First time for everything

I recently put my hand up to conduct a Learn to Sew Workshop at the FAC during Term 3.

I thought it a good idea to introduce those interested in sewing for themselves, how to sew 'properly' - being as I'm an expert haha!
It's not that I pretend to always know how things should be done it's more likely I know how they shouldn't. My knowledge comes from years of studying, making mistakes, getting it right, watching others make mistakes & get it right and never being afraid to accept a challenge.

So anyway, in an effort to come up with some basic projects, that would not only appeal to but be achievable by those learning, I came up with a...

~Funky Spring Quilt~

This is my first attempt at quilting something scientifically!
I love that I got to use vintage fabric (sheets) and that it has exposed seams which will fluff up the more it's used and washed.

~Funky Summer Pyjama Pants~

Typically, this fabric was bought for something completely different ie.Funky Spring Quilt but I found it far too difficult to match it with 3 other fabric designs, so PJ pants it is!

~Satchel Bag~
OMG it was soooooo hard trying to choose one fabric - so I didn't, I snuck a couple of T-shirts in aswell!

~Art Diary/Journal Cover~

This came to me in a flash of brilliance - it is a flow on from the initial sewing exercises that I get the students to do.

All the projects come with patterns and instructions which the students can choose from over the 6wks.
I've always been concerned about running such a class because of the variables involved, namely the machines that each student would arrive with. Being that I'm not a sewing machine mechanic I could foresee machines needing attention I wouldn't have the expertise or time to give them. We did have a couple of issues with the first class but because of the couple of machines I had as backup everything went very smoothly and the girls show huge promise.

Just the ticket!

a slice of toasted home-made bread, spread with half a home-grown avocado & topped off with one of the 'girls' freshly-laid-this-morning-eggs.
Thought it couldn't get any better than that, when Miss S presented me with the card & bear but then......

the sun came out!

A mixed bag...

It's been a week of high and lows - bit of a mixed bag.

I'd like to thank the small group that braved the elements on Thursday night to attend the third Talk.

I didn't have my loyal side kick to do her modeling thing (she'd got a better offer) however Stella stepped into the breach and modeled her new REinvented coat showing she can more than hold her own in front of a crowd. I don't have a photo of the moment because Dan was too busy listening - after 20yrs why he'd choose that moment is beyond me!

It's always lovely to see my loyal RE-inventors in the crowd especially when they're wearing one of their REcreations, 'cause I can always use a prop

(Neroli wearing her Jumper Wrap from w'shop 2yrs ago & me explaining how she did it)

and I don't mind a photo opportunity!

(Veronica, myself & Yvonne. I'm in this frock & Yvonne is in the outfit she made during PwP)

The response to the article in the paper was disappointing so I was thinking night packing at Coles would be a welcome change. The thought was fleeting because it turns out there are more people that think what I do is worthwhile than those that think they can't be bothered - know what I mean?!
So I'll soldier on....

Stella has been unwell & off school all this week.
The novelty of lazing around at home eating Jelly & stewed apples for breakfast wore off about Thursday so before I headed off to class I gave her some projects, one was to write a short story starting
"When I woke up the sky was purple"
this is what she came up with....


My Grannie, who has been unwell and was recently hospitalised with a mild heart attack and pneumonia, bounced back to celebrate her 98th birthday!
She's another remarkable Leo - probably my favourite!

Press Release

It was a real family affair as the 4 of us trooped over to the Salvos last week.
Dan set himself up with lights & cameras and Stella held the flash unit while Eliza and I did our thing....with a shop FULL of shoppers.
Fingers crossed it has the desired effect.

Moora Winter School

It was a treat to be asked back to conduct my RE-inventing your Wardrobe workshop this year for the Moora Fine Art Society during their annual Winter School.

It was 3days of RE-inventing Nirvana with lots of eating, talking, laughing and sharing - with just a little swearing!

Along with some un-picking

there were seams sewn

techniques mastered

and hurdles overcome

culminating in everyone creating their own individual garments

with smiles on their faces!

Thanks girls
JPx

ps. a special thankyou to Shireen for spoiling me - see you in October!