Spring is different this year for many.  We live in the country near the Mississippi River and find it quite relaxing to take a walk every morning without the fear of having to distance from anyone.  Being retired we find it unnecessary to have to go anywhere other than groceries and that doesn’t happen but once every week and a half for milk. Sewing is taking top priority whether for masks or for enjoyment and relief.  I am indeed fortunate in this difficult time.

It was requested to post some closeups of a project that speaks spring to me so hoping internet doesn’t take too long to post and hope you enjoy.  Take time to look through past posts for other photos highlighting what I enjoy in the sewing/quilting world.

 

Southwest Inspirational Vistas

Hand stitching projects have been the norm while spending the last month and a half traveling the southwest and have yet another month to go. My head is already bursting with ideas, with mental sketches of the shapes and textures needed to convey the awesomeness of our national parks and monuments and the landscapes that surround them. Inspirational vistas both for the spiritual soul and the quilting soul abound.  In fact, it has been an overload of stimulating and creative thoughts and ideas. As I view the many artistic interpretations of renowned southwest artists I am inspired to think how I might interpret my experiences in my preferred medium of textiles, specifically quilted pieces.  First, I will be going home to dye more fabric and to look at what I have already dyed with new eyes. Will I be able to capture the colors as they are or will I try to capture the feelings with colors blended in new ways?  How can I create the multitude of textures that have been experienced in the stone landscapes as well as the leaves and bushes and trees and flowers and skies? I will continue to ponder, letting my mind absorb as much more as it possibly can with the continued support of my photos that barely do justice to the beauty of our great land.

 

Differing Perspective

For months I have wanted to find a unique way to use a particular border fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics. The abstract floral design that stood out was in the center of the fabric with dark background on each selvage. I was fussy cutting a striped fabric at a retreat when it hit me. Slicing the fabric down the middle and seaming the two selvage edges could result in a different perspective. Cutting 7” slices of fabric in varying widths and then seaming left me with an appealing background. Adding the half clamshell in a way that reminded me of a calla lily completed the design. It has been christened “Callafleur”.

I have made this with varied gray prints cut in rectangles for the background with ombre pinks and purples and bright butterfly to make a fun little baby’s playmat.