Saturday, December 18, 2010

I Got the Boro Blues


Seeing as the 2 pieces shown in this post are called "Boro Blues" and "Boro Blues #2", let me start off by singing my own blues to you, over the poor quality of natural light which has been hanging around the last few days, (actually it seems like the whole month has been one long cloud). The quality of these photos is not what they should be, so my apologies. To make matters worse, the two quilts shown were photographed in different spots and at different times of the day, (I was trying in vain to go to where the most light was, sort of like my little dog Ellie, who seems utterly lost without a patch of sunshine to lay in).


Okay, now about the quilts... most of you know that I am very interested in Japanese Boro, and sometimes use it as a stepping stone for inspiration. The two works here were inspired by the the heavily patched and often erractic and eccentric stitching found in some boro pieces, similar to this absolutely amazing and authentic boro futon cover which you can see here. (How I wish it were mine!)

I went back into my scrap bag to make these quilts, and experimented with two different approaches to see what would result...


For "Boro Blues" (shown directly above) I started by piecing a background panel, then added various patches whose edges are turned under and appliqued on with a small zig-zag stitch. The machine quilting is done in various stages as the patches were added on, so some quilted lines go over the patches, while others go under.


Details of this piece can be seen in the photo above and below, (click to see a bigger image).



For "Boro Blues #2" (see below) I experimented with a different approach...


I began with a piece of fabric the size of the finished work, and began laying raw edge patches over the surface, zig-zag stitching them in place.


I'd do a layer of patches, add some quilting, do another layer of patches, and add some more quilting. This resulted in a piece with a bit more weight to it, and with a more ragged look. (By the way, "boro" means ragged!)


If interested, both pieces are currently available in my shop.
(Update: Both pieces have now been Sold)


Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

29 comments:

Karmen said...

They take my breath away.

Unknown said...

beautiful work... I just discovered japanese boro cloths and am totally smitten.

dutchcomfort said...

Sooo beautiful!
I already admired these Boro pieces over at flickr. It’s nice to read a bit more about the process and the techniques!

One Flew Over said...

Stunning. I think these are my favourite so far. Beautiful work.

Cheryl Arkison said...

Wow, what an influence! A gorgeous execution too.

Karen said...

good light, bad light, these are exquisite. Wishing you and yours a wonderful christmas!! x

Munaiba said...

They're really lovely!

Rachel at Stitched in Color said...

Hello! I am new to your blog and so happy to be hear. Your work has such a unique personality. looking forward to seeing more =)

Fer said...

So very beautiful! The antique one you linked to is amazing. ♥

Allie said...

I'm not surprised they sold so quick - oh they are gorgeous!!!!!

Michelle in Saskatoon said...

really nice stitching

Anonymous said...

Both are fantastic Victoria, good light or not! That futon cover is amazing, I would want it too. Just the history of the cloth and the stories it would tell. Merry Christmas. xox corrine

Becky said...

I LOVE these. Totally an inspiration. I found your blog through Malka's tour, and I'm so glad I did!

Jennifer said...

Both are absolutely stunning.

Deborah said...

So elegant. Stunning work!

Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts said...

I love these, Vic! The pics look great! I am happy there is some sunshine today. That was a long stretch without sun. You've been creating some beauties even so.

Vicki W said...

I love both of them!

Hey Harriet said...

Wow! Both sold already! Way to go! They're both lovely. And your Boro Blues are so much more cheerful than Nick Cave's Abattoir Blues :)

Hey I'm glad you explained what Boro means as I did wonder! Happy new week to you Vic!

Abby and Stephanie said...

I love the freedom this style allows. Sophisticated and simple at the same time. Lovely work as always. Wishing you sunny days ahead.

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Your quilt is incredibly beautiful

Have a lovely Christmas and happy New Year

Best wishes
Carolyn

Em said...

Victoria, thank you for explaining how you made these fab quilts and the quilting is amazing, blows my mind how you could do it without getting dizzy, I would ahve gotten motion sickness! Love the definition of Boro! I'll have to use that in next Scrabble game.

Ruth Rae said...

what a great blog you have, I love your style! I am a huge fan of boro and you truly captured the spirit of it.

Pallas said...

Your 'boro' quilts are stunning, and the colors are perfect. I can see why they sold so quickly.

ArtPropelled said...

I'm mad about Boro textiles too and love your quilts.

Peggy D said...

PS:

Check this boro out here:

http://www.ziguzagu.net/showcase

but you'll have to scroll down some. I've seen this in the flesh (well, the cotton) and I just stood and gawped.

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Iowa DUI Laws said...

The sounds of the blues will fill the air surrounding the Patterson Park Community Center during the annual Boro Blues Fest.

internet marketing for business said...

Those Boro Blues are fantastic, I wish to have them.

Salman said...

Both are absolutely stunning.