Sunday, October 2, 2011

Is There Life After Yo-Yos?



Well, I have decided that I love the look of sheer fabric yo-yos, but I promised myself I would try not to obsess about them anymore.  Now that I know what they look like in my desired fabric, I’m on to incorporating them into a new project.

I met with my Sewing Club students at the end of the week and they were supposed to bring in something to sew their yo-yos onto from last week, like a pillow case, or a canvas bag. Some of them did bring something in, but, as I guessed, most of them did not.  Having taught for more years than I’d like to admit to, I know that Plan B is a teacher’s best friend, therefore, I had fabric pieces ready.  I put out a large, yet slightly jumbled, box of embroidery floss and some embroidery hoops and needles.

 I found a great way for the girls to use the yo-yos while learning some simple embroidery stitches.  I had them stitch the yo-yo to their desired item and then I showed them a few embroidery stitches so they could add some stitched accents to their yo-yos.  This example I found on the internet used the yo-yos as flowers with a stem, but I showed them how to do a split stitch and French knot instead of the stitches shown, and the rest was up to them. They could do whatever they were comfortable with.  Only 2 of them finished, a few left their masterpieces for next week and a couple took them home to finish.  I’m glad I picked the stitches I did to show them, simply because they were very doable for their skill level and for the short amount of time I have to meet with them. 

That brings me to my next inspiration.  After looking up some ideas I can do with Sewing Club, I found this cute drawstring bag.  I actually tried it out by hand during a free period at school, partly because I still had my sewing machines packed away, but mostly because I always have to try things out immediately.   I didn’t want to waste any time!  I have to admit, the bag came out pretty well, even by hand, and it was very easy to make.  It was even something that my students, I feel, would be able to handle at some point.  But I always have an ulterior motive to everything I make.  Sewing Club seems to be my venue for testing out projects for my shop on ArtFire.  Enter my obsession with those darn yo-yos!  My vision is to try one of these bags in a white or ivory satin type fabric and to add a yo-yo or two, maybe with embroidered detail in white or ivory. 

The weekend is here!  I have a few orders to fill first, but then it’s my time to play!  I can’t wait to dig through the white and ivory fabric stash I have been stockpiling.  It’s the perfect opportunity to try out that drawstring bag with yo-yos. 

Keep an eye on my shop.  You may spot my new latest obsession very shortly!

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