Saturday, November 14, 2009

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.

24 comments:

Maggie R said...

This is one fabulous piece of art.... Thanks so much for sharing
I always enjoy my visit here and thanks for visiting my blog... It is always fun when you come by..
xoxo
((((hugs))))
Maggie

morningDove said...

wow that is an amazing silk purse, bet the sow is kicking its self in the behind. you did a fantastic job on your piece.

Unknown said...

Needlewings!
First of all, really love your name! Your piece really caught my eye because there IS my love affair with paisleys and your piece reminds me so much of them. G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S work!!

PeggyR said...

You did a really great job with this project! Huge Hugs, PeggyR

Pam said...

Wanda, It's beautiful. I was traveling all week and missed this one. Maybe I can go back and get the instructions. Your sow sould be proud of her "new ear" and so should you. I just love visiting your blog.

Barb's Blurbs said...

Oh, Wanda, Wanda, Wanda! You always do the neatest stuff and it is so inspiring! Take care, my friend!

jenclair said...

How beautiful! Thanks for sharing the creative process!

Pattyskypants said...

U make me HYSTERICAL!! There are 2 things I LOVE in this world: Fluffy Kitties and Brilliant Artists! Guess which one U R? xxoo Patty

Michelle said...

UU, this is so gorgeous, I absolutely love it!

NEEDLEWINGS said...

Wow! Thanks for all of the wonderful comments!

Lois said...

Hey Wanda!
You are so very talented!
What a beautiful piece of art!
Thank you for sharing.
Lois

Flicsha said...

Hi Wanda, Love your vase. I wish I had all my stuff here to try it.
Flicsha

JennaLouiseCreates said...

What a wonderful piece of creative art:) Thank you so much for visiting my blog, I live in Northwest Ohio near Bowling Green. It's nice to find someone from Ohio:) I will be linking my blog to yours:) I look forward to following your work:) Jenna Louise

Kim D. said...

Love your artwork, simply gorgeous. Looks like you had fun through the process. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Kim D. said...

Come by again in the next week or so for my giveaway. Enjoyed reading about all your lovely artwork.

Queenie Jeannie said...

That is SO COOL!!! Bravo!!

KnitYoga said...

This is beautiful! I am in awe!

Norma Soulet (AZArtist) said...

Wanda Sweetie,

Your vessel turned out gorgeous!

Jackie Kirner said...

Oh yeah, this is truly great!

NEEDLEWINGS said...

Thanks again everyone. I am quite pleased with it too!

Cat said...

Absolutly amazing transformation! Each step was so pretty that I thought "Wow, I'd probably stop there" But then then next step made it even more amazing. I will have to try TAKING IT FURTHER one day!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

deb did it said...

this is FANTABULOUS!I am visiting my Mom here in Florida, and she was doing this same project! ( she is the Barefoot Beader)I am also a member of FAT ( Deb Did It)but no so active lately. Your work is so inspiring....I think I will sew today,. because of YOU! Thank you.

NEEDLEWINGS said...

Yes, Deb, you need to try it! Glad you and your mom are on F.A.T. too! Thanks again!

Serena Lewis said...

WOW! I LOVE this!!! It seems to have a Native American feel to me which I particularly love. Great job!