Silk Necktie Art

Lilian Asterfield Ascot
Originally uploaded by LilianAsterfield

I went to the very first Austin Renegade Craft Fair this morning. Lots of great creative stuff. I think I was most impressed with Nicole Deponte's upcycled neckties. I've always thought there should be some use for all those beautiful silk neckties that I see at every thrift shop. Something besides making quilts or pillows, that is. Check here for more of her work.

Speaking of crowns and hats...

I found this fabulous vintage Vogue hat pattern while on a junk walk-about. I am hack seamstress at best but there are only four pattern pieces so maybe I can manage.


I'll dig through my fabric stash and keep you posted.

Double, Double Boil and Trouble

DH pointed out that I haven't posted to my blog in a LONG time. The killer Texas heat has definitely been a huge factor in slowing me down. Combine that with malware that brought my PC to its knees (I'm still trying to recover - I am currently using my son's borrowed PC) and I'm surprised I even get up in the morning. Not really, but it feels good to complain.

I have tried one new thing - I finally dyed some old vintage white hobnail bedspread fabric using Rit dye. I wasn't brave enough to dye it in the washing machine so I used a pot on the stove. Very easy after all! And the end result is a much more interesting color than white. Now to figure out what to do with it. Suggestions, anyone?

Look what my clever friend Erin has done! She explains the the easy way to print designs on your own fabric - she used an old bed sheet, fabric paints and a stamp. Check it out on her blog. This definitely goes in my 'someday crafts' pile...

How about an old wool sweater?

This little scottie pillow was made from a worn out Old Navy brand wool sweater (they have the prettiest colors...) I washed it in hot water to felt it up, then drew a little scottish terrier pattern. My mom is extremely fond of Scotties, so I added a little red felt heart....

What to do with an old quilt?

I'm a little off the crochet/felting topic lately. I had an old quilt that was falling apart. My husband hated it and was hiding it whenever he could. So, inspired by some the things I've been seeing on etsy.com, I decided to haul out the old sewing machine and see if I could salvage at least part of it. I've been working on pillows of different shapes. This little pig is one of them and measures about 8" across.