Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Calm Before the Storm

It's too quiet in the studio. Something's missing. Could it be the sound of my machine whirring away? Alas, I'm machineless for two weeks. Two whole weeks. I have a back up machine, but it's not the same. So I'm looking at it as a way to refocus, and reenergize my creative spirit. Call it a summer attitude adjustment.
I've been working on this piece, 'Feather Tree.' It started with a couple of pieces of this fabulous bird fabric and a client who wanted it with a tree. I worked on a couple of things for her and she decided I wasn't for her. Those things happen. I still loved the fabric, so I combined it with Lauren's amazing feather fabric and came up with this.
I think my favorite part of it is the tiny shadow on the branches. I love the stylized feeling of the tree. It's all ready to be hand appliqued. I think it has potential.
My oldest son called and told me the curtains I gave him for his living room were too long for his windows and he asked me to hem them. No problem. He also complained that though the pillows were amazing, the room was too BEIGE. Beige sofa, beige carpet, and now beige curtains. He asked what I thought he could do to liven things up a bit. I told him I had more of the pillow fabric and maybe enough to spice up the curtains a bit. So I did this...
...so that the curtains matched these pillows.

He's a happy camper with a spicy living room.

31 comments:

Jo James said...

Lucky son! Can you come to my house next? :)

Unknown said...

I really love this pillow fabric - must log it in the inspiration vault for a try at pieceing some day

monique said...

This evening I popped into Ikea to kill time while my daughter was at soccer practice and bought the same bird bird fabric with idea of appliqueing a tree on it. I'm getting ready for bed and pulled up your blog for a little night time treat and what do I see...eeks.. you can't believe how thrilled I am to have to same idea as the amazing, talented you -(even if it wasn't your idea - close enough). Thank you for taking the time to write your blog, I've learned so much from you.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Lucky son. I, too, am machine-less and NO back up! So I wander the house aimlessly. :o)

Suzanne said...

You are a cool mom!

I hope your machine is just getting a standard service and nothing more. Two weeks is a long time but I bet you will find a way to make the best of that time.

grendelskin said...

The curtain rehab is wonderful! This machine-less time should allow you to get some handwork finished; I find I get some good ideas for other projects while handstitching.

If you decide to give up the tree can I have first dibs? Truly, I love it.

Valerie said...

You are such a cool mom!

I have 2 metres of that Ikea fabric too, I never thought of putting a tree on there though!

Needled Mom said...

Very nice.

teaginny said...

what a good mom! I hope my little guys want me to sew for them when they're grown :)

Jennifer said...

What a great applique project! I love the textures...

Jennifer :)

Poppyprint said...

Spicy living room, indeed! The tree branches are amazing, sorry the commission didn't work out, but you'll have a wonderful quilt for yourself now!

Meg said...

Your son is a lucky guy to have a mom with such amazing design sense.

BTW, while things do happen, I still think the woman in question is nuts. Just sayin. :)

connie said...

What a great mom!!! Lovely pillows and curtains.

Oh, I really love the tree and birds. What a great idea. I too have some bird fabric and never thought of doing a tree. You are so clever!

I can hardly wait to see what you make in the next couple of weeks without a machine. I too am appliqueing these days and having great fun... ENJOY!

Q @ JAQS said...

You're such a great mommy!

I love the way that tree is turning out. I second that on the shadows. Love the way it goes with the tree and gives it dimension.

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

So that is fabric and not paper piecing?

And I was SOOOOOO impressed! LOL.

glen

Sharon M said...

I love your work, keep doing what you are doing. The addition to the drapes is genius!

Di~ said...

Oh Man, that is one lucky son! LOVE those pillows! You're still the best Jacquie!

Deb said...

I really love that bird piece! And wow, love the curtains and the pillows. Your son is a lucky man!

tina Cockburn said...

That pattern on the pillows and curtain remind me of a backgammon board. What a great inspiration that would be for a quilt!

Love the birdie art!

Caroline ~ TrilliumDesign said...

OK Jacquie - you are one awesome mom, check out that fabulous home decor for your son! He is a lucky guy. LOVE the bird quilt - fabulous.

henny said...

Really love the bird quilt, so lovely!

Kritta22 said...

I've been meaning to ask you....in your bio it says, I would appreciate if you would respect this is a tag free blog...

what does that mean??

I feel silly asking but...

Kritta22 said...

You are so creative with your bird fabric! I love the shade part too.

And your son is a lucky guy to have you on call!! :)

Esch House Quilts said...

That bird fabric is fabulous and I love your tree! The curtains look great too.

Two weeks without a machine! Yikes, I think this is why so many quilters have more than one!

Lynda said...

The bird fabric is gorgeous - and you have made it gorgeouser! (Don't think that word exists, but you get the meaning!)

Rebekah said...

That leaf fabric is perfect for a bird quilt. It's coming along beautifully!

Nifty Quilts said...

I love, love, love the birds in the tree quilt!

Amanda Jean said...

LOVE the curtain fix. it's wonderful!

Auntjune said...

Have I mentioned how much I love the birdie quilt? Now, I might be a leeeettle bit biased, but I think it might be the best quilt in the history of Earth. Maybe?

MightyMom said...

I'm thinking that boyneeds to be introduced to a sewing machine!!

prashant said...

I really love this pillow fabric -
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