My taste in Fall decorations has turned to vintage style pumpkins, as shown on the black round box (center). The country angel was made a few years ago with twig angel wings and a raffia garland of wooden stars and a heart. The Halloween ATC's from a previous post can be seen in the foreground. The "Pumpkin Man" was created because I couldn't afford to spend the $65 or so on the one I saw in a shop...mine turned out differently, of course, but I like him. I used panels of golden yellow and rust/orange fabric for the pumpkin, and painted his eyes and mouth in artist's acrylic paint. His nose is 3-dimensional, stuffed with poly fill and darker green paint for shading. I love the look of the skinny legs and feet, but they were terrible to turn right side out! (I know there are gizmos for turning tubes of fabric easily, but I don't have one)
As my paper arts projects, paintings and art journals have been consuming more of my time and interest, the sewing projects are less frequent. The fairly large fabric stash that most sewers and quilters accumulate is still lurking in closets, bags, and bins however...so fabric is turning up in my collages. With the trend of small "art quiltlets" gaining popularity, I may have to try one, but I wonder if my experience with traditional quilting methods may interfere with the art and experimental aspect.. raw edges showing is not a problem for artists, but traditional sewing doesn't go for that. And did you know that Fabric tends to be like art supplies, you are forever seeing one more item you just have to have...?!
First, I love the way you displayed your ATCs from the swap. Clever, clever.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I love the pumpkin you made. It may be different than the one you saw, but it is well worth more than $65.00!!
Incidentally, I think you were referring to hemostats for turning things. A cheap (Queen of Free) way is to attach a safety pin to the end/tip of the piece. Firmly attach a string to the safety pin. Pull. I've seen it and it really works well.
And third, you brought up a great point about quiltlets. I'm not a seamstress nor have I sewn anything in the past, but I loved the idea that seams didn't have to be tucked under, ragged edges could (and should) show, threads were artsy if they dangled on the piece, and straight line sewing was totally unnecessary. For those reasons, I got into the art quiltlets.
I can see how an experienced seamstress could be put off by the free form style this craze has started. Just like some scrapbookers have trouble coming over to the altered art (which is not formulaic or archival), I can see how this trend could affect some serious fabric artists. Thanks for opening my eyes to yet another artist's perspective.
Elizabeth
I really like your pumpkin. I've known how to sew for years but just can't seem to stick with it. I have hoards of material too. I did make Elizabeth a fabric book. Need to try quiltlets I guess.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your blog,
Kat
cool pumpkin man ... looks like you are having lots of Halloween fun ... Linda F
ReplyDeleteHey there!
ReplyDeleteWell, you know I love your work - always have...I have such a talented Mom! I've enjoyed reading the blog and seeing pieces that you're doing while I'm so far away. I still think the pumpkin man is creepy, though...
Love you!!!