We were a large family with little money, so repurposing scrap materials was engrained into me early. I remember my father making straps for our roller skates by cutting strips from old inner tubes. They worked great! I highly encourage families to teach their children the lost art of repurposing and recycling. Wonton consumerism is for lazy or rich people, IMO. A little imagination and resourcefulness can free up lots of money for other things. I've repaired everything from lingerie to shoe straps!
I began crafting around age 6 or 7 with a book called, "What Can I Do Now, Mother?" I remember using an oatmeal carton to make a doll cradle and a shoe box to make a doll house. I used wallpaper samples, crayons, paper and often flour & water paste to decorate. I spent many hours engrossed in these projects. I made doll clothes from toilet paper and Kleenex. At age 11 I took a vest and traced it onto fabric someone had given me, then sewed it by hand. I used scrap wood to make a footstool. I made my first electric dress in high school. I designed my prom dress in 1968 using eyelash material for a disarticulated bodice, and an incredible shade of salmon polyester blend for the skirt. Wish I still had it. Oh, and of course I sewed my cheerleader uniforms. Once I couldn't find scissors, so I cut out this heavy sail cloth with one of those sklinny Schick razor blades because I was on a deadline.
I sometimes like to design as I go, meaning I pick up my materials and see what I end up with. Occasionally I begin with a pattern; then modify it or combine parts of patterns I've saved over the years. When making an item for a specific person, I usually am praying for them and projecting love energy into the project as I make it. I am writing a book called "Tantric Crochet" with this concept described.
I've often begun a project with great inspiration and gusto, then been sidetracked by sudden health problems. The pieces are then boxed and set aside for a later date. Such is the case with my Heaavenly Handbags line, although I have completed variety of bags. Samples Here
I find that I enjoy the design stage and prototype construction immensely. However, I would rather sell kits, or hire someone to do the mass production of a product line, as the redundancy kills me. I've created 2 or 3 new designs in my head before I complete the prototype. |
Dianne Ames
