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A Sewing Adventure with Tracy Stilwell


Tracy Stilwell guided me through my first real sewing adventure.  I have sewn paper, bits of fabric, even a tote, but never on any clothes I could wear.  While we talked at the start of class I realized I had some serious sewing issues.  Did home economics class in high school scar me?  Apparently.  I was intimidated by patterns, deciding which stitch, would it hold up in the wash, etc.  After a day with Tracy I realized it is just another medium like paint!  A whole new world opened up for me.  I chose to do a face because I have had limited success with painting faces.  I thought that while I have a teacher with me I’ll try the hard stuff.   I truly love this face.  I feel so much more comfortable with faces now.  Thanks Tracy!

I started with an old paint shirt that I had rubber stamped years ago with Stazon ink.  I started creating the face on the back.  I started with the basics and Tracy guided me on how to create more interest with layers of fabric.

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  • shawn ,

    Very cool!-So Stazon ink is machine washable? I’ve been wondering what to use. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    • I wash it. It did fade a little bit, but that was several years ago. I find most things are washable – at least most paints and inks stain my clothes and are impossible to wash out.

  • jean ,

    that is the cutest idea ever!! you could even re-use your creation by photographing it and printing it out and using it for a journal page, ala pam carriker!! i hope you make more of these!!

  • Carol Samsel ,

    WOW!!!! Love that face and thanks for the idea on sewing art onto some of my clothes!!! Where has my brain been? I’ve sewn for years.

  • julie ,

    What a wonderful piece! I love it!

  • Jane ,

    This is SO cool!! I love it. Thank you for your sweet comment today. 🙂

  • Gina ,

    I had read all the way to the bottom of the page, before I realized that i had not left a comment. What an AMAZING experience you have had to have taken some of those classes! I truly believe they would have had to pop my eyes back in had I seen some of those sights and or had the chance to learn with Tracy or Jodi or Sue. Sans missing the Peter Max exhibit, you are having the experience of a life time! Congrats and remember to silence the critic within and just have fun! 😉

  • Oh wow I love your blog. I couldn’t figure out if can follow your blog. I will try again tomorrow.

  • TJ ,

    Hi Carol – thank you so much for visiting my site and leaving a comment. I love all the interesting people I connect with every time I Crusade!
    This face is amazing. I cannot believe you had never done one before. Holy smokes, what a terrific result, I”d never know you were a beginner!!
    And I think the word “trust” is so fitting… how you weren’t trusting yourself in the beginning and now look — Amazing!!

  • patsy ,

    This is a.w.e.s.o.m.e.!!!! Love EVERYTHING about it!

  • Thank you for visiting my blog for PPF! I have really become excited joining.
    Your message sure gave me “hope”.. and joy!
    I thank you for that. I needed a good ‘shot in the arm”..!
    I have been reading your postings here on your website, and see some awesome work! I understand most of your feelings you discussed. I am just so happy that you are continuing.. ART HEALS! It put a smile upon my face.. Love the last one you did too!♥ Darlene .. aka.. A Dancing Mango

  • Julie ,

    What a beautiful and colorful blog you have! I really enjoyed the last few posts.