| Sabi Westoby |
|
2014
This year's journal quilt challenge is to make a quilt each month measuring 8 inches square and the only requirement is that there should be a line linking one edge to another.
I love the size of this project and line is my favourite design element that I have been exploring for some years. My original plan was to use a lot of hand stitching and sari silks but after having done a series last year, as mentioned in the Sari Silks posts in my blog, I was reluctant to return to it. Inspiration seemed to be lacking and other work took precedence. I was seriously thinking about withdrawing from the project - then inspiration struck me in a big way.
The Boro show at Somerset House in April 2014 was stunning and although the pieces were made out of poverty and necessity they reminded me of the beauty of layers, contrasting textiles and making do, the essence of quilt making. I am in the habit of keeping some items of clothing where I like the colour or texture and I will use them in this year's project.
The first four pieces include linen trousers, denim jeans, a linen shirt and a suit jacket, as well as an old scarf and some commercial textiles. No clothes in my house are now safe, especially any torn or tatty ones!
The second set of pieces were made mainly out of denim. I chose fabrics which were well worn for the Pocket piece - lines of wear were highlighted by heavy stitching in red cotton. The other pieces had denim chosen for the tears, holes and wear.
The last set includes a pocket and its lining and a very worn cuff; I like the way the colour has been worn away.
I love the size of this project and line is my favourite design element that I have been exploring for some years. My original plan was to use a lot of hand stitching and sari silks but after having done a series last year, as mentioned in the Sari Silks posts in my blog, I was reluctant to return to it. Inspiration seemed to be lacking and other work took precedence. I was seriously thinking about withdrawing from the project - then inspiration struck me in a big way.
The Boro show at Somerset House in April 2014 was stunning and although the pieces were made out of poverty and necessity they reminded me of the beauty of layers, contrasting textiles and making do, the essence of quilt making. I am in the habit of keeping some items of clothing where I like the colour or texture and I will use them in this year's project.
The first four pieces include linen trousers, denim jeans, a linen shirt and a suit jacket, as well as an old scarf and some commercial textiles. No clothes in my house are now safe, especially any torn or tatty ones!
The second set of pieces were made mainly out of denim. I chose fabrics which were well worn for the Pocket piece - lines of wear were highlighted by heavy stitching in red cotton. The other pieces had denim chosen for the tears, holes and wear.
The last set includes a pocket and its lining and a very worn cuff; I like the way the colour has been worn away.
