WIP: progress on my 373 cubic foot studio

I'm making progress on my "studio". I've rearranged. Again. It seems that this happens every time I introduce another batch of a-half-a-lifetime worth of "stuff" into my little space.

Rather than think of it as a cramped 46.6 square foot space, I prefer to consider it my 373 cubic foot place of serenity.

As I move and sort things, I come across bits and pieces that I've saved. (I know I am not alone in this habit; many fibre artists save beautiful bits.) In a world of throw-aways and planned-obsolescence, I do try to reuse (or rescue) what I can. Sometimes, though, I wonder if there is value in it. There is a calm to a cleanse of "stuff".

Distracted with the feeling that I must process some of these bits and with pieces salvaged from worn-out jeans, I started cutting. I can always use shopping bags. If I have too many, I can donate them to a low-cost grocery store downtown that caters to low-income folks. They can always use bags.

As I cut away, the foil lettering of my copy of Janet Hethorn and Connie Ulasewicz's "Sustainable Fashion" book sparkled in the sunshine, seemingly winking at me. It's a sign I'm doing the right thing.

This is a very philosophically organic project. There is no plan. The bag will grow with the nurturing of bits and pieces, this growth will determine the design. I'll simply fit together what I have on hand, reusing fabrics, buttons, and other findings to create something usable.

So far, I'm working on two bags. I won't get back to this project for a couple of days...

beginnings of an old-back-pocket bag

beginnings of an old tie bag