Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Happy Little Pieces

Happy Weeds


Many thanks to each of you who took the time to leave such great comments on my last post. From reading everyone's words, I see that these feelings are something that a lot of us are going through, have gone through, or know that we will be going through in the not too distant future. It was both uplifting and comforting to know that I am not alone!

Flower With A Green Leaf

I decided that the best medicine for me was just to allow myself some time to get out of my own head and simply have fun creating some little, happy pieces.


With that thought in my mind, I took a drink of inspiration from Janet Bolton, (a long time favorite of mine) and decided to stitch up these tiny textile pictures.


There is something very relaxing and meditative about working on a small scale... Tiny bits of fabric get to shine, and each little stitch gets to be placed thoughtfully and just so. Because the work is small, nothing gets lost or crowded out... every element gets to have its day in the sun.


For these two pieces, I used a facing technique, (as opposed to a traditional binding) to finish the edges, and then stitched on small square panel to cover up the stitches on the backside. This keeps everything nice and neat, along with adding a little bit of extra stability. I also like how the color of the facing fabric slightly peaks out a bit on some of the edges, adding just a wisp of extra color and line. I hand stitched a small and sturdy decorative loop for instant hanging... but kept it thin so that it wouldn't add any bulk should someone wish to mat and frame the work. 


I think for now, I will stitch up a few more of these, as they truly are good medicine... 

As are all of you... again, thanks for everything. xo

14 comments:

Jodi said...

Ohhh, these are so pretty and look like the just the right fixer-upper medicine. I always love your works of art, Victoria. I really want to try some of what you do. I hope you are feeling better soon. I still have good days and bad, you probably will, too, but the bad get less and less! xo

Sujata Shah said...

Victoria,
These are absolutely beautiful, full of life and energy. They sure look like you enjoyed every stitch!

Quiltefia said...

Hi!! I realy love your work!! I read your last post, and I feel with you. To reach 50 is a big change, and with the kids leave the nest...... But I lost a friend last winter and she should have been 50 in june.... So I`m thankful for being 51!! We are still young!!:-) Take care, Anne, Oslo, Norway

Clare Wassermann said...

They are superb... I have Janet Bolton's book whichisnwinderful. What I love about yours is the contrasting stitching at the edge of your turned appliqués. X

Gina said...

These are lovely. Your stitching is so perfect!

Nancy said...

These are so soft and appealing!

Nifty Quilts said...

You have done it again--put so much though, calm and appeal in these lovely little pieces. Exquisite work!

Anonymous said...

Sweet minis, there is a delightful innocence to them. xox

Sharon - IN said...

Beautiful. As is all your art.

Karin på Ösäter said...

So sweet and beautiful! You are a great inspiration to me.

Karin på Ösäter

http://karinpaosater.blogg.se/

Diane J. Evans said...

These do look like they're just what the doctor ordered -- I hope you had a peaceful time as you stitched them, because they exude calmness and tranquility. I also hope that blah feeling is starting to go away -- it definitely has a lot to do with sending your baby birds out into the world. We've all been there -- give yourself time and treat yourself often. You deserve it.

Diane

Victoria said...

Thanks to each of you. I am definitely feeling better, much do to your kindness!

cinzia said...

These are love. I can see how they bring joy to you in making them. I fought they reminded me of Janet Bolton ! I am a fan too.

Kate/Massachusetts said...

Your work is always so beautiful! I am in awe of what you do! Have you ever done a blog sew along to teach how to do what you do? I bet there are alot of us who would love to try a small piece!