Wednesday, May 19, 2010

stitched illustrations

car
*please do not copy

i am up to my eyeballs in sewing handbags right now, but i wanted to say a quick hello and let you know about something that is a little bit exciting. a very kind woman named stephanie who is a member of the Crafts Department at Martha Stewart Living contacted me about a post she wanted to write about stitched drawings.

ever since my original website, madebyhank.net died (RIP), i have been meaning to set something up that could be an online gallery of sorts for both bags i have made in the past, as well as the stitched drawings i have made over the past few years. i admit that i have been slightly hesitant to share this work on the internet, because as much as this world has enabled me to support myself doing what i love most, it is also a bit of a haven for copycat-ing, both intentional and otherwise. also, it is difficult to understand what these stitched illustrations that i make are, and how much goes into them. i am often asked what type of embroidery machine i use, etc, but that is not the case at all. they are manually sewn using a sewing machine, if that makes sense. i use a machine, but with a very basic straight stitch and because they are so intricate and some of the lines are so teeny tiny, i barely use the presser foot at all, and mostly turn the flywheel by hand. the colored parts are made in the same way, with a basic straight stitch, back and forth, back and forth until my eyes feel like they just might fall out of my head.

each piece is an original, one of a kind creations, so please be respectful and do not copy. all of the pieces i have made so far are sold, and have already gone to their new homes, but i am working on three new pieces for the second part of the fibers biennial at the snyderman gallery for june, and will share those when they are complete.

if you would like to take a look at the post about stitched drawings, you can find it here.

and i did set up a blog as a way for you to see some of the work i have made in the past. you can find it here.

17 comments:

christina kober said...

Holy crap, you are stupid talented! First of all congrats on being featured on the crafts dept! Second of all, I LOVE THESE! Keep up the amazing work, I love your bags (I have two and get comments EVERYTIME I use them).

VisionQuest said...

you rock, Hank.
..and i feel your pain. copying is particularly heinous in jewelry so offering an "original" product is just offering it up for others to "borrow".. poo poo on copiers.

Tora said...

I just love this one. You are so amazingly good at what you do!

Chelsea said...

thank you for sharing! so beautiful & intricate!

Emily said...

These are completely amazing and I think you are right to be as cautious as possible with your work. However I would love to do a blog post of these amazing pieces but only with your permission. If that is alright please email me at sassysmolak@gmail.com. I will not post unless you give the okay and I will credit you all the way for your work. Please do not hesitate to tell me no, I would totally understand. Again amazing stuff!!

~Emily

Kelly said...

Wow, these are absolutely stunning! Thanks for sharing your talent and congratulations on the Martha feature!

kelley darling said...

No way! My girl in the serious bird dress now famous! I love her so.

Anonymous said...

wow, your stitched illustrations are amazing. you have some serious talent!

Penny said...

Oh wow, I can't believe you coloured it in with stitching! That is mad! And really awesome.

Susan Payton said...

I just love your babs and illustrations. I've enjoyed reading your blog, thank you for letting me visit.
Susan
http://amazingcouponanddiscountdeals.blogspot.com
http://joininandgogreen.blogspot.com

bopbopdesigns said...

I do love these and didn't even realize there was a name to it (Anthropomorphism) but I've been curious what your inspiration is for them?

Unknown said...

wow, you are so stinkin talented. i love it! and congrats on being asked to be featured in a martha stewart post -- that is AMAZING! i am not surprised though, you deserve that kind of recognition.

Anonymous said...

Most incredible thing I have ever seen! You are such an inspiration to sewers and artists!!! Keep on keeping on, and a huge thanks for sharing your beauty. Blow Martha's mind!!! ;)

Amy said...

I've checked your shop a few times since you were featured on Etsy since I fell in love with your "tough ruffles" zipper purses. If you ever list any more and I have the extra money I'm definitely going to claim one for myself (or at least try since they go so quickly)! Excellent work!

嘉麟 said...
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Kristin H said...

How wonderful for you congratulations. This one is really adorable:)

Tumus said...

these are just amazing and I have no idea how you find time to do all this, make bags and have time to sleep and be with friends :) You are gifted :)