In the Words of Monty…

…and now for something completely different.

Although January is the month for sticking to all those resolutions of finishing up older projects, I also allowed myself to consider new paths of creativity and it has naturally set me off on a wonderful journey again. I am exploring some older design sketchbooks and attempting to revive ideas that had been swept to the side or deemed ‘not worthy’. By digging deeper and pushing further I hope to bring more to these simple sketches.

Original sketchbook page

I have filled many sketchbook over the years and it is always an interesting exercise to go through the pages and revisit old ideas. I enjoy the distance that time places between me and the ideas, allowing me to see things in a more ‘removed’ frame of mind and with fresh eyes. I am able to look at the ideas more objectively, and yet at the same time, bring current emotional value to whatever compelled me initially, adding an entirely new layer of interest to the idea. When I work from this standpoint I believe it is reflected in the final product and the viewer not only sees it in the work, but feels it.

Panel #1

Panel #1 Quilting Process

I’ve chosen to use some of my special hand dyed fabrics that have been tucked away for a few years. This is all part of my concept that I began when choosing the fabrics for the Blindman’s Fancy blocks, where I asked myself “what am I saving my favourites for?”, and made the decision to use those special fabrics rather than save them. Each time I begin a new project I must remember that the work I am doing at this moment is worthy of my best materials (it has taken a long time to arrive at this mindset).

Panel #2

Working from my thumbnail sketches, I cut into the hand dyed fabric freehand to create a more organic line in the fabric. Many of the lines are softly curved, sometimes intentionally but often not, making the construction process much more challenging. Even though the cutting and piecing is emotionally free, it still needs to remain flat in the end. Each stage of the work should be created organically to convey emotion but must still be constructed with careful craftsmanship.

Panel #3

Panel #3 Quilting Process

As I’m working through my sketches and creating each panel, I’m attempting to machine quilt each one as it’s finished, but also leaving some areas free for hand quilting. I have a small collection of threads that I threw in the pot at the same time I dyed the fabrics, so the colours are wonderfully coordinated and perfect for this project.

So far, I’ve made five panels in January (only showing three here but I’ll post more later) and now I’m working on a new group for February. I can honestly say that this is the most excited I’ve been in a very long time time and I’m looking forward to developing this body of work into a series to last the entire year. I hope I don’t lose you along the way, as this is definitely straying away from my more traditional quilt postings.

In the past, I rarely wrote about my more personal work, mostly because of the fear of judgement and rejection, but by keeping this part of my creativity private and protected I was able to stay in my comfort zone. Although at this stage in my life I am quite cozy and content, I have come to the realization that there is no personal growth within the comfort zone and, therefore, I will continue to push myself into the hot, prickly deserts of the unknown. (Believe it or not, my heart is beating faster and there is a bit of hesitation before pressing that ‘publish’ button today.)

Thank you for allowing me to share this process with you. I especially enjoy reading your comments.

until next time, carol