Artistic Amulet Bag Necklace Swap~Due Aug 5th

[pumpkincoach]

Due Date: August 5th.
Sign ups: Until Full
Last Withdrawl Date: July 15th.
Number of Bags due: 1, 2 or 3
Max Number of Players: 25

I have really been getting into fiber arts and jewelry making lately and LOVE making amulet bags!
This swap is limited to 25 players. I will keep a back up list, in case there are withdrawls.
For this swap, you may make up to 3 bags for trade (provided we have at least 7 players), that means you can make 1, 2 or 3 bags for trading. Each bag should be your own design (not from a pattern unless you created the pattern), and should be distinctily different from each other, if you make more than one. It should incorporate FINE materials, like silk, wool, hand dyed fabrics, etc. and have some kind of fancy bead work, embroidery, needle felting or applique to decorate it. It should have something to go around the neck to form a necklace, i.e. chain, crochet, knit tube, leather, silk cording, beaded work or ribbon. The bag should be NO bigger than to hold a credit card and no smaller than 1 1/2 inches square finished. Bags can also be made of bead weaving, freeform bead weaving and fiber weaving.

I am going to redefine "Fine" materials here, as I have had a few questions on the matter. Acceptable materials are : silk, wool, wool (or quality acrylic) felt, hand dyed muslin, quilter's cotton prints and batiks, well made and fine laces (vintage are especially nice) velvets, high quality ribbon, hand woven fiber backgrounds, needle felted backgrounds, etc.. Please do not use cheap cottons, polyesters or cheap lace (you mknow, that stiff, prickly stuff or ruffled eyelet lace that you get tons of yards for $1 at the craft store), as it does show in the final product. Also, please no plastic beads, unless they are a high quality Lucite (like some of the leaf beads you see in packets) or vintage lucite, celluoid/bakelite. Any technique is acceptable. Please embellish your bags in some manner. Do Not send in a bag in novelty fabric (i.e. large or cute prints) that has no other embellishment. I want to see art work here, so the designs should be your own and should be well done. All skill levels are acceptable, please do you best work. Every bag should have a cord, braid, bead strand, etc. to hang around the neck.
Please mark your package if your items contain wool. We have one player with wool allergies and I want to be sure that she gets back something that will bring her joy and not suffering!:D
I hope this will help everyone decide what to use and make the process smoother! I really am an easy hostess and I am sure you all will do great! Have fun, that is the most important thing here!

1.Please include a self addressed envelope, preferably bubble envie and $2.00 in loose postage for returns.
2.Internationals, please include $4.00 US cash or stamps. I cannot take IRCS anymore, as my post office is phasing them out. If you do not have cash or stamps, please pm me and we can work out a trade. I am always looking for quality silk embroidery ribbons and threads, especially hand dyed and over dyed. I also like twinkling h2os.
3.Please mark BOTH envelopes with the number of purses you have included.
4.If you are having me reuse your envelope, please include a self adhesive address label that will fit over my address to make it easier and faster for me to get you your returns.
I try to return any unused postage.Please try to be on time. I will be mericful, but if you do not pm me to let me know you are late or withdrawing, then I will need to leave negative itrader.Please withdraw if you do not plan to complete this swap, as the number of people is limited and we can fill space.
So let's get freaky with our fibers and HAVE SOME FUN!!!!
1.pumpkincoachdone
2.TheeCoyoteWithdrawn
3.Susietexarrived
4.LavenderLizardarrived
5.j4mi3arrived
6.kylieluvsartarrived
7.icequeen07arrived
8.paperfairysarrived
9.JoyFlowerarrived
10.crazycatarrived
11.lori.rnarrived
12.liviaarrived
13.altermyworldarrived
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16.Joni Owensarrived
17.monarcharrived
18.doodlebugarrived
19.Sienaarrived
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Waiting List

[TheeCoyote]

Put me down. I've done the bead woven bags and they are labor and materials intensive. I can do bead embroidered bags for this on silk or leather.

[pumpkincoach]

Welcome TheeCoyote! Yes, the bead woven ARE labor and materials intensive...right now I am working on a free form necklace, and have been for about 4 days. It will not be done for quite some time!
I can't wait to see what you come up with!

[susietex]

As a textile girl, how could I not join, sign me up please, can't wait!!!

[pumpkincoach]

Ahhh...I knew you couldn't resist my silken web...welcome to the swap Susietex!

[LavenderLizard]

I definitely would like to join, but I'm allergic to wool. Would you mind making sure I don't get wool in my returns, or should I wait for another swap?

[Pippin]

I'm hovering and checking my commitments!!!!!

[pumpkincoach]

LavenderLizard~ I don't mind at all! Please be sure to mark your envelope NO WOOL RETURNS on both envies and I will see to your needs! Welcome to the swap!
Pippin~ I hope you can join us dear one!

[LavenderLizard]

Many thanks! I've been wanting to try this.

[pumpkincoach]

You are very welcome! These are great fun to make!

[j4mi3]

I'm game. Please put me on the list. This should come empty correct?
If not please include $100 bills in mine. lol

[LisaB]

I am playing fly on the wall, will check my calendar and see if this is possible.
It sounds like so much fun and the ones I have seen were gorgeous, what a great idea!

[pumpkincoach]

kylieluvsart asked for signup via pm. Welcome kylie!

[OriginalYouth]

These are so pretty! Lovely swap, I have too much going on to join right now, but I'm really looking forward to seeing your eye candy!

[pumpkincoach]

Oy, we will miss you...but we do understand!

[goatgoddess]

Man oh Man - watching to see if I can do it - want to do a couple of online classes but really love this idea too.

[pumpkincoach]

Well, I hope you can join us goatgoddess! We would love to have you on board!

[Bright-Spark]

I am also very interested, but will have to get some of my backlog out of the way first! Hope to be back before the sign up deadline if you are not already full....

[pumpkincoach]

Bight-Spark~ Hope to see you soon!

[icequeen07]

i would like to join, thanks!

[pumpkincoach]

Welcome icequeen07! Glad to have you with us!

[Paperfairys]

found you ... sounds great :) Please add me ... elaine x

[pumpkincoach]

Welcome Elaine! Glad you found us!

[Paperfairys]

Thank you for adding me, im looking forward to using something other than paper :)
Used to make my own clothes when i was a teen ager - time to get out the beads and threads again xx elaine :)

[JoyFlower]

I haven't done needlework in awhile but have been wanting to get back into it. This may be just the challenge I need - it's so wonderful to work with the beautiful fabrics and trims....

Please add me to the group!

[pumpkincoach]

Welcome JoyFlower! Glad to have you with us!

[kylieluvsart]

I bought an Australian Flag(just a small one) cut it to size . I think it looks pretty good.
I have started my second one it's got lady bugs on it and the third one I will start Monday is horse themed. I must admit, Rebecca, I could do another one of these. Needle in hand and time just flies by .

[pumpkincoach]

Kylie, you certainly seem inspired! I am glad you are having fun and can't wait to see what you come up with?

[LavenderLizard]

I'm probably going to break out my bead loom for at least one of the bags...takes forever, but I've been wanting to make another like that...

[pumpkincoach]

Oooh...sounds cool! I have never even opened my bead loom. It was bought at a Garage sale and was never opened by that person either! Poor little abandoned loom....I am probably going to work with silk and some wool too. I am having fun planning these!

[crazycat]

I'm almost afraid to try my hand at this, but what the heck. Put the cat into the bag swap.:jiggy:

[lori.rn]

I would like to join!

[LavenderLizard]

I went to a class the other day and wove a small bag out of cotton yarn, since I can't handle wool. Would another bag like that be appropriate for the swap, or would you rather I stick to things like silk? I was going to embroider some beads up the side, and perhaps use beads to go around the neck instead of braided cord. If not, I can still do some bead weaving or embroidery on linen, or something like that. I may make three anyway!

[pumpkincoach]

Oops...I will update this list later today as I have guests! Thanks for your patience!

[pumpkincoach]

OOPS!

[pumpkincoach]

lavenderlizard~ Cotton is fine, especially something hand woven! Cotton batiks and quality quilt fabrics are ok too! I just don't want to see apolyester or novelty prints that don't have embellishment. Basically I am looking for your best work in fine materials. I hope that helps better.
crazycat and lori.rn Welcome to the swap!

[LavenderLizard]

Great! I've found the weaving to be very therapeudic!

[pumpkincoach]

I like small scale weaving, especially with all kinds of fancy fibers. By the way, how severe is your wool allergy? Do I need to worry about whether or not the fibers used have been in contact with wool? (Like embroidery threads stored in the same bag, etc.?)
I have just finished a punch needle Moon Queen and am going to hand dye the muslin background. I will probably line with silk or batiked cotton and am going to finish with fancy beads. I am thinking of doing a punch needle Cheshire Cat, and I am not sure what else. I am on a punch needle craze right now, having just finished my first free form bead necklace! I am having such fun with the fiber arts! My watercolor is suffering from neglect, I am afraid!
I hope everyone is having as much fun as I am!

[pumpkincoach]

I am going to redefine "Fine" materials here, as I have had a few questions on the matter. Acceptable materials are : silk, wool, wool (or quality acrylic) felt, hand dyed muslin, quilter's cotton prints and batiks, well made and fine laces (vintage are especially nice) velvets, and high quality ribbon. Please do not use cheap cottons, polyesters or cheap lace, as it does show in the final product. Also, please no plastic beads, unless they are a high quality Lucite (like some of the leaf beads you see in packets) or vintage lucite, celluoid/bakelite. Any technique is acceptable. Please embellish your bags in some manner. Do Not send in a bag in novelty fabric (i.e. large or cute prints) that has no other embellishment. I want to see art work here, so the designs should be your own and should be well done. All skill levels are acceptable, please do you best work. Every bag should have a cord, braid, bead strand, etc. to hang around the neck.
Please mark your package if your items contain wool. We have one player with wool allergies and I want to be sure that she gets back something that will bring her joy and not suffering!:D
I hope this will help everyone decide what to use and make the process smoother! I really am an easy hostess and I am sure you all will do great! Have fun, that is the most important thing here!

[pumpkincoach]

Hi all! If you like beading, jewelry and other fiber arts, check out my blog. I just posted a picture of my first ever free form bead necklace titled Fire Queen. I think it turned out pretty cool and some of you might enjoy looking at it.

[LavenderLizard]

My wool allergy is not too horrible...a bag having some contact with wool should not bother me. Thanks for asking!

[pumpkincoach]

Thank you Lavender! That will help out!

[kylieluvsart]

I am finished and will send my bags out on thursday..
Rebecca I will sign up if you have another one this has been soo mush fun. thanks for TEMPTING me lol!

[pumpkincoach]

Kylie~ I am glad you enjoyed the swap and you're welcome! Temptation is fun now and then...

[JoyFlower]

I am finished and will send my bags out on thursday..
Rebecca I will sign up if you have another one this has been soo mush fun. thanks for TEMPTING me lol!

Did you take pictures? I would love to see what you made! :)

[kylieluvsart]

Joyflower , I feel ashamed now I forgot, I am sorry. Rebecca I have sent my bags off yesterday it should take about 10-12 days .

[pumpkincoach]

No Problem Kylie! I will photograph them when they come and put them in the thread.

[lori.rn]

I haven't even started:goofy:

[pumpkincoach]

lori~ I have barely made a start, so don't feel too bad! Like you, my mood is bookwormish, so I have been reading instead of creating art.

[LavenderLizard]

I've finished weaving one bag with larger cotton yarn, but have not yet made the neck piece. I'm weaving the next out of this gorgeous cotton embroidery thread I found at a local store--FOUR hours later, I still am not done with the weaving! Mental note...weaving embroidery floss is as slow as weaving beads!!!!

[pumpkincoach]

LavenderLizard~ I hear your pain!!!! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

[LavenderLizard]

It's at least meditative pain! I'm happy with that one--it is a rougher, hand-dyed looking floss, very different from regular floss. I like it!

[pumpkincoach]

Is it possibly silk floss with the nubs? It sounds interesting. Did you make a small loom to work on or are you using a small bead loom without the beads? I got creative today and transfered some drawings to watercolor paper. If I am not too tired, I hope to paint them tonight! I am also germinating some ideas for this swap!

[kylieluvsart]

thanks for that Rebecca! good on you Lavendar for at least trying to weave it . :wubclub:

[LavenderLizard]

I made a small cardboard loom, because I wanted to weave it all as one piece rather than sew it together. I may try the bead loom next, though, because that is a great idea! The floss wasn't nubby, but I do need to recheck the fiber, because now I can't remember whether it was cotton or silk...it felt cool.

[lori.rn]

lori~ I have barely made a start, so don't feel too bad! Like you, my mood is bookwormish, so I have been reading instead of creating art.

I reserved an arm long list of books at the library (new books by bestselling authors) and they are all coming it :jiggy: I've been reading, a lot!

[Paperfairys]

I have made 2 ( am doing 4 = 3 + 1 host ) and will photograph and post as soon as im done. :)

[livia]

This looks like fun- sign me up

[pumpkincoach]

Lori~ It is always great to get reserved books in!!!!
Elaine~ I can't wait to see your bags! You go girl!
Livia~ Welcome to the swap!

[livia]

Here is my first bag. It is a little crooked on my scanner. I have some very cool fabrics that I have been collecting for an altered fabric book I am making (Asian theme). So the left overs now have a purpose. I did some simple beading on the front. The inside has a little compartment for some "mad money". It has a very, very long beaded strand with all sorts of fun beads on it. It is a wee bit bigger than a credit card.

I am not sure if I need to add more. Any suggestions are welcome.

[pumpkincoach]

Livia~ That is AWESOME! It looks perfect as is...just enough embellishment to not overwhelm the patterned designs! Great job!

[JoyFlower]

Beautiful bag, Livia! :)

I like the "just a little bigger than a credit card" size. I carry a big giant handbag most of the time for all those things I just "have" to have "in case"...I could probably live out of it for a week, lol. :laugh: But I also like to have tiny little bags just big enough for my driver's license, a little cash and a lipstick...perfect for evenings out to dinner or the theatre!

[altermyworld]

I am really thinking of doing this, I have been busy making some silk paper and made some gorgeous bookmarkers (in my Flickr and Blog) and i think i could do this, I am not a sewer however i love doing little projects like this as a more rugged artsy look is in. right? LOL
OK put me down for one, and then if i find i want to do more i can.
Now distinctly different i get, but can they be the same color, as in my handmade silk paper, its made about 8x8 i could do two of these bags, possibly three would that be ok if i embellished then all differently?
ANg

[kylieluvsart]

livia, wow your bag is lovely!

[pumpkincoach]

Ang~ Rugged is great! Same Color is ok! Same materials fine, I just don't want assembly line type stuff, which is what I mean by distinctly different...different embellishments, shapes, design, etc.! I am sure whatever you do will be great and we are glad to have you on board!

[LavenderLizard]

I think it is gorgeous!

[altermyworld]

Woohoo. i am almost done my first bag, i'll post pics ASAP, thanks Pumpkincoach for the clarification. What a great swap.
Ang

[livia]

This one is a "pocket", open on the top. I found that fishing snap swivels work real good for hanging a neck strap. I also found I had a mini quilt pattern book that I used for the flower.

[altermyworld]

Livia lovely bags, i can't wait to see what everyone comes up with, i have one done and am working on a little skull bag, i hope this does not offend anyone,
Ang

[pumpkincoach]

Great bag livia! Those fishing snap swizles are a GREAT idea! Ang, skull bags do not offend me. If there is someone out there who does not want a skull bag, pm me and I will make a mental note of it. We aim to please. I am sure everyone's bags are going to be fabulous and fun!

[altermyworld]

Here are two of mine i may do a third.

The black one is called "Hidden Treasures"- Process: fuse silk hankies together, let dry overnight, paint with black paint being careful as it can become gooey again , heat set, careful now silk with burn, fold piece into fours to make bag, machine sew. Stamp skull onto front (handcarved by a nice lady on Swapbot) add "necklace " part, punch holes around the outside of stitched area, take waxed linen and do some interesting looped work. Attact hanging beads from bottom, sew gold thread from top to bottom of amulet, leaving gold threads long, begin to work in metallic rub amulet looking like old leather. Let sit over night.
Wake up, PLEASED with this bag.

The orange one- Sunrise in my soul: Fuse silk fibers together adding in mica powers and glitter, let dry overnight, heat set, Cut and fold in to bag , Make paper bead, string a gazillion little black and blue crystals to make the "necklace" OH my i don't think i am going to have enough, whew i did. Attach to amulet, attach paper bead to front of bag surrounded by blue crystals.Attach hanging beads. Make a liner for this bag, sew it in, fold bag together with some fancy stitching.
I love this bag i hope someone loves it as much as i do.

Are they ok? Artistic? Please be honest.

ANg

[livia]

OOOOOOO!!! I love the skull bag (hint, hint). Those are just wonderful. You are really good making your fabric. I would be soo very messy.

[altermyworld]

Livia its messy, i love messy. I am really good at containment messy LOL. I only have a small table. LOL You should get the skull hint hint !!!! :)

ANg

[TheeCoyote]

I am so impressed with the bags being created for this swap; and so glad I'll be getting some.

ANg, I have habotai silk fabric. What are you fusing the fibers with? Would it work with fabric at all?

[altermyworld]

TC its 1/3 white glue and 2/3 water. Once dried the silk is fused together making a strong paper/fabric.
Is the habotai too flimsy to work with? I'm not much of a fabric knowledger :)
ANg

[pumpkincoach]

Ang~ Those bags are FABULOUS! Livia~ I have noted your intense desire to give that skull baggie a good home. Thanks for sharing your process with us Ang! One word of warning...those bags will not be waterproof. If they get wet, they will return to mush...but I don't expect we will be wearing these in the shower, jogging or in rainstorms will we???
Ang, to be a know it all and answer your question, silk habotai is a hankie weight fabric and is definately flimsy. It would benefit from some stiffening or lining.
I can't wait to see those bags in person! This is shaping up to be a very cool swap. I dyed lots of silk ribbon items today and some wool fibers to begin working on mine. This is going to be great fun!

[altermyworld]

True they are not waterproof. So if wearing mine and you get caught in a rainstorm its not a good thing.
Thanks for all the nice comments and the info on the silk habotai.
Pumpkin coach can i get your addy.
Ang

[TheeCoyote]

Thanks Ang. Turns out I have already been doing a similar technique with the silk. So, I'm experienced, haha. Habotai comes in at least a few different weights. I have the gauzy, very light weight and a heavier shirt weight. I could use both. I even have raw silk, very nubbly and more of a matte texture. I have some swatches left of a hemp-silk blend that is luscious too. Hmmm.

Now, what size? shape? colors? Have to figure that out--too many choices!

[pumpkincoach]

TheeCoyote...I am sure you will have fun with the planning! I just finished dyeing some silk ribbons last night and had such fun! Did you all know you can dye silk, wool and nylon with food coloring, vinegar and very hot water??? No steaming either! So far I have good, color fast results.

[altermyworld]

really PC????? I have food colouring, and some raw silk hankies that i fuse however i was wondering how i could dye them prior to fusing. please do tell.

YES thee C. TOOO many choices and i swear we should do this again LOL and we aren't even done the first.
ANg

[pumpkincoach]

Yes Ang, really! Any protein fiber can be dyed with food coloring or Kool Aid. It depends on what you are using...liquid or paste food colorings. I use paste as I find it easier to adjust the level of color. Here are the instructions:
Either use a plastic baggie or a paint tray with wells that are in a row. I use the tray method for ribbons and yarns, small quantities.
This will give a mottled effect, so if you want solid be sure all food coloring is fully dissolved and that all fabric/fibers are fully immersed.
I choose a few colors that I know will blend well. Using a toothpick, I put a few swipes on the inside of a baggie, in different spots. If using the tray with wells, I put a swipe of each color in separate wells up to 3 or 4 colors (one color per well).
I run hot water through my coffee maker and while I wait, I add about a capful of vinegar to the baggie or each or the wells. If using baggies, I place my fibers/fabrics in the baggie now. The vinegar will soak into them and help the dye take better. You can also presoak the fibers/fabric in the vinegar. Once the water is hot, I take my baggies to the coffee maker and add just enough water to not quite cover all the fibers. This is so I get mottled colors. I smoosh the fibers around, making sure to smoosh in the various swipes of color. Then, I let them sit for about 10-15 seconds. Then, I open the baggie and pour off some of the water, reclose and let it sit until I acheive a color I like. Then, I open the baggie and add cold water, empty dye, and rinse the fibers well in the cold water, until it runs clear. Then I squeeze them dry, space them out on a hanger and hand to dry overnight. In the morning, I run a hot iron over them to smooth them out and help further set the color.
If using wells, after the vinegar and food coloring are stirred together well, I place my fibers/ribbons so that part of them are in each of the color wells I am using. They will blend together where the colors meet, so be sure you have compatible colors. Then, I add a teapsoon or so of hot water at a time. I let sit until the dye is beginning to go clear and then rinse same as above. Yesterday, I achieved some beautiful ombre ribbon in fall foliage color with this method.
I haven't tried Kool Aid yet, but there is info on the net about that.
One word...I find wool dyes more pastel and some colors react differently on wool than silk. You could try letting it sit overnight to acheive darker colors, or by boiling it.
I often dye pieces of fabric, ribbon and yarn all at once so that I have pieces that will work together.
I LOVE dyeing! It couldn't be easier and it is so much cheaper than buying store bought stuff. It is also more artistic and truly one of a kind!
You can buy silk ribbon bulk through Ribbonsmyth.com. She is the cheapest I have found with 4 mm silk ribbon costing $15.00 for 100 yards. Shipping is reasonable too, but I don't know about Canada. Also, Dharma trading company is best on bias cut silk ribbon rolls (which is the same stuff Hannah Silk Ribbons is made of!) and on silk cord. They also carry silk clothing and hankies, shawls, velvet, etc.
I hope this was helpful! Please let me know if you have any questions!
One word of caution: All the sites I have researched state that their results with food dyes have been colorfast. So far mine have too, but I have not tried washing anything. Use caution when using homedyed fibers on wearables by test washing with something expendable, of the same color, first. Then you won't be disappointed it the color washes out or bleeds!

[altermyworld]

I really must try this, i don't have paste i do have the liquid kind (i love to paint with food colouring) so let me get this straight, i could soak the hankies in vingear, dye with food colouring add some hot water (what is this step for?) achieve the colour i want, remove and rinse in cold water. let dry overnight. pull fibers to make my silk paper?
I would love to try the ribbons, however i am saving my money for the ATC meet in Chicago. I am trying desparately not to buy anything.
Ang

[pumpkincoach]

Ang~ You have the process correct. If you want pastels, be sure to add very tiny amounts of liquid dye and pull the hankie out AS SOON as you see a pastel color! In most cases this will be no more than a few seconds. With liquids for any color, add one drop at a time. You can always add more if the color isn't dark enough for you but it is impossible to take it out once it is in! Also, the baggie smoosh for ombre and multi color effects probably won't be as effective with liquid colors, so if you want ombre(colors that are separate in some areas and blend into each other where they meet) use a palette tray or use 3 small drinking cups and place part of the hankie in each cup of color. If using drinking cups, add the hot water before putting the hankie in and be sure to wet the hankie so the color will travel through the fibers and blend, especially as some of the hankie will not be immersed. The Hot water helps the dye to "take" and sets it in. It is especially crucial in wool. I think it helps open the fiber to allow the dye in, but that is only supposition. Also, with wool DO NOT agitate any more than necessary to get it fully wet. Agitation plus hot water with wool makes wool felt!

[pumpkincoach]

For anyone who has further interest, you can see examples of the ribbons I dyed and instructions for dying using a paint brush on my blog under Blog Archives April. The Blog Archives are on the right about 1/2 way down.

[altermyworld]

Yummy love PC, thanks for all the info i can't wait to try it.
ANg

[pumpkincoach]

You are welcome Ang! Have fun!

[pumpkincoach]

Kylie~ Your bags arrived safely yesterday! I will take a pic here in the next day or so to put in this thread. They are wonderful and I am so glad you joined us!

[TheeCoyote]

I dye mostly silk. I use vinegar for the mordant--cheap and safe, I soak and steam in dollar store zip lock baggies, and use the procion type dyes. Otherwise I paint the silk with acrylic washes. This means that I am only doing small pieces of fabric at a time. I enjoy the experimentation. But, it did take me a few times to figure out how to confine the mess and keep from getting dye on my hands. I find the disposable, plastic gloves work well--You'd think I could have figured I needed gloves at the outset, but nooooooo.

[kylieluvsart]

Wow that was quick! I am soo glad you like them. I did have sooooo much fun making them.
Theecoyote, that actually sounds like fun. seems to me you think outside the box on a regular basis. well done.

[pumpkincoach]

TheeCoyote...I haven't practiced much with the procions..mostly because I am too lazy to steam them. How much of the powder do you have to use? Is it the less powder, the more pastel the color? I bought a tshirt kit, so I could practice mixing colors before investing in bottles of the dye.

[TheeCoyote]

How much dye powder you use depends on the color. Darker colors and any that contain a lot fo turquoise require 3 to 5 times as much as other colors. since I do small batches and never make up more than a quart--usually a cup--at a time, I'm only measuring it out by the teaspoon or tablespoon. I buy dharmatrading brand. I have been very happy with it. You are supposed to wear a particle mask when you scoop and dump the powder. It's only for that moment it takes me to measure and dump in the container--usually a jar or plastic baggie.

The turquoise and some of the dark dyes require the addition of salt. And, I use urea in the dye solution too regardless of whether I am dying protein or cellulose fibers. The instructions call for soda ash for cellulose fibers--which is very caustic and has a short shelf life once mixed up. You can also use baking soda or alum to some effect. I don't like using the caustic chemicals.

With the exception of some colors of the dye, all the other chemicals are pretty cheap. I buy the dye in 1/2 pound to 2 pound pots. The last batch I purchased has been lasting me a few years now.

I steam the silk in the plastic bag in the microwave. Cool technique. Easy, no fancy equipment and the colors stay fast.

[pumpkincoach]

Thank you! More great dyeing info. I don't like caustic stuff either, so I will stick with the other. I mostly dye silk, but wanted to try the procion for cotton and linen. Especially as the Rit and Dylon I use are not as bright or as color fast. I shall have to experiment and see what happens! The silk in the microwave is a good idea too. I am sure it would work just as well with the food coloring. How long do you microwave it?

[TheeCoyote]

Here's a link to the microwave method.
Tie-Dyeing Silk in a Microwave with Vinegar: http://www.dharmatrading.com/info/microsilk.html

I have a very old microwave. I zap the silk, drained of all extra dye and with the ziplock bag open (ie unzipped), for about 3 minutes on defrost setting. I let it sit in the microwave and cool a bit then do it again. So, I steam it twice on less than full power so as not to risk "cooking" the silk and damaging it.

[pumpkincoach]

Here are my first two bags. I hope you all like them. They showcase the hand dyeing with food coloring, all but the cotton muslin (blue bag with moon) which was dyed with two rit dyes brushed on and allowed to sit before rinsing. If you want to see larger pics, these will also be posted on my blog later today. They both have punch needle embroidery, the yellow is silk which was clipped to make pile and the purple is wool.
The one with the yellow moon is titled "Star Eater" and the purplish blue one is titled "Blue Moon".

[pumpkincoach]

Here are Kylieluvsart's bags. I love the Australian flag bag, so clever!

[pumpkincoach]

Does everyone want to have a gallery showing of these on the first page of this thread, under the join info? If so, please send me a small copy of jpegs, etc. of your bags and I will place them there as attachments. They must be 500 or less in size. Kylie, pm me and let me know if you want the pics I took placed there and I will do it for you. You can e-mail me at pumpkincoach37@aol.com and I will save your pics and upload them from my computer. I don't know if you can access the post to upload them yourselves, I probably have to do that. If you know of a better way, let me know.

[LavenderLizard]

I don't have a digital camera, but if you want to take pictures and post them there, you certainly can. That's the reason for my pitifully empty gallery. :(

[pumpkincoach]

Lavender, no problem. I will take pics when they come in.

[TheeCoyote]

I would love to see a gallery of everyone's bags.

Pumpkin, is the yellow silk some that you dyed? It is so vivid.

I notice that Kylieluvsart added info tags to her bags. Great idea (http://bestsmileys.com/doh/1.gif), I'll have to do that.

[pumpkincoach]

TheeCoyote~ Yes, the yellow is some I dyed. The only fiber I didn't dye was the red ribbon. The paste food colorings do make very vivid dye colors.

[TheeCoyote]

That is impressive. I would not have expected that much saturation from food color--although, why not?

[pumpkincoach]

TheeCoyote, food colorings are classified as Acid dyes. Also, the saturation is FAST, so if you want pastels you either have to add very tiny amounts of color or take the ribbon out within seconds.

[kylieluvsart]

WOW those Photos are great maybe I should n't have sent them ....naaah just kidding.
thanks for photographing them Rebecca.

[pumpkincoach]

You are welcome Kylie!

[pumpkincoach]

Ok all, I just discovered that I can only post 5 attachments per post, so I won't be able to put swap pics at the beginning of the thread. We will just have to add them here separately.

[TheeCoyote]

How about in the Swap Gallery? You can post more there.

[pumpkincoach]

That is true, I forgot about it as I rarely use the gallery.

[TheeCoyote]

I found a link for dying with Kool-Aid
http://www.instructables.com/id/Stovetop-Kool-aid-Dying-using-Alum-as-an-modant/

[princessgene]

I just signed up for this site. I recognize many of you from illustratedatcs and the previous atc site. I told myself I wasn't going to sign up for this site because I had enough to keep me busy at the illustrated site. But here I am and the first thing I just happened to notice was this thread! How could you people do this to me??? LOL I can't resist. This looks most interesting and I like the looks of these bags. Can I join? How big is everyone making their bags? Just wondered what the average size happened to be. And also, is everyone making them with a flap to close it or some other mechanism to close them or just leaving them open at the top? Thanks.

[pumpkincoach]

princessgene...first of all Welcome to the site and the swap! I think so far the average size is aprox. large enough to hold a credit card, and so far the ones I have received (and made) have been open at the top. But you can do what you want! If a bag is smaller (two of mine may not hold credit cards) they can always hold a precious stone, artifact, perfume vial, etc. Have fun girl!

[pumpkincoach]

Here is my last, and I think my best, bag. It is titled "Autumn's Dawning Glory". The bag is hand dyed silk duponi ribbon, lined with orange batik quilter's cotton. The tree trunk is silk ribbon embroidery and the foliage is hand dyed wool punch embroidery. The "roots" along the bottom of the bag are silk ribbon and glass beads. The leaves along the ribbon necklace are lucite. This was a fun bag to create, as I dyed all the silk and wool myself using food coloring! The cotton batik I bought. I hope you all like it! As usual, you can view a much larger picture of this on my blog.

[pumpkincoach]

Lavenderlizard~ Your gorgeous bags arrived safely today! Thank you for all the beautiful extras too!!! I will definately put them to good use. I took pics of your bags and will up load them here to this post, soon.

Here are Lavender Lizard's Bags! They are handwoven with beautiful bead work!

[LavenderLizard]

Thanks so much for taking pictures of them!

[JoyFlower]

pumpkincoach! That little bag is magnificent!!!!!! (Is that enough exclamations to let you know I really like it?!!)

LL - super work - I especially love that middle one... I don't think I am patient enough to weave them, so extra kudos to you!

[pumpkincoach]

Lavender Lizard~ You are welcome!

JoyFlower~ I am glad you like the "Autumn's Dawning Glory" bag!

[altermyworld]

ooooooooooooooooo glorious bags being shown, i think i am making a third one, Pippin and i dyed some silk last month and i thought it would be perfect to use for this swap but need to rest my hands a bit.
ANg

[pumpkincoach]

On no Ang...do you have carpal tunnel? I can relate to suddenly numb or tingling fingers. Most annoying when you are painting or doing hand work! I hope your hands feel better soon!

[altermyworld]

I do have carpal tunnel and tenndonitis in both hands and arms and tennis elbow AND i type for a living so i have to be really really careful to not overstress them.
i have a 5x7 piece of art that has me totally freaked out i am going to work on that over the next week and then see. Luckily i have a few more weeks till i have to mail the bags.
ANg

[JoyFlower]

Oh, do take card, Ang! We need those hands healty for continued art work - otherwise our eyes will get sad. :)

[pumpkincoach]

Yes Ang! Take care! How miserable! I know what you mean about artwork causing trouble too!

[altermyworld]

ooooooooooooo guess what???? I have the line drawing done....whew...thats always the hard part, the choosing of colour and shading are the easiest point for me. WHEW. thats a huge relief.
Ang

[lildebi]

ooooooo....this sounds awesome..Please sign me up for this:)

[pumpkincoach]

Ang~ Congrats on getting the line drawing down! That is the hardest part for me too!
Lildebi~ Welcome to the swap!

[Joni Owens]

Is there room for me? This has peaked my curiosity, I keep coming back and looking, this is a small sewing project, I think I can do this.

[pumpkincoach]

Welcome Joni! Pleanty of room left and glad to have you!

[monarch]

I finished one...... so please sign me up............. I hope this is what your looking for.......


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2647781348_ce55acf757_m.jpg

[TheeCoyote]

Awwww, that's lovely Carol. It looks like a pale, seafoam, green. Is that the color IRL? I love pale greens; celadon, jade, olive.......

More than you ever wanted to know about Green (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variations_of_green#Celadon)

[monarch]

Yes it is.........Now I wonder if I should have put something dangly on the bottom......

[pumpkincoach]

Carole~ That is beautiful! I love the pale greens too...they are so fresh. AS to danglies, that is up to you, but I think it is beautiful as is! I will add your name to the list and am glad you decided to join us!

[JoyFlower]

Oohh...that little bag is yummy!! Great job!

[livia]

My little bags are on their way.

[pumpkincoach]

Great livia! I can't wait to see them!

[altermyworld]

Gorgeous gorgeous bags :)

Mine are going in the mail tomorrow.

ANg

[pumpkincoach]

Ang~ I can't wait to see them in person! I am sure they are gorgeous!

[altermyworld]

awwwwww thanks PC, i made only two. I so so wanted to make three. Greed. :)
ANg

[pumpkincoach]

Ang~ Greed CAN be fun though....I just went to a Wrights Factory Outlet closing sale in Mass and spent $100 on trims...hopefully I do use them some day....But you know...the outlet WAS closing forever...soooooo....

[altermyworld]

oooooooooooooooooo my goodness THAT sounds divine . tomorrow am venturing to Ottawa street, 2 blocks of fabric stores have decided to sew my own pocketbook.
Ang

[doodlebug]

I really want to do this!!! sign me up please!!

[pumpkincoach]

Ang~ Have fun shopping for me! doodlebug~ Welcome to the swap and glad to have you!

[Siena]

Ok, pumpkin coach... I couldn't stay away! This is my first time, and I may only get one bag made, but I have to try this. Hope I'm not jamming my plate TOO full of yummy swaps!

So please sign me up!

[pumpkincoach]

Siena~ Welcome! I knew we could snare you in our web of amulet bag yumminess!

[pumpkincoach]

livia~ Your ABSOLUTELY beautiful bags arrived safely yesterday! Thank you for the extra bag too, that was soooo sweet! I will take pics soon and post them.

[monarch]

Got my second bag done except for the hand stitching around it to hold it together........

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2686740152_59cdcac394_m.jpg



Done with wool felt, fabric, mulberry papers, decorative machine stitches, wooden beads and seed beads...lined in silk......

[JoyFlower]

Oh, I love that one, Carol! Such cheerful colors...it makes me smile. :)

[kylieluvsart]

Yeah sooo cheerful indeed.

[pumpkincoach]

Great Job Carol! Nice and bright!

[Joni Owens]

:mad::twitcy::arghh::arghh::arghh:I don't believe me!!!!!! I have worked for 2 nights sewing seed beads along the edges for not 1 but 2 of my bags and now when I checked them again they were tooo short CRAP!!!!!!! Back to the drawing board!!

[Joni Owens]

I need chocolate.

[pumpkincoach]

Joni~ How short were they? Remember, the smallest size is 1 1/2 inches square. If the bag is aroun 1 inch, it will be ok!!! The largest size is abou the size of a credit card.

Here is hoping you get some chocolate soon!!!!!!

[LavenderLizard]

I don't mind getting an off-sized bag as one of my returns... :P

[TheeCoyote]

Joni, how short is too short? Is it just the shape?
Larger bags give you more play surface but I think a tiny one would be very cute.

[Joni Owens]

Ok people, just slap me and call me stupid. I have read and reread the swap info ever since pumpkincoach posted it and ok, now that I have reread it AGAIN, I see more clearly. The bags will be ok. I was thinking that they had to be at least big enough for a credit card to fit in. I now am with the flow, I am one with the bags, still need chocolate, think clearer with chocolate, may have to make a run to the store.

[pumpkincoach]

Yay Joni! Glad you are in the clear on the bags! Here's hoping you have enough gas to go get that ever important chocolate supply!

[Joni Owens]

Oh I got that covered, I whipped into McDonald's after picking up my son from work (can't seem to remember how to cook-lol) and got a chocolate sundae to go with my burger.

[Siena]

Ok, not sure but I may only do this one.

I know this is a simpler style than what a lot of people seem to be doing. Is it ok? Because really, truly, if you think this needs "fancying up" I can add danglies and stuff. Opinions?
Siena

[JoyFlower]

I think it's pretty as is, Sienna! :)

[TotolyOzSome]

wow!... you all are doing a great job!

[altermyworld]

I think its gorgeous. I love simplicity art.
ANg
PS Any sign of mine yet?

[livia]

I have been passing through this thread once a day. Everyone is making super bags, I would anyone, especially the skull one, hint, hint!!

[pumpkincoach]

livia~ Your skull bag hint is duly noted and you can rest sure!

Siena~ The bag is beautiful as is!!!!

[monarch]

My bags are going in the mail today........

[pumpkincoach]

Thank you Carol! I will let you know when it arrives.

[susietex]

Hi there, watch out for mine too, there on the way.

[katilady]

I just have to pop in and say ya'll are amazing artists! I wish I could sew...learning to is on my 'to do' list, lol!

[LavenderLizard]

I recommend checking out a couple children's sewing books from your library! Says the librarian... ;) While my mom and grandma sew, I had to teach myself, and that is where I started. Then there is Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol, which I adore...

[pumpkincoach]

LavenderLizard~ I will keep an eye out for your bags!

[LavenderLizard]

Mine are actually already there...watch for susietex's bags! :D

[Joni Owens]

I did it!! I did it!! Finally finished, well except for the necklace part! Have to admit, these were fun to do!!

[JoyFlower]

Okay, Joni - where are the pictures?? Show us the work in progress!! ;)

[lori.rn]

Mine are done!!! I am off to get my haricut and then work later, but I will try to scan a photo and post. I liked them so much that I want to make some more as a gift.

Oh, I do need your mailing details.

[Joni Owens]

Oh shoot, I forgot to photo them :eek: I've already packed and taped them. But they are made from a purple scarf with tiny flowers randomly scattered on the material. On has purple seed beads stitched down and around sides and bottom with a silver polymer clay face in the center with purple seed beads randomly stitched around it and scattered on the front. Bag 2 has the same beads down and sides and bottom with an Asian coin stitched onto the front and an asian bead in the center. Bag 3 has gold attachments in a collage/cluster and gold bells across the bottom. Bag 4 has a silver themed cluster/collage on front.

[JoyFlower]

Oh, those sound DELICIOUS! :)

[Joni Owens]

They are definitely different, I hope whomever gets them, likes them.

[doodlebug]

Mine went postal today. One for the trade. One for the hostess with the mostest!

[Joni Owens]

My bags are going in the mail in the morning.

[pumpkincoach]

Thanks Joni! I look forward to seeing them in person!
Monarch and Doodlebug your gorgeous baglets arrived safely!

[lori.rn]

Just sending out mine today. Mine does have some wool felt on two of them. Mine are a little bit bigger than a credit card, but I did try them on and fit nicely around the neck.

[JoyFlower]

Ohh....those are so pretty! I love them all!

[Siena]

Really beautiful bags, Lori!

[TheeCoyote]

Really beautiful bags, Lori!

Ditto. I love the little crystal danglies.

[pumpkincoach]

Gorgeous bags Lori! Susietex, your beauties arrived safely today!

[Joni Owens]

My bags went postal today.

[pumpkincoach]

Ok~ It looks like we are still waiting on about 9 of you to get bags here. PLEASE do not worry about express mailing! I am hoping most of you have mailed your bags, or will be soon! Please let me know via pm if you are unable to finish this swap. Also, if you could please post here that you ARE or HAVE mailed your bags, that would be great. For those who already have posted, no need to redo. If I haven't heard from you all by next Monday, I will assume you are not finishing the swap and will go ahead and trade everything out. I hope that is ok with everyone.

[pumpkincoach]

The arrived list has been updated. If you do not see your bags as arrived, then I do not have them.

[pumpkincoach]

Does Anyone need my address? If so, please let me know and I will forward it to you via pm.

[JoyFlower]

Thanks for your graciousness, pumpkincoach! I plan to mail tomorrow. :)

[pumpkincoach]

Joyflower~ You are welcome! I look forward to seeing your bags!

[pumpkincoach]

Joni and Lori~ Your bags arrived safely today!

[TheeCoyote]

Oh crimeny! I screwed up royally. I have been thinking the deadline is the 15th. I just checked, it's the 5th--tomorrow.http://bestsmileys.com/doh/1.gif Obviously I can never get this in on time. So sorry, I guess I have to drop out.http://www.richarddawkins.net/forum/images/smilies/bitch.gif

[pumpkincoach]

TheeCoyote~ If your bags are done, please feel free to mail them! We have a few others who will be late too, so it really isn't a problem.

[crazycat]

I'm sure I'm going to look back on this and laugh one day...

I asked my husband to mail my swaps on Monday. When he came home he hadn't mailed them and I said, "You ABSOLUTELY have to mail them tomorrow morning." He said he would. Tonight, as soon as he walked in, I jumped on him and asked if he'd mailed them. He said no. I was about to go berserk, but he hands me the envelope and says, "There's no address." I was too stunned to speak.

I am, officially, an idiot. :no:

[JoyFlower]

Oh, crazycat! How funny!! I bet we've all done things like that. :)

My bags are in transit...just two of simple design...haven't sewn anything in FOREVER, so this was a chance to dabble.

10997 10998

Both are silk - second one is coffee stained for color.

[Joni Owens]

My son was amazed that mine got there so fast.

[lori.rn]

Thanks for your graciousness, pumpkincoach! I plan to mail tomorrow. :)

Ditto!

[LavenderLizard]

Beautiful coffee stained bag, Joyflower!

[crazycat]

Oh, crazycat! How funny!! I bet we've all done things like that. Ah yes, but I make a career out of those kind of incidents...:twitcy:

I just found the lovely little inserts that I wrote to accompany each one, explaining what kind of bag and the symbolism I used. Boo hoo. :eek: Either I need to email the text to whomever receives mine, or I guess I can publish the text in my gallery along with the pix.

[pumpkincoach]

Poor crazycat is not having a good week so far...I can certainly related! I seem to have a lot of "incidents" myself, but hopefully none with this swap!

[pumpkincoach]

Joyflower, your beautiful bags arrived safely today!

[pumpkincoach]

Crazycat and Icequeen07~ Your gorgeous bags arrived safely today! I am going to pm all the other late participants to see if bags are coming. We should have this swapped out sometime next week. Thank you all for your patience!

[pumpkincoach]

Siena~ Your bag has safely arrived! Now we can trade them out. I hope to get these traded out and mailed by tomorrow! It may take until Saturday though.

[pumpkincoach]

Hi Eveyone! The bags have been sorted and are on their way to adorn all the lovely necks waiting for them! I believe I have left everyone feedback and thanks. Please let me know if you have not received a feedback from me. Thank you all for playing in and making this a great swap!
Also, please remember to be kind and leave Rep points. You never know when you may brighten someone's otherwise dismal day!

[monarch]

Received my awesome awesome bags today!!!!! Thanks to susietex and pumpkincoach for all you fantastic work!!! I love them!!!!

[LavenderLizard]

I got my great bags today! Thanks to our lovely host, as well as to Paperfairys, Icequeen07, and Livia. I love my bags!

[Joni Owens]

My bags are here, each beautiful and unique - I just love them! Thanks Pumpkincoach for hosting, you did a wonderful job. Thanks for your encouragement too. And thank you to Lori.rn, Paper Fairys, and Susietex. Everyone did a fantastic job.

[JoyFlower]

I received a lovely bag from doodlebug! Thank you! And thanks to Pumpkincoach of course!!

[Siena]

WOOOHOOO! My bag came today, and it was an amazing bag from Pumpkincoach. Thanks so much for the bag, and for this fabulous swap!! {happy dancing}

[lori.rn]

Received my fab bags earlier this week. They are at home and I am at work so I can't give proper thanks now.

[livia]

I received the most fab bags also, Joni, Sarah G. and Altermyworld. This has been the best swap ever.

Of course super kudos to our host- Pumpkincoach

[crazycat]

Received fantastic bags fro LavenderLizard and J4mi3! Thank you squared!

[altermyworld]

My great bags came Friday, from Sienna (love the little dragonfly- its gorgeous!!!)
ANd the Asian one from Joni, lovely and serene and the beading.
I am SO happy.
ANg

[pumpkincoach]

I am glad everyone is happy so far and enjoying their new treasures!

[pumpkincoach]

VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE...
Hi everyone! I have mailed a rogue bag of inchies to Lori.rn just to find out they are not hers! Is anyone out there missing a bag of inchies? They came in one of these returns, and I could have sworn it was Lori's, but she says No. They are all vintage syle with small embellishments and colored eyelets for hanging, somewhat like charms. They have a clear glaze. I thought maybe they were a hostess gift, but when Lori said she didn't send them as one and she was in some other inchie swaps, I sent them back, thinking they were hers. They are marked JJ on the back. Does anyone recognize these? If so claim them right away please by pming me. I will let Lori know and get it arranged for them to go where they belong. Thank you all!

[icequeen07]

i havent rec my bags yet, pumpkin?

[pumpkincoach]

icequeen~ They were sent the same day as everyone else's...give them another week and then I will see what I can do.

[icequeen07]

thanks hope i rec them today!

[pumpkincoach]

Jacqueline~ Me too! Nothing is worse than not receiving your trade outs! Please pm me as well and remind me how many bags you mailed and what they looked like. That way I will not send your own back to you, if I have to mail some more out.

[icequeen07]

hurray, i received my bags, dont know what happened! post left them yesterday, i think they were at a neighbors. Thank goodness they arrived! beautiful bags from kylieluvsart,and paperfairys. i also have a purple and black bag with iredescent beads no info onbag.any info let me know.thank you ladies for the bags all are so lovely!

[altermyworld]

OOOOOOOOO I am SO glad they arrived, YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ANg

[pumpkincoach]

Yes me too! Big sigh of relief here! icequeen, I think the purple bag is either livia or Joni Owens. If it has a small amulet inside, it is definately Joni.

[susietex]

Wow, I'm stunned at the beautiful bags/purses that arrived today so huge thanks go to Monarch, and to the makers of the beautiful square patchwork bag with the fab bright colours, and to the maker of the awesome silk purse in shades of peach and turquoise with the needle punched tree. Please let me know who you are so I can say rhanks properly.

[pumpkincoach]

Susietex~ The needlepunched silk bag is from me! The other is from livia, as I knew you would appreciate the fine quilting method she did! Sorry I didn't get them labeled!

[susietex]

Thanks for letting me know.
Your needlepunch bag is just beautiful, that is just so much work, thankyou.

[kylieluvsart]

Rebecca I have really enjoyed this swap and thank you for inviting me to join.

[pumpkincoach]

Thank you Susietex! I even dyed all the fibers for that bag...so it is truly one of a kind! I am glad you like it!
Kylie~ I was so glad to have you in the swap! Thanks for playing!