07 January 2009

Lunacy + Fabric Scraps

The urge to create fabric flowers struck me when I was inspired by Ambika's on (Into) the Fray. Wanting to make some little presents, having a quick deadline before Christmas and facing a heap of fabric stash, I got straight to work.

Frayed Edges

I used scraps of fabric from my stash (gasp!) and some denim from old jeans. They weren't fraying enough, so I hand washed my hundreds of circles and took them to the laundromat to dry them. They thought I was a lunatic (which believe me, is nearly impossible with the shenanigans that go on in there).

I showed up with nothing but a plastic bag and stared at the dryer while scraps of fabric spun around and around. It was fascinating and meditative to watch them cascade repeatedly with each turn.

Flowers

I did them my own way. I cut some circles in a flower shape, others in circles and did all different sizes. I then stacked them together from largest fabric scrap to smallest, sewed them together and messed with the back to make them pouf out a bit. I added some beads in the center to keep it together. You know me, very technical. I found pins and sewed them to the back. I think they'll look cute on a jacket, a hat or a tote bag.

Flowers

In my pre-holiday sewing and baking frenzy, I had to laugh when I realized I was wearing the pants I had sewed for Mike, an apron I made and taking a break on the quilt we sewed. If that isn't overkill, I don't know what is.

Overkill

Oh! And Happy New Year, everyone. I'm still working on my goals for 2009. And laughing at ones from previous years in my journal. Perhaps I'll have to share some of the funnier ones...professional surfer anyone?

11 comments:

MaleficentKnits said...

Welcome back Marissa! Always great to see your creative juices a-flowing! I'm always amazed when the creations you come up with; such talent!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love these! The frayed edges are just so soft & lovely looking. & believe me, my flowers are just as technical. When people ask me how to make them, my reply is never very good!

Anonymous said...

you are so clever. Very cute! I can imagine these on so many things.

Nic said...

Love the flower pins...I am slightly jealous! I especially love the beads int he center, but that's because I love beads :)

Nadia said...

Surfer!?! Totally rad, dude.

Anonymous said...

I love the times when I look down at my lap while knitting and notice all the handmades on/around me. It's a lovely feeling, and great to break the consumer chain!

Jamie Welsh Watson said...

Professional surfer! See, you are a woman of ilk. Those flower pins are rad.

sulu-design said...

Happy New Year! Professional surfer, huh?
I loved reading about your laundromat trip... I can't say that I miss those, but I do miss the crazy scenes I'd witness there (the least of which would be someone drying fabric scraps). The flowers are very cool - I love the frayed edges, and your Marissa-sews-it-all photo is awesome. Quite prolific, aren't you?

Andrea said...

Happy New Year!!! Sorry I couldn't make it the other night. I love seeing your creative juices flow. The flower pins are adorable.

Vanessa said...

Very cute! And a fun little project to spend the day making. Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

The flowers are gorgeous! I love the way you describe them, as though you're just chucking together a few bits of fabric!