The "Eye"

Skunk Toy, originally uploaded by String and Scissor.

Ages ago when I first started my studies in landscape architecture, translating 2-dimensional plans into the eventual 3-dimensional spaces challanged and frustrated me. In my grading classes I designed hills that were actually holes. It took a while for me to develop the "eye", to look at a plan and picture in my mind what it would really looks like.

The same thing has been happening to me with my 3-dimensional softies. The way 3 or 4 pieces of fabric come together to make the curves and contours of something 3-d fascinates me. I've been practicing with little succuss. My first attempt was a pitiful little dog that turned out looking like a fat sausage (legs coming out of the sides and not the bottom where I had intended) with a disproportionately small head.

This week I finally did it!I actually made a skunk out of 4 pieces of fabric - And it looks kind of like a skunk! It actually looks as I intended it to look. I am starting to get the hang of it, just like I was back in school.

A Cushion for Every Pin

Four characteristics that can be used to describe any project I attempt these days: creative, portable, able to be finished within a day or two, and kid-proof.

CREATIVE because after putting the same wooden train set together for the hundredth time, I need to create something soft and fuzzy. Running after two small kids means I don't sit down.

PORTABLE because I have to stitch standing up while the pasta boils. And sometimes whatever I'm working on ends up stuffed in my hip pocket while I attempt to keep my 18 month old from jumping off the couch.

ABLE TO BE FINISHED within a few days (or hours) because I have children whom I cuddle and love as much as possible which leaves little time for much else.

KID-PROOF because working on something in front of the kids means they think its for them - and it probably is. Even if it is for someone else, I like to know it has been beaten, chewed, and dragged around the house by my kids - and survived. I take pride in that kind of craftsmanship.

The only type of project that really fits is a pincushion (sans pins of course). Their form is only limited by my imagination. They fit neatly in a pocket, or preferably a little bin or pouch, and are relatively quick. They also double as building blocks in case you were wondering.

Here are a few of my recent creations:

The Apartment Building was inspired in part
by Bella Dia whose house pincushions I just adore.

This is my "Lake in the Woods" cushion.

No theme here just blocks of color and ribbon.