Why You Should Follow Drying Instructions

Or "Why faux fur does not play well even with the low heat setting."

The washed fur was fine after a cold wash cycle and the fluff air, but was still damp, so I said to myself "hey, why not try the low-heat setting! It's a jacket, let's see how much abuse it can take!" Half an hour later, I pulled out a matted frizzy mess. This is actually a picture after I took the cat brush to it and got it de-clumped. It's still soft, but it doesn't have the silky feel of the original fur anymore and doesn't seperate as nicely. Let this be a warning to all the rest of you! This is why I wash samples of expensive fabric first before ruining yards!

Crafting a Hoodie: The Preparation

So working in a fabric/craft shop has reawakened my crafty side. Now, before I allowed myself to jump into costume-piece sewing, I knew I'd have to develop my skills with something simpler (aka less fitted). Before I attempt to mess with darts and pleats and bias tape and who knows what else, I'd have to pick up something relatively simple.

Obligatory supply/workspace shot

I learned how to sew back when I was little, but beyond a couple pillows and draw-string bags, I never developed it further. Thankfully, what they say about bicycles also applies to sewing, and I managed to pick it back up with relatively few run-ins with cars as I cleaned off the rust. In addition to that, I've been applying my research-loving nature and been scowering all corners of the internet for tips and tutorials and videos and blogs. It's just like WoW hunter rotation research or figuring out optimal talent builds, just with thread and sewing machine feet and fabric.


However, I also understand the importance of ruffing out a design before committing to the final inking and coloring. I didn't want to use $30+ of fabric to 'practice' on and potentially ruin. The solution: Muslin! That or any nice and cheap fabric would work. I just got muslin to be traditional. I'll probably hit the clearance bins next time.

Click past the jump for pictures of the process!

Goblin Jumper-Cables Applied!

Holy crud monkeys! Was my last post really in May? Dang, it's been a while since I scanned/posted any art... Sorry about that, folks!

Well, I'm going to be doing a bit of re-acquisi... uh... re-apply... I'm going to change what I use this blog for. :P Instead of being strictly for art pieces, I'm going to use it for more lengthy writing that won't fit neatly into Twitter's 140 character allotment. Like my mother, I have a bit of the Gift of Gab. In other words, I had no trouble filling the word requirement on those old English reports.

I've not been completely unproductive these past months! I just haven't finished much of my traditional art. My creative process has been branching out into other venues, and you shall soon get to see the fruits of my labors with some in-progress pics and updates!