Friday, January 09, 2009

I either need to learn to sew quicker....

... or go back to paper, nice, easy paper....I can finish a paper CJ entry in 1-2 days, these fabric ones take 2-3 WEEKS!

But that does mean a lovely feeling of satisfaction once it is finally done

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh :)

just like that :)

It didn't help that I decided to do this one entirely by hand not machine, but I figured I needed the practice if I am ever going to speed up....




This is an 8x8" quiltie for Wisher's book.

It started with the harlequin pattern which I embroidered in very sparkly gold thread on black cotton fabric with a music print, and then I built the rest around it in a similarly regal stylee.

Very unusual colours for me but I like how it (eventually!) came together



My by-hand zigzag stitch is painful to look at, it looks like I was drunk when I did it lol

In my defence though, it is really difficult to get a little tiny needle to come up through loads of layers of fabric, batting, and heat-and-bond, and actually emerge where you wanted it to!

12 comments:

Kim Mailhot said...

Beautiful and regal, indeed ! Question - What is the rush ? If it takes two or three weeks but gives that much satisfaction and a gorgeous result, why isn't that just the time it takes ? Just a thought related to my own expectations on myself and to my word for 2009 - Release. Please ignore if it sounds absurdly "granola" of me (you you have that term over there ? You know, kind of goody-goody, wheatgerm, extra-organic, extra green of me !;-) ) !

Sarah said...

I'd usually totally agree, but this is for a collaboration and should have gone in the post 10 days ago! :D

And also, while I've been working on this, all my other collaborative commitments have been piling up alarmingly.....

Sarah said...

Sarah - fab as always - lovely work:)

Sid said...

Love the piece.......what a labour of love, don't think I would have the patience (although I can enbroider and sew, and crochet and knit....) !!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful piece....and to completely sew by hand is patience itself - Dont go back to paper just yet,as Im loving your new fabric work!

GlitteryKatie said...

Fabulous work Sarah!

Seth said...

Beautiful piece. I like the textural quality and the composition very much.

Minxy said...

It may take a long time, but it's absolutly STUNNING, and i'm sure whoever its for will appricate it greatly.I know i would. x

Angelnorth said...

You did zig zag by hand? Nutcase! The page looks absolutely fantastic, the rich colours are gorgeous and I love the beading details!

willowthewysp said...

The end result is stunning though!
I have left you a little summat on my blog:)
xx

Unknown said...

this is amazingly beautiful and handwork! WOW! Melinda

ch said...

What a beautiful piece. It looks like love went into every stitch! so glad I found your blog through OWOH
Cindy