Melanie (Melly) Testa

Unicorn Facts: My Journey into the Magical World

Many years ago, I turned to social media and asked, ‘When you think of unicorns, what do you think of?’ The response was tremendous. Little did I know about unicorns, up until this point. I have since this moment, become an aficionado. I know both facts and fiction about unicorns, I have participated in highContinue reading “Unicorn Facts: My Journey into the Magical World”

Exploring Depth in Textile Art through Color and Texture

A few years ago, when we first bought this home, I began working with appliqué, using my own hand printed cloth. At the time, I was working small, because we were having construction done, and the table that was available to me was limited in size. I had been using the techniques reviewed in PlayfulContinue reading “Exploring Depth in Textile Art through Color and Texture”

Using my Voice

I have been a journey of self love and acceptance, as I hope we all are. Some days, I would call it radical acceptance. As I mentioned previously, my Mom recently passed away. My Father passed a few years back and my sibling is no contact. I understand why my sibling went no contact andContinue reading “Using my Voice”

Etsy Update!

Hello, my good and burgeoning readership! I am happy to announce an Etsy Shop update. There are Daisy Gazers, Hand Holders, Owls and more! My current small works are an exploration of story telling with birds, daisies and natural elements, amidst a fiesta of color and texture. All of the fabrics in these works areContinue reading “Etsy Update!”

A Flamingo and a Sand Dollar?

A friend through Facebook reached out and asked if I would make an ornament which depicted both an American Flamingo and a Sand Dollar. I jumped at this request. When I hear the word, ornament, I think of a dimensional object, hanging from a loop. I upcycled some packing cardboard to create the base. IContinue reading “A Flamingo and a Sand Dollar?”

Designing a Life (and a Flamingo)

These last few months have been challenging. I first lost my job and income, then I lost my Mom. My father passed away a few years ago and my sibling is no contact. This part of my life is coming to a close and a profound shift is occurring. I feel as if a reorderingContinue reading “Designing a Life (and a Flamingo)”

Emerging after a long silence

It has literally been years since I have utilized this space. The last time I used it, I lived in New York City. It was during Covid 19 lockdown. I was making some really comfortable masks, where all of my supplies were donated by my community. I had a two for one deal, where everyContinue reading “Emerging after a long silence”

Batwing Mask w Jersey Knit ear loops and Toggle Bead cinch (FREE PDF Pattern)

Jersey Knit Batwing<——-download this I have been kinda bonkers for the GoodNotes app for iPad with pencil! Here is a FREE PDF #MellyMasks pattern, made using the GoodNotes app. This is a six page, full color pdf pattern with artistic illustrations. The PDF is indexed, has thumbnails and bookmarked pages for easy reference. Please, ifContinue reading “Batwing Mask w Jersey Knit ear loops and Toggle Bead cinch (FREE PDF Pattern)”

iJournaling, is it a thing?

Grace, Running Stitch and the ten years between.

I recently listened my Quilters Save Our Stories (QSOS) interview from 2010, where I heard my own voice, an echo of my past, discussing quilt making and hard times. I did this in preparation for a new podcast interview called Running Stitch, also a Quilt Alliance offering, that seeks to highlight and expand upon their rich backlogContinue reading “Grace, Running Stitch and the ten years between.”