The first piece I did was the obvious one - an aubergine (eggplant to the rest of the world). I enjoyed making it,. The vertical green is corded and the sliced aubergine is rusted fabric - perfect! The beige background is a cotton/linen mix from Kona - they do a range of colour - it's great to work with. The dark fabric is a glorious piece of hand dyed fabric by Heide Stoll-Weber. It is so deep that it is almost velvety.
Then I felt I should have pushed myself a bit harder so I came up with this one. Again the Kona background fabric but throwing in contrast colours and then a few stitched circles for good measure.
The edges are satin stitched. I enjoyed this little exercise more than I thought I would and I don't know which I prefer.
I can't wait to hear what the next colour is.
Hilary
I love both of these Hilary. Your actual aubergine is so perfect; the rusted fabric for the slices is inspired! But the other is fascinating as well. Have you a special attachment for stitching the circles, or are you just very good at it??
ReplyDeleteI do have an attachment but broke it trying to set it up for this. (It has since been replaced by Bernina.) So, I had to do it 'freehand'. I drew the circles in place and then used the centre mark on the foot to line up with the marked line and went for it. Having the sandwich to work on helps with stability and I used felt again for the batting - my favourite.
DeleteHilary
Hmm .... two pieces, show off! I love them both also, however ,the second one could make a fantastic larger piece. Tough call here as to which one to choose.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Phil - would love to the second piece in a bigger scale. Those circles are mightily impressive.
ReplyDeleteLove your choice of fabrics for the first piece!
LindaB
The rust circles actually made my mouth water. Fried aubergine slices anyone?
ReplyDeleteSandy in Bracknell
I think the way you have added a highlight to the eggplant is very effective. But I do agree that the second piece represented a greater challenge, including its unexpected colour scheme. And I really like the double rows of quilting stitch. I imagine this piece would look well-composed no matter how you oriented it.
ReplyDeleteHeather, you just reminded me that I tried out a twin needle for the quilting.
DeleteYou also reminded me that one way to test a pieces' composition is to turn it through 90/180/270 degrees. If it looks balanced all the way around then chances are it's OK. (I forgot to do this with this piece - duh!)
Thanks for the heads up.
Hilary
I love both pieces! And the modern one is asking to be translated into a larger size. Your HS fabric is stunning.
ReplyDeleteVery impressive second piece and I would love your eggplant in my kitchen in a minute!
ReplyDeleteHilary I love them both - they are so different but both very good. I do like the circles and the straight lines, which I agree could be used in a bigger piece. How did you get the circles so even - clever you. Your aubergine looks great too ... very difficult to choose.
ReplyDeleteThey are both very nice. The eggplant is so realistic with the lovely sheen.
ReplyDelete