#11 Sparks! Fall 2008
Diane Ericson's Creativity & Studio Notes
>> FALL/WINTER STUDIO VEST
Transitioning into my winter clothes, I like to add a new cozy vest to my fall wardrobe. I have made the Walkabout Vest #113 in some great fabrics and the one I am wearing now is a collaged version of layered Wool Jersey and Polar Fleece. This is a great combination of layers and can easily be hand washed. Using the polar fleece gives a nice quilted feel without the added work of batting. In this cranberry and black version, I used the raw edges of both fabrics and cut the edge to compliment the geometric print I used on the bias for trim. I find that adding a strip of bias to both inside and out, along the center front line (see detail shots of the vest front), stays the front edge and gives it a more finished look. I cut the garment out of the polar fleece, then topstitched the jersey on top. To start with the jersey, I cut out pieces slightly larger than the pattern pieces to give more options for folding and creating more surface texture as I stitched. I trim away extra f
abric as I sew. I stenciled a design from the Off the Wall Stencil and applied as a patch to hold the tie on.
The Unique Feature of this pattern is that it includes 50% enlarged pattern pieces (for all the sizes) to use when making your own felt! Of course directions are included. Guest designer and master felter, Polly Stirling, shares her felting directions in the pattern. See some of her Walkabout Vests on my site in our Customer Gallery. If you have always wanted to make felt the Walkabout Pattern may be just the place to start. Check out Polly’s site for more felting inspiration and information.
SEE MY COLLAGED WALKABOUT VEST -->
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/GAL-Walkabout-Collage/WEARABLES/Walkabout+Collage
SEE OFF THE WALL STENCIL -->
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/Stencil-25-OffTheWall/STENCILS/Off+The+Wall+Stencil
VISIT POLLY STIRLING'S WEBSITE -->
http://www.wildturkeyfeltmakers.com
SEE POLLY'S WALKABOUT VEST IN OUR GALLERY -->
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/GAL-Walkabout-Polly/Walkabout-Vest/Polly+Stirlings
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WALKABOUT VEST PATTERN -->
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/Pattern-113-WalkaboutVest/PATTERNS/The+Walkabout+Vest
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>> KIMONO ART SCARVES
My mom, Lois Ericson has been creating lovely, one-of-a-kind scarves to share with interested collectors. Here is what she says about the process of creating these scarves: "Designing scarves has become my passion. I have many extraordinary silk kimono with original designs that are amazing. 'Fragments' Is the name I have chosen for the series since the design elements vary and come together in a unique way. You may appreciate the Japanese influence in my work. Each scarf is different in color combination and technique. The scarves, created to reflect the beauty of the original kimono, are designed to enhance your wardrobe and create a statement. Most of you who know my work will enjoy my usual inventive spirit. Each scarf will be boxed with care and shipped to the excited recipient....may that will be you!"
See some of the scarf collection on Marcy Tilton's website: http://www.marcytilton.com on her Favorite Things page.
To connect with Lois about other designs: loisdesigns@charter.net
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>> STENCILING FOR THE HOME
A new look for wall to wall carpets - When I decided to use stencils on more home dec. projects, I hadn’t imagined what I would be working on. As it turns out, it is the perfect solution to some badly stained berber-type wall to wall carpeting. I have used the Calla Lillies and Global shapes stencils then cut several bold simple shapes to use with them. My other ‘stencil’ is masking tape. As you can see by the photos, I had a good time with some great results. So far, I have stenciled an all-over design in one room, and a trompe l'oiel small area rug design in another room.
To create the shaded, wavey lines in both designs: cut or tear a piece of paper, lay on the carpet then rub and dab small amounts of paint off the edge and onto the carpet. Working back and forth with a dry sponge, you can get some pretty great effects.
Now that I am finished, the best part is I see the stenciled designs and no longer see the stains!
Tips for success:
- The carpet has to be fairly smooth and low, looped pile is fine. Iindoor-outdoor would work also. But NOT shag for sure.
- Only lighter colored carpets will work.
- I have printed with Jacquard fabric/acrylic based paints. It does take a good amount of paint, even when printing with a dry sponge. House paint (acrylic base) would also work.
- Stenciled furniture is also on my list of great surfaces. Check our my wingback chair in my gallery.
SEE ALL MY STENCIL SHAPES -->
http://www.dianeericson.com/c/STENCILS/STENCILS.html
SEE THE STENCILED RUG DESIGNS -->
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/GAL-StenciledRug/recycledDesign/Stenciled+Rug
SEE MY RECOMMENDED PAINT SETS -->
http://www.dianeericson.com/c/textilePaints/textilePaints.html
SEE THE WINGBACK CHAIR -->
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/gallery-Wingback/COLLAGE/Stenciled+Wingback
We have just planted an indoor veggie garden in our greenhouse, stacked our wood for the first fires of winter, and it is just about time to make soup!
Enjoy and share your projects with friends,
Diane
