Bari J.

Work Play

Weekend synopsis:

When there wasn't some of this...

Or some of this...

or this...

There was some of this...

And I loved this...

And I know I promised you some of this...

Starting a Prototype

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked to make a diaper bag. I don't know what the hold up has been really. I've been busy or whatever. I kept saying I was going to do it. And I was. I was just thinking about it.
Procrastinating about it.

But this week my sweet sister, Ilisa, pushed the issue when she told her son's class parents that she could get a diaper bag (from me) for the teacher who is expecting this summer... by May 28.

Ah hem... Sure. Totally doable. I'm on it.

Never mind I didn't have a design, a pattern, a clue what I was going to do. None-the-less, this morning I got to working on a prototype hoping and praying I didn't make too many gross errors ... You don't know this, but I am "geometrically challenged." I know what I want, but I have a hard time figuring out just how to execute this and that.

The good news is that I've learned a thing or two about construction so I didn't have to reinvent the wheel. I used what I knew worked on my carry-all and my messenger bags... plus cool gathered pockets on each side, I do to come up with this design.

This is just the unfinished outside of the bag. So forgive the wonky pictures. Bags w/no linings and unfinished seams don't stand up too well.

I am sending the rest of it to one of my seamstresses to finish up now that I have the basic body in place. I promise if it turns out well, I will have more made... Give me ... oh... a couple more months to get the goober up on the website.

Hmmming & Hawing...

I'm here because I'm indecisive. And because I can't make a decision, I'm procrastinating. Just for a minute.

Was trying to decide whether the dancer stays or goes... she's not nailed down yet. I think she's pretty cute standing on that saucer. Like she might just dance right into your tea. She's a little day dream standing on my saucer while I drink my tea and tap my keys.

Oooh, look. I didn't trim her left hand (your right) all the way. Hmmm haw.... dancer stays.

Later, gator.

More Blog Header Switcharoo

But this time it's not me. How fun! I did this one for Tara Frey over at Bella Cafe.

Little Lou Lou dancing away...

Do you see her? She's in the tree. Middle toward the left. I'll admit that I was a pinch close to keeping her all for myself. I hate to see her go, but off she does to Elle Rue in Dublin, OH where someone ordered her up. Owner, Carrie, will have a website up soon. I'll let you know all about it.

Do you think the yarn in the bag gives you a perspective on scale? That's what I was thinking... other than the fact that this tote is great for that.

BTW, some of you thought that I meant that the piece I showed you was for my daughter. What I meant was, I made a bag some time back with that fabric for my daughter. This was made with left over pieces from that. Emily's bag is below. Nothing fancy. Just a bag for ballet class which the stinker barely used.

 

Little Lou Lou

This is a tiny bit of a piece that I just finished up. I purchased the little dancer fabric that this was cut from for a little bag for my daughter to bring to dance class with her. But the truth is that it reminds me of my sister when she was a little girl. Lara is six years younger than me, and as soon as she was born, in my six year old mind, she was MY little toy.

When our parents were trying to tell us that there was going to be another baby they hinted around for a bit trying to get the three of us older kids to guess. My guess was that they were going to get me "Baby Feels so Real"... do you remember the commercials for that? It was a doll that ate and then pooped! I wanted that doll BAD. So, when I heard it was going to be a REAL baby, well then, it was going to be MY baby.

If you asked any of us, we all would agree that Lara was the most beautiful baby in the world. We called her Little Lou Lou. And she was my dolly. She just got cuter as she got bigger. There was only a period when I was about sixteen that I didn't want to be with her. Much to Lara's chagrin, I sometimes still think of her as my little Lara. Never-mind she's almost 33 (next month), a grown-up, married, and a lawyer... she'll always be my little Lara.

The dancer with the cutey little tutu flying behind her reminds me of my adorable little sister in her ballet recitals when she was maybe four or five. All the kids would be going one way, and Lara would be going the other. She's still like that. She makes her own dance. And, Lara, that's the best thing of all about you! XO

~b

Super Tuesday, The Biggest Mess Ever, & A Must-Have Tool... All of which have anything to do with one another.

Super Tuesday:

I feel obliged to say get your rears out there and vote if you are in a Super Tuesday state of the U.S.! I did my civic duty right after kid duty (morning drop off). I left with a big smile on my face, and am wearing my, "I Voted" sticker proudly. For some reason, this election seems really exciting to me... more than in the past.

The Biggest Mess Ever:

That done, I got myself right to work and made this mess... with-in about 30 minutes.

There is another picture of what is on the floor that I was too embarrassed to show you. So, I'll let you imagine.

A Must-Have Tool:

As I was sewing up the creation that was made in this hurricane, I was delighted to use my new Purple Thang (yes, that's really what it's called). I lost the other one so I bought a new one. And when I bought it I said, "I just know I'm going to find that Purple Thang when I get home.". And guess what? I did. Now I have two Purple Thangs which makes me happy because there is one ready and available for backup when I drop the first one behind the desk again.

As a good citizen, I also feel obliged to tell you that Purple Thang is the most wonderful tool ever. It has prevented me from sewing straight through my finger on many occasions. Purple is a most perfect tool for these collage type sewing projects where I have a million little scrappies sticking up all over the place and the free-motion quilting foot does not make a good barrier. Trust me, I know... thank goodness it was only the plastic that came down on my finger becaue that sucker hurt!

You can get a Purple Thang here... I have no affiliation with this website... just sharing. It seems to be a good resource for all sorts of goodies.

Bits and Pieces

I'm working on a special little project this weekend. Very exciting. For several weeks now it's been business, business, business over here ... this was the first chance I had to be truly creative. I'm completely lost in it. Hours and hours can go by in the blink of an eye. Working like this is just pure joy to me. Here's a couple snippets of the project (and the fabby thread I was using) as it got closer to being finished.

Oooh, have you ever used varigated thread? Margaret at Quilter's Inn turned me onto this stuff. It's heavenly! Be sure you use a metallic needle with it because I had been using a jean needle and no go with that.

Distracted...

Today, I set out to get a head start on the New Year's resolution that I make every year... get organized. But as I was going through the piles of stuff I was distracted inspired by these and didn't get anything done. My one vice... design books (that and magazines, shoes, and for whatever reason, Target... I know you can relate.)

Beware of Lists

I'm a list person. Not that I get much checked off. I just make lists. This is all part of my futile quest to become organized.

When I make the lists (and this is all the time), I believe I'm going to get through them. I think that this time, once and for all I'll become an organized, efficient person.

The problem is, I have no concept of how long it takes to do stuff. So the lists go on and on. Today is Friday. I am on Wednesday's list. Remember Monday I bought Quickbooks? Thought that little set up would take an hour. It took six. This threw off the whole week. That's what I'm blaming it on anyways.

So today after an hour or so off trying to check off little items from the whole week, I decided I was going to tear up the list. I sat for a minute just staring at it (wasting more time) ... I couldn't do it. So, I buried it in a drawer and did something I actually wanted to do.

This is the beginning of what will go on my "art bag" page. It will be a Zoey Carry All with a patent leather bottom and handles. It was still work, and I think somewhere on The List is "Make Art Bags", but marked with a "C" priority. And there were plenty of "A" priority items that I didn't do yet. None-the-less, it made me very happy.

But I could practically hear that list calling my name from the bottom of the drawer like a big bag of Oreos. And blogging is not on it.

This reminds me of...

  When I finished this I thought of you. Those of you who are doing that really cute Sweet and Sinister swap anyways. I've never participated in a swap before... sounds fun... I'll have to do the next one that comes up... I'm so slow, I'll surely miss it. I thought I might do this one, and then whammo! October 1 comes and I've missed the boat.

Anywho...This Sweet and Sinister looking piece is a  handbag front. For guess who? Daphnes Cottage. She'll have it in a couple weeks.

The bottom two images are the fabrics that I cut up to make this. On the front of the urn, I'll be sewing on those vintage rhinestone and crochet buttons you see here. Once again, this is done with the use of free motion quilting... which I have found myself highly addicted to.

You may have noted I have several vices. At least they don't involve anything illegal or bad for you... or too bad for your wallet.

Collage? Mosaic? Scraplique???

Todays work: a handbag front. Made with various and sundry fabrics, vintage buttons and ribbon, and the use of free motion quilting.

Amy Butler's Midwest Modern

"I believe we can inspire change in each other, and in the world. I believe that we can help those around us to become happier people, even in the little things, like how we enjoy our clothes or our homes. These things give us confidence, and help us define our place. After all, if we can't find creative fire, love, passion, excitement and pure joy in the little everyday things, where will we find it?

~Amy Butler, Midwest Modern

There are so many reasons to read, look and love this book. We all know the incredible impact Amy has made in the world of quilting, fashion, and art. We all know the eye-candy that is her fabric, her papers, her patterns.

I had a pretty good idea, but I didn't totally realize the heart and wisdom that comes along with the world that Amy Butler brings to us.

I purchased this book earlier today. Sitting in a coffee shop with my kids, I started looking through it, and then I went back and started reading. Tears started rolling down my cheeks. This was a great surprise to me, as I was expecting the aesthetic beauty. I received that and more.

What I want to say is, "thank you". Thank you, Amy. Your inspiration is immeasurable.

~Bari

Who needs flowers when you have fabric?

I don't need a real vase full today. These orange-colored pieces practically threw themselves on this bag. It's going to be another Stephanie mag bag for Daphnes Cottage. That girl has more Bari J.'s than you can shake a stick at! Loverly fun!

Middle Name Game. Tagged.

Tagged for the middle name game. Don't laugh, you're next. And it's not real easy. My middle name is Jill. That's where the J in Bari J comes from in case you didn't guess that. Here goes best effort:

J: I love Jewelry... especially the good old stuff.

I: Instant association... Igloos. But that's no good is it? Iguana? Island? Tsk Tsk. Hmmmm. Hmmm. I'll get back to this one... Ick.

Darn it! Two L's!

L: Linen. Antique Linen. Love it!

L: Lace. Antique Lace. Love that too. I collect pieces here and there.

Goof! That pesty I.

I: Independent Design!!!!! Can you get any better than that???

I now tag Bethany, Shannon, Missy, and Kalurah.

Design Team for My Daughter's Wish

I just got an email I thought some of you might be interested in if you are in the SF Bay Area or surrounding...

My Daughter's Wish is looking for artists/teachers... Here's the what the email said:

"We know you are out there and waiting for a chance to turn your favorite hobby into more then just a past time.  Come share your ideas with us and our customers."

"This is a local design team call for anyone willing to come to our store in Walnut Creek, California!"

"We are looking for 6 local artists that can include; scrapbooking (page layouts), altered items, collage, stamping, and mini albums.  Must be willing to come to our store once a month for assignments and if you are interested, TEACHING!"

And the link to find out more.

PS They also have some exciting classes coming up including a Connie Govea Stuart creative correspondence class on 8/14. Sounds great!

(and, no, I don't work for MDW, just like them a lot.)

"This is a local design team call for anyone willing to come to our store in Walnut Creek, California!"

"We are looking for 6 local artists that can include; scrapbooking (page layouts), altered items, collage, stamping, and mini albums.  Must be willing to come to our store once a month for assignments and if you are interested, TEACHING!"

And the link to find out more.

PS They also have some exciting classes coming up including a Connie Govea Stuart creative correspondence class on 8/14. Sounds great!

(and, no, I don't work for MDW, just like them a lot.)

Thank You!

I'm honored. I've been tagged for a "Thinking Blogger" award by Bethany at Love from My Studio. I'm now supposed to do a post about 5 blogs the make me think. I've procrastinated doing this for a couple of days because there are so many that it's difficult to choose just five. So, here's my list in no particular order:

1. Print & Pattern: A blog from the UK about my favorite thing... prints and patterns. This was one of the first blogs I ever read, and I continue to check in almost daily. The writer of the blog as far as I can tell, doesn't list her name but we do know this from her "about" page: "i am a designer and trend forecaster with a passion for pattern in all its forms." Anyways, if for some reason you have happened upon my little space here, I am a great admirer!

2. Rebecca Sower: Rebecca wrote a post not too long ago dedicated to her daughter that made me cry. Her writing is thoughtful and sentimental. Plus I just love her fabulous mixed media work and the pictures are to die for!

3. Laura Gunn Studio: Now called "Paint in My Hair" ... My new favorite painter. I think I came across Laura on Flickr. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L.

4. Anahata Katkin: One look and you'll know why. And... just look at this beautiful design available at cafe press.

5. Fieltromania: All about felt things... Grabs me everytime. Great photos, and coming soon in English too.

If you've been tagged, there are apparently some rules:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn't fit your blog).

Negative Thoughts... So not useful.

Beware... I'm going to get a little sappy here, but at least I mean it, sappy or not...

OK, so, I just read a post from  Little Black Kitty about how she's been feeling lately about her art. Those negative thoughts creeping in. First of all, I want to say how brave I think it was of her to write the post, and second, THANK YOU. For being real. I also need to mention how well I know those thoughts. For some reason those are thoughts I've tended to hold on to. Not good, but true. Although I must say, I'm getting better and better at dismissing them and holding on to the positive ones. I even said aloud a couple of times that I am proud of what I've accomplished. And trust me, that's big.

Recently, I learned that if I look back (and I mean look far back) to where those thoughts came from I can dismiss them more readily. I think "Who told me that? What made me believe that about myself?" I have had many an epiphany when I do that...."Well, now, that's silly. I've been hanging on to that one for... let's see... a minimum of 20 years? Time to give it up.".  These thoughts were cemented in so long ago, it's hard giving them up. And, unfortunately, for me sometimes they are useful. If I can tell myself these things, I have an excuse to not do or to give up what I really want.  Circling the drain over thoughts like that... not at all useful or helpful! Now I'm going to give you my very, very best piece of advice. This is what I've been doing (and don't laugh)... I listen (at a very high volume) to the Dixie Chick's "Not Ready to Make Nice". It makes me feel very powerful. Be nice, but not to those old useless voices... they may be loud, but a nice walk around the block with the iPod on full blast drains them out very nicely.

Happy saturday all... And thanks again, Little Black Kitty.