I just finished hand-quilting this piece. It's a rendition of "Ivy in Flower," made by Henri Matisse in 1953. His was 112" square. Mine is 38." It's one of the many wonderful collages he made late in his life. It's my first attempt at hand-applique.
The stitching isn't perfect, but I don't mind. I would never make anything if I was striving for perfection!
This is the first time I've used a facing, instead of binding. It's really just a binding, turned all the way to the back.
After a year of working on the Matisse piece, I've become addicted to hand-work. I get fidgety if I don't have something to stitch in the evenings. Do you? This weekend, I started hand-quilting this. It should take me up through the end of the year at least. Phew!
Meanwhile, look what came in the mail from Tonya over at Lazy Gal! We'd been talking about thrift store finds, and I'd been drooling over her sunny, Florida plaids. These bright, clear colors are almost impossible to find here, in the moist Northwest. So I sent her some of my "b__uglies," in trade for some of her plaids. And she threw in the labels too! I tell you, I got the good end of this deal! If you haven't already, make sure and visit her to see the happy stars she's making with these.
17 comments:
DD did an art project last year. They had to design a hat inspired by an artist. After a lot of pffing about she chose Matisse.
The result was spectacular. Very much like your quilt.
The colours in your current hand project are great and I love love love those plaids.
Just found your blog and just wanted to say I love your style...I'll be back :o)
I got sent to your blog from Clare. I really like the colors and theme of this quilt. I have been quilting about the same length of time as you and I have yet to try applique. It really does not speak to me. I have been doing a lot with scrap blocks lately. I am also working on my second hand quilt project and I love it.
I have always liked Matisse's collage/cutouts.
Yes I cannot live without some kind of handwork project. In place of the ubiquitous hexagons, I am making 3" drunkard's path squares with red and white. Thought I would use up a lot of red, but fat chance. My original goal was to make 600, but that is a little crazy.
Bonnie
Nifty,
I am drooling over everything in this post. The quilt is spectacular! Your hand stitching in gorgeous and the plaids... I know what you mean about the colors.. I have the same issue over here.. Not too many bright color shirts in my stash.. But, I do have store bought shirting.
It is very inspiring to see your bright and cheerful quilts.
I agree with Sujata, everything is gorgeous! Your applique is very inspiring - different and fresh. Like you, I love to do some quilting by hand. Love it so much that I now have to take a break, and rest my arm and neck a bit...
Those shirts are so cheerful. Very promising...
; )
I love everything in your post! Yes. Handwork is a must, not always in the evening, but I like to have it when I travel or have to sit in a waiting room.
You're always inspiring.
This slowness is the reason why I took up handquilting. If it was fast, I wouldn't know where to store all the stuff I produce. I wanted to have some occupation to be doing next to my husband while he is watching tv. I find it too boring to just watch, and when it becomes too exiting, there is something I can hold between me and the screen.
... Matisse was a genius! And he kept producing masterpieces even when he had to lie in bed. This quilt is gorgeous. And your hand quilting yearns to be touched and looks great.
Your quilting is divine. I wish I had the patience to do all my quilts like this... I love the solid colors of this and your inspiration, Mattise, makes my heart sing,
wonderful work. i love the patchwork piece you are currently hand quilting. what a lovely quilt.
Your "Ode" quilt is nifty indeed! You did well for your first applique project, and hand quilters always earn my admiration. Love your current hand quilted piece, too. Your stitches look nice and even... an excellent accent for your work.
It is glorious! What a work. Congratulations! Your next handquilting piece is lovely too. And those plaids- so fun! I have a trip planned to Florida, I'll have to make time to go thrift shopping for shirts while I am there!
W-a-y too wonderful girl!! I oh so l-o-v-e handwork...especially hand quilting!!! I'v not tried any colored threads yet but would like to in the future!!!
Can you post a bigger picture of the triangle quilt you are handquilting? It looks very intersting. I love handwork and always have a couple pieces going. I have a basket that goes everywhere in the car so I can get my fix while others are driving!
You are so wise: "I would never make anything if I was striving for perfection!" That's probably what keeps me from getting more done.
I would love to be able to sit and stitch in the evenings. By that time, however, my eyes are tired and I have this husband who is nourished by me playing with his hair while we watch TV... Since he pays the bills I figure I'd better keep him happy!
I, too, get itchy without hand work. For me, it is when I am traveling. Hotel rooms are lonely at night, and I don't watch much TV.
Your stitching is lovely, and I love the contrasting thread you choose for your solids quilt in the hoop. Very striking!
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