It’s an increasing MYSTERY where I have placed things!
In the midst of creating my first attempt at this mystery quilt, Que Sera Sera (below), the puzzle of children’s development, I needed a crystal ball and finally made one that doesn’t photograph as good as it looks. At the same time, I re-read Art and Fear, which gave me the nerve to paint the rabbit. I Googled Alice’s rabbit, Images, and sketched a composite, however anatomically challenged he is. I dove into my Lumiere textile paints and was surprised how slowly they built up compared with my other paints. I added a black permanent marker in spots. My background fabric awaited.
To make the crystal ball, I traced a saucer onto freezer paper and ironed the freezer paper to fabric. I folded in the edges (Katie P-M suggests spray starch) and blind-stitched it. I opened the backing and added polyfill. It needed more. In my stash I found this sheer fabric that doesn’t fray. I cut it out and used a spray glue to the edges. Next, I began to quilt things to batting. I took silver embroidery floss to stitch around the globe, after inserting a felt key. I also used embroidery thread on the clock.I needed bubbles for thoughts. I first photographed the piece and added it to Comic Life software to test bubble shapes and colors. Then I cut out fabric onto which I had ironed Wonder Under and printed the thoughts with Fabrico, a permanent marker. The fabric for the backside was too small, but I hastily glued it down and stitched over all with invisible thread to suggest the speed of the frantic rabbit. Perhaps some hands or fingers are needed to hover over the ball, but it’s late, it’s late!
Neither is perfect, but I made so many mistakes and learned several new techniques.That is a special bonus of art journal quilting!
I adore this quilt! This is such a universal experience--losing keys when we're late for an appointment! But your interpretation of the "mystery of the lost keys" is so unique, so clever, so YOU. I am blown away by how beautifully you rendered the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland! I have been longing for you to paint something that you'd incorporate in one of these little quilt gems. Love the crystal ball and how you made it 3-D and round, love the pocket watch, love the dialogue bubbles, the stitches that capture the frantic nature of the subject, love everything. And to think--you did this AFTER the other quilt, which really, I love too! Another most clever and original, but the final "winner" is more striking, truth to tell.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteBoth are intriguing and I love that you painted the rabbit. That really adds "you" into the piece.
You really did get to learn a lot of techniques. Working with sheer fabric is a whole different realm and you did a great job with it!
The invisible thread for quilting works really well for the message you wanted to convey, especially with the background fabric you chose. Love that.
Everything in this quilt is fun to hunt for!
Linda - you've given us 2 successful quilts. I love all the techniques you tried out and how you solved problems as you went. I haven't used text in my work much and I like the effect and the use of the software to test it. I can really relate to the lost key after spending a 1/2 hour looking for a ring that was actually on my finger this morning!
ReplyDeleteThis so clever and so well done! The crystal ball is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteLinda, You are bursting with creativity! I love the painted rabbit and the crystal ball with the missing key. How clever! I'm going to order the "Art and Fear" book and see if I get inspired to step outside my comfort zone! I really like all the different techniques you explored. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThis IS a very cleaver quilt, and now that I have gotten my "technical " issues resolved and was finally able to post my piece, I can really relax and take a good look at all of the mystery quilts. Having said that, I agree that you made the correct choice with The Keys in Hiding-Again. Unfortunately I can feel your pain, and from now on, while on my sometimes daily hunts, will think of your rabbit, who is fabulously depicted by your painting. I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing this quilt in person sometime some soon, as I would like a closer look.
ReplyDeleteYour creative interpretation of ideas came off truly successful on every detail. Thanks for sharing your process with us. Both quilts are fun to ponder and speak to me especially in terms of the mystery of memory ~ or should I say the lack thereof. :/
ReplyDeleteLinda, my keys hide in my purse!! I love your use of painting the rabbit and trapunto under the crystal ball. I, too, loved hearing about the process.
ReplyDeleteYou made me laugh! Since I have a severe case of CRS (can't remember stuff) this really has meaning for me.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda - Great job, wonderful explanation of the techniques you used, and congrats on completing two quilts. I'm really curious about the "Comic Life" software you mentioned. Sounds intriguing and something I'd be interested in hearing more about. Thanks for sharing !
ReplyDeleteI especially like your sense of humor regardng your theme. Of course, I also forget where I put things, and then I forget what I'm looking for. I love your rabbit, and I love the backing for your quilt.
ReplyDelete