March 2024
The Bag Lady
Continuing to dig into the wealth of talent that lives among our members, I had the opportunity to chat with Pam about her fabulous bags! Dame Dahlia Creations is the real showcase of her work, but I wanted to get more detail, so we did an interview!
How would you describe what you do? I mean, you’re essentially a handbag/tote creator, right? You do all the material cutting and sewing?
Pam: While I don’t design my own patterns, I do everything else. I select the fabric/material based on what the individual wants or somethings if I just find some really cool fabric and get inspired. I cut everything out and sew it all together. It can take anywhere from 10 – 60 hours to make depends on the pattern. Certainly a labor of love.
How did you get started doing this?
Pam: I started sewing about 7-8 years ago making costumes and fun stuff like that. Then I started making retro inspired dresses. 40s, 50s, 60s styles. I was having a hard time finding handbags to match the outfits. So I looked for some patterns and found some and just started making them. I’d post on my personal Facebook page the different bags I was making. My friends kept commenting asking if I made them to sell. When my husband was going through cancer treatment, it gave me something to focus on instead of just taking care of him.
[do you want me to include that last bit?]
Pam: Sure you can. When going through something like cancer the caretaker has to take care of themselves as well. Having a hobby or something to focus on instead of the ick that is cancer is important.
Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve done? Or, one that you really didn’t want to let go of?
Pam: I have several but the one that really sticks out is a sugar skull one. I just loved how that one came out. The woman who bought it was so excited because she just loves sugar skulls and well skulls in general. In fact the dress she was wearing matched the pattern on that bag pretty well so it went to the right home but part of me was sad to see it go.
What is your favorite part of the whole process?
Pam: Seeing it really start to come together. That particular bag has 45 individual pieces. It’s difficult to see how it will actually come together. Finding all the little fun things – like zipper pulls to match. Then seeing the person’s face when they see it done. Seeing the person’s face when they see their custom bag makes all the work rewarding.
A very big thank you to Pam for sharing her creations with us! Be sure to head over to her site and check out all the fabulous things she makes!
February 2024
The String Witch
One of the longest standing members of our group is Mary. In all the years I’ve known Mary I’ve always been deeply impressed with her knowledge of and accomplishments with various forms of fiber arts. Weaving and creating some fantastic patterns creating something completely by hand. That being said, I don’t actually know many details. I decided it was high time I found out!
Fiber arts seems like a catch all phrase to me. How would you describe or list the various forms of works you create?
Mary: I spin yarn. Sometimes I actually knit or weave with the yarns I have created. I have a floor loom and weave on that, as well as tablet weaving narrow pieces; like those shown in the pictures.
How long have you been spinning, knitting and weaving?
Mary: I started in the mid 1990s. I took a drop-spinning class and was able to actually make it work. Within a few years I bought and assembled my spinning wheel, they come unassembled. Tablet weaving is not loom dependent, although it is easier that way. I bought a book and pretty much taught myself. The rest of it evolved over time.
What is your favorite part of all the processes you do?
Mary: I love the planning of the project and watching the it grow from the idea to the end product.
How long will a piece like these weaves take?
Mary: It generally takes a couple of weeks it depends on how much time I can devote to it.
How long are those weave pieces?
Mary: I honestly don’t remember… I generally start with about 3 yards of warp and up with about 2.5 yards (of finished product).
Would a weave piece like that generally be used as trim on a period piece of clothing?
Mary: Yes, that (the green) piece was put on a Viking Coat. The other pieces could be used for the same .
Is this the sort of thing a casual hobby person could pick up?
Mary: Yes. I taught myself from a book. Now there are several books aimed at beginners. YouTube is also a great resource.
A very big thank you to Mary for sharing her artistry with us!
The Art of Fandom
For a couple of years now I’ve focused my written pieces for Watch The Skies on films and television. While that sort of entertainment is wonderful, I feel that we need to shift from film to other forms of art. As a group, science fiction fandom has some of the most imaginative and talented creators anywhere. If there’s a way to create something, they’ll find it. If it can tie in with a favorite book or show, so much the better.
My hope is to get some of our members to show off their creations here in the fanzine this year. I would love to see what other folks are making and how it’s related to their fandom.
I’ll go first! Normally our group sees my artwork on the cover of the ‘zine each month. That isn’t the only form of art I create. I draw, paint, model and craft as well. As part of an online crafting group, I was able to enter a contest for the creation of a “magic potion”. Using a bottle and a number of other supplies, I was able to create the “magic potion” Release. It’s a real, full-size bottle with sculpted pieces, painted glass and hand sketched parchment. While it didn’t win the contest, I was really pleased with the results.
So ~ what are you working on! Let’s show it off!
