Experimentation
- Details
- Category: In The Studio
- Published on Wednesday, 09 March 2011 20:10
I took my primary sewing machine to the dealer a few days ago for a tune-up, which left me machine-less. Actually, that's not exactly true. There are at least seven other sewing machines around the house. I could lay my hands on three of them right now. But the one I use all the time, other than my longarm quilter, is at the shop.
I'm taking the time without my machine to work on some other ideas I have. I've been experimenting with alternative materials that I want to eventually incorporate into some quilts. I've done a little bit of this in the past and I continue to have ideas about what I can do with non-traditional materials combined with fabric. I know I'm not the only fabric artist using mixed media, but of course I'm hoping that what I create will look different from what others are doing.
Right now I'm in the testing and experimental phase. Even though I have lots of images streaming into my brain, I haven't been able to bring them succesfully to fruition yet. I'm making lots of small samples and waiting for genius to hit!
Being forced to think beyond sewing and thread is a good exercise for me. I have been including hand stitching, which I don't do nearly as much as I used to. My brain readily goes to what I can do with machine stitching and as I've been working manually this week the images of what machine stitching I could use keep streaming in. For me, the effect of surface stitching, whether the quilted line or other stitched elements are integral to the final fabric piece.
My experiments will be ongoing and at the same time I am continuing work on my "Split Circles" series, where I have a clearer vision of the direction I am going. So, sorry, no pictures this post because there's nothing really worth showing yet.
I received word that my machine is ready for pick up, so although it has only been three days I am eager to go collect it today. I missed my machine!
Until next time -
MCH
Comments
Isn't it funny how when the mechanical things fail us our creative minds and hands do not!!!
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