrasting cord edging.(what's that called?) Anyhow photographed on black you can't see it as it's also black (oops)

 And here is Mom's pillow. (Mom, I hope you aren't reading this blog entry before the surprise package arrives)

I had a hard time finding interesting ribbon for this one to use as a 'frame' then decided to use scraps from an antique sari I have. (also both of the flower type patches- done with actual metal thread)

                  The little pocket on the back has a secret little love note written for my Mom.

Meet Esmerelda

So last week's Art and Thought Lab assignment was to fully flesh out our inner critic. Describe, give a history, future and include preferences......

Meet Esmerelda. I decided to sew her. I have amassed quite a collection of fabric bits I like and it was a perfect (there's that word) match. Although the irony being that Esmerelda is 'perfect' in so many ways and my sewing skills may not quite match her preferences. Her history and things she may want you to know about her are all written on tiny bits of paper and fill the many pockets I made on her outfit. (I think there are 6).
She is course very tall and thin (even though to the untrained eye her limbs may look like more like sausages)...... This weeks asssignment has to do with us learning to get along better.