I wanted to do some hand stitching, but I really wasn't sure where to put it. In this particular quilt, I'm having trouble choosing techniques and elements that are appropriate both thematically and artistically. (blah blah blah artist struggle)
I wanted to include a house shape. I use houses in my work quite often and it is an important part of the experience of being in the Navy. There is the struggle between being home and being away, the idea of missing family, the foundation and roots of home. After trying some fused fabric shapes (which I did not take pictures of), I ended up just stitching a house outline. It's subtle.
Then I added just a bit of seed stitch in variegated embroidery floss around the bottom. It looks a bit like a wave or water. I like it. Avert your eyes from that tiny tuck at the bottom. Ahem.I added a bit more seed stitching to the top for balance.
Then I added some machine stitched details to the plane.
The last thing I did to the "top" of the quilt was add little gold beads to each of the places on the map where Jeff has actually landed a P-3.
I really enjoyed that part. I love maps. I had to use Google Maps on my iPhone to try to get the beads located in the right spots. In the foreground of the picture above, you'll see Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco and Abilene. Key West and Miami off to the right.Now the top is done. Next I'll be fusing the backing in place and adding more quilting through all three layers.
5 comments:
I love seeing your process, Deborah, and as always I love seeing how you add your own thematic elements to your work. It's coming along beautifully! (and I didn't realize you added beads before you quilted. Doesn't that make the quilting hard?)
I can't wait to see it. I love having the gold beads marking the places where your husband has actually landed. That just makes it great.
I too am impressed by the gold beads. I wouldn't have guessed there'd be so many -- though I'm not sure why (thinking variety of aircraft flown as opposed to number of flights, I guess). I totally get the house too. But you knew that. The details are looking good and I can't wait to see the finished project!
Can't wait...and really like the "save" with the map! Looking forward to seeing you in Houston!!!!! Hugs, Sarah
I can't wait to show this to my DH tonight, he worked on P-3's at Moffett Field!!
Post a Comment