Nothing Is A Mistake

There I was, sitting in Michele Muska's class, Felted Cuff Bracelet, just giddy with anticipation!  I was excited to learn how to create a cuff out of textiles... excited to learn felting... oh!  and there's a new "toy" involved?  a felting machine??  I couldn't ask for more!  The class spent 4 hours learning how to use a 12 pointed felting machine to create a new and unique textile that would become our cuff.  Bits of fabrics and fibers flew around the room as we all shared ideas generated by Michele.  The result?

 Aren't they yummy?  Mine is the second one from the left.  I loved it but I knew I wouldn't wear it as a cuff.  A bit too wide and too feminine for me (believe it or not, I like the industrial look.. go figure, right??).  The results were due to decisions of my own making, not the teachers'.  I tucked it away knowing that it had so many different possibilities.  I just needed time to think about it.

Back home in my studio,  I stared at it.  Turning it over and over.  Stepping away and coming back to it again.  And then I knew.   What I saw, in my mind, was a needle case.. a vintage inspired needle case!

Going through my stash of laces and trims, I thoughtfully chose pieces to add as embellishments.

I was careful not to let them overpower the felted fabric.  After all, it was gorgeous on its own with all its texture. Touches of gold metallic embroidery thread and vintage metallic braid gave it that "old world" feel.  Snippets of laces layered on top of each other enhanced the feeling that this belonged to someone's grandmother.

Sweet little gathers of dupioni silk were sewn all around the edges.  The same fabric was used for the lining on the inside.

What started out as a project for one purpose, soon transformed itself into another.  That happens sometimes.  And it's ok.  These classes are for learning techniques so that you will be able to do them again.  And I will!  And I would love to take another class from Michele.  Now...... forgive me but I must go and order that felting machine! Woohoooo... a new "toy" to play with!

~Please check out the latest issue of Where Women Create (Feb/March/April) as Michele Muska is one of the women highlighted!)


Linking up to .... Blissful Wednesdays
                   Transformation Tuesday
                  Shabilicious Friday
                 Be Inspired Friday
                 Feathered Nest Friday
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