Working a Little Slower

The last six weeks I was slow getting things done. I'm dealing with a frozen shoulder and all that goes along with that. Physical therapy takes a chunk out of my day and when I do work, it is only in small bits of time.

Since I'm not able to use the longarm comfortably or safely right now, I'm doing other things like dyeing, painting, piecing and appliqué. That has lead to a lot of changes in the High Priestess.

I'm using Vicki's "twilight" gradient for the background.  Part pieced, part not.... Presents interesting construction dilemmas.  I think I have them worked out now; we'll see in the next few days as I combine all the elements.  In the end, the judges will decide if it is successful next year when this quilt starts the show circuit.

My goal, is to show that you can combine old techniques with new ones;  contemporary fabrics with traditional ones;  sewing techniques with art techniques.... And each hold their own, yet add to the composition as a whole. All the while still feeling  fresh and new.

So, I've appliqued the painted High Priestess and the hand pieced silk hexagon moon to non-pieced portions of the gradient.  I did not want seams distorting those elements. You might wonder why I just don't cut away the background behind the applique...I like the extra stability .

The high priestess... You can also see a few of the pieces of her skirt overlay that I'll  add after quilting.



And the moon...both machine appliqued with a close zigzag ( not  satin stitch)  in rayon thread.  Another reason to leave the background behind is to add shadows to the moon from the dark fabric behind.



Next, I cut with my Accuquilt "GO" cutter, well over three hundred 60 degree diamonds for the other background areas. Again from Vicki's "Twilight"...this is what 6 yards looks like after cutting and being pieced into 2 and 4 unit segments



I got all the segments joined for the tree and Luna moth sections...tomorrow I'll start appliqueing those to the pieced background sections.

In other work news, I had promised Jamie Fingal a house quilt, for her House Quilt project. Poor thing, she probably thinks I forgot.  I did not...It is painted and ready to quilt as soon as my shoulder will allow.



I've never done a quilt so tiny before...it was a challenge to work so small for one who usually works so large! So small, I used a scrap of PFD fabric left from the "Queen".  But I like it so far...the quilting will really bring it to life. So soon, Jamie...  And I still owe you another one...it's nearly finished the painting stage.

So with  those things... and I  dyed 8 more silk scarves...I'll show those another day.  For now, I'm done...it's kitty snuggle time.