As I considered how to channel this craving into some new stitched work, my mind kept wandering back to a recent visit to a Free People clothing store. The clothes there are great, although out of my humble price range. But the thing that always catches my eye in this particular store, even more so then the clothing, is the beautiful stitched Indian patchwork which is used as upholstery on the chairs and couches as well as for the curtains on the dressing rooms. Bright patches of fabric with colorful, alternating rows of hand embroidery. The stitching creates a secondary woven-like overlay pattern on top of the richly patterned patchwork. Below is an example of a similar piece of upholstered furniture, an adario patchwork ottoman from Arhaus...
Inspired, I decided to start exploring some simple constructed patchwork, in brightly colored patterned fabrics. However, having done lots, and lots of hand embroidered art quilts this past year, I decided to take a break on the hand stitching, and subsitute machine stitching.
I quilted the entire surface in horizontal and vertical rows of stiching spaced just a smidge over 1/8" apart.
The colors cheered me, and the piecing and stitching soothed me.
I'm happy with how this first piece came out, and am now working on my next piece. This time I am paying a bit more attention to stitching more deliberate and defined rows of alternating colored threads. My goal is to create a more definite overlay pattern, not as random as in this first piece. (I'll post the results as soon as I finish.)
Also, I was tagged by the lovely Victoria, (hey, there's a nice name!) from A Mile A Minute. Thanks Victoria! Now, as soon as I can think of 7 semi interesting things about myself to share I will play along, but right now I feel about as interesting as a slice of melba toast!
13 comments:
And here I was excited at the completion of my first pillow! You are beyond talented, the stitching, the pattern combination, all of it is divine.
I spent a lot of money in Free People over the years. Their sweaters last forever, well worth it!
Haha! As interesting as melba toast eh? I'm sure that's not the case & I'm looking forward to reading your tag answers. I'm also looking forward to seeing more examples of your machine stitched quilts! Love what you've shared so far! Very cheery :)
Nothing like color therapy!
As usual, I'm impressed. Bravo.
I love it! What lovely fabric you used for the base
: )
Oh I love the look of simple patchwork - this looks great - wonderful work!
I love it! I want an ottoman covered in your creation....xo t
You. Amaze. Me.
You really do!
That is Gorgeous!
And I read your post below, about your pup Mo, I feel for you, it was just a few years ago we lost our sweet kitty to cancer, she was 17 so we had her a long time, but I still miss her all the same. One good thing if there is any, is that because you know you can love her all the more every single day!
Sandra Evertson
What a wonderfully inspired piece! I adore Free People as well, but their prices do make me cringe. However you took the best of that brand and ran with it. Bravo!
did i read that right...an eighth inch apart. oh my. it's beautiful. great work.
I love this new piece, esp. that it is the same pattern in different colors. It makes for a really nice effect. And those flowers remind me of the Andy Warhol flowers, all bright and happy.
As for the tag, if I could think of something, I know you can, too! Once you think of the first item then the rest will just come.
Oh my word! You never fail to make my jaw drop, do you?
This is absolutely fabulous. I LOVE the texture you've achieved here. Amazing work. (As always!)
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