Paisley Futon Reveal

Took a break on Thursday but got back to work yesterday.  Here is my latest creation.  I love it and love knowing a sweet baby will enjoy it soon.  I propped it up on a pillow so you can see the thickness.  Not too fluffy but still soft; more of mat than a duvet.

Ribbon Edging.  Nice detail.

Here I am making final adjustments to the insert and the cover.

Remember, at the beginning of this series, I said I was interested in learning from other's artist process?  The next photos give some perspective about process.  At least, my process which is full of mistakes.

I'd forgotten to include my most prized sewing implement -

THE SEAM RIPPER!  

It's the short sharp pointy thing in the middle. 

Look closely at the photo - there are 3 layers of fabric - a light blue layer, a dark pink paisley layer and a light  "wrong side" pink paisley.  "Wrong side" is seamstress talk for the other side of the dark "right side".

The mistake here is the three layers. Usually you sew two layers with their right sides together.  Ah, there should not be a third layer clumped up underneath.  Creative process (sounds so much better than being an idiot) being what it is, sometimes there's a party going on downstairs and you don't know it until turning the piece over and find there's been a mutiny.

I used to feel discouraged when this would happen.  It was the simplest of skills - sew two pieces of fabric together.  The basics.  Straight line.  Not a big deal.  But, once again, there it would be.  The dreaded 3 layer pile-up.

It was in my quilting classes that I learned to sit back, put up my feet and get to work with my seam ripper.  The perfect quilter ladies tore out seams all the time.  Not even for mistakes but just because they didn't like the look of a seam.  Seam ripping is part of the zen of sewing.  Don't let it throw you.

Back to work.  Smoothly ironed, straightened fabric held loosely but firm.  People sew for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes, they want a specific item.  Sometimes, they find a fabric they love.  For me, I sew for the touch and feel of the fabric.  It's great to be able to create a finished product - to say "I made that" but sewing is very frustrating and, in the long run,  I have to like touching the fabric.  The end result is just the result.

That's it for the Pink Paisley Futon. It's journey has it going onward to Canada.  

 My mother-in-law is coming on Tuesday with containers of more fabric. I can't wait to see what she brings and am inspired to start on another futon.  

Keeping with my artistic inspiration theme my plan is to post about sewing centers, stores and resources in Southern California.  Check back to find out about places you can sew and create your own projects.