After studying my quirky fabrics, I decided to work with the yellow-green silk that had been screen printed. I knew I wanted to play up the red design with more red accents. Then, I threw in blue and yellow for good measure.
After just a little arranging I remembered, “Oh yeah, I’m not really good at abstract designs.” (It’s good to know your strengths and weaknesses.)
Knowing that I wanted to make two companion pieces, I did a couple of quick sketches. And since my fabrics were green, why not leaves?
Pretty simple, but I thought I could bring it to life with the right fabrics.
Speaking of fabrics, I started to second guess my original choices, and instead tried something new.
Oh, yes! I definitely preferred this. See those red squiggles? I want to feature them.
So, I got started. I fused a lightweight interfacing on all the silk fabrics and I drew my sketch onto a muslin base. Next, I began cutting and placing fabrics. Placement was determined by a desire to mix values, but also by the size of each fabric piece in my collection.
Those squiggles are looking pretty good, huh?
Ellen Lindner
Love that you share the “oh no”s as well as the “yes!”es. All part of the creative process.
Cindy, the conversation would be a lot shorter is I only shared successes. 🙂 But, actually, I consider ALL of my experiments as successful. The very act of trying something new is a creative process and that’s always worthwhile. As you know!
Love it! You’re inspiring me to take another look at my piles of “quirky” fabrics!
Yep, Sharon, those quirky fabrics can be tricky to use. But also, really wonderful focal fabrics. I’m optimistic about these two.