Friday, February 12, 2016

More Clothesline Bowls

These are so satisfying to make. Flossie Teacakes got me started. With one 100 foot package from Amazon, and a good bit of thread, you can make many different shapes and sizes. Have lots of thread and bobbins on hand. Turn on some music and begin!

The simplicity of this one is very appealing to me. It took less than half of one package.
The other half of the package went into this one, more shallow, about 12 inches wide.
This time I started by attaching two strands of about 6 inches together before beginning the spiral sewing. I also left spaces in the top row so that I could wind the remaining cord in and out with knots. A fun experiment. There is a tiny scoop that is not visible. It is made from spiraling the end of the cord and pulling tightly to curve it up constantly.



I have been tossing my used tea bags into this one. It takes color beautifully.
After putting colored thread in the bobbin for a few rows, I went back to white which I prefer. The colored threads are hidden under the fold.

The one on the far left is a favorite, about 5 inches in diameter, very simple with straight sides instead of the gradual curve I've used in other bows. It is my thread catcher now. The tiny one in the middle tested some inks I had on hand. Boy, does this stuff take color! I can't wait to try some real dye. The flat platter was an experiment with sashiko (of course!) - hard on my hands and the dark thread is too jarring.


I might have a new hobby. Oh, dear.

13 comments:

  1. WOW! You have been on a roll!! They are all interesting and beautiful!

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  2. I just love these. Do you there is a tutorial somewhere on how to sew clothesline baskets? What type and size needle do you use? What stitch pattern? How do you fit everything under the presser foot? Etc! I used to weave baskets out of vines and such, but my hands got too arthritic for that. I would love to be able to make some shapely baskets again!

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    1. Kay - there are a number of video tutorials and other tutorials out there. I think I searched on fabric bowls. People do amazing things with this stuff! Thanks for your kind words.

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    2. Thank you Martha. After I posted my comment I hit my forehead, said Duh! and googled rope basket (or rope bowl. I don't remember now) and spent the next few hours happily down the rope bowl rabbit hole. :-)

      Now I just need to finish my current project so I cn get started!

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    3. p.s. I forgot to mention, yours are some of the most beautiful and graceful I have seen on the internet.

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  3. Your baskets are so beautiful. They look like unfired greenware from first glance at the photos in my email, but then they have the warmth of fabric. I'm looking forward to see how you continue the experiments with dye. And, I laughed out loud at your last two lines!

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  4. Wow, how unique and beautiful. I love the plain color as it allows the shape to show through. Really interesting Martha!

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  5. These bowls are so beautiful! They have integrity...if a bowl can have that!

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  6. Martha, these are stunning. It's hard to believe these are your first efforts. Love the shapes - so organic. Just fantastic.

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  7. You have me hooked and I have not even started yet. I love the natural organic feel and simple beauty of these. I can see how they can be addictive.

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  8. Really nice Martha. Thanks for showing us how.

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