Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Oh Holidays!

I made many of the gifts we gave this year: small tote bags for everyone made from recycled upholstery samples and filled with goodies, 5 pillow covers for the mother who of course chose my most expensive fabrics (it's ok I still love ya), fleece hand embroidered hats for the 2 older nieces, and elf shoe ornaments.

 

Same hat in both pics, the sakura flower is reversible!

We did purchase a few things like DVDs for my brother in law & father in law and an art set for the oldest niece. The art set was full of pencils, markers, crayons, etc in a carry case on sale for less than $4. I couldn't rightfully pass that up! The rest of our gift giving was traded for with some my awesome EtsyDarkTeam mates. Extra special big thanks to AgonysDecay for the amazing soaps. I sent a set of Day of the Dead soaps to my mom and a big cameo soap to my sister but it was claimed by her daughter because "it's a princess soap". My niece then announced that she must now take a bath! Too damn cute.

We spent Christmas Eve/Day with my husband's family once again. We had fun if not much sleep. We got to see 2 of our nieces that are sprouting like beans, the sis & brother in law and hung out with the ever elusive father in law. We ate way too much but it was oh so good. And apparently my father in law enjoyed the banana bread I made for him and my brother in law since he nicked a piece of my brother in law's even though he got an entire loaf to himself!

We got some great gifts not the least of which were Alice in Chains tickets. Hells yeah, Alice in Chains! And then there are the gifts from my father in law which are always fun. I got universal Waite tarot cards (to compliment my glow in the dark Ouija board from last year) among other things, and my husband got a no-one-in-particular pharaoh plaster bust which is extremely funny since we were just discussing how one might go about becoming a god-king.

And of course I can't leave out the tea, mounds of chocolate, and jelly bellies. Coldstone flavored Jelly Bellies are delicious!

What did you do or get over the holidays?

Happy and prosperous New Year, everyone!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Elf Shoe Ornaments!

Need cute & quick ornament or gift? How about an Elf Shoe Ornament? I was looking for a quick but cute ornament to give this year and this is it!

 

This design is not by me, but it's so cute I had to share since it is a free & shareable pattern. Here's where I found it: http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2007/11/ears-to-your-el.html

I resized the jpg pattern (which you can get from the link above) and made mine 4.25in / 10.8cm long, measuring flat from heel to pointy toe on the Sole piece. Note, cutting 2 of each pattern piece will give you a pair of Elf Shoes. I cut one of each piece out of red, one of each out of green, and then mixed the pieces to get the ornaments above. I used Dark Green & Cranberry synthetic Felt, Dark Gold Glossy Thread and a simple whip stitch, Gold tone Jingle Bells on jump rings, a loop of Black Ribbon is straight stitched at the heel to put the hook through and matte silver toned 'S' hooks (wish I had gold tone!) to hang them.

You can do a blanket stitch, add more embellishments, use different colors, double layer in contrast colors to make it even sturdier & "flashier",  etc. I made myself keep them as simple as possible so I don't spend forever on them and then not have them ready for Christmas.

Having the twisted sense of humor that we do, my husband suggested making a severed foot or bloody sock to stick out of the shoes for that "dark" feel but, um, I don't think the family will get it. They'd probably call in the men that bring you the extra long sleeved buckling white jackets that are so NOT meant as a fashion statement, if you know what I mean. I am considering embroidering initials on them though but that will have to wait until they're all done. That's nice and "normal" right? We'll see, we'll see.

Ok off to make more! :D

EDT Secret Scrooge Swap

Last month the lovely AgonysDecay put the call out for participants for a Secret Scrooge Swap so of course I couldn't pass that up. I happily can show you the goodies I sent since my recipient, SyntheticSeduction, has already received her package. She says, "He's just the cutest thing ever!" What do you think?

[image]

  • A Zombie Hand Puppet
  • A Grey & Purple Fleece Neck Warmer/Gaiter/Cowl/whatever-the-heck-you-want-to-call-it (embroidered on a vintage sewing machine, ah yeah)
  • Skull & bones paintable/inkable foam stickers
  • Skull Beads

(More pics in my Flickr if you want to see closeups, etc)

The Zombie Hand Puppet is completely hand cut, stitched & painted. He is the first of many to come hopefully and it the "poster zombie" for my upcoming Zombie Hand Puppet pattern I hope to have for sale soon-like. The Neck Warmer was serged on my little Bernette & line by line embroidered on my vintage Pfaff 230 sewing machine (love that machine!).

I had a lot of fun making the Hand Puppet & Neck Warmer. After a couple failed attempts I finally figured out what the heck I wanted to make for her. I can't wait to see what everyone else made and I'll be sure to share what I receive!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Static's Adventures in Baking

Ok I can create damn near anything I put my mind to in the sewing room but when it comes to the kitchen, well... let's just say me and stove top cooking are definitely not friends. But, I have come to find that baking can actually be enjoyable! Aside from the eating part of course. I've had my share of "ugly cakes" and shortcakes that didn't come out quit how I wanted but they were all still tasty!

 

L: Not-so-ugly red velvet cake with chocolate frosting, R: Ugly little banana honey shortcakes (strawberries at the store were pitiful), Both: Deee-licious

Over the holiday weekend I got my mother-in-law's recipe for Banana Walnut Bread out of my sister-in-law who inherited our mother-in-law's recipe box (I will get all of those baking recipes at the least some day, I will!) and yesterday I made two small loaves (8"x3" tins).

I was only able to get a picture of one of them because my husband and I devoured the first one. It wasn't as sweet as perfectly overripe bananas can make it (because we wanted Nanner Bread now) so I rubbed a bit of honey on top. Scott was heeheehee-ing over at his computer and ate every last bit I put in front of him so I knew I did okay. Not exactly like his mom's, he said, but close. For my first attempt at it I'd say that's a pretty high compliment! I didn't even burn it, yay.

The next batch will have choco-chips. Yeeesssss.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Fun, Unique & Kawaii Ornaments

I've added more ornaments! Some animal patterned Batlings, a few Maneki Neko, and don't forget the Starlets, oh my.

Batling Pin Brooch - Leopard Cranberry Red

Check them all out here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SWStitchery?section_id=6469499

Don't forget to heart & share your favorites! If all goes well there will be more goodies soon *crosses toes*.

And, don't miss out on the great Black Friday deals from some of the EtsyDarkTeam this weekend, sneak preview here.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

My Client, the Kitsune Girl

She's a shy thing, she didn't want anyone to see her human face but she didn't mind revealing her Kitsune face to show off her new outfit! Click the pics for larger views:

 

 

 

You can see the hair clip (in the 2nd pic) and underskirt peeking from the main skirt that I didn't have shown in my previous photos.

Kitsune are magical, intelligent and sometimes mischievous fox spirits that enjoy taking human form and who just happen to like cute outfits from Static White's Stitchery! ;)

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Featured! SWStitchery on FeltMusings

Check out this review that includes one my Freshly Dead Zombies! Apparently he been quite naughty...

FreshZombie-Blue3

http://feltmusings.blogspot.com/2009/10/society-of-eclectic-halloween-artists.html

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Myspace & EtsyMinis Headache

Myspace has stirred up their html again. What worked at the end of July no longer works (surprise, surprise) so I have made some changes/additions to my original "EtsyMini 101 - Myspace" post. Here is the link for your convenience:

http://staticwhite.blogspot.com/2009/07/etsymini-101-myspace.html

I, on the other hand, had to learn it the hard way! I went to use the codes I've been using for months and everything borked on me. *Sigh* But it's pretty now. It. Is. Pretty.

So, if you appreciate my hard work please follow my blog, leave a comment now and again, heart my shops... Just a little love is all I ask. If you really, really like me you'll head over to one of my shops and buy something StaticWhite (supplies) or SWStitchery (creations). Yes. Yes, I like that idea very much :D

If you are an EtsyDarkTeam member, I have left additional sizes on the super sekrit forum. You know where ;)

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Featured!: SWStitchery.Etsy.com on I Dreamed I Saw

Check out this great feature on Sacred Heart items! That one of my Burning Heart Pillow Covers just happens to be in ;)

 My Heart Burns for You v1 - Pillow Slip Cover OOAK

"We all know what it feels like to have a bleeding heart, so open your shirt and expose it!"

http://idreamedisaw.blogspot.com/2009/11/oh-my-bleeding-heart.html

Friday, November 6, 2009

Skull Poinsettia of Doom Pin Brooch

Skull Poinsettia of Doooom Pin Brooch

Sharpen you claws on the hexmas tree
Lap milk from ladle and spoon
But for the love of all that's fuzzy
Heed my warning kitties,
Stay clear of the Poinsettia of Doom!

Please see my listing for more info:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33933787

A non-doomy version will be available shortly ;)

Poinsettia Pin Brooch

As promised, a non-spooky, festive version of my felt Poinsettia pin!

http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.100546835.jpg

All my felt items are completely hand cut & sewn, no die cuts here!
♦ apx 3" at it's widest

Please see my listing for more details:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33933812

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Mission Complete

The Lolita outfit is done, the new owner is happy, all is well this evening.

Lolita Outfit - front  Lolita Outfit - side

Lolita Outfit - back  Lolita Outfit - over skirt

There are actually 2 more pieces to this outfit, an under skirt which is similar to the over skirt but slightly longer with an elastic waist & a medium sized hair bow made of the lace. In my rush of excitement of completing the outfit I forgot to take pictures of those pieces :( But, that will be remedied when I get the promised "in action" pictures.

Now, I'm off to make Starlets & other holiday goodies! A seamstrix' work is never done.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Destashing the Static

Did you know I have a destash/supply shop? Well now you do! New goodies just listed...



Etsy
Buy Handmade
StaticWhite

Any of the lace or trim listed can be had in more yardage, just convo me. I have way too much and need to clear up the shelves a bit... and pay the rent :p.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Etsy Dark Side Finds: Eyes Are The Window Of The Soul

Welcome to the Etsy Dark Side. We are the roaming fox fires in the darkness, the sparkling mist in the ever shifting shadows, faerie rings flow in our wake. Come join us!

♦♦♦♦    ♦♦♦♦    ♦♦♦♦    ♦♦♦♦

EtsyDarkTeam's theme for October was Eyes Are The Window Of The Soul! Here's a peek. Be sure to check out the current Exhibition for more great items!

Row 1: SWStitchery, WingsOfSin, ArtAkimbo
Row 2: SauvageRavenCreations, AgonysDecay, CustomZombie
Row 3: IdleHandsDesigns, MrsEvils, SenoraAlegreMuertos
Row 4: ChenilleMacabre, CauldronCraftMinis

Get your Halloween/Dia de los Muertos/dark side fix anytime of the year by searching for "EtsyDarkTeam" on Etsy! Check out the EtsyDarkTeam Halloween search here.

And, be sure to check out the team shop where we have some items that 100% of the proceeds go to Bat World! Help the bats, help our environment... one wing flap at a time!

  ♦♦♦♦    ♦♦♦♦    ♦♦♦♦

Not signed up with Etsy yet? For shame!

Signing up is free and easy. Just click here & begin enjoying all the hand made, unique wonders Etsy has to offer.

The Etsy Dark Team now has a public Fan forum where you can stay on top of the latest items & deals from EDT members, or peruse the Member Directory, view the latest additions to the monthly Exhibitions (items are added throughout the month) and more. Come play with us on dark side.

xx ~Static

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Lolita Outfit, Secrets of the

So in answer to Yve's query of "Did you make this up out of your head or did you have a pattern?"

Short answer? No, yes and then some. Long answer...

I was shown a pic of a Gothic Lolita outfit and asked if I could make something similar. After  a bit of hemming and hawing I said yes. I mean I went to school for this sort of thing! Which my husband was so kind to point out "that was like 15 years ago". Shush. So anyway! I am a pattern & book fiend so anytime I need a refresher I can bust out any amount of reference from the overflowing tubs in my closet or pull something off my shelves.

I two-third to three-quarter drafted the pattern which you can seen in the left of this image hanging from the door.

Workroom In White Lace by swstitchery

Rather than start from absolute scratch (which I can do but why reinvent the wheel?) I made a copy of  a Butterick pattern's (4154) basic princess line bodice and graded it down a couple sizes since the gal this is for is pixie sized. I then added the double breasted extensions to the front, redrafted the collar, drafted the gathered tail for the bodice, added 10 loops to the the back for lacing.

And we can't forget that the bodice has 14 buttons (only 7 buttonholes though, 2 sneaky snaps underneath), has a massively gathered tail, full lining, tailored sleeves and gobs of lace.

*Deep breathe*  Oh, I'm not done yet.

The lace started life as 4" wide embroidered scallop eyelet lace that I split down the center for this project, minutely gathered and applied to every edge. The skirt is 3 yards wide and will be gathered down to fit a flat 25" waistband!

*Whew* so there you have it. The secrets of the Lolita Outfit ;) It's starting to look like something one of Yve's dollies would wear huh? More pics soon!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Lolita Style Outfit - In progress 3

Drowning in gathers & lace... help m... *muffled whimpers from under piles of white cotton*

Workroom In White Lace  Loli Outfit - In Progress

So close to done! I just need to attach the bodice lining, give the 3yds of skirt a waistband, zipper, and buttonholes & buttons to all.

And I've got a whole list of goodies to start on once I'm done with this!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Lolita Style Outfit - In progress 2

Here is the most recent look of my muslin mockup festooned with Art Deco buttons & a bit of lovely embroidered scallop lace:

Loli Outfit - In Progress  Loli Outfit - In Progress

I was in a rush taking the pics and obviously (by the back pic) I missed that I didn't quite have the top situated correctly on the form. It DOES sit straight, I swear!

I've added the final piece's buttons and lace temporarily because it's easier for me to show my ideas than explain them :D. That, and I can try out any tweaks in trim, etc before I get to the good stuff.

October 16th - 18th Etsy Dark Team Weekend Deals!

This coming weekend (16th-18th October), Etsy’s Dark Side Street Team is participating in Etsy’s Halloween Weekend Deals, and offering fantastic discounts off everything in store- up to 25% off!!
To take advantage of these great deals, browse the shops linked below for details of the discounts available in each participating store, then use the discount code “WEEKEND DEALS” in the message to seller box during checkout. Further information is available in each store. Welcome to Etys’s Dark Side, and happy shopping!

♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Lolita Style Outfit - In progress 1

Here are a couple in progress pics of a Lolita style outfit I've been commissioned to create. Dunno if I'll be doing this again but it's greasing creative wheels I haven't used in a long time!

This is a pic of the 1st draft which I actually wound up scrapping half of because of my anal retentiveness attention to detail (yeah, that's it). 
Loli Outfit - 1st Draft


Muslin mock up - Front double breasted snazziness & Back lacing.
Loli Outfit - In Progress  Loli Outfit - In Progress 
There's a tail/skirting that I added after the above pics and there will be a skirt to match. It looks worlds different now but I've got to wait for my batteries to charge for my digicam before I can take more pics.
The finished piece will be in white cotton that has a fine allover white pattern. It reminds me of the squiggles in frost on a window. It'll have lovely art deco buttons and embroidered eyelet, scallop lace trim.

Fitting scheduled for this weekend and then  I get to dive into the good fabric!

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