Silk Two Ways

I really enjoyed the lush scenery on a recent trip to rural Virginia.  I took quite a few photos, thinking that they would serve as inspiration for a quilt.

This is one of my favorites, and I had already started sketching it when I discovered some long-lost silk fabrics.  Click on this photo to see the lovely variety of greens and yellows.

If you look closely, perhaps you can see the golden silk tops of the corn plants.

Because my silk fabrics are very muted, I decided to omit the high contrast trees.  Instead, I’ll focus on the softer colors of the crops.  Here’s my fabric audition. 


Although I don’t normally work with muted colors like this, I think they’ll work very well in this case.  I’ll be working quite small, so I might include some hand embroidery. For the corn silk, maybe?

Ellen Lindner

4 Comments

  1. Ann Babillis says:

    When you work with silk, do you use specific needles or thread?

    Thanks,

  2. ellen says:

    Hi Ann,

    I don’t really “baby” the silk, especially since I use it infrequently. I use whatever threads and needles I have on hand, (which is to say Microtex 60 or 70 sharp needles.)

    I’ll have to contend with the very ravelly nature of silk. I’ll post about that in my next update. And, if I decide to hand embroider, I’ll try some samples. I’ve had problems with the cotton batting bearding up through the holes caused by embroidery sized needles. I’ll proceed carefully.

  3. Patty says:

    Such lovely and calm colors….and silk! Can’t wait to see this come together 🙂

  4. ellen says:

    Thanks, Patty. I’m having fun working with these fabrics. (Very small. About 18 x 13.)