Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Fragments

Fragment #2

I started a new series of patched and stitched work this week.
(Always feels good to start a new series!)


The series is called "Fragments" and feature torn bits of the rusted and stained fabrics that I showed in my last post.


I decided to do something a little different, and coat each torn piece in a very thin layer of beeswax. The beeswax gives the bits of fabric a new weight and hand... somewhere in-between fabric and paper.


It also alters the colors, making them a bit richer and at times, almost translucent.

Fragment #1

The bits of torn, wax coated pieces, are then stitched together in a pleasing composition, 

Fragment #3

then stitched onto 140 lb. paper, making them easy to display and frame. 

These were a delight to make, and I hope to get a few more done over the next few days. To see more of Fragments 1, 2 and 3, just click on the links under the photos.

xo

12 comments:

LaceLady said...

These are phenomenal! Any one of them would be so happy, I just know, to live at my house!

Anonymous said...

Nice Victoria. Love your hand stitching. Meditation in motion. xox

Nifty Quilts said...

Beautiful, as is all of your work. I love the idea of beeswax as stabilizer, mostly because of the way it smells. Well, it does look great too!

MariQuilts said...

So lovely.

Flaming Nora said...

Blimey, the beeswax really brings a new depth to the fabrics. Amazing.

Julie said...

I love the rust dyeing and the resulting stitch. You have inspired me to "get on with it" as I have been gathering rusty objects for a while. Tome to stop gathering and start doing. Thanks Victoria, a great combination of thought and inspiration as always.

Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts said...

I love these, Vic! Very warm and calming.

patty a. said...

"A delight to make" I like hearing that! The pieces are wonderful. Lovely texture and color!

Clare Wassermann said...

Lovely. I haven't used wax on fabric only on paper. Do you have to be careful the piece doesn't bend and crack though?

Victoria said...

Thanks to each of you, and Clare, no, not at all... I put such a thin of layer of beeswax on, that the fabric retains it's flexibility very nicely.

Penny Berens said...

What lovely pieces, Victoria. I too was wondering about how the wax affects the handling of the cloth and am surprised it doesn't crack. Great idea.

Bobbie Casey said...

I have been dipping in wax. Is it not lovely?