Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Ultimate fine lines

For more than five years I have been making my quilts almost exclusively with pieced fine lines.  No matter what overall pattern or plan, I always separate bits of fabric with a pieced-in line.

Sometimes the overall pattern is a grid, at approximately right angles.

Sometimes I fracture the background with diagonal lines at random angles.

Sometimes the fine lines aren't all that fine; they vary in width.

I still have lots of permutations to work though, and don't plan to abandon these series (now at more than 30) any time soon.

But so far the very narrow lines have only served as separators.  So it seems inevitable that I would allow the lines to take center stage instead of merely working as supporting players.

Here's what I'm sewing this week -- a composition of fine lines sewed to each other.  In the detail shot, the gridlines on the design wall are an inch apart, so you can see how narrow the pieced lines are.

Turns out that the hardest part of this task is not the sewing but the pressing; the seam allowances don't always want to point in the direction I want them to.  Much work with the tweezers to flip the recalcitrant seams and press again.

I have an idea of how I plan to incorporate this piecing into an overall composition, but a lot of sewing (and pressing) to do first.  I'll keep you posted.


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Update: linking to Nina-Marie's "Off the Wall Friday" -- check it out to see what other fiber artists are doing this week.




16 comments:

  1. You are a crazy woman! :)

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  2. I think you are a glutton for punishment, but I'm sure it will be great when finished.

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  3. Sandra Palmer CiolinoDecember 5, 2013 at 10:30 AM

    I am a huge fan of your line work.

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  4. It will be fascinating to see where you go with the new direction. Isn't it amazing how infinite the possibilities are?

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  5. These make a great effect. Plus there's that surprise when people look up close--"Oh my gosh, she pieced all those!"

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  6. I've been doing something a bit like your last one for years and have no idea what to do with them yet. I must say the triangle separation is awesome. they are all so graphic and interesting. The red stripe is so intriguing. I'd like to see these in person .
    LeeAnna Paylor leeannaquilts@gmail.com
    lapaylor.blogspot.com

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  7. I find all of these inspiring. Look forward to seeing where the new direction takes you.

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  8. Wow. That is all I can say. So have you ever timed yourself to see how long it takes to make an inch? A foot?

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    1. although I haven't timed it, surprisingly less than you might think! probably a lot less time than to set in circles.

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  9. Next, you can piece each strip out of different colored microscopic strips! Wait, you mean you aren't doing that already?

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    1. ha ha

      that's why God made fabric companies print stripes

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  10. Kathy,

    I saw Crazed 16: Suburban Dream live and in person - what a great piece of work. It was the best of show for sure - congratulations! If you'd like some pictures let me know.

    Jill

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    1. thanks so much!! I was so sorry that I couldn't figure out a way to see that show. I would love photos if you could send them -- artwithaneedle@gmail.com

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    2. Will do. I am separated from my camera this week, but I will send them sometime during the holidays.

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