Pages

▼

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Working on a new challenge

Yummy Silks! I have gathered silks along with cottons for years, so when I decided to use silk in my latest STAT challenge, I went shopping in my stash! What's better than that?
These are textured, some hand dyed, shiny and glistening, the dupioni changes color depending on the angle you see.

STAT is a group studying well known painter's styles and interpreting them in fabric, with an emphasis on textures. They must be 12 inches square.
This time we are focused on Lois Mailou Jones  http://www.loismailoujones.com/

I decided to use silks and attempt an abstract. More about the decision making on the final reveal, but for now...
I plan to cut the silk into different size rectangles and squares, layer them on stabilizer and hand stitch through with thick threads...
like these. I decided on some hand dyed perle cottons though instead of these.
And stencil some repetitive designs with these plus paint
And I added a rough cut poodle romping, looking back over his shoulder as he runs...

Right now the silk is pressed onto the stabilizer ready for some kind of hand stitches.
Then stencil, then onto peltex for machine quilting and binding.

I am not so comfortable with abstract work. The process was lots of fun though and if it doesn't pan out, it's still bright and shiny and could be made into something, right?
But it will work out... this is where trust and my vision come into play. Trust...

at

18 comments:

  1. JasmineMay 7, 2015 at 9:45 PM

    I would have a hard time with abstract as well, but I like the looks of yours.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Michele McLaughlinMay 8, 2015 at 4:06 AM

    I love it! I think the poodle makes it a story. Well done! :) Hugs, Mickie

    ReplyDelete
  3. KathyMay 8, 2015 at 4:18 AM

    I'm all about abstract and I think you're making a wonderful story with yours. You always have a pretty clear vision of where you are going, even if you aren't entirely sure of each step on the journey! Abstract is no problem for you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Esther AliuMay 8, 2015 at 5:20 AM

    I love your abstract shapes and composition and I think doing things like this can only improve your eye and balance for the 'usual' work. Also, I love the poodle!

    ReplyDelete
  5. MarlyMay 8, 2015 at 5:32 AM

    I enjoyed reading your plan for this project. You have a vision, you have chosen your ingredients and go for it. I cook like that, but when it comes to the visual I'm a lot less confident. Your post is very encouraging.

    ReplyDelete
  6. KajaMay 8, 2015 at 5:50 AM

    Trust yourself - colours are great, shapes are great, the poodle is an inspired addition (and very you). Somethings the things we find hardest turn out the best.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnitaMay 8, 2015 at 7:31 AM

    This is looking good!

    ReplyDelete
  8. JoanneMay 8, 2015 at 8:27 AM

    Hi LeeAnna!
    Wow! Always something to learn here at Not afraid of Color! It's amazing what creative stuff comes out of you and your treasure chest of a Hobby room! Trust your creative ideas!
    Take care,
    Joanne

    ReplyDelete
  9. JoanneMay 8, 2015 at 8:27 AM

    Hi LeeAnna!
    Wow! Always something to learn here at Not afraid of Color! It's amazing what creative stuff comes out of you and your treasure chest of a Hobby room! Trust your creative ideas!
    Take care,
    Joanne

    ReplyDelete
  10. HeidiMay 8, 2015 at 11:47 AM

    Like you, I have been hoarding interesting silks as I come across them and have not yet played with them. I am a bit nervous about hand-stitching silk and look forward to your finish!

    ReplyDelete
  11. CathyMay 8, 2015 at 2:44 PM

    What an interesting challenge. So far...so good!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Linda Wulf KoenigMay 8, 2015 at 3:30 PM

    This will work, I can tell. Trusting is so important. I didn't know you could press silk onto (fusible, right?) stabilizer (thought the iron would be too hot for the silk). I need to experiment. Got a whole fabric sample book with silks in it. Very glad to see this idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LA PaylorMay 8, 2015 at 4:33 PM

      well, I did with no problems. I didn't hold the iron on very long. It's my travel iron, the one I use in the studio so it doesn't dim the lights! It is hot enough to press seams and get out wrinkles. Test any silk first, and I used the cheap thin fusible stabilzer from joann's.

      Delete
  13. Karen in Breezy PointMay 10, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    I'm no abstract fiber artist, but you certainly have some yummy things to work with!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Quilter KathyMay 10, 2015 at 1:26 PM

    Yes... the purpose is just to have fun and PLAY!
    Look forward to seeing how it evolves :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. CathieJMay 10, 2015 at 3:46 PM

    Enjoy the process, the end result might be something wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Rabid Quilter from CaliforniaMay 11, 2015 at 6:13 PM

    I think you did a great job at abstract! You should feel a bit more comfortable now.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Janine @ Rainbow HareMay 12, 2015 at 7:17 AM

    It's looking great. I love the poodle against all the colour, especially that he/she seems to be in mid flight :)

    ReplyDelete