Originally I had planned on stretching this over foam core...I love the flat tight surface this gives. But Pat told me a few days ago that she preferred batting and a backing, so I had to do a little creative problem solving.
The green background area was too poofy for my taste.
To flatten it out, I machine quiilted it. (What a concept!)The Wonderfil rayon thread was just great to work with.
There were a few little finishing details. The white thread I had used to sew on those yellow beads had to be fixed. I use fabric markers to "dye" threads all the time after the fact.Some loose beads had to be tightened, a little extra stitching put on the peace sign itself...but now it is done.
This is 15" X 15". Pretty darn fun it was!In San Francisco I was helping a friend clean out her closet. This gal is a shopper, and has the wherewithal to buy some really nice clothes. I came home with three suitcases full of them after spending a day trying stuff on and hearing the great stories behind some of the garments. ("I wore that coat in Paris one April..." "This one went to the opera in Vienna and the casino in Monte Carlo...") What I really enjoyed was the way my friend was just as excited by a cute blouse from Target as she was by a fine old Chanel velvet skirt.
So when I went grocery shopping this morning I had on Prada shoes, Ann Taylor jeans, and a Georgio Armani striped hoodie. No doubt Washougal didn't notice, but I must say it put an extra spring in my step!
One of my new hand-me-downs is a lightweigh denim hoodie that is begging to be transformmed by my embellisher. I think it's time to play...
You do such beautiful work, I had to tag you! http://theamazingmrso.blogspot.com/2008/10/id-like-to-thank.html
ReplyDeletereally sensational fantastic colours and art
ReplyDeleteAllie, the peace sign turned out great. I think that the quilting in the background really sets the wreath off well. As with all of your things, this is beautiful! Very cool that you got a closet of new designer clothes too!
ReplyDeleteThe Peace Sign quilt looks fantastic. I like how the machine stitching gave some texture and pattern to the area around the flowers. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. I like all the little tips you give to - like touching up the thread with markers. such clever ideas. I like the flat quilted background better than poofy too.
ReplyDeletewhen i was reading about your clothes haul...i thought you wre going to turn them into quilts, not wear them. looking forward to seeing your embellised hoodie
VERY nice! I like the whipped (couched?) cord around the center medallion. Missed noticing it before.
ReplyDeleteHow great to have a friend who wants to pass on some designer clothes, and even greater to be her size!
Hi, Allie! Another magificent finish! WOW - it's really an eye-catcher!
ReplyDeleteYour clothes experience cracks me up.... Lucky you!
I'm willing to bet the peace sign has never been depicted so beautifully before! Pat is very lucky to be able to possess this.
ReplyDeleteWow! Fun post Allie. Not only is your piece stunning, & you can food, but now you have a designer wardrobe! Cool!
ReplyDeleteOh Allie...this piece gives me goosebumps! It really represents a romantic memory of all those turbulent years in the 60"s. It is just filled with all the possibilites of life many felt in that era. BRAVO!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteThank God you finally got some designer duds to wear for your "coming out" party when you become rich and famous...I can see you haven't forgotten that the tour buses are coming and I"m running the concession stand!!
ReplyDeleteThat little marker trick...is another example of your shear brilliance. Peace out, next project in...
I bet San Francisco was colld???
Really, really lovely! I love the way the green border looks like a big wreath of leaves.
ReplyDeleteHow cool to get such a great wardrobe already infused with good memories. That will make wearing those clothes extra-special
Another beautiful work of art, Allie. I have to agree with Pat, the quilting does add some panache--a lot of panache. Speaking of panache, lookit you go girl, with all those designer labels! Mmmmm-mmmm!
ReplyDeleteI am curious to see the quilt you are getting in the trade. When will it be done?
ReplyDeleteJust imagine the money you saved Robert with all the "new to me" fashions!
You are very creative...I like the idea of using a fabric marker to color thread...will have to try that sometime.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful pieace of art. I am amazed. Just beautiful is this gonna be for sale?
ReplyDeleteThis peace sign is just so beautiful! The machine quilting is a wonderful touch too - I like!! The whole piece goes together perfectly.
ReplyDeleteAnd lucky you on new wardrobe touches!
~Cat
THe peace sign is absolutely beautiful. I bloghopped over here from "needlework news" on Craft Gossip. Your hand me down story sounds like it was a lot of fun. Your friend sounds like she lives a dream life!
ReplyDeletegotta love those fairy godmothers!!! seester
ReplyDeleteThe quilting is perfect - it adds that finishing touch! I'm glad I'm not the only one that touches up things with markers and dye pens.
ReplyDeleteSPECTACULAR! You do such good work.
ReplyDeleteLooks fabulous! I love the outside your did to frame it.
ReplyDeleteYOur peace sign turned out so beautifully. I love the idea of a flower peace sign; we never had one nearly that gorgeous in Boulder during the height of the Hippy days! The machine quilting really did set off the sign and I love that rich border.
ReplyDeleteWow, I can picture you in designer clothing, canning with one hand and crazy quilting with the other. What a great friend to have!
Breath-takingly beautiful!
ReplyDelete