Monday, September 1, 2014

It’s my turn for the ‘Blog hop with a Difference’–with an added difference!?!

I love learning about what makes people ‘tick’, do you?  What inspires people?  What initial spark is it that spurs them on to fulfil their dreams or desires?  I’m not just talking big dreams here, but the little every day ones that make us happy – like starting on a new sewing project that you intend to gift a friend, for example!

So it is with great delight that I read the posts that are popping up all over the blogosphere, the ‘Blog hop with a Difference’ posts… for they tell a bit more about each creative blogger… and with each paragraph you feel like you know that blogger just that much better!  Thank you to Jenny of Elefantz for passing me the baton! I really enjoyed learning more about you!! (You can ready Jenny’s post here)

So here’s a little bit more about me:

What am I working on at the moment?

I’m working on a forest-themed stitchery, with a cute Bambi-style deer taking centre stage.  I’m also working on a quilt I’ve designed for a friend, I won’t be showing any sneak peeks of that one as she reads my Facebook page!  Also on the go is another gift for a friend – a special birthday gift, and I’m about to embark on the quilting stage of a quilt for my daughter, Rosie.

How long does it take to create a project?

It really depends on the project, but I have become a lot quicker with my sewing skills over the years, I guess it comes down to confidence, practice and being clear in my head of what I’m doing.  As an example, it took me a few weeks of tweaking a drawing to come up with this stitchery design for a table runner… but the project only took in the region of one week (on average 2 hours per day) to make.  The most  time-intensive element for me is the designing (smile).

Deer Cabin sneak

Deer Cabin small

(The ‘Deer Cabin’ project is in this month’s stitchery issue of Country Threads magazine – Vol 15 No 7)  I used Lynette Anderson’s ‘Scandinavian Christmas’ range although the prints chosen lend themselves to being displayed all year round!

Okay – so here is my super quick project!  It was ‘Book Week’ in Australia a couple of weeks ago and I made Rosie this Garfield outfit (her current favourite book character) in just one evening!  Literally, I purchased the fabric from Spotlight at 4.30pm and drafted a pattern and sewed, bound a headband, stuffed front paws, ears and tail, and painted the stripes… until I finally collapsed in a heap at 2.30am the following morning!

Rosie as Garfield 1

Rosie as Garfield 2

What are my favourite things to create with at the moment?

I’m really enjoying creating with faux fur fabric – like with the Garfield outfit above.  It just feels so exquisite to handle!  I have recently made a Tilda doll (yet to be photographed) and used a snow-white faux fur for the coat – sublime!  It’s a bit tricky to sew with though, it tends to slip around.

How does my creative process work?

When it comes to designing, I have peaks and troughs.  Usually late at night my mind will start whirring… and I will have lots of ideas which I write down in a note book and illustrate with a rough sketch.  Weeks sometimes pass in between these designing ‘peaks’ but as I always come up with several designs each time I ‘peak’. I then concentrate on finalising and tweaking the ideas in the days that follow, and begin to create with my hands -  starting with whichever design excites me the most. 

If I’m working on a stitchery design I do a lot of tweaking.  I like to draw from photographs.

Deer sketch

(First rough sketch of the deer that became ‘Deer Cabin’ in the photos above.)

But then I re-trace my drawings, changing elements, adding elements… and I let it sit and wait, ponder and tweak, until I finally decide it doesn’t need anything ‘more’.  Then I choose fabrics and match embroidery threads to those fabrics, and finalise the ‘maths’ of the project on paper.  If I’m producing a pattern, I will take comprehensive notes throughout the creative process to make it easier to write the instructions.

How do I become inspired and stay inspired?

Mostly it’s by chatting with like-minded crafters!  “What are you sewing at the moment?” is one of my favourite questions to ask!  Looking at new fabric ranges is also a great inspiration to me – wondering what kind of projects I could make with certain prints.  Then there are craft and quilt shows – they keep me buzzing for days!  I also like to peruse patchwork and quilting magazines at the newsagency; check out blogs, borrow books from the library… and then there’s my favourite way of keeping inspired – getting together with a friend or two for a special day we’ve put aside solely for sewing and tea-drinking!  This is me with Alisha about this time last year… 

Alisha sewing 2[5]

We are catching up again this coming Wednesday for a day of sewing Christmas projects!!  We are planning to do this once a month… how exciting!!!  We both love to sew for Christmas, and I’m going to be making cinnamon tea and burning scented candles while festive music is playing… ooh, I’m so excited I can hardly wait!!

What is my signature style?

Gosh, it took me a while to work this one out.  My style is sweet country, I guess.  Sometimes a bit quirky, but mostly sweet. I like fresh and pastel country colours, muted blues, florals, and polka dots!  

Passing the baton…

Okay now here is where the extra ‘difference’ comes in to play!  Rather than passing the baton on to three friends… I’m passing it on to YOU!?  If you would like to participate, or course!  I’d love to learn more about you!!!!  All you need to do is the same as I have done in this post – answer the same questions, add additional ones if you choose, and post next Monday 7th September.  Are you game?  Ooh, and please let me know so that I can link to you and head on over to read all about what inspires you and what you’re creating at the moment… I’d love to know what makes YOU tick!

Wishing you a day full of excitement, fulfilment and creativity!

Vikki xoxo

Smile

 

5 comments:

Jenny of Elefantz said...

I'm so jealous. Cinnamon tea, candles, SEWING, carols...no wonder you're excited. Have the best of days my little sis. xxxx

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Ahhh Vik, that sounds like my kind of Christmas creating. You just have to have the whole sensory thing happening with music and candles.
I hope you both have a fabulous festive filled day.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne xx

Tuna Lures said...

You are such a talented blogger. I am impressed by your work.

Christine M said...

It was lovely finding out a little about you Vikki. I love your new table runner.

David said...

Great service and very knowledgeable in their field. Working with them step by step has been a great experience. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a David website. Thanks again! Appreciate the hard work and great communication...

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