Finally, I'm back at the frame working on my next crazy quilt block.
This piece is going to have a lot of three-dimensional work so I need the wall to stand up in the composition against all of that work.
I also needed to stitch my crazy quilt seams. My dilemma...how do I stitch the seams without them overwhelming the wall?
Ideally, the seams drop to the background and the wall comes to the foreground.
I tried a number of different ideas. First, I used smaller size thread and smaller-scale seam treatments. That helps to some degree...
The second technique I tried, was fading the seam treatments out as they approached the concrete blocks of the wall.
I first learned this idea from Japanese embroidery. See the cord fade out in the example below...
Now I'm back to work trying to figure out a few tricks to better define the wall and bring it further to the foreground. That mirror still needs work too but what to do hasn't quite come to me yet.
Have a great day.
15 comments:
I really like the seams...they appear to have a sort of "fractured" look which really melds well with the theme of the block.
Where old mirrors domed like photos were? If so, a clear cab over the top might be cool.
Can't wait to see more...
Hugs,
Kathy
I like that 'fading' technique very much! And somewhere along the line I missed the fact this was a CQ block...oh my. That also means it's fairly small, right?
I like the way you added a highlight to the bricks. I have never seen the technique where you fade the seams....that is really interesting.
Deb
I am fascinated by the way you can paint a picture with thread. I am so delighted to find your blog.
This is so creative! I love what you have done so far and can't wait to see what else you come up with. It is great the way you push the envelope!
Glad you are back! Looking forward to seeing what you do next.
That fading technique really works making the seams melt into the background behind the blocks. The cord is super, and I'm looking forward to seeing more!
It's looking interesting. Have you tried putting tulle or silk gauze over the mirror? I've done that on NP canvases that I needed to soften. You can of course stitch on the fabric first (or afterwards, which I did after putting it over my partly stitched canvas). I have no idea what effect you are aiming for, but looking at the piece reminded me of tulle.
austere
It's amazing. I get a feeling of austerity yet your perfection adds a bit of elegance.
It will be interesting to see how you'll add the warmth that I know is coming.
what a good idea to have faded seams, every day reading other blogs I marvel at what others are doing and so glad they are sharing their creativity
I love how you used the cords technique to fade out your seams - it is really effective here.
Could you use another JE technique - fuzzy effect - to add some light shading to some of the brick to make them more prominent?
It may be my monitor but the mirror appears a bit 'yellow'. Some one suggeted tulle, that might help tone down the yellowness and enhance the soft antiqued effect you were looking for.
But knowing you, you have ideas for both already and they will be far more effective than anything I could imagine.
I like the fading technique. As always your work is beautiful!
The combination of fine threads and the delicate seam treatments works really well!
Your attention to detail is what sets your stitchery apart. The walls and seams really do work as you describe. Fade out and the eye stops seeing. Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts...
I'm so glad you are working on this block again. It will be very interesting to see how you will deal with the seam "problem".
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