Tools of the Trade--Hot Stuff

Lookin' for some hot stuff baby this evenin'

I need some hot stuff baby tonight

I want some hot stuff baby this evenin'

        gotta have some hot stuff

        gotta have some lovin' tonight

        I need hot stuff

        I want some hot stuff

        I need hot stuff

       Hot, hot, hot, hot stuff

       hot, hot, hot

       hot, hot, hot, hot stuff

       hot, hot, hot

Remember that song? Or am I dating myself.  Well, I do like some things hot!  Like my irons.  I have 3  irons in my studio. One I use on a regular basis and one is brand new, never used yet. Let's take a look.

 This is my main squeeze.  Actually a back up.  The main one is in for repair.  This is a gravity feed iron, which has a hanging water bottle.  I love this iron.  Gets nice and hot!

And meet Mr. Euro Pro.  This guy is over 10 years old, but still can turn up the heat.  I purchased it when I used to do machine knitting.  The tank under the iron holds several gallons of water and heats the water.  Works great and generates lots of steam.  The only downside; it takes about 30 minutes to heat up.


Here is the new kid on the block! Here name is Ms. Ironrite.  She is so new, I have not used her yet.  I plan to use her to heat set my fabrics.  I got luck and was able to get her in trade for some screen printing supplies.

Can you believe, she came with the original owners manual and purchase receipt?  This hot mama was purchased in May 1958!  Too cool! Can't wait to fire her up.

Things are heating up around here.  Until next time, stay cool!

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What a busy week it was last week! Making screens for printing, slipcovers for clients, and a floorcloth for one lucky person.

But before I share who that lucky one was, take a look at what I did.  Now, remember I said I would draw the design myself.  I really wasn't sure that I could do it, but after having putting it out there, what choice did I have!  There was no way I would come back and tell you guys that I had to have DH do it.

So yesterday, I just did it! Yes, I drew the design all by myself!  And let me tell you, I had the big head after that!  And my arms were so tired from patting myself on the back!   Trust me, it was hard living with myself for a while.  Now I did have some pictures of zebra stripes to use as a guide.

But enough, here it is.  All it needs is a few more coats of poly sealer and some paste wax.  And then, on the way to a new home with:

Tessy!  Congratulations Tessy, it's yours.  I do hope you like it.

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Tools Of the Trade--Cutting Table

This week I'll revisit my cutting table. The last time you saw it, it was 63"X90". In July, DH rebuilt it for me, expanding it to 69"X144".

Now that is one big whopper of a table. I wanted it larger because I plan to use it for printing yardage also. I'm one lucky lady!

As you can see, I didn't clean up for this photo, this is the real deal!

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Tools Of the Trade--The Cutter Family

Istarted this feature a while back. It sputtered and I tried to revive it. And it sputtered again. Now I'll see if I can give it some CPR and get it going again.

Let me introduce the Cutter Family. I love my cutting tools and no one can tell me when and when not to use them. You see, in the kitchen I'm not allowed to use sharp objects, as I always cut myself. But in my studio, I am the boss.

These are just a few of my cutters.  The one on the far left is a pair of 8" shears.  I use these for general cutting.  The next pair, 7" shears which are my least favorite.  They just feel whimpy.  The next two, I call my Normans.  They are 10" shears I and love them.  They remind me of the scissors from the movie Physco.  The reason I love them is because they can cut through almost everything and I love the weight in my hand.

And on the far right, you will find Mr. BC.  I call him BC because he is a "big cutter".  Mr. BC appears on the scene when I need some extra cutting power.  Usually when I'm cutting heavy layers of denim or canvas.  Mr. BC really saves my hands.

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Floorcloth Mania and Birthday Give Away!

Hi to all my blog friends! I'm back from my self imposed break, the open house is in a few days, so the madness will be over soon.

Although I've been busy as all get out, I have been having some fun. My Surface Design Guild has a workshop every month and last month was floor cloths. Now I've wanted to make a floor cloth for many, many years now and finally I did. Don't know why I was so scared to make one, they were quite easy.

Since I didn't want to get in over my head, my first one was nice and simple; black and white checkerboard with a metallic silver border. What do you think?

Ok, now I must have gotten the big head after this one because I dedided to go for the big time on this next one.  Not only is it wild, but big!  How does a 6 X 6 floor cloth sound? Yep, 6X6, feet that is.  And talk about a walk on the wild side!  Take a look!

Now, I did have to get hubby to draw out the design.  He freehand drew it onto the primed and painted canvas and I painted.  This is in the powder room of my studio, so it was hard to get a good picture, but I think you can get the idea.

I am so loving floor cloths!  So much that I will be giving one away here!  It will be 2X3 feet and will be a zebra pattern also.  This time, I will draw the design myself! Yes, me! drawing!  You gotta get in on this!

Here are the rules for the give away!

1) Enter only once.

2) Enter by answering the following questions:
     a) if you were to purchase hand printed fabric which would you prefer?
          100 % cotton
          100% linen
          a cotton/linen blend
         100% organic cotton
3) What color fabric would you prefer? white or off white

4) What sizes would you be interested in?
         fat quarters (18X22")
         pillow size (20X20")
         cushion size (30X30")
         yardage (1-3 yard pieces)

5) If you have any other comments or suggestions regarding what you would be interested in as far as hand printer fabrics, I'm all ears!

Thanks for reading my blog and good luck on the give a away!

Edited to add:  The give away closes on Halloween, Saturday, October 31.

PS: I am adding this post to Kimba's Do it Yourself Day over at A Soft Place to Land. Go check out all the great DIY ideas over there.

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Happy New Year--to Me

No it's not really New Years, but since today is my birthday, it is a new year for me. I've got some great plans for the coming year for myself. In store is more printing; planning on doing a collection of hand printed fabrics. Also more teaching; just love seeing the light go on when students finally understand a concept. Finally, less slipcovering; at least the large pieces. Only want to work on small chairs and love seats; pieces that can be bought into the studio. No more large, overstuffed sofas and sectionals. So over that.

In celebration of my new year, I will be having a give away. So stay tuned for my next post! Until then,

Have a beautiful day!

Angie

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Break Time

I'll be taking a break for a few weeks. DH and I have are working on my new website and blog. And I'm getting ready for an open house in my studio.

Be back soon.

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