Friday 1 November 2019

Wishes and Dreams

"Wishes and Dreams"

I like it turned 90 degrees as well.

Whenever I pick up one of those huge old needlework books, I start dreaming of going through and trying out every single technique in the book.  So for this theme, I decided to make part of that dream come true, and incorporate a technique that was new to me.

The image I was trying to achieve was that of a colorful net floating over a quilt -- beautiful threads coming together into small blocks of cloth, then stretching away as individual warps and wefts.  I chose satiny pale gold and blue knitting yarns, and multicolor rayon boucle yarns.  From Lace in the Making, first published in 1923, I adapted a pattern to create a piece of large-scale bobbin lace.

Beginning the bobbin lace squares.

As I worked, I realized this lace complemented the silk quilt I did for our Texture challenge, so I used that as the base quilt.  That might seem like it was cheating, but I spent at least 15 hours on the bobbin lace, and many more hours stitching it down, and adding silk strips, beads, and couching as well, so I hope that it is okay, at least this once.
This was my piece for the Texture theme, but I always felt like it needed something more.
The bobbin lace floating over the quilt to provide more interesting texture and color interaction.


I do think the bobbin lace piece would look good on a whole-cloth base as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed being absorbed in this process!

You can read more about my artistic inspirations and the steps in making this piece, on my blog Deep in the Heart of Textiles.

20 comments:

  1. This is amazing!! I think it was brilliant that you used the past quilt and enhanced it with this bobbin lace net.

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    1. Thank you! I was happy to "up my game" with that past quilt! :)

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  2. I loved this piece on first sight and loved it even more when I read of your inspiration for this challenge! The bobbin lace is a glorious addition to the original quilt.

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    1. Thank you! I enjoyed drawing on my past experiences with textiles, and then adding a new technique!

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  3. Interesting idea. I love the overlay concept and it looks so tactile. My hands are looking to touch it!

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    1. Thank you, I think I will be doing more with the overlay idea. :)

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  4. This is a stunning piece. I think the combination of shapes and colours in your lace and the underlying quilt are perfect and I especially like the hanging threads. Your bobbin lace has the quality of a dream catcher and all your colours are so vibrant and luminous. I'm glad this challenge provided an opportunity to make one of your dreams come true :)

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    1. I love that idea of this being a dream catcher! Thank you so much!

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  5. Well, I loved the mini as it was, but the addition of the lace just elevates the piece. So much fun, and experimentation and play here. Well done!

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    1. Thank you so much. I love how this group encourages the experimentation and play you noted. I don't think I would venture into those areas as much otherwise. :)

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  6. Genius and such a great use for a previous piece. I felt sure you were doing a modern version of a dream catcher. Love it.
    xx, Carol

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    1. I really love that idea of a dream catcher, I would never have thought of it myself! Thank you! :)

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  7. Beautiful! I think it was an inspired decision to use your previous piece - your bobbin lace has taken it to another level. I love the texture and colour interaction you mentioned - it is a magical effect.

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    1. Thank you, I am so happy for the opportunity to just play with these techniques and interactions. I feel sure I would not be venturing there without this group and these challenges! :)

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  8. Not cheating at all! Just like using a loaf of bread you baked to make a delicious meatloaf later is not cheating! the two together are just right. I especially appreciate the lace was from a book published in 1923. How excited the author or editor of that book would be to see what you did with their instructions almost 100 years later. I think the piece has a Native American feel to it. Brava!

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    1. Thank you so much. I agree with you about the book from 1923 -- I get so much satisfaction from re-circulating old ideas! :)

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  9. What a unique adaptation of your other piece. Good thinking!!

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    1. Thank you so much. I enjoyed seeing how the colors interacted in the different layers. :)

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  11. Bobbin lace was a brilliant idea to add to the quilt, it gives it a different dimension. Beautiful.

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