the challenge i have set for myself this week is to finish making 'peace', the small quilt project from quilt class. the free pieced base went quite quickly. i added the word PEACE by extension piecing, which is a method i plan to experiment more with after the new year.
the reindeer is a lazy appliqué from an indonesian batik . i thought some cross cultural peace would be nice. and i added a chimney applique because i forgot it.
the quilting is kind of free and wavy and swirly using 3 strands of floss, white and grey, suggesting blowing snow. and i tried quilting with some metallic thread which adds some random sparkle. and i like it.
no batting, just sewing the top to a piece of linen twill. less bulk, more drape, easier to quilt. i find the no batting method produces a more folk textile feel.
the little tree section was free pieced separately sewn to the body and then treated like an appliqué to the sky, and i left the top ragged edge to suggest cloud.
....i am now adding an edge, although i am not finished with the body. i often work out of the normal order. adding an edge gives me a sense of boundary and allows me to work against the confines i have chosen. i also think it injects some satisfaction and sense of accomplishment and makes me less impatient. i will not miter the corners because, well i am lazy, it doesn't matter and well it is just not fun. not for me anyway.
the rest of my sewing this month will be unplugged. i would like to finish out the year quietly.
