Here is Smudge trying to be helpful as I continue handwork on the Gecko wall hanging. I should mention that the fabrics in "Gecko Apotheosis" have a history of their own. The geckos are made from ties left by my husband Pat, and by the father of the person who commissioned the work. As I was working on the beading, I remembered that a friend had told me she had "a garage full of silk from my aunt Samuella. So if ever you need silk, please come see me before you buy anything." I called and visited, and we had a delightful hour or so rummaging through the many, many plastic tubs of silk. Each was carefully labeled: "Shantung, blue and green," "Reds/Purples," "Plaid," "Small bits, "Charmeuse," etc. I selected an armload, including the lively plaid that forms the background of the silk forest pictured above, and all the harmonizing silks. Then, as the taxes were finished, I could begin on the double-sided leaves. . I should be done quite soon, all things being equal. Then I have a pair of jeans to fix for my granddaughter, and I'm not sure what the next project will be. I'm noodling about one titled "In Praise of Home Cooking."
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I'm done with the handwork on "Surveyors Being Eaten by Bears"--turned out the painted felt wasn't emphatic enough, so added some simple hand embroidery to the black areas. I'm going to trim and face it this afternoon. One of the shirts has a pocket, so I'll put a photo of Pat in there when the rest is done. The backing is a nice traditional cotton ticking. This photo was taken outside on the deck, so it's a little overexposed. You can see some of the embroidered part, though, and one of the bears invading a group of posed surveyors from the 1880s. This gives a larger overview, though it was taken before some of the embroidery was completed. A little chaotic, purposely rough-edged, probably lacks a focal point (but not a focus). The piece has been a true labor of love. It's one of those made for its own sake, not to please others, and in fact I think it will stand on its own. I will face it rather than putting on a binding, as it does not need the frame effect. As it nears completion I find myself moving along emotionally as well.
Have you ever been suddenly aware that your world has shifted? I guess we all did on 9/11--everyone agreed that nothing would be the same. But this Easter weekend I discovered that my own world has moved. While celebrating with family at my son's house, I realized that this is probably where we'll have family gatherings from now on. I won't be hosting the feast, and I don't even mind very much. I can give him the silver tea set with delight and watch the leadership shift to the next generation. (I expect to retain editorial and commentary privileges!) What seems odd is that it feels so obvious, peaceful, appropriate. And so, on to the next project. |
AuthorBobbe Shapiro Nolan, Fiber Artist in Eagle Lake, TX. Trying to learn to call the sewing room my studio, and myself an artist. I retired after 15 years in hospice nursing--so now I have the time!. Archives
July 2021
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