Surrounded by Pink.......and I Don't Even Really Like Pink!

I've been in the mood to make some things for the Season of Hearts.

Taking a lesson from Acey's passion for purple , I rummaged through my stash(es) of various materials and began plucking out everything that was even remotely pink. Pink thread, fuscia yarn, magenta silk, coral satin, baby pink organza, rose tulle, shimmery pink painted tyvek, hot pink Swavrovski crystals, salmon angelina fibers, etc., etc. I've never worked like this before (for fear of making a mess) but how enjoyable that was.

I wanted to make some type of fiber/fabric base to make some pins and valentine post cards. So I grabbed a few pieces of peltex and began layering pink stuff. Once I was satisfied with the layers, I covered them with a piece of polyester organza and free motioned all over it with pink metallic thread. Then - came the heat gun.


I made a few different pieces like this and cut out a bunch of hearts. I love the lacey effect you get when you heat blast stitched organza. Sometimes you burn right through the fibers and if you've used kunin felt for a base (like I did) you melt right through that leaving holes. I like to layer something shiny behind the holes like satin or foil for interest.

I decided to get out the bead box and started adding some beads. I'm in love! After a few hours of fumbling like a big fingered idiot with the beads (I do hope that gets easier in time,) I decided to do some more free motion stitching over the tops with metallic threads.

Now I'm trying to decide what to do with all of these little hearts.

Some will be turned in to Valentine pins by finishing the backs with wool felt or fabric, satin stitching the edges and adding pin closures. Others may few may find their way on to a little art quilt -- maybe utilizing that black and white woven background I made a while ago. I did promise Sabrina her pick of the litter to wear on her denim jacket on Valentine's day. In any event, I'll be working with these over the next few days along with a few other things, and will post again once they're finished.

Parting Shots: Almost done with Lisa's Peace Sign Tote, and here's the robe I made for Sabrina for Christmas. I used a delicious cuddly minky fabric and when I asked her what kind of "pretty, feminine" fabric she wanted for the collar and cuffs, thinking she would want some toille, or satin, she said, "SKULLS." " I want skulls."

Horrors. A pretty robe, with SKULLS? I searched far and wide for the "prettiest" "skull" fabric I could find. It was a learning experience as I did put the collar on and faced it with interfacing so it would lay nice. I had a great time making this for her and want to make another one in maybe a flannel backed satin.

Ahhh, teenagers. Pretty skulls. Yeah, sure.