Doodling with fabric

-
Some time ago I assembled a packet of like-colored vintage fabric scraps for a future project. The other day I took it out and started to "doodle."  I just laid the fabrics out haphazardly on top of a linen napkin, and kept moving them around until I was happy with how they looked.
When I was satisfied, I stitched them all together and this was the result.
It was so relaxing and fun to do this project and I love how it turned out.
The thing is, I don't know what I will do with it.  And it's probably not finished yet -- although all the pieces have been sewn down.  Sewing it and seeing it all come together harmoniously was such a joy.  And to think: I almost didn't make it because I didn't know what it would become!  I am so glad I listened to my muse and just sewed.
Maybe I'll edge it with trims and add some fancy stitches on the fabric's borders.  What would you do with it?
Other things I've made lately: another simple cuff; this one is just a muslin wrapped metal cuff onto which I glued pretty rose trim in a soft beige.
And -- something I've been stitching in free moments at work: a heart-shaped button design on a tea towel.
I was so excited to finish it.  I always feel so enthusiastic when I start an embroidery project but by the end I'm usually chomping at the bit for it to be over.

Comments

Kathy said…
I am so glad you followed your muse and just sewed. I really struggle with needing a "reason" to make things. I vote you just stash it back away and one of these days the muse will come calling again and tell you just what it should become.
May 3, 2015 at 10:27 AM
Amber at Sequin Stitches said…
Lovely idea and it looks really great!
May 3, 2015 at 10:59 AM
Linda said…
Okay Laurie, you had me at the mention of "button". You shouldn't mention that word when a buttonaholic is reading! So, I gotta say that the embroidery "button" project on the teatowel is my absolute favourite. That one I wouldn't be putting back on the shelf, it would be put on display. Love the colours you used for the embroidering also. Thanks.
May 3, 2015 at 12:17 PM
Janet Ghio said…
I think "doodling with fabric" is a great description and title for an article for Quilting Arts or Cloth paper Scissors!!
May 4, 2015 at 6:38 AM
Marrianna said…
I agree with Janet Ghio's comment for an article for Quilting Arts or Cloth Paper Scissors. I never thought, and that's why I love to read blogs, about doodling with fabric. It is marvelous how you pulled everything together. Another thought might be to use it as the first of some prayer flags to hang around the house or outside on a robe or strong string. It's excellent. Your embroidery skills are so fantastic. Love the designs you used. Keep up the great work.
May 4, 2015 at 7:06 AM
Abby / Linda said…
I should just "sew it together" not knowing what it is going to be! Love that concept! I have loads of scraps, FQ's and fabric that needs, no is calling, to be used! I need to follow your lead!
May 9, 2015 at 11:29 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Baby Jesus Candy Cane Christmas Ornament How-To

-
Image
Here's a tutorial to make sweet baby Jesus ornaments: Materials: 3/4" round wooden balls blue felt like-sized small wooden stars flesh-colored acrylic paint yellow acrylic paint black permanent marker small button as star decor raffia natural excelsior "moss" silver thread or coordinating yarn candy cane You'll also need glue or a hot glue gun, paint brush and scissors Begin by painting the wooden balls with flesh-colored paint and the stars with yellow paint. When dry, draw two sleeping eyes on the ball. Meanwhile, cut small pieces of felt and make little rolls to represent the baby's body; tie with a tiny piece of raffia. Next, glue the wooden ball onto the top of the body roll of felt; if you wish, you can also cut a small wedge of felt to glue over like a little swaddled hood on the baby's head, but I think it looks cute without it as well. Glue the l...
Read more

Flagler College in St. Augustine: the Tiffany connection

-
Image
We visited this wonderful building that began its life in 1888 as a lavish hotel built by Henry Flagler, one of the founders of Standard Oil, and now houses Flagler College . It is such a beautiful old building and in it we saw: these fabulous Tiffany chandeliers... on a spectacular painted and embossed ceiling in one of the hotel's drawing rooms.   I apologize for the quality of the indoor photos -- it was quite dark in the building. I had to laugh at these painted cherubs on the ceiling... and the way their ribbony robes encircle the chandelier mount! This large clock over the mantle is special because it's a Thomas Edison clock and because it is made from one piece of rare onyx.  We were told that Edison's "signature" on his clocks is the use of the incorrect Roman numeral "4". But the most spectacular feature of the building is that Louis Comfort Tiffany himself made the stained glass windows. Most of Tiffany's windows a...
Read more

O Christmas tree, jeweled Christmas tree...

-
Image
Earlier in the season Rebecca and I went to a craft fair at a local high school, and there was one booth with the CUTEST little jeweled, framed Christmas trees! The gal was nice enough to let me photograph them.  Sorry it's kind of blurry, but it was dark in that high school gym! I know it's an older kind of craft (from the '60s and '70s) but she made them sweet -- not gaudy at all.  We were both SO inspired. So, last week we made it happen.  I brought a bunch of my old, broken vintage jewelry, some velvet, glue,  old frames, and we sat in her dining room and made a forest of little trees! It was so simple: first, we took a vintage frame and covered the backing with velvet.  We just glued it on. Then, we took our time arranging bits and pieces of jewels into a Christmas tree shape. When we were happy with the arrangement, we committed and glued the jewels down!  I love this avocado green velvet! And then we did it again.  We h...
Read more