Pinned up on my studio wall, I have some photo images of really heavily patched and stitched antique boro.
The patches in those boro pieces are all raw edged, and seem to completely cover whatever had been the original base fabric.
I like that nothing went wasted, and everything was important enough to be patched.
... Years ago when I was a teenager, a woman commented on my heavily patched and mended jeans, (they made my mother cringe and I know she used much restraint not to steal them from me in the middle of the night and set them on fire). The woman told me that to patch something was to show love. I never forgot that. (And I appreciated that this kind stranger understood me.... I wasn't accustomed to that.)
Anyway... looking at the boro images, and then glancing over at the ever growing pile of small bits of fabric scraps and off-kilter shaped pieces of batting left over from previous projects and now just sitting on my shelf, got me to thinking it was time to use it all up.
So I'm starting a little series of "Remnants", which I will be posting in my shop as they are completed.
More to come soon. xo
35 comments:
That's a very nice sentiment. A little like Refrigerator Soup... whatever's in there, goes in the pot to create something tasty and satisfying.
I wish I could stitch as fast as you... I am only 1/3 thru the quilt I started. It looks fabulous, but I'm just not fluid at it... and therefore, it's a chore. I aim to finish it though!
xo
Oh, these are wonderful and look so soft, they make me want to touch them.
I love the comment from the kind stranger. I too had a favorite pair of navy blue cords which I patched with leftover fabric from a blouse I made in high school. I just loved those pants and I know my mother really hated them but let me do my thing.
Have a great week and I love the new direction. Thanks for Sharing!
Wow, it feels like I have been away for awhile. Victoria, you always inspire me and this post is no exception. I love the sentiment and I love the work you are doing. I am looking forward to seeing more in this series!
Love love love! I'm a big fan of using up scraps and your patches are just perfect with the stitching.
Love these patched and loved pieces.
Victoria, These Remnants are stunning! I just want to keep looking at them. Well done! You'r fabulous! Happy stitching!
I love how these odd, discarded pieces of fabric have become works of art. I want to reach through the monitor and feel it!
I had forgotton about my patched and embroidered jeans until you mentioned yours. I love your work and you've captured the essence of the boro mono which inspired you and it in turns inspires me.
Go for it...just lovely.!!
Am I being sily or what?? what is boro??
Take care
Lovely! And I had jeans like that myself - the more patches the better! I miss them now.
Lovely! Funny, I've been doing something quite similar. I really like that kind of synchronicity :-)
Your Remnants are so beautiful, every single little scrap, every single stitch. That's real patchwork to me.
I can't wait to see your completed "Remnants" series. I'll have to be quick though as your work is snapped up so quickly! "To patch something was to show love" ...perfect! I love that statement! And it ties in so beautifully with your work because the love shines through on everything you do Vic!
As beautiful as ever Victoria.The colours make these more than just 'scraps'. I don't know what 'boro' is.
I love patches too. In fact I got together with my husband due to patches. He lived with another friend of mine, Mike, who knew I was a sewer. Dave's pants had some holes in them so he brought them over to my apartment to patch for him, and he never went away, lol. We got married 18 days later. That was over 37 years ago. Cool story.
Beautiful post. And the glorious colors of your patches and your bold stitches make my heart sing!
Your work is so amazing! Thanks for sharing it with us. After your post about thread, I got a little collection of 12 wt. Sulky cotton -- I love stitching with it!
to patch something is to show love... wonderful quote! and great work!
Beautiful. There is nothing better than your favorite jeans wore to bits--soft, faded, with holes! Those were the days.
These are wonderful. I love the layering and the stitching.
Delicious texture and color. Filled with love!
That kind strangers words are so true. I remember my little sisters bokey had patches on the patches and it was extreamly loved. I think she still has it and she is now the mother of 3.
I really like this boro-ish work your doing. Your giving me ideas, damn it, so many ideas.
I have been waiting for your next blog, and as usual, you dont disapoint, lovely stitching and brilliant inspiration must rush of and have a go!.
your work is wondeful.
Beautiful art piece! I really want to touch and feel the texture :)
Love the 'quote' from the lady.
Oh my goodness Victoria
I just found your blog this evening.
I had several hours of looking at your work, reading some of our entries and feeling like I just had a great visit with an old friend.
Not only do you love Jimmy Stewart, but have a very sentimental streak for all things about children and dear girlfriends.
I look forward to seeing more of your fantastic creations and spending more time visiting with you. Lazy gal sent me over from her blog :0).
Happy sewing and creating.
To patch is to show love --- that's really a beautiful sentiment. You clearly met a wise stranger, as well as a kind and understanding one.
And, the remnant pieces are beautiful -- they remind me of why I first appreciated patchwork, that blending of thrifty utility and beauty.
YOur blog sent me on a happy exploration of what boro is all about. Very fascinating. I love your work!
I love the idea of remnants and not wasting any of that gorgeous fabric. Let us know when they're in the shop!
Oh my.... you’re such an inspiration!
I love remnant pieces!
So beautiful! What a great idea for a series!
Just found your blog - love your work - especially these remnant pieces - colours are fab.
i love your new work i really do!!!!
Your work is awesome. Very lovely. I mean it. Keep making more beautiful creations.
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