A Sow's Ear To A Silk Purse

In an online Fiber Art Trader's group we were challenged by Leilani to make some transformations in fabric in 5 days.

DAY 1, I had taken a plain white fabric and hand dyed. It wasn't my favorite piece, but it had possiblities was willing to experiment to see what it would become in this blind challenge. It was cut to the size of about 8 X 10.



DAY 2, consisted of laying a rainbow dyed organza fabric over the piece along with batting sandwiched together and stitched.



Then the organza was burnt away randomly showing through some of the original fabric beneath.



DAY 3, resulted in cutting out shapes from one place and replacing it to another area.



It was then stitched into place forming a new stitched pattern. I satin stitched it in a blue that I had used for the background foundation. It was a piece of fabric I had done salt dyes with during the summer.



DAY 4, the fabric was embellished. I chose to stitch by hand with some pearl cotton with some spokes around the shapes. I used some fimo clay that I rolled up in small balls and added the crystals in which I baked together. I also embellished with other beads and crystals along with some CZECHOSLOVAKIAN glass buttons I had picked on on my travels to Seattle. They were quite pricey, but I felt the piece needed it and it was coming together quite nicely.




DAY 5, took on the last transformation stage where the fabric was cut, edged and re-stitched into a vessel. I actually had a couple of ideas on how to construct it, but I liked this the best. I still had to cut a piece from the front to enclose the back fully. Even after satin stitching it, I took thread and hand joined the back. The piece actually tilted so after auditioning a foot for it, I settled on a wooden bead. Sewing it in place wasn't enough, so had to secure it with fabric glue. I am quite please with the results. I think I may add more crystals and beads to it, but I feel it is finally complete! I truly do feel that it became a silk purse:) Thanks Leilani! It was great to see everyone coming up with something so different.