KittyBaroque

Brown Owl's Crafty Goodness....

I was at the Melbourne Design Market today.
Its been a weekend of WAAAAAAYYYYY too much shopping - more about that later in the week - and thankfully I stopped long enough fit in some crafty goodness.

There were a lot of the usual subjects there. This is my second year, no, wait, THIRD year I think, and many of the stalls were familiar. It was MEGA busy with teeny little booths that you struggled to fit into and some of them, once you got in, you sometimes realised you didn't want to be there (SO not critical of anyone's workmanship but just different strokes for different folks) and you squished your way into another booth.

A heap of stuff for littlies, but since the only Children I have are of the furry kind, nothing for my two 'Kitty Boys'. I managed to find one of the Queen's of Brown Owls, Miss Pip (who, with a typing error just a sec ago I realised could be instead Miss POP) working on Victoria Mason's stall and found myself also lusting after not one, but TWO or THREE necklaces which I must now save up for.
I took a couple of photos with my Husband's Moto phone but he has to download them for me so hope to post tomorrow.
I bought a couple of cards, one from Love-Hate (which I intend to have a play with and show'n'tell) and another which I will post tomorrow, don't have it in front of me at the moment.
Oh, and of course, the SPECTACULAR Zakkaya - which is one of my favourite Japanese influenced stores - where I could buy just ANYTHING! Luckily, I escaped without spending TOO much as I SERIOUSLY can't tell you HOW much I have already spent this weekend, mmmmmm..........

Anyways, here is my first FINISHED project from one of my night's at Brown Owls. If you want to make one too you can go HERE* It SAYS it is a weekend project but even if you hand sew shouldn't take you more than 4 hours from start to finish. SO happy with mine and a great way to use up scraps, there might be more in my future  :-)

The key to this pin cushion I think is to TOTALLY overstuff it and it becomes a frisbee - could be a lethal weapon in the wrong hands. 'Super Hero Saves the Planet with Vintage Pin Cushion Softie' heh heh....

Blessings
KittyB
 

Sew What?

Always a captivating question and one I never have adequate answers for.
I recently decided I am going to sew more of my own clothes. This is mainly due to the terrible quality stuff I find out there and also that I don't want to be part of participating in Sweatshop labour practices.

Let me tell you though, its not as easy as you think. At School, I was never good at Science based subjects so at age 14, when in England you have to make your 'O Level' choices, I chose mainly practical ones with one or two compulsory selections: - Art, Needlecraft, Food & Nutrition (You would think this would qualify me almost as a 'Domestic Goddess' but the Food & Nutrition component, while fun was taught by this crazy Nun (yes, I am another Catholic School Gal) and was more terrifying).

I always excelled in Fine Art class and was a total perfectionist in both that subject & Needlecraft.
I knew my way round a sewing machine. I learned the basics and had the chance to explore other advanced techniques. If you promise not to laugh, I will tell you that my final examination garment was a Turquoise jumpsuit with a zip up the front 'a la Sting in 1978' (who else???). It was totally en vogue at the time and I was convinced I was a seamstress extraordinaire. Addendum, there is something below I am thinking of making in a Turquoise Wool.....

Fast forward 27 years (YES, 27...) and I find myself faced with the sewing machine again.
Now, I am a clever crafty chick, I can pretty much figure stuff out if I have the rough instructions but it took me THREE weekends to draft up a commercial Straight Skirt pattern so that it fit and I am just not sure I have the stamina to do it for more complex structures! I AM wearing the skirt I made to work - which was kind of the point as I am trying as I said to avoid sweatshop etc.. but seriously, how CAN I make more complex patterns AND GET THEM TO FIT! If anyone has any great websites with some tech on this I would LOVE a link or two. I am thinking of doing classes with this Lady in South Oakleigh called Designer Stitch as I have a feeling a more practical hand might help and I am SERIOUSLY VERY excited at the prospect of making my own fabulousness.

Last week I was SOOOOOO desperate for some stuff that fits me that I ended up going into Zentini and ordering a tailormade shirt. I had the INTENTION  of getting one that was a basic White Shirt 'a la Tim Gunn on TG's Guide to Style' in his list of basics - others being a Day Dress, LBD, Jeans, Cashmere Jumper, Tailored Skirt & Pants, Sweatsuit Alternative and a couple of other things that escape me at the moment but instead ordered, well, you will just have to wait and see but it has LOTS of colour and pattern and really, NO WHITE* :-) Secretly, I think the Gal there was quite happy that someone who said they wanted 'something different' actually did, she said most people mean Mushroom or Taupe when they say that. You will have to wait to see the shirt but it is DEFINITELY NOT either of these AND has ruffles!

Sew (heh heh...) on that note, here are a couple of shirts I would really like to make from an issue of the Burda Magazine from January 08 (thx Nikkishell:-)) which you can buy a back issue from here*

Do you think this one is just TOO plain? I LOVE the pintucks though:

This one is VERY Parisienne.....

and this one could be just TOOOOOOOOOO 'Adam & the Ants' but I LOOOOOOOVVVEEEE the sleeves:

And this one I think will be FABULOUS in Turquoise Wool with my PROMISED basic white shirt. I've heard though that the skirt in the central view (which is the one I LOVE) is really not as full as it looks and that you might need a 50's petticoat under it:

Sew, whaddya think???? I mean, I KNOW that tailoring is a SKILL and that I can't expect to conquer Everest in a day but does anyone have any tips? I bought a book called something like Patterns that Fit and it is REALLY good on how to alter but I think having someone on hand to show you and measure you properly is essential.

LOOOOOVVVEEEEE the above though and can't WAIT to show you more clothes I have made. I will try to take a photo of the ONE skirt I made recently tomorrow.

Blessings
KittyB

A thing I made...

Made using a fabulous tutorial on Teesha Moore's site, my Art Journal. It seems that my secret desire to be a Rockstar comes out in MANY ways.... If you look at the teeny silver circle on the top right you will see a smiley face picture of me as a little one. When you collage, ALL your secrets come out* Blessings, KB

A Fab Artist Date..

Those of you who have read the Artist's Way will already know the concept of an AD (Artist's Date). Well, I didn't exactly plan that yesterday but that is what happened.

I hadn't been to see the British Art from the 60's exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria here in Melbourne and was closing today so yesterday I just HAD to go see it. I will give a better review tomorrow of the exhbition on my Artist Blog (see link top left) but elements of it were totally inspirational while other elements were just plain weird and I could see easily why the standard of Artwork these days is as appalling as it is. While I hadn't planned to look at other stuff in the Gallery I ended up looking at an exhbition of various categories of drawings from varying artists and countries and with a distinctly more classical edge. The 'Drawn' exhibition was free entry and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in truly refined and delicate artwork. I also found another exhibition on the Flower in Textiles which, though small has some quite delightful couture work and gorgeous embroidery and detailing.

Then, as if I hadn't already had enough inspiration I decided to go to the movies and ended up seeing Brokeback Mountain. It was a duty viewing, the movie didn't really appeal to me (I would rather have seen The Producers) but I took a punt. It IS a pretty cool movie and VERY well done but it would be SOOOOO much better if it didn't have Heath Ledger MUMBLING through the whole thing. I mean, I KNOW it kinda suited the repressed restraint of the character but seriously, it was REALLY irritating. Best Actor? mmmmm, not sure. I MIGHT just have a dislike for Heath.... Still, I was glad I went.

So, despite Heath, yesterday was REALLY fun and I MUST do it again. In fact, there is also a William Morris exhibition finishing next week so another cultural day is booked in, wooohhhhoooo. In fact, I have been creating artwork today as a result so these AD's are DEFINITELY essential for the spirit (pics tomorrow if stuff is finished). Anyone else have a fabulous Artist Date this weekend?

Blessings KB

Oh, a HUGE Thankyou BTII Pal*..

Oooooh, I am SOOOOOOO lucky* I FINALLY picked up my BacktackII parcel from the PO and just was SOOO wrapped (means super excited) to find a FABULOUS Amy B. Designer bag along with an a STACK of wonderous goodies all created by the TOTALLY AMAZING Woolly Mutts . As you guys know I don't REALLY have a decent way to take photos so head to Woolly Mutt's Flicker file to see the the cool gifties I received. The bag is TOTALLY fabulous with all sorts of cool pockets inside, a teeny purse attached to the inside by hook/clip and a mini project bag filled with beads/charms to complete a knitted bead bracelet (along with an accompanying pattern). Searching through more pockets revealed a cool sheep notepad, some knitted theme cards, two balls of a Fuschia Pink fluffiness, elegant embroidery scissors with a leather case & thimble, an embroidery hoop (Pink, yaaahhhyy) to go along with a silk bag embroidery kit (tres fancy), the cutest printed tissues AND, a magical fairy want to bring my life joy and delight** Thank you SOOO much Ms Woolly Mutts for the wonderful effort you put into this wonderful package. It was absolutely AWESOME to receive such an incredible array of wonders in the mail and tailor made for my every desire. Woolly, thank you MILLIONS and MILLIONS for being such a fantastic  BTII Pal and thank you organsisers of BTII for such a neat exchange - if you get a chance to play in BTII then grab it with both hands FAST*  Though in NO way as glamorous as Woolly's shots check out Pablo below posing with my Amy B wonder and check out the DIVINE bracelet I just HAD to make straight away with dear Woolly's almost edible beads following the accompanying pattern. Thanks WM*, blessings KB

 

Beyond the Unexpected..

Well, I have had this book for a couple of weeks now and haven't yet picked it up and experimented. It has been a bit of an unproductive, lazy, headach'ey day for me but when Rugby came on the TV I headed into the studio to have a play. I kept it in the same vein as Claudine Hellmuth's suggested imagery - not wanting to think too much that late in the day - but the collage is unfinished so could still totally change. See stage 1 (Top) and stage 2 (below):

 

The techniques I used from the book were layering with masking tape & using contact paper but you will need to buy this fabulous book for more details. I'm not finished yet but did you see a little Kitty sneaked in ;-)  Only playing but kinda fun* Have a fab week all*, KB

Busy a sewing....

Well, Backtack gave me the sewing bug so this last few days I have been busy.  I just started doing Yoga again and have been lugging my yoga mat around uncovered, but, NO MORE!! I found this cool pattern on Craftster and got busy with some Lycra cotton. I also finished a 'Madison' bag in Amy B fabric, same pattern as my BackTack II Pal's though I musta had beginners luck with that one - while Mochi's was PERFECT mine has a few little puckers in places, still cool though. The third shot shows the stripey lining. I DO like sewing but there are days I just don't follow through immaculately <sighs>. Have yet to make its accompanying Flower decoration...... Blessings, KB

   

See My BackTack II Creation*

Woooohhhooooo, my BackTackII pal, who can now be revealed as Little Mochi has received her parcel safely so I can now formally reveal its contents. Yes, I STILL only have my crappy phone camera but I am hoping my pal might be able to take a better pic or two. I TOTALLY loved making these goodies and workiing with a fab Amy B pattern and fabric. OK, first up, here is a shot of the overall goodie pack:

 

You will see a symphony in Pink and Raspberry. The main bag is an Amy Butler pattern 'Madison' which you can see clearer in the picture above along with a notions pouch in Red felt with Kitty applique. I made the felt from some gorgeous locally dyed Merino batting from Fiber Fusion (still developing their site but look out for some cool new products). My first felting success story - also a close up of the pouch I love below. You will also see a matching fabric flower that can be pinned to the bag or used as a brooch or hair decoration and some yummy Raspberry flavoured hot chocolate in coordinated Pink/Brown. I also included a lipgloss keyring from Bloom ,an Aussie company and a sea sponge for a hint of indulgence. The required starter craft kit was a Needle Felting one so I sent some yummy Marta's hand dyed fluffiness in fabulous Red, Pink and Orange along with some l'il needles. Backtack is the most FABULOUS but yet the most challenging exchange I have participated in. I SOOOOOO loved the experience though once I started and while I am still awaiting my own 'mystery package' (delayed by the US Postal Service and NOT my darling BT partner) to arrive any day I can confidently say I would TOTALLY sign up again. I made my FIRST bag, my FIRST accessory pouch with zip, my FIRST patchwork AND had my FIRST successful felting experience and learnt HEAPS* Backtack ROCKS**      

 

Blessings to all KB, in a FRENZIED posting mode....

BackTackII & Secret Pal 6

Woooohhhooooooooo. Oh yeah, another example of erratic blogging but a lot has been going on*
More on the life/work stuff later....
Today, I posted off my BackTackII giftie AND my Secret Pal 6 and WoW, did I have a ball putting these two together. OK, so those of you who know me better will already know that I was freaking out with performance anxiety once I started seeing things like this but I think I came through in the end. I am not gonna post pics on the blog until I hear back from my Pal that the items have been received safely and I REALLY don't want to spoil the surprise but here are some pics of the fabrics I used and a teaser....

Don't you just LOOOOOOVVVEEE Amy B
Blessings all and catchup with a HEAP more news tomorrow - just think, I have a whole MONTH stored up. I SOOOOO can't wait till my BTII and SP6 pals receive their pressies - it is SO good being the GIVER****
KB

SYNO & Secret Pal 6

Woooohhhhhhoooooo I am in online exchange heaven*
I have just completed my SYNO scarf - which I have yet to block and send its new home - and I have been lucky enough to be a part of Secret Pal 6 - yiipppeeeee
So, even though match ups are still being made, I'm posting up the SP6 Questionnaire so that my 'Secret Pal' (SO secret that she doesn't know who SHE is as yet :-)) knows what I am about and how best to spoil me :-)) SOOOOO exciting, like all my Christmases rolled into one.
    *side note* I posted a similar questionnaire somewhere earlier on in the year in the desperate hope I might make it into SP5 but didn't. I wonder how much has changed????*

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?

Ooooohhh yeaaahhh, I am SUCH a yarn snob. I just LOVE Rowan & Debbie Bliss and just NEVER substitute yarn. While I prefer more natural fibers I have also used some gorgeous blends recently including Rowan's Calmer & Wool/Cotton, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino. I have only three times strayed from my Rowan/Debbie Bliss obsession to try Noro Blossom, Lorna's Laces Lion & Lamb and Muench's Touch Me - ALL pretty pricey yarns. "A Yarn Snob?  Moi Dahling, impossibile!" (pronounced in a kinda sexy French baroness voice of course).

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

I don't spin and don't really have the urge to, it would encroach on my knitting & arting time :-)
I have attempted to learn crochet quite a few times and have, most recently, ALMOST gotten the rhythm thing and produced SOMETHING resembling a crochet flower. I would LOVE to stop being all fingers and thumbs as far as crochet is concerned as I think it looks way cool.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)

Am not a smoker so a little intolerant to smoke odour otherwise, other than ultra sensitve skin and heaps of food intolerances I am allergy free. Food intolerances include Dairy, Wheat, high Sugar, Gluten and, currently, no beans or nuts either - amazing I am not TOTALLY skin and bone really*

4. How long have you been knitting?
Around 3 years I think. I first picked up stix at around 6 years old and produced a holey fabric getting all twisted in knots and I remember hating it, strange. In my mid thirties gave it a second try and flukily excellent tension, even knitting and NO HOLES* Fell in love with thee fiber surfing the net and discovered SnB

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes, I do have an Amazon wishlist. I'm on Amazon as KittyBaroque

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

I am big on using non animal tested/no animal ingredients stuff as natural as possible so like stuff scented with essential oils. Having such sensitive skin means I have to be real picky about this sorta stuff - haven't been able to wear make up for YEARS!!! In terms of smells in stuff like candles though I LOVE chocolate, vanilla, jasmine, ylang ylang, ginger and fruit smellies.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?

Unfortunately, yes. It's a real pain that at the moment my body doesn't like sugar/dairy/high fats as I am a sucker for ultra posh chocolate and desserts - give me dessert any day over a savoury treat or main meal. Once, in my early twenties, my best pal & I went to a top London restaurant in the lull hours, ordered EVERY dessert on the menu and cut them all in half staying there for hours indulging. I will always remember the slogan for the Peanut Butter Cheesecake "Spread it on your hips baby cuz thats where its going". A lot of food stuffs aren't allowed into Australia from O/S too.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

I trained as a Fine Artist for around 10 years and am passionate about bookbinding, collage, art journaling and all paper related activities, I am a bit of a paperholic. I am also really into embroidery and want to get back into sewing/textiles activities. I am REALLY interested in Childrens Book Illustration too so this might be an interest that expands.I just LOVE Amy Butler fabrics and bag designs and plan to make a heap of them.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Sting, Gospel, Jazz (not the totally scatty stuff but more Ella Fitzgerald etc..), some contemporary Hip Hop and R&B, Shirley Bassey, India Arie and Tibetan Chanting.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

I have a SERIOUS hatred of Black, White, beige unless providing a foil for other colours and balancing out a space and also dislike Yellows, Navy Blues and anything too graye .
I LLLOOOOVVVEEEEE Pinks/Mauves on the warm side of the colour family along wth Teal & Aqua but colours that actually suit my complexion to wear are dusky ones:- Plums, Chocolate Browns, Russett, Cinnamon, soft Rose. In my colour taste I am a bright and clean colour person but, have realised that just cuz I like them as colours doesn't mean they will suit me to wear. Ask me how I know? When your $300 cardigan is being used as a catbed you just learn FAST**

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

No little kiddies, just my BEAUTIFUL Boys, Pablo & Dharma my little cutie Kitties. Have been married to THE MOST FABULOUS and GORGEOUS guy in the world - that is...next to Sting.:-) - for 13 years.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)

Secret or 'real world' ones? Weeeellll, secretly, though now not so secretly, I REALLY wanna be a super famous RockStar or Actress, but a REALLY good one not one of those in a flick you bring back to the video store after watching the opening scene :-) I will though settle for being the Wife of a Rock Star (my husband is a muscian) as I can still do the swanning around heh heh.. and would also love to be a famous Artist doing good around the world and making a REAL difference in others lifes through my creativity (not sure HOW to do this otherwise would have done by now...).

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

Anything Rowan that is snuggly and soft - love Wool/Cotton & Kidsilk Haze and want to try 4 ply soft as it sounds YUM. I also love Debbie Bliss Cashmerino and have recently fallen for Noro yarns, again, only those that are really soft. I like stuff I can knit on smaller needles 2mm-4mm.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Anything TOTALLY synthetic. I just don't GET novelty yarns or eyelash stuff, doesn't do it for me. My fibers need to be sensual and sexy all the way!! Also, anything rough & ready to the skin just doesn't cut it - sensitive skin......

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?

I am trying to up the ante and try Lace patterns, beaded knitting and Intarsia. I am ALWAYS up for an elegant reinterpretation of a vintage number. I have recently acknowledged that I need to always have a 'travel' project, generally an accessory, so that my bigger more complex projects get more attention and home and less mistakes. I'd REALLY like to see more Rebecca and Phildar patterns as they look FAB on the net but I don't think I could cope with having to substitute the yarn, I know, I know, VERY lame.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Neat fitting cardigans and small accessories. I am currently into the idea of bags/pouches and stuffed soft toys. I REALLY like the latest Rowan Magazine, 38, because I love SO many of the accessories in there - Immediate Glamour and a quick knit fix - FAAABBBUUULLLLOUUSSSS
there is an Australian Designer called Alannah Hill and I REALLY LOVE her stuff, all very vintage & lacey though with an OTT contemporary twist.

17. What are you knitting right now?

Vintage Cardigan from Debbie Bliss 4, River from the latest Rowan, STILL finishing Air from Calmer Collection and have just finished a scarf as part of the SYNO exchange (see button on this page). als
I am also doing some embroidery and would LOVE to start the Gypsy Scarf from Scarf Style - I already have the yarn, yyaaahhhyyyy

18. What do you think about ponchos?

I'm a little over the whole Poncho thing to be honest but I AM getting into the wrap thing. Ponchos don't suit EVERYONE.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

Depends on the project, these days often circular, and ALWAYS Bamboo. Otherwise, I have always gone for 'really long' bamboos as I figured if they were bigger they would do more, mmmmm....
Always Bamboo, I would love to try other woods. I'd love to get some Lantern Moons or Birch needles or the ultimate holy grail, Rosewood.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Did I already say Bamboo??? :-) :-)

21. Are you a sock knitter?

Not really my thing though I do have a pair of lacey leaf knee highs from a back issue of Interweave earmarked.

22. How did you learn to knit?

Originally, I can't remember, school I think as I didn't have any Grandmas around when I was younger and Mum can't really knit well. Recently took up knitting in  my mid thirties and taught myself from the Erika Knight book 'Simple Knits for Easy Living'  book. 

23. How old is your oldest UFO?

Just over 2 years. It is Air from the Rowan book Calmer Collection and I have negative associations with it as I bought in the UK when I was there for my Father's funeral a couple of years ago.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

Of course, I TOTALLY love Cats but I can't think of a favourite animated character right now. If I do I will post up later.

25. What is your favorite holiday?

I haven't had a holiday in years but I just LOVED New York/Manhattan and I REALLY enjoyed living in Arezzo in Italy for a while. Italy, apart from my home town of London, would have to be the most fabulous though as a country for me - I REALLY love the artwork, the way of life and the history. I REALLY need heavy doses of museums and galleries on holidays and am not a beach lounger. I do miss London for the same cultural reasons.

26. Is there anything that you collect?

I am starting to collect books by my fave book illustrators along with Japanese Craft Books. I am also obsessed with Blythe Dolls and have 3 adorable girls and make them outfits to wear.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Am just getting an Interweave one and currently have a Rowan subscription.

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?

That is a ridiculous question, there are ALWAYS books I am dying to get my hands on, ROFL**
I usually can't resist any book and can always find an excuse to buy one.
I have a heap in my shopping cart at the moment so might have all I need soon but I would love more childrens books (other than Pinocchio & Dear Diary) by Sara Fanelli, Henrik Drescher (I only have turbulence and postal seance) and Maira Kalman (just bought the Willy Series). I also LOVE the look of the limited rerelease of facsimiles of Barbar drawings. Not knitting related but I am also hanging out for issues 1-4 fo Teesha Moores Studio Zine and back issues of Dog Eared (bookbinding zine from turtle press online) excluding issues 1-5 and issue 7. I am an Art Zine and Bookaholic mad chick.

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??

I've been lusting after Rowan's latest Vintage Style book but currently have it in my cart so probably will soon be at home with me. I like the love heart scarf on Fiber Trends site, would love to make a Klee Scarf and would REALLY like some Phildar Magazines. There was one a few years ago with a Moulin Rouge/after dark theme it was GORGEOUS. Can't believe I didn't get it at the time.

WoW, that was a HUGE post!!! I am sure there is much more I could add too...
Any more you need to know Secret Pal then drop me a nudg or check out the blog further.

Sending Blessings to all* I WAS going to post more but am too sleepy* KB