Fun Stuff!

Intro. To Artful Sewing!!

http://dabble.co/classes/intro-to-artful-sewing/s/1831-20120315

Hiya Muk Family,

In the news, My Dabble class, Intro. To Artful Sewing has SOLD OUT! I will be preparing for this class and hustling up some more gigs between now and the date, March 15.

6 Students will be welcomed into my studio/home to learn about the basics behind sewing as artistic expression in 3 dimensions. We will plan a

project and begin to execute that project using found objects, ephemera, fabric threads and yarn.

Stay Tuned for more!

The fancy sweater MUK continuous scarf for 2011/2012

I've been making winter scarves out of recycled fancy (wool/cashmere/blends) sweater parts for awhile, however, this season I decided to try something new: the continuos loop or shawl styling. It gives a clean appearance with no fringes or lose ends; your scarf won't be unbalanced, and, it's easy to get on and off. There is no back or front--only an endless variety of ways to wear...always fresh, always warm and cozy. I line the wooly parts with a jersey rib knit so it feels cool and smooth on the wearers's skin--but warms up quickly due to such high quality wools in the piecing. MORE TO COME, get in touch if you'd like to own one today!

It feels great to be at the helm of my MUK empire once again; giving time and energy to my work is extremely rewarding. These goods are imbued with positivity, artisanal quality, and total one-off guarantees!

Muk for your hair!

I have always been a fabric pin kind of gal--but now I've evolved slightly to creating the ribbon flower design to clip into your do! These will be making their debut in the coming days and weeks. I wish I wasn't a maker who worked in waves. I don't like not making the most of my time and days. I always try to reign myself in to become more focused. What are your secrets to being more disciplined? Well, I try and forgive my laziness of the past--embrace each new day, take advantage of moments and surround myself with inspiring, working folks. People working on their own projects and collaborating, making a network of handmade. Thanks Sara Jane, Rose, Wolfbait Girls, Daniel at Roost, and all the rest...And so Autumn brings renewal--It's the season that inspires me the most!

Teeny Tiny Envelopes--enclosure card art

These little gems have sort of been the loves of my life lately. The whole process is so rewarding once the finished product sits on my desk looking so finished, clean and complete. I love that I am making something from what would otherwise be "trash." I know "up-cyling" may be commonplace now but that doesn't make it any less valid or awesome...It's so nice to create each little work of art, isolating an image or some text and anticipating the little card pocket going on to have a life of its own--brightening up someone's day and making them smile.

Fancy Flowers--bringing back the brooch

Well, it's happened, Muk Designs has arrived! Featured at Wolfbait and B-girls for the Fall 2011 season. You can shop the Collections at Wolfbait and B-girls 3131 W. Logan Blvd. The Chi. Teeny Tiny envelopes, and this actual brooch are available for purchase, and this is just the beginning. I began developing these brooches as "winning" pins with ribbons (see Facebook: muk designs") so you can find those as well. I re-vamped the look with this 3D floral version as an idea for another company and then I thought--wait a minute, this is a Muk Design and it should be sold as one! So I approached Jenny And Shirley and was warmly welcomed into the Wolfbait family--there is NO STOPPING ME NOW! Look for more consignment deals and new designs in the coming weeks. If you like Muk Designs shop the Etsy store: Mukster and "like" my Facebook page--and please comment and keep in touch! I use vintage fabrics and buttons, up-cycling whenever possible. The lace, ribbons and notions are often from my life-long passion of collecting ephemera and then finding the perfect application--turning these items into works of ART.

2011--I am back.

So, where have I BEEN? well, that is a very long story. The important thing is that I am back, making, and have been making all along. Currently I am starting a new quilt project, always a fun time. I find myself tracing, cutting, piecing an sewing, until I am falling asleep on my feet. This is for the baby next door who is being baptized--he's a boy so my big challenge is keeping it "masculine enough to pass." Gender in relationship to design is just a social construct so of course I am in the I don't know what you call it, "liberal camp?" The piece in the picture is the center--I created the block and then rotated it 4 ways--it's abstract with a sensibility of symmetry--to my mind.