For some time I’ve mentioned in passing to various people that I’ve been thinking of making a new work for the wall alongside our dining area. For nearly 15 years I’ve been alternating these two, and I want a change that reflects some of my more recent work. I don’t dislike either of them, it’s just that I’d like something new.
In 2004, as I began a series of quilts, Ebb&Flow, inspired by the traditional patchwork pattern, Chinese Coins. Both of these works are from that series.
While I can see a certain landscape element in each of these abstract works, the next one definitely has more of that, while still being pretty abstract. So here’s today’s progress photo, featuring the segmented lines technique I’ve used many times now On a sand coloured fabric, the segmented lines and the lines of stitch to come are all in desert colours – which will make a welcome hole in my scrap collection!
As each line of segmented strips takes about 4 hours from the start of assembly, trimming, machine basting into place, and finally all the overstitching, so I know there’s still a long way to go until I feel I’ve done ‘enough’.
By that time I’ll probably have a better idea of the layering, possible method of quilting, and edge finishing. One thing’s pretty certain – the 5000 yard cone of machine sewing thread I bought to stitch it makes me pretty sure I won’t run out of thread!
(I provide direct links in my text where I think readers might like further information, and always welcome readers’ questions and comments in reply)
You have awakened the copycat in me! I absolutely love the way you use those strips…beautiful results! It makes me regret ever tossing little strips of scrap that could be used in this way. Woo-hooo……a new way to play. Thanks!!
I’m sure you’ll find an interesting way to use them! Just in case you haven’t read anything about the construction of these segmented strips, which I’ve written about several times, this post will give you a good starting point on making them, and experience will guide you eventually on how to handle them. One piece of advice is that if you always use a very small stitch on the seams, that helps prevent the seams coming apart as you handle them. https://www.alisonschwabe.com/weblog/?p=7864 Good luck exploring the technique, and let me know how you get on, or if you need advice.