Sunday, February 18, 2018

A Fragile Nature

Hello Dear Reader,

If you are new here, or haven’t read my previous posts you might not know that I’ve joined a group of quilters called The Endeavourers and that we were all working on quilts of the same subject - 'Nature'. 

For all the gen about my new friends at The Endeavourers visit HERE, and their blogs are listed at the end of this page, so you can see the wonderful quilts they have made!




Firstly I must apologise to Catherine, Janine and the other “Endeavourers” for being so late. I really underestimated the time my quilt would take, and unfortunately a recurring back problem has stopped me working as quickly as I would have liked.

**********

"A Fragile Nature"

In my last post I spoke about my inspiration for this piece and how I got started ... HERE

Well .... there has been this box of fabric paints lurking, unused, in one of our cupboards ever since I took part in a workshop for block printing. I had the idea that one day I would add to my block prints ..... but that hasn’t happened yet! Happily this meant I had fabric paints on hand to use on this project.

Progress on my quilt has been soooo slow, what with my dodgy back and then the light not being good enough. But also, when I decided to paint my design I didn't realise how long it would take me to find the right colours, and then as I progressed I found I could only see properly to paint in daylight. I was also scared to add to the painting in case I ruined my project.

The Flashing Scissors

The Flashing Scissors
Main piece on the left, Tester 1 on the right.
My first attempt became one of my test pieces early on(Tester 2). I'd made the mistake of painting on wet fabric! Of course it ran! So, when I wasn't sure how to paint the blue there was plenty of fabric to experiment on.
The Flashing Scissors
Tester 2
The Flashing Scissors
Tester 3

In all there were quite a few test pieces, which looked quite pretty, but when I started on my main project I couldn’t remember which colours I'd mixed together. 

I realise ..... now (thanks to Google) ..... the way to do it is to make a chart!

The Flashing Scissors

Anyway, thanks to all the practice, I now have some pretty little pieces which I am thinking of using to make a pencil case one day.

This is the flimsy after adding the final colours to the dormouse.

The Flashing Scissors

The next step will be to outline the branches, berries, and dormouse with machine stitch.

The Flashing Scissors
Here you can see the binding I've painted too!

To read a little more about my quiltlet I hope you would like to pop over to The Endeavourers.

But it is already time to think about the next project: due 1st May 2018, and the subject is:

Change/Transformation.

Oh help ..... any ideas anyone????




Hugs
Barbara xxx

The Endeavourers:



17 comments:

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

You really are putting a lot of effort into this project, I think it will pay off in the end!
My first thoughts for Change would be a colour change, starting with blues progressing through purples and transforming into reds. Or any other colour family you like!

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara i am loving your pieces the branch one is gorgeous,i think you are doing a wonderful job xx

FlashinScissors said...

Thanks Jo, I really appreciate your ideas. I was really lost for ideas, this is going to help me lots!
Hugs,
Barbara xx

FlashinScissors said...

Thanks Shez!
Hugs,
Barbara xx

allthingzsewn said...

I too like the berries and branch. Could not see the mouse very well. I find this very interesting. Looking forward to where you go with it. Like you my is still a work in progress. On fact,Ixm thinking of incorporating this quarterly topic in with it. But it will be plainly seen.

Lin said...

Well done you for perseverance! Your painting looks great and some free machine work will really enhance it. Maybe you could practise on your samples? xx

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

This is a lovely piece, Barbara. I love the design and it sounds like you have learned a lot about fabric painting in the making of this. The result looks great and all those tester pieces are very pretty too. I'm looking forward to seeing what you make with them. A pencil case would be very nice :)

Queeniepatch said...

I think you have learned a lot and had a good time. Nice to have a reason to use the paint that had been sitting forlorn in the cupboard.
I hope your back is better soon, and the light returns. Spring is on its way! Maybe that is what your CHANGE and TRANSFORMATION could be all about?

Carli The Quilter said...

Interesting. I'm a first time visitor. Lovely ideas and progress.

FlashinScissors said...

Thank you for your comment, Caroline.
I hope you will be back to visit again.
Barbara xx

Clare-Aimetu said...

What a great project you are working on, it's looking very good :)

handmade by amalia said...

It is so interesting to follow your progress, Barbara. The berries are a wonderful pop of color.
Amalia
xo

Magpie's Mumblings said...

So sorry your back has been giving you grief - not something that's much fun I know. I'm facing adding paint to my current project and it takes me ages to muster the courage to even start and then I live in fear the entire time I'm doing it. , so I have to admire what you're doing.

Textile Ranger said...

I am the same with painting -- I don't do it often enough to remember how I did it the last time, what I liked and didn't like, etc. Making a chart is a great idea! In fact, I think it would be a good way to build up the courage to work on the project, do a little chart first! So thanks for the idea.
And I love your project -- it has a simple look that captures the essence of Nature, but it has fresh details that hold my interest too! A good balance.

vaiybora said...

I really like your new decorative designs! it's so beautiful so much and good idea on site.

หนังสยองขวัญ

FlashinScissors said...

Thank you for your kind comment.
Barbara

Nancy said...

I did just comment on The Endeavourers' blog, but wanted to see more of what you were doing. I like painting on wet paper or fabric because it bleeds. I know when we think a deadline looms, we want to get right to it. It is wonderful that you have some other pieces and a plan for them, too.