Hello, it's August???
When I am working on a project I become so focused that 12-14 hours go by as the days go by before I know it.
I am making a baby quilt for my wee new great nephew born in May. Now when I say quilt it probably conjurs up patchwork to most.......but that's not how I roll. Yes there are squares but not in a traditional sense at all. Each one is like a little painting on fabric so it takes time and then I add a little stitching to them. It's a real labor of love.
I took my cue from a couple of framed photographs they bought for his room, one was of cowboy boots. Now, they themselves, are not the cowboy/cowgirl type nor are they boot wearing, ranch people.......more urbanites........but I liked that they leaned in that direction in terms of wall art. (and my niece-in-law loves cows so I did an homage to her as well) They live in Texas so yes, there are western/Texas themes to a few of the pieces.
(photo quality is from a quick snap with my iPhone but proper pics will be taken when I am finished)
Everything begins with PFD white cotton fabric and textile paint. I draw/sketch the image fiddling with it a bit on paper then outline it with a sharpie..........on the lightbox it goes to trace it on to the white fabric and the painting, stitching begins. Each piece is not small and so far I have done 8 of them, each one is different. But you get the idea that each one is like a little painting.
I work organically.........I don't use a ruler to precisely measure each piece and so far I have sewn them together with a strip of fabric between them (black with white polka dots {I didn't paint that fabric} but they don't line up all perfectly symetrical. Again, that's how I roll. A purist in terms of quilt making may be aghast at my process/method, but for me, it's how I prefer to work. And I LOVE working with fabric and paint..........it really sings to me. Always has. Oh and everything is sewn by hand.....that process is very Zen for me as well.
So that's where I've been and what I've been up to. My studio looks like a bomb exploded.........I work messy - that's another thing about me. Then when I'm done it all gets cleaned up to begin the next project. Are you like that? Or does your studio/work space always look neat and tidy?
Speaking of studio........I need to make some changes to mine. I know, I can hear you now..........WHAT? you just redid the whole thing!!!! Well yes, that is true but it's not huge changes....just things I found didn't work as time as gone by. I will share all that later.
So what's new with you? I hope everyone is happy, healthy and shining bright!!
Until next time.......
