Sometimes there are things we just don't want to do. Our brain just says, "NOPE! Not going there!" On some occassions not going there is probably a good idea. Memories of dyed black hair, bad dates, and a couple weird outfits come to mind as minor bad decisions. Contrary to popular belief, I don't actually enjoy telling people what to do. For example, I wring my hands nearly every morning before waking sleeping boys. I try not to impose my sense of discipline on them for fear that they will resent me as it works for me but not for everyone. In the case of my Monday design class I gently suggested we try making faces. There was palpable fear in the room. Where do we start? was the obvious question in all our minds. I knew it would be a leap of faith having just done a Face Value workshop with Rosalie Dace. However, it was way more fun than I could have anticipated and I learned so much more than how to make a face...as is always the case with the lovely Rosalie.
Jenny didn't waste any time but quickly got her photo out and here is Jenny's grandson. We were all amazed in matter of minutes at how quickly she got the face to resemble his gorgeous face.
Judy did a self portrait channeling a past life...I think anyway...complete with jewelry.
Helena started a portrait of one of her sons who has very curly blonde hair. We searched through a pile of scrap fabrics and found things that took our mind where we wanted it to go.
Cath captured her spirit as well using bits and pieces of fabric from her comfort zone. This may or may not be a self portrait of Cath but the colours say her name to me.
It started out with a few nevous giggles and a bit of selfconsciousness but soon we were all having a riot of a time finding little bits of fabric to use to create these images.
Sometimes we just need a gentle nudge to try something a bit different.
How about this elephant walk? There is more to come but we are all in love with this guy at the moment as Cath gets this quilt under way.
In another design class the Sunburst template has come back as a cushion by Alex. It is such a great shape for using up stash fabrics. I am thinking now I need to get off the computer and make some cushions.
Robyn has worked in a more sublime palette having made this baby quilt in the softest of soft shades of pink and grey. My eyes felt caressed looking at it.
Debbie has also been making a cot quilt
There are tiny bits of colour that keep it from disappearing and add interest to the random pattern. The combinations worked perfectly to create just the right sweetness for a baby.
This was a sweet fabric we had with tiny little children's clothes on it with a companion print of socks on the line. Also sublime in soft shades that are perfect for a new baby.
Maree picked up one of my favorite Alexander Henry fabrics a while back and started a cute quilt with it.
The colours are so clean and bright and those tiny flying geese are perfect. Then Maree learned this circle block with Wendy and added another layer of interest to the quilt.
One of the things I love doing the most is working out fabrics. Maree had these blocks made up to go in a quilt she is making for a friend. It is often difficult to make quilts for people as we try to find fabrics we think they will like but also do the right job in the quilt. We experimented with several different fabrics and then found this one from Jane Sassaman. It has just the right amount of pink, light blue and black to perfectly compliment the pieced blocks. Not only that but it will fussy cut to fit the block as well. Bingo.
Most of the day was spent reviewing all this progress and finding just the right fabrics to finish off the job. These churn dash blocks are a great way to use up stash fabrics purpose purchased or not.
The diversity of everyone makes it a creative environment as we learn from each other and are inspired to try new things in both technique and colour. From the sublime to the outrageous, it all has a place.
On the weekend I got to work my stash a bit which was most enjoyable. Man and boys were all otherwise engaged so I spent the entire weekend in my pj's in my sewing room! Funny enough I had a project to do but on a whim started something completely different. It was fantastic fun. I might have to take a few days off this week to face finishing it. k
The faces are wonderful!!! love all the photos!
Posted by: Anna | Monday, 26 September 2011 at 10:22 AM
Those faces are amazing - great job. Can you share the name of the fabbie used in the elephant walk as I as I collect elephants and that fabric is gorgeous.
Posted by: anne | Monday, 26 September 2011 at 12:40 PM
Those faces are so much fun...it is quite inspiring, how would I create a self portrait? Always love seeing the tops under construction!
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