winter – Teresa Dang

Inspiration capsule: Winter 22

Original art by Teresa Dang ‘Warhol Girl’

This is a quick post about some gems who give me hope and inspiration in the independent art and illustration world. They have all stood the test of time ❤ If you are looking for inspiration and new artists to follow make sure to give put these guys on your list:

Nina Cosford – she is a UK illustrator who loves to draw on location, she makes quirky little illustrations of a relatable character named “Girl.”
Leigh Ellexson – Canadian based, her art is colourful and cool like she is. Her youtube videos are genuinely the most effortless looking beautiful vlogs I’ve seen. I am addicted!
Furry Litttle Peach – is an Aussie illustrator who basks in all things cute and vibrant. She is sunshine and rainbows from inside out which she infuses into her art.
Fran Meneses – is a New York based illustrator, she is generous with sharing her art journey and the ways in which she develops her art style. Her art is editorial and super stylish.

These people remind me of the joys of art making and doing things.

Have an awesome weekend!

Teresa xx

Part 2: Lockdown hobbies – sewing

I made a top inspired by these photos.

It is a tailored-blocky-semi-cropped-black top. I really enjoy wearing high waisted pants and thought it would be perfect with a top like this.

This took me 3 days to make –

Day 1 – Traced beloved old cotton top, cut pattern blocks and cut out fabric. Wednesday 21/7/2021

Day 2 – Attached interfacing to front and back panels as well as two back panels, hem the bottom edge. Thursday, 22/7/ 2021 – went to bed at 2am.

Day 3 – Attached the sides and top stitched the arm holes and neck holes and hand sewed on the button. Saturday 24/7/2021.

My favourite parts of this top:

The button loop detail!!
The cut of the top is flattering and goes with most my clothes.

Black thread in the sewing machine ready for sewing.

Some things I learnt from making this top:

I can create patterns using tops I find flattering on me – I found a cotton top that I have worn to death and found I could pair with everything.
French seams are worth the time invested – A work around for those who do not have a serger.
Pin all around the neck line and arm holes to ensure when top stitching to ensure the final result is nice and neat.
Measure yourself as you go:
1. ensure the widest part of your chest is equal to the widest part of the bodice.
2. ensure the opening around your neck hole is larger or equal to the circumference of your head.
My scissors tweezer were so helpful to fold in raw edges into the french seam, leaving a big lip makes it easier to tuck in the raw edges.

Things that I would do differently:

I would extend the facing block, I made it too short and it hit me in a very awkward spot.
I would top stitch the neck hole before attaching the two back panels.
I would use this same pattern, in a summer fabric and crop up the top and add straps.

Thanks for dropping by and have a lovely day.

Teresa x

Part 1: Lockdown hobbies – photography

Here are a few photos I took the other day.

I feel a stillness, coziness and a closeness when I look at them. It’s an ideal state when in winter.

They were shot with a Nikon D90 camera body and 50 mm NIKKOR (5201461) lens with a focal range of .45 to 5 metres. The aperture is 1:1.4 meaning it is great for low light. This lens is great for indoor low light conditions and shooting plans in a shady garden or a dark room. The images feel intimate because you need to be up close and personal. As it is a prime lens (ie. fixed lens) I am forced to move about around the subject. The lens is made in Japan.

I purchased the 50mm manual focus lens second-hand for around $100 at Sydney Camera Market hosted by Ultimo Community Centre. The lens slso came with a nice Cokin 0-52mm UV filer too. The markets are currently on hold due to covid, hopefully one day we can visit them again.

To understand what the above numbers mean I found this article to be helpful.

Stay safe and take care,

Teresa x