Before I get to the bags, I’ve been doing a lot of gardening. Harvesting blueberries every day is a such a meditative time for me. If I get up early enough, the dogs in the area are still asleep and it’s so quiet. Dave caught me out there harvesting the other day. I wear white to keep me cooler, but the long pants helps to keep the bugs away.
So far I’ve harvested almost 15 pounds. What we don’t eat we freeze, so I am freezing every day also.
I showed you a picture of me picking cherries at a local orchard in the last post. Here are just some of the cherries getting a nice bath before they were frozen. Dave wrote a blog post all about how to process and freeze cherries here.
We also got our bees which was so exciting. We’ve already checked on them once and they appear to like their new home.
Then last week I attended a batik class at Studio 4950 in Henderson, Kentucky. I’ve played with wax – soy wax – but in this class we worked with batik wax, a combination of beeswax and paraffin. It works pretty much the same, but I think it’s harder to get out of the fabric. I was amazed at all of the beautiful fabric that was created.
 I wasn’t real impressed with my pieces, but enjoyed the fun.
I have been sewing bags since my last sewing post.
Here is my first cosmetic bag. The outside fabric was made with an oatmeal resist. Here is my tutorial on that. I wasn’t real happy with the finished results, so I fan folded and overdyed it here.
The inside is a piece of my soy wax batik fabric.
I also made another one of those zip bags. The outside is one of my favorite pieces of color magnet fabric.
The lining fabric is another piece of color magnet fabric.
I’m finally happy with my sewing of this little bag. I guess practice really makes perfect, or at least almost perfect.
What’s up next here? Well, after I finished the Printed Fabric Bee piece for Susan which I’ll post about in the next couple of days, I decided it’s again time to reorganized and clean my studio. It’s gotten way out of control (again!). It’s funny how I’m happy with the area and then I get to that point where I feel crowded and closed in and ready throw all of it away! I’d love to hear how you keep your studio under control. Do you have a system to keep it organized as you finish projects or do you, like me, wait until it’s overwhelming? I’d love to hear your tips. Thanks.
I’m off to harvest those blue berries. Have a creative day!
Lynda,
I know that feeling of things getting out of control. My area was organized enough for me to get things done, but not so I had to go searching for things. Then,,, a new friend came over and wanted to see “what I’ve been up to” and because she’ sinew, she hasn’t seen all my “stuff” from the past!! Oh boy, did we make a mess. Had a blast, found things I’d forgotten about. She does alterations and seamstress work, says she can’t imagine wanting to quilt, or dye her own fabric, or do most of what I do. BUT, she sure enjoyed the look thru it all and had lots of questions. We’ll see if she decides to play along some day.
So, now to get it all back where it belongs! First off, I know that I haven,t really assigned “homes” to my different activities and where the in progress pieces need to be. I moved here a year ago and I’ve been flying by the seat of my pants. It’s worked this far but I’m longing for, what I would call, HOMES. That’s where I will start. Put all like stuff together, figure out how much space and containers are needed, then I can actually decide on the where, within this new setting. It’s a challenge but I am up to it!!Luann
Luann, Thanks for weighing in. I know what you mean about assigning homes. When I really cleaned up this studio several years ago, I bought small containers for all of my different activities and labeled them. Since then some of those small containers no longer work – aren’t big enough so I had to get larger ones. For instance, I now have a container for screen printing inks which used to be in the fabric paint container. My fiber reactive dyes are all in one container, as are my dye-na-flow. But I still have a couple containers of fabric paint I need to consolidate. I sold my scrapbooking paper rack which was taking up so much room for an activity I rarely do anymore, but loved having the paper within reach. I may need to move a few things I don’t often use but can’t part with yet, out to the garage in the dye area. I have gobbs now of white fabric: bandanas, shirts, scarves etc and they are all over the place. I really need to get a few more large containers for them and then really go through stuff I’m not going to ever use or play with. Getting rid of some books today is my first step. Thanks for commenting. I’m glad I’m not alone in this!
Hello, just want to say that I am so pleased to have found your very inspirational blog. I am new to the blog world and wish I had time to make all the things I am learning about. I recently bought some special dye for sun printing after seeing something on your pages. I also want to do some hammered leaves – haven’t found Alum yet; its not a commonly used ting in the UK. I will get some of the net. anyway, love the batik pictures. Thank you. Tricia
Lynda, You lucky girl you! All those blueberries and cherries. 🙂 They look great. I like your batik piece and love the little bags you made. I’m finishing up a project then will try a small bag, that’s my plan anyway.
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Tricia, Thanks so much for finding me! Alum is used in preserving so it might be in your canning area in your grocery store. It’s a little pricy that way, but a good way to see if you really want to do the technique. Alum is also used for the mordant for marbling fabric which is a lot of fun. I know there are so many fun techniques to try. Jacquard Color Magnet is another one of my favorite supplies. Thanks again for stopping by and commenting.
Hi Diane, Thank you! The small zip bags are so cute and fun to make. I know about plans. I have a whole booklet of things I plan to make. It’s funny how some seem to just make it right to the top quickly, while others remain on that list forever. Thanks for dropping by.
Harvesting looks like a lot of work but your smiling. The “fruits” of your labor are certainly a good payoff.
That class looks really interesting. Love the little bags you’ve been creating.
Hi Halle, Yep, it’s a lot of work but I love being outside and watching things grow. I’m amazed that we planted all of those blueberry bushes (except 2) and they are doing so well – a dream come true to have enough blueberries for us to have all year until the next harvest! I’m looking forward to more sewing for sure.