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| Catching Some Rays |
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| Auditioning Thread |
In my quest to use thread in a new way (and avoid hand
sewing), I rediscovered my sewing machine manual. Wow, this thing does everything
except make breakfast. I’m sure I was lured by the promise of decorative
stitches and embroidery when I purchased the machine, but truth be told, I
rarely use anything other than a straight stitch.
Well, thanks to Martha, things have changed. At least on
this quilt they have. I used a variety of decorative stitches to machine
applique the leaves on the sea grass. I used another one to stitch around the
largest fish. Unfortunately, the stitching isn’t as prominent as it was before
I discharged the quilt.
I hadn’t done that before either: discharge after assembling
the quilt top. Maybe not my brightest moment. I admit, the process required
patience, prayer and a pinch of recklessness. At the last minute, in an attempt
to redeem my faded threadwork, I used a decorative stitch to sew the binding.
The last bit of innovative thread work on this quilt was
inspired by Sue Dennis years ago. I had just met Sue at a SAQA event in Houston
after she had finished show and tell of a beautiful piece with a wonderful
thread element. I can’t remember many details other than the thread work:
undulating curves with holes and organic shapes that looked like modern lace. I
asked her how she had created it and she said she stitched the shape on water soluble
stabilizer and then rinsed it out and stitched it down.
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| Thread Crab |
I was still a very new quilter and I was sure it was more
complex than I could manage, but I determined to try it one day. Well, I
finally tried it on this quilt! I made a crab completely from thread and I had
a great time doing it while thinking about a chance meeting that inspired me years
before. Thanks Sue!
“Catching Some Rays” is a whimsical look at life and light
underwater. 24” W x 48” H.
Well I'm impressed you remembered my quilt and also by your first created thread work Lisa-Marie! I think the discharge works well for the light rays through the water. Isn't it wonderful to have had this challenge?
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting when something in passing to one person provides a powerful impression to another? It certainly makes me more mindful of my interactions. Thanks for the inspiration! I am glad to finally have had an impetus to try new techniques, it was fun.
DeleteWell done, Lisa-Marie! I like that you explored the different functions on your sewing machine. It's always nice to discover new tools and options you have at your disposal. It's funny that we both discovered something fun to create - while trying to avoid hand stitching! LOL
ReplyDeleteLOL Kate, I guess we discovered creative avoidance! It was fun to rediscover my machine and learn new things.
DeleteGreat solution, Lisa-Marie! Not so many of us hand-stitched, in the end, though I would have liked to… Sewing machines are like computers these days, they can do so much and we use so few of the functions. Great opportunity to explore! Your colors are so affected by your surroundings - the discharge definitely works! Nice piece!
ReplyDeleteI love the rays in your work, Lisa-Marie. It looks like the light of hope. I think you did a good job in discharging the quilt top. The crab is lovely. Thank you for sharing the lovely story with us.
ReplyDelete