So that everyone can take it a little easier over the holidays and enjoy family, friends, and festivities, the Arty Girlz theme, "Home Art" is extended through next Tuesday, the 6th of January. But since my piece for this theme will be added to over a period of time, I decided to post the first two squares of what will become a quilted heart throw, as they appear right now, in progress. By the time this is finished, the squares will be further embellished with who knows what all, and will be hand quilted and assembled. I'll keep you posted as these "bare bones" squares take shape into a larger piece of art.
Everyone who knows me, knows my love of hand stitches! I'll surely break out the sewing machine for seaming, but whatever quilting and embellishing will take place, it will be done by hand, simply because, among other things, that's what my hands are for! And I love a rough-sewn look, especially in contrast with contemporary and hand-dyed fabrics. I can't get enough of the look of naive little stitches made by hand, and it's a challenge and pleasure to create them. With so many other pieces of art in the works right now, putting this piece together one square at a time, and letting each one dictate its own rules for what will be added and in what order it will be placed, works perfectly for me! And my deadline is simply, "when I'm finished!"
But for now, these two starter squares are made from three pieces of hand-dyed cotton. The red heart on the left is reverse appliqued, and the square on the right utilizes the cut-out-heart from the square on the left, which is appliqued to another piece of cotton. They are four inches square, and I envision them with lots of embellishment....think art-journal style, with words, quotes, over-dyes, transferred images and more!
I'm on holiday, but couldn't resist this post! I'll be back next week.....if not before!
Have a great rest of 2008, and a Very Happy New Year, Everyone!
Lovely work, the hearts are so pretty
Happy new year
sarah x
Posted by: Tiggertastic | December 31, 2008 at 03:38 PM
wow Barbara they are beautful already the throw is going to be stunning if these 2 squares are anything to go by.
Thanks for joining in with the Arty Girlz challenge.
Happy new year crissi xx
Posted by: crissi | December 31, 2008 at 03:38 PM
WoW!, that's beautiful! I have always wanted to learn how to quilt :) I cannot not wait to see what you add on!
Thank you for your sweet comment!
Have a wonderful New Year!
xoxo ~ margie
Posted by: margie | December 31, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Beautiful hearts, colours are gorgeous. Four inch squares? wow that's a lot of squares for a throw. I'm so in awe of quilters, such patience, but then again when it's something you love to do it's not about how long it takes is it?
Have a wonderful New Year.
Davinia
Posted by: Davinia Algeri | December 31, 2008 at 05:46 PM
I am sure this will be gorgeous (already is) when you put your touch on it.
Posted by: Barbara | December 31, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Happy New Year to you and yours. Wishing all your dreams come true.
Gorgeous artwork.
Posted by: Hermine | January 01, 2009 at 03:50 PM
Wow wow wow so wonderful and lovely work. Gorgeous.
Barbara, I wish you a Happy New Year.
May all your wishes come true.
Posted by: Sandy | January 01, 2009 at 03:50 PM
And what a "lovely" start it is! I can't wait to see the completed throw. I'm like you. Hand-sewing is so relaxing to me, but sewing on a machine, not so much! You are a truly a talented woman. Happy New Year,
Love,
Alberta
Posted by: Alberta | January 02, 2009 at 03:15 PM
WOW They are gorgeous Barbara!!
I hope that you had a lovely Christmas and I wish you all the best for the New Year
Julie (Arty Girlz)
xx
Posted by: Julie Allain | January 04, 2009 at 04:52 PM