Friday, December 30, 2011

She's Got Trousers

Autumn has trousers!  About time, you say?  I agree.  She was having way too much fun running around in her tights.
I finally told her the tights-only business was over, and she was very accommodating; she slipped on the trousers and modeled them.  She does love a photo shoot.

This morning, my plans for TAST (Take a Stitch Tuesday) have undergone a transformation.  Yesterday, I mentioned that a vague idea was floating around in my head.  Well, that possibility has gradually become more intriguing.  As the thought gained emphasis in my imagination, I jotted down some notes.

:) I know that TAST is almost here, and I do plan to keep up with my little 4 x 4" and 5 x 5" linen squares, but will let them remain mostly kantha stitching.  Today, I'm going to make a few more decisions about my new idea.  A little experimentation and maybe some prep work...if I still like it, I'll post more tomorrow.

In the Tuesday Stitchers group, almost everyone else has had more definite ideas and many have already done a LOT of prep.  Many are doing the crazy quilt project in conjunction with TAST.

 However, there is a definite difference in my style and quilting abilities, and I've been a bit intimidated by the size and complexity of some of the projects.

My preferences are not very sophisticated; I'm not as skilled, nor am I a good pre-planner, most of my projects evolve pretty spontaneously.  I like raw edges and primitive stuff, and I'm irresistibly drawn to Janet Bolton and Jude's styles.

janet bolton
jude hill - spirit cloth




 I will have to work within my own parameters and sensibilities.  And even though I admire (adore is not too strong) both Bolton's and Jude's styles, I can only take inspiration from them, not imitate them (although I wish I could!)...and maybe I will try some imitation.

At any rate, what I have in mind will definitely draw on the above styles and many others, but will remain relatively simple and primitive, allowing a great deal of leeway and experimentation and still help me practice more elaborate stitches.

So...
1) I have to keep things simple, and
2) accept that I really just want to improve my embroidery skills, not create a piece of art.

The kantha stitching 4x4's will remain my comfort stitching projects because I can work on them and catch up with some television and Netflix.  Love being able to do that because I can't seem to watch television without handwork.

Now, I have errands to run before I can come home and start playing.

Have a great Friday, y'all!

11 comments:

  1. I love Autumn -- especially her hair! Have a lovely New Year!

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  2. Jenclair- Your gals always have so much personality! I will watch to see how your new idea evolves...

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  3. Autumn is very dashing in her new trousers!
    It sounds as though you know your wishes for TAST. I'll be interested in watching this develop.

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  4. Connie Rose - Thanks! And a Happy New Year to you, too!

    Nancy - Thanks, Nancy! I've been thinking and working on my new idea (Prayer Flags) this afternoon--will have to see how the TAST challenge works on them. Fingers crossed. :)

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  5. Suz - :) She does look a bit dashing in her trousers, much better with those knobby knees covered!

    Now, I finally feel like have a real project in mind for TAST. I've been talking about wanting to make Prayer Flags for some time, and now the two things can be combined. I feel better about moving forward now!

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  6. Adorable - my alter ego!!

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  7. Just fabulous. I have a headless doll sitting on my sewing table but he is not nearly as lovely as Autumn. I love art dolls as much as quilts.

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  8. Prayer Flags are a splendid idea!!

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  9. Gerrie- :) Like you, Gerrie, she has her arms open to embrace life!

    Deborah - Thanks! I love both, too, Deborah. Lots of fun working on both!

    Debra - I'm so glad you think so! I'm happier with this idea.

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  10. I took your advice and read this post, being directed here from today's post. Autumn is lovely and exuberant.

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    1. You must have clicked one of those pics at the bottom of the post to get here. Ha! I can hardly believe that Take a Stitch Tuesday was so long ago. And Autumn--I made her in 2011? Doesn't seem so long ago. Time flies is no longer a metaphor!

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