Paper PMC

I have worked with the paste, paint and syringe before and had no idea how to use the paper sheet form of PMC.

I have tried some origami first in paper, but was not so thrilled about the results. The paper form of PMC is more flexible than real paper; it is different to the touch.

Material inspires me as I work with it. That is when I start to have a clear picture in my mind about what shape it will take.

Quilling and weaving are my favorite ways in handling paper PMC.

Inspired Transformation

Knit Silver Wire, originally uploaded by fmirela.

The materials I work with are just as important as the design.
For me, as a hobby seamstress with love for fabrics, it is all about creating.
Starting from scratch to create materials requires more work but the final results are always worth it.
There are various techniques to creating unique handmade items. Use the traditional knit and crochet techniques to transform a simple line of yarn into your own fabric.
Then take this to the next level and knit with silver wire instead of yarn. You will need more patience and practice makes it perfect. Make time pass slowly from old to new and create your own timeless jewelry.
I knitted this bracelet and pendant by randomly stringing freshwater pearls on silver wire. I try to look outside the box for inspiration. I referred to the sewing world and found this organza ribbon as closure for the bracelet.

Small crochet motifs like the circles and flowers or granny squares make pretty patterns for silver wire earrings and pendants. Snake like wire weaves are a good base for bracelets and collars.

It is all about transforming your prime material into whatever you envision. I love to transform fabric into clothes, silver into jewelry.

Flat collar ribbon

Collar, originally uploaded by fmirela.

Here’s a trick I did for the wrap shirts. Instead of the bias tape the magazine instructs us to use for hiding the collar seam, I used a satin ribbon, wide enough to cover the seam allowance.

After the color has been sewn (serged) in place, iron the seam allowance toward the back of the shirt and stitch it downward, while also continuing the front diagonal hems of the wrap parts.

Place the ribbon over the collar seam allowance and stitch it in place with one seam on each side of the ribbon.

Here’s how it looks from under the collar (even if nobody will ever see those seams).

Then I have noticed Old Navy uses this method for many t-shirts and mens wear, they even choose the ribbons on purpose in contrasting colors.

Background change

Balcony, originally uploaded by fmirela.

It was time to change the background you keep seeing in my pictures. For three years I have been enjoying living in Hollywood Florida with the iguanas, ducks, ibis, turtles and fish in my back yard. I loved the green space, plants and wildlife filled, quiet silence disturbed my the blue jays. Living in Florida and being born under the Cancer sign I feel a magnetism towards the ocean. For the next year me and my husband are renting on the beach. The last two weeks of packing and unpacking were a pain. Literally, we are both bruised from boxes and furniture. At times I thought I am so going to miss where we used to live. I do…but we’ll go back to see the place from time to time. Maybe in a year or two we might move back to the same area. Who knows?

In the meanwhile, between the boxes and with my sewing machines packed in bubble wrap, I’ve took on a new project. The wrap jacket from Burda WOF May issue. Yes! Crochet! It took a lot of practice for me to figure out the pattern and motifs and understand the instructions. I think I figured it out, still not sure where and if I am making mistakes, but things are looking good. I am crocheting forward. I have finished the back and fronts with shoulder pads of the jacket, in Katia Jet ribbon yarn. I cannot wait to see these pieces together. I do have patience, and a big inflatable armchair on the balcony as the perfect setting for relaxing and the red Katia yarn to keep my hands busy. Moving gave me an opportunity to reorganize my sewing and other crafts stuff that I have been collecting to so long. I realized I have one cubic meter of fabrics! It also gave me a change to fall in love with every single fabric all over again and reflect on my next projects.

This is my sewing corner in the making. Marius and I have exchanged office desks so I got the corner one! I will finally have the serger and sewing machine side by side 😀 I promise more pictures with all the organized stuff and the sewing corner soon.

Change is good!