Saturday 30 March 2013

Sewing in the sun.

What a gorgeous day it's been here in Newcastle today! Absolutely fantastic to see a bit of the old sun and blue sky. My lovely husband has had a great time pottering in the garden and I've been enjoying sewing in the sun.

I've been enjoying using my machine of late for making up cushions for my  Etsy shop and for other bits and pieces. But as it sat by my sunny window today with it's cover on, I felt ashamed of the sad flimsy cover it was sporting! 
Not only did it not look very nice anyway, it was made worse by the huge tear that had appeared and really was not serving it's purpose of stopping dust and dirt getting in and onto my machine, see image below.

So feeling inspired and full of the joys of sunshine I had a rummage in my fabric cupboard for a suitable piece to use. I also looked about for a pattern to help me with the shape, as I had never tackled anything like this before. 
I found a jolly print from my last project at college and teamed it with the digital print I designed for my stand at the NEC last year. 
After a bit of measuring, double checking, cutting, sewing and hemming TA-DA!! 
My poor sewing machine now has a very jolly, spring coloured cover that will definitely keep the dust out and it looks much smarter too.


 Although not really connected to making new covers for sewing machines, I thought you might like this picture of the crocus's in our garden. They were certainly enjoying the warmth of the sun today as well and perhaps might even open up if it stays warm.


Thank you for popping by and look forward to seeing you again next time. T :)


Tuesday 19 March 2013

Ballistic Owl on Etsy, shop now open!


After a year or so of procrastinating, I finally plucked up the courage and opened my Etsy shop in February. It stays with the owl theme and you can find it through this link www.etsy.com/shop/BallisticOwl

It has a range of items on it at the moment including tote bags and cushions. The first few items are from a collection I did for the Fashion, embroidery and stitch show and thought I would list them to kick start my shop. These are based on cells and seeds a theme I fell in love with during the final year of my degree. I intend to add more items and will also add some embroidered pieces once I've tidied the edges.

 Pods - Copyright Ballistic Owl 2013

The above image is one of the newer listings, it has my Pods design digitally printed on cotton and made into a gorgeous pillow-like cushion made with my own fair hands. I had a fab week last week, printing, sewing and finishing products. I hope to do more this week too, so keep an eye on the shop as I will be adding to it.


Gothic- Copyright Ballistic Owl 2013

This Gothic cushion is one of the first prints in my new collection, which explores an eclectic mix of inspiring images from my huge library of photographs, which include architectural details as well as other snaps I've taken when I've found something visually intriguing. This collection will gradually evolve as I develop the imagery and start investigating more techniques to translate it onto fabric.

So keep watching and popping by, I do love your company and comments :-)