Did you take advantage of all the craft fairs before the holidays and buy handmade gifts? We sure did! And what’s that? You want to hear about all the fun we had on our holiday market marathon? Well, if you insist…
This past December I had the fun opportunity to sign up for the Great Necklace Exchange of 2011, hosted by Janette of Fashion Loves People. In short, this exchange consisted of making a necklace for a stranger and receiving a handmade necklace from a different stranger. I was a little intimidated at first–not knowing if I could make a necklace that I would be proud to share with someone I didn’t know–but I needed some motivation to get crafty. Without too much thought, I signed up and let the journey begin!
I’m positively thrilled to share our latest Maker’s Remarks interview. This time, I get to share the beautiful work of my super talented new friend and classmate, Sarah Newby. Sarah is debuting her new shop Newby Treasury with a line of jewelry made from wrapped jute rope and old nails. Separately, you might not think these items would make for a beautiful necklace, but combined using Sarah’s skilled hand and eye, the end result is a work of quiet elegance.
Hi. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Sarah, and I really like things that are handmade. I like to make things and buy handmade things from others. I also go to grad school at Columbia College Chicago, a big ol’ “arts & media” school with some 12,000 undergraduate students. Creative types. Lots of creative types. Knowing these things about me, you probably shouldn’t be surprised to hear that one of my favorite places in Chicago is a place called ShopColumbia, where Columbia students–those 12,000 creative types I was telling you about–sell their art and handicraft. It is a wonderland.
Getting back into the swing of school, with all the mental stimulation and social hullabaloo, has really inspired me to get crafting again. And to sell that craft at Shop Columbia!
I mean, if I’m investing so much of my time and finances into this whole master’s degree thing, so I can eventually manage arts and crafts businesses or organizations, I might as well practice my own craft, right? I’m thinking about pulling my crochet hooks and yarn out of their summer hibernation spots and whipping up some warm & cozy cowls and headbands.
I want to continue learning, too. Maybe I’ll try my hand at mittens or leg warmers! Or at least more elaborate patterns for my cowls…
So stay tuned, folks! By posting my crafting progress, I’ll use the Westervin blog and it’s fine readers to keep myself motivated and accountable.
But before you go, say hello to my classmates and excited new friends, Carolyn and Ali. Are they excited because of Shop Columbia and all the wonders and possibilities it holds? Are they excited to be my new friends? I’d like to think both are true…
We’re less than a week away from this wedding thing, so I think we’ll be taking some time off from our blogging duties. Don’t worry though, we’ll be back and yes, we’ll show you some wedding photos. For now we’re busy finishing up a plethora of craft projects for the wedding, both large and small. Wish us luck!
Time for another hat making update! Next Tuesday is our final class period–the critique. I will have 6 finished hats to show (2 felt, 2 straw, 2 cocktail hats), and I couldn’t be happier with all of them. You’ve already seen my two felt hats–the cloche and the fedora. Now, say hello to my straw hat numero uno! I chose a black, finely woven straw and an eye-catching, geometric jacquard for the trim. I actually formed this hat rather quickly–I just grabbed the closest hat blocks (a flat top for the crown and a short, gently sloped brim) and steamed the straw material on the blocks in the few minutes I had before class was over. Turned out to be one of my favorites. It’s sleek and somewhat androgynous, perfect for everyday!
You are looking at finished hat number two! My fur felt fedora. For those of you just joining us, I made this hat. With my own two hands in my Millinery class. I chose a soft tan felt and a vintage grosgrain ribbon in mustard yellow, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. What do you think?
P.S. See those sunglasses? Vintage frames. And prescription lenses! Do you love?!
You: That’s so cool!!!!!! I wanna be just like you.
Sarah: Well, you can be. Let me show you how.
We’re on the last leg or our crafting journey, and we’re finally getting to the fun stuff. Crocheting! You heard me right. We’re gonna learn how to crochet. Remember when I said I was gonna teach myself to crochet? Well I did! That weekend. For serious. It wasn’t nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. If I can do it, you can too. And remember, if you get frustrated and wanna give up, just refer to the “30 Steps to Mastery“.
