Many many many yards of thread later, the blending of highlights and lowlights is completed. Sometimes the back is as interesting as the front of a piece. But, with an art piece like this, the quilt police who measure stitches per inch and consistency need not apply!
The base layer of stitching has started. It is both the embellishment and the quilting. Once this is completed I will go back and add highlights and shadows with other thread colors. The first White River Hope was done on one of my vintage Singers. This time I am using my sit-down mid-arm which is easier on my arthritic shoulders.
I’ve been collecting linen and started making some of my own clothing again. In school I even made my own patterns and designs. I was happy to see that these professionals also use a trusty vintage Singer Sewing machine. Looks like a 99k or maybe a 15? it made my heart light to hear them talk about why they do this.
http://MAIWA: Merchant and Mills in Maiwa Supply
the short video is worth a few minutes of your time. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, relax and take a little trip overseas from the US.
While drinking our coffee on the patio this morning there was a song of birds chirping accompanied by buzzing of bees. The pokeberry and basil in bloom were the concert hall. I love the play of color with the lime green and white of the basil juxtaposed to the dark green and red stems of the pokeberry. Soon there will be enough berries for dyeing.
the basic shapes and values are fused to the base fabric. Now I will put some accents with textile paint on the water and put a simple shape for the heron in place. Tomorrow the painting with thread will begin. Then the piece will really come alive.
I recently purchased this large heavy easel at a thrift shop. I can lay it nearly flat to press fusible shapes down, then stand it up tp take a good look. It has worked perfectly for this piece.
JP Dawes Contemporary Artist 