My piece this time is something different - like an encore given at the end of a concert. It is a new idea that I am excited about. I want to make a series of them - my mind is running away with the possibilities.
The strips are quilted and satin stitch edged individually, then woven together. The idea of the knots came in the shower - where all my mad ideas seem to hit me. The fabrics are hand dyes.
This is actually a trial run for something bigger that I am keen to complete for the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, UK, this August. Trouble is I have so many ideas I need to sit down and decided which one to use - they can't all be used together!
For once I was finished before time and on top of that I really enjoyed doing this.
Hilary
Very interesting and I love it. The knots add the wow factor. You are pushing the boat out. How sturdy is it? Presumably the size of this one is not a problem.
ReplyDeleteThis so interesting and very different - Hilary your work is always so "out of the box" and I love it. How long did it take you to bind each strip, it must have taken ages or have you got a magic formula. Making it bigger opens up all sorts of wonderful possibilities. Can't wait to see how you go forward with this.
ReplyDeleteI can see this as a bold, monumental piece in a corporate lobby. Soon you'll be doing installations all over the U.K A new direction with lots of possibilities!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work in the shower, your ideas never fail to amaze me.
ReplyDeleteWow! So different! And it looks superbly executed. I think Heather is right - it would be interesting to see it as a large installation.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite sturdy as I always use felt as a batting in smallish pieces and actually the structure becomes self-supporting. The weaving is held together at the back with hand stitching. I have a #2 foot from Bernina which makes satin stitching a cut edge fairly pain free but it's still quite a slow process - as is getting the stitch width, length and tension right - groan.
ReplyDeleteI am finding all sorts of challenges with the larger version - I thought I might have to add a layer of stabilizer but that makes it very difficult to get into the embroidery hoop - and it might leave crease marks. There are solutions - just time consuming finding the one to fit the problem...
Hilary
Inspired! How about combining the small ones in a multiples piece. Yes I can see how you are going to get alot of mileage out of this new direction. The knots are fantastic and the whole look is so fresh and 3D.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michele - that's yet another idea. H
ReplyDeleteVa va voom! This piece really packs a visual punch! It is just gorgeous. I love the change in the colour of the strips. It is so different and original. Congratulations Hilary! I am sure bigger will be even better, though technically challenging. If anyone can handle it, you can.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing what you do for the FOQ even more now. Love the 'knots' and the subtle change of colours, coupled with the boldness of the overall design. Have you mounted it on whaite fabric, or does it just 'hang loose'?
ReplyDeleteNo, it hangs by itself and is quite stable. I haven't put a sleeve on yet but it would be very easy. I have other ideas in my head for hanging arrangements.
DeleteA larger version sounds very exciting! I shall look forward to seeing the result of your labours at FOQ. Seriously excited by this approach ;-)
ReplyDeletei love the finished look and am intrigued by the technique. what a fabulous idea hilary and so well done (is that a bit of eggplant in the bottom right corner?)
ReplyDeleteOMG!! What a concept...you have just pushed me to re-think how to approach our small size and to achieve a textural, modern look. Very appealing with crisp lines and subtle color changes. What was your inspiration for this piece?
ReplyDeleteWho knows where the inspiration comes from? The idea for the bigger piece/s came first and then I thought about trying it out for this challenge as nothing else was calling. Choosing the fabrics was fun and a challenge to not create something too over powering. H
ReplyDeleteHilary, what a wonderful example of your superb technical ability. I do hope the technical difficulties don't prevent you from creating a larger piece - it would have such impact.
ReplyDeleteLove your colour choices too - enough variety to give definition but not overwhelming. Bravo!