BirdBrain Designs

Archives for May 2011

rug all whipped but the corners

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I’m nearing the home stretch on Peruvian Images.  I read some where a long time ago that you should whip your rug all round and save the corners for last.  This may sound like torture, but the idea is that your corners are more likely to be symmetrical if they are done right after one another.  It always takes me a bit to remember just how to mitre them!

I roll the backing towards the rug so there is no finishing after the whipping.   This is always a relief at this stage–no tape, no hand sewing!  I’ll take it off to the local cleaners to be steamed this week and then take a picture of the finished piece.

update

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This is the reason for the trip to Toronto–my new walking foot machine.  And it can walk through many many layers of leather.  I’m just learning about all the adjustments, so taking it slowly.  Below is my first project with my new machine.

I got this great remnant in Ottawa.  I lined it with black leather from a pair of pants; the strap is made from another pair.  Who would wear red leather pants??

And here is a new piece of Jenny Clark’s ceramics, also from the Toronto trip.  I love her work.  I first met her at the One of a Kind show several years ago, and have been collecting pieces ever since.  They are so whimsical.   I am using this for a spoon rest on the stove so I can look at it every day.

a lovely package

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A lovely package arrived in the mail today from a lovely friend.  What a surprise.  Perfect gifts for a person who loves birds and wool.  I can’t wait to hook with that delicious ball of colour.  And Deanne’s thank you card is delightful.

a day away

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I was in this city for a day and a half.  I’ll post later what I bought!  Even though it was cold (people were still wearing warm hats and mitts) I walked everywhere I could.  Maybe next time I will bike.  Yesterday was the opening day for the Bixi in Toronto.  Surely a pedal in the right direction!

I hope that the empty stand means that people are renting and riding!

a new handbag from a crystal palace

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On Friday we went to the Picton Antique show in the Crystal Palace.  I could not leave this charming handbag. (I made it as far as the car and then went back for it!)   It has a long chain tucked inside to convert it to a shoulder bag.  I hope it inspires me to make some great small bags myself.  I certainly am buying enough thrift store leather!

Below are photos of the Crystal Palace.  It has been lovingly restored, including the grand stand where citizens listened to Sir John A.  Well-done Picton!