Friday, March 15, 2013

Order & Coral Bells

When I finish a big project, I usually feel a bit of a slump and a need to put my studio in order...somewhat. Ok, I didn't really finish anything, but stitching the pomegranate tree segments is done, and that was engulfing. So I need a break to clear my head.

First, I put my sawhorses in order...yeah sawhorses. I have two shoved together over which I drape my quilts so there are no folds.

Then I wrote a T-Do-List (at the top, under the header). Lists help. This one is extensive--20 items lined up and waiting. That's a pretty big back-burner. Some people (like my husband) would be totally overwhelmed. Not me.














So here's what I'll be machine stitching next.












There are a total of four sections like this. I made a pattern from Coral Bells:
I enjoyed looking at Coral Bells closely again. I could gush for hours about the beauty of machine and hand stitching together. I remembered why I made a pattern.
In the second version, I'm going to slice up the pieces and sew them back together. 
Much as I hate to repeat myself, the idea in my head overrides the boredom factor.
And then, the colors please me so much.

Linked to Nina Marie's "Off the Wall Fridays"

13 comments:

Julierose said...

Softest colors on Coral Bells--I like them, too...you're going to CUT THEM UP? Okay, can't wait to see them...Julierose

Linda M said...

Beautiful, I'm really attracted to the freedom of your work.

Nina Marie said...

I love how rough edge truly looks rough - the texture is great. When I get done with signs I might have to try some of this and you can say - Hey I gave her that idea!

Nancy said...

I get what you're saying about finishing a big piece and needing to clean up. I often haul out enough stuff for 3 quilts and there's always a lot to put away!

Cheryl in Friendsville said...

I really like your coral bells. Can't wait to see how you finish it.

Nancy Bowron said...

Neat idea here! I have sketchbooks full of little floral drawings and this is a good reminder to pull them out and incorporate them with fabric.

Maya Schonenberger said...

I love the colors of the flower






























Lovely coral bells, great colors.









audrey said...

Love this quilt. Your stitching is beautiful. I always like to clean up and organize (esp. my mind) after a big project.:)

quilthexle said...

Your work is so unique - beautiful !

Anonymous said...

I love the delicate flowers- and the drawing quality of the stitching. And I am interested that you commented that you like the machine and hand stitching together. Is it the combination of the line quality? Very lovely quilt!

MulticoloredPieces said...

Yes, the difference of line quality pleases me, and also the differences of texture. Each technique has its own particularities that can be explored. I find also that the hand stitching absorbs buckling and helps tame the machine stitching. The machine stitching usually is the prima donna of the piece, yet the hand stitching enhances it and adds depth and subtlety.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm, very helpful to know. I am just starting out with my quilting, though have been practicing other textile and sewing for years. I have felt that hand stitching shapes into clothes gives more control- it does seem more "relaxed" in a way, in the area it controls.

Lisa Chin said...

I love the look of hand AND machine stitching together! Your coral bells are just lovely!