Oh yes, very bad indeed. That’s the guilty guy right up above. He love’s Christmas. He love’s unwrapping presents. But how is he going to be suprised on Christmas morning when he has sneaked into Mom’s closet and stolen Mr. Hedgehog several days before the festivities?
This is Mr. Hedgehog. He is back in the closet.
I just want to whine. So, here I go… I am constantly losing my bra! I can’t seem to get into the habit of putting it in one place. What makes matters worse is the fact that I spontaneously take it off without thinking about it. Before you worry about me, I just what to let you know I work at home. The spontaneous bra removal has yet to happen in public.
I have found it in every room of the house, in my craft supplies, under the couch and so on. I lose my bra more than I lose my keys.
I’m glad I got that off my chest.
How does one go about creating a art quilt? I won’t get into the details about discovering your creative voice, love of fiber, personal symbolism and bizzare fabric fetishes for now. I just want to give you a idea of what goes through my mind.
First I had the creative urge. Then I fell in love with Jude Hills’s quilt, Hearts in the Wind. This quilt got me thinking about what I wanted my next quilt to be. Hearts have meaning for me. They don’t represent love for me, but emotions.
There is something very primal yet delicate about Jude’s work. Her work feels personal. What might be considered flaws for some quilters (tears, holes, loose threads, illregular shapes) are what give Jude’s work soul.
So when I started to create my quilt there where certain elements I wanted to keep in mind. I wanted to use the symbol of a heart. I wanted my quilt to scream handmade. And I wanted the stitches to provide texture and a kind of humanity.
Then I saw The Silly Bodilly’s Work Quilt. I just melted for the playful use of colors and shapes. I personally have trouble dealing with such a large compositions, so I decided to stick with a simple composition. Like the Hearts in the Wind quilt, this quilt has great texture provided by the quilting. Bodilly’s quilting is a bit more formal yet she is able to keep the humanity in her stitches.
The color’s Bodilly used are strong and natural. They convey a strengh that isn’t forced.
From Bodilly’s quilt I learned that I wanted a quilt that was strong and solid. I also wanted abstract shapes. And, like with Jude’s quilt, quilting stitches that add a zesty texture.
This is my Quilt. Quite simple. Not finished yet. It has a heart. It is hand quilted with texture in mind. It has a couple abstract elements. I believe the colors give a feeling of strength, even though the yellow applique has a softness about it. It looks very handmade. It’s small, about 30″ x 30″ since I find that I don’t enjoy doing large quilts. The fabric is soft to the touch. There is a small bit of embroidery (clck on quilt images to see the details better).
Sometime soon I will go into the actual steps of how my designs evolve into the finished design. Just so you know, it took four false starts to get to this design.
Also, did you notice that I was able to use the word zesty in this blog? I believe that I have never, ever used this word in any of my writing.
Jude Hill’s Blog: http://www.spiritcloth.typepad.com/
The Silly Bodilly’s Blog: http://thesillyboodilly.blogspot.com/
I will be showing some of my prints at the Escondido Municiple Gallery in Escondido, CA. The opening is actually tonight starting at 5:30. I hope to see some of you there!
Thanks for the great response to my last blog regarding a possible book in my future. You all have made it clear what you would like the book to be about. Basically a book about the creation of art with a lean toward art quilts and a sprinkling of embroidery. Also, included in the book should be tricks and cheats on color, design and composition. Did I get it right?
Also, there is a cry for more Badbird embroidery patterns, in book form. Your thirst for designs is insatiable, you greedy, greedy stitchers.
I have contacted a few crafters, that have books, to ask them what steps they took to get their books published. If you guys have any tips PLEASE let me know.
And, finally, for those who offered to be guinea pigs and be my stitchers if need be. I will keep you names and very well will take you up on your offer. I only have two hands, which I guess is pretty normal, but I can only do so much stitching myself.
I think I want to write a book. A craft book to be more specific. But, here’s the thing, I don’t know what kind of craft book.
Here is what I think I am good at:
Designing. I think that I am pretty ok with designing embroidery and quilt patterns.
Choosing colors. It took a long time, but I got a handle on it.
Finding a simple, none fussy way to create quilt and fabric art. This includes how to design, compose and choose colors.
What I am not good at:
Sewing projects like purses, pillow cases and potholders.
Creating projects in general.
Ugh, I need help. Let me know what you would want from me.
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