DISK RESEARCH

I would not have believed that creating disk hangings could be so diffcult.  Firstly, the hoops themselves.

Creating two ply 'hoops' at approximately 150 cms wide and 13 cms deep (previous blog), with the help of my husband gives me the starting point I need.  The difficulty, then, is in how to exactly tension the fabric over the disk so that it looks professional.  Di has suggested a series of pleats.  More sampling needed.

Metal bar, in process.  Again, the problem of fixing the fabric to the disk.  As the tankers are made from metal, I like this idea.  I am hoping to rust the mild steel and seal them, allowing them to show through the silk.

I have ordered fibreglass rod used in kite making to try.  This sounds like the best option because I can create a seam around the circular design and thread the hoop around.

I am sampling with embroidery disks and hoola hoops to create small sample disks

What I am trying to do is to create a disk hanging with a printed design where the disk and the 'trail' are one piece of fabric, the 'trail' being the contents of the tanker.  This sample on cotton jersey is made just using elastic (easy removel for cleaning).  The line of the elastic shows through so I will need to either make the disk a feature or use 2 layers of fabric.  I am working on creating smaller disk hangings where the 'contents' flow to the ground and spread out over the floor.

Creating a seam around a circle is so difficult.  I discovered that I must stitch a border piece of fabric on to the disk first.  Di showed me how to 'notch' the circular piece of fabric, and fit the band of fabric around that, matching the notches.  Matching short lengths between the notches ensures that you keep the tension in both pieces of fabric equal, avoiding puckering.  I was so impressed with using the industrial sewing machine. 

This creates a border 'band' or 'edge'.  My problem with this is that the precision needed to make sure that the seam is exactly on the edge of the disk will be so difficult. Otherwise it will look tacky.

Does the fabric need to be stretchy?  Silk?  (which is what I would like), Does it need to be opaque or translucent?  Does it need to be double or single.

My research is ongoing.

SUCCESS

ENTREPRENEURIAL ADVICE.

A couple of years ago, I was fascinated as I listened to a group of successful business men talking on a T.V. show about what makes them successful. Each one encompassed some indefinable quality. Was it passion, or focus, or a total lack of fear, was it wisdom, knowledge of their market place, or the desire to win. It was all of those qualities and more. Richard Branson's mother brought him up to believe that 'there is no such thing as failure'. He borrowed an enormous amount of money to start his business. When the bank demanded he pay the money back, he acquired a loan from another bank, payed the first bank and carried on. As we know, it paid off.

The business men were asked what advice they would give, in one sentence, to others seeking success.

They said:-

1. Keep it SIMPLE
2. Do what you KNOW
3. Do what affects YOU
4. RIDE ON YOUR FEAR
5. BULLSHIT!
6. Make THEM believe it.
7. Its not good enough to have the ideas - MAKE IT HAPPEN.
8. Whatever you are good at - CARRY ON DOING.

And I carry those around with me.

As I was having my hair done last week, I read the magazine 'Marie Claire'. They have collected 17 powerful women and through the Princes Trust are offering mentorships 'Inspire and Mentor', to a Marie Claire reader, to help them be the best they can be, especially to start a small business.

Best advice:
Leona Lewis, " follow your gut instinct", Simon Cowell.

Elle Macpherson, "Have the courage and willingness to explore different mediums of creativity. Do what you love and love what you do, and drink three litres of water every day"

Karren Brady, Businesswoman and vice chairman of West Ham United on qualities she admires. "Communication and integrity. People who are direct and honest".

Ruth Jones Actress. "Her husband said, 'There is not one cake. There is an endless supply of cake that everyone can eat".

Naomie Harris Actress. Said her inspiration was Dawn French who gave her the £80 for her equity card. "Super talented as well as an incredible human being"

How many times do we hear business people, actresses etc. telling tales of incredible luck, of being in the right place at the right time? Is it luck? Is it drive, determination, will, strength which create successful people. Must we have a passion that becomes an obsession? We mustn't forget skill and knowledge, belief in oneself and considerable research

"Feel the fear and do it Anyway". Susan Jeffers.