"Creativity is like breathing . . .

  . . . when you make stuff, you’re exhaling," says Matthew Inman of The Oatmeal.  Creativity is the most wonderful of feelings.  Getting to express that in what I make is even better.  Above you see at least seven projects.

I got some black denim from a friend so I decided to try a Shibori method of dyeing.  Well, in this case I discharged the color (soaking it in bleach and vinegar).  I laid the rocks on the denim then rubber banded each of them in a random order.

 I had the idea that it might turn out white with the bleach but got kind of a greenish beige. Kind of looks like flowers.  There's enough fabric to make a handbag and a clutch purse.

The next Shibori project involved olive green canvas.  I folded the center into four folds and clamped rocks in three different places.  I was amazed to see the fabric turn a kind of copper color instead of white.  Unfortunately the rocks were too slippery and fell out when I changed from bleach to vinegar so I got some flat washers and clamped those.  Since it was a copper color I thought I might add a little gold for an accent.  I think I got carried away but I still like it.  I used Otter Wax to make it a waxed canvas.  Kind of reminds me of a tortoise shell.

 

 The final Shibori project was a piece of canvas wrapped around a large coffee can.  You start with a rubber band to hold it on the can.  Then you wrap twine around the fabric and push it up to the rubber band and keep doing it until all the fabric is squished up.  The whole thing gets put in a dye bath.   I've also used Otter Wax to make this a waxed canvas.  My plan is to make a clutch with a dark teal flap.

 I used India ink to draw a design for this canvas.  It will be paired with a black waxed canvas to make a handbag.

And last, but not least, I plan on making a bag to carry my computer in.  While looking for leather to make another bag, I ordered what I thought was hot pink suede.  Turned out to be a rose color.  I haven't decided yet if I'll pair it with another leather, or upholstery fabric.

The best part is I'll get to use my new sewing machine.  New to me, that is.  It's a Singer 31-15 treadle machine. The only power is me.  I've been told that I'm now ready for the Zombie Apocalypse. I think I'm even getting the hang of treadling.  A good thing to know when you're sewing leather and waxed canvas.