Hunker Down and Create/Consider a Base

The Larger Base

talking about small vs large

most of my classes have been about small cloth

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Don't laugh...ok, I did, it could be this simple.

There are so many ways to build a large cloth

let me babble about that...

The Story Cloth style, as described in Spirit Cloth 101 (although I was working small) has basically evolved from the concept of "the Base" and story layers. In perspective, we could just imagine all of those beginnings larger. Or, if you are like me, you might also think of a lot of the smaller pieces you have accumulated as pieces for a larger puzzle. Solution unknown. Still, regardless of size, I always consider what others call a quilt top or a larger cloth, as a base for story.

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So I went back to look at this base lesson. To see how my basic approach might change in the context of large cloth. And I guess it is just important to note, that working toward larger often requires adjusting techniques simply because bigger is a little different than small. Problem solving is a big part of the form that evolves and can test your creative side in new ways...Encourage new form and process (which to me is part of the form),out of the need to hold it together. How it goes, how it might happen, is really quite a big part of the story for me. And that's what will unfold here.

It is also important to note that a larger cloth can be looked at in two distinct ways. A useful cloth, that is, one that has another function apart from being looked at. Or one that is just to be looked at, an art cloth. But then we can ask, what if ? it could be both? How might this influence approach?

I would just like to list my basic approaches here today, adding a few to the base mix and talk about them individually in separate posts. This will allow me to share my current thoughts in each technique in the context of a larger scale.

1.Piecing. When I talk about pieced large cloth, as a base, the base is really no different than a quilt block. Except maybe the number or size of pieces or the time it takes to make it. While piecing takes time, it offers a grid or system of seams that I love to use as a guide. To build a story. Maybe because seams are lines, and I love to draw. This might lead me into some other ways to create lines to work around.

2.Cloth Weaving. The cloth woven base has built in layering. Weaving a bigger base has it's own challenges, and I have some solutions, but smaller blocks can be combined. I still love the natural grid and texture of the cloth woven surface as a base for any kind of patch or stitch.

3.Whole cloth. The instant gratification and freedom of working on a whole cloth is a nice break from the tradition of seams and the time it takes to piece a base. It offers space, perhaps less stress in terms of construction. The collage method can be a nice break from the worry of straight and neat. With the trend toward "boro" these days, it has become very popular because of a more relaxed approach. It just takes less traditional skill. But then you put the focus on just stitching/quilting a big piece of cloth,if you have one.

4.Pre-existing Base. And then maybe in terms of base methods, we could add the existing base, maybe an old blanket or a garment you might simply use as a ready made or recycled base. To coat with scraps and ideas. Working on a large something that already is, can be a shortcut. Or way to renew an old cloth item. Or take something further. I will add to that this time, the pre-existing puzzle piece.

5.Free Style,Build as you Go. Because sometimes you just can't know. Maybe most often. This is so true to my actual style, ... you can simply always make something small bigger. Creating the base/large thing as you go. Mixing it up in terms of approach. Working around the smallest idea/scrap and letting it grow. For me this is one of the easiest ways to get to large cloth. Not suddenly, but simply Eventually. And this method is also the easiest to handle. My favorite because it evolved through my own process of just going.