Support
Where does your support come from? That seems like a straight forward question. I’m not sure it is. There is family and community. I know many receive support from their faith. Personally, I would add to that list my activities, even as I pursue them on my own. It doesn’t matter whether I am practicing yoga, teaching myself a new language or working in my studio. I find delving into a variety of activities, particularly ones that are challenging, give me strength during those times when life is difficult. Just as important, I feel the strength of community that comes from being part of group of dedicated quilters, artisans and appreciators of same. I hope you do as well.
Rainbow Lorikeet
Remember the rainbow lorikeet? This next photo is where I left off last week. I was feeling pretty shaky, hoping I could resolve the chaos of the piece. Thanks to the support from many of you who read my musings, I pushed forward.
I knew the large prints were competing with each other. So, I went back to my stash and chose a few fabrics that read closer to solid to use as blenders and soften the contrast somewhat. Now the lorikeet seems to be peaking out from the foliage.
The rainbow lorikeet is another in my collection of 12″ x 12″ wrapped canvas animal series. Each one teaches me a little more on the technical side of things. Now I always hem the outer perimeter. It simply looks neater when brought around to the back of the frame. The finished top measures 16 1/2″ square.
Another trick I have learned, experience being a great teacher, is to only quilt the central 12″ square. This way there is less bulk to wrap around the frame. Because I quilted with a matching, versus a contrasting thread, my black micro stippling can only be seen in person when looking at the finished piece. This shot of the back of the quilt before it is wrapped around the frame demonstrates both the quilting and my machine appliqué process. I use a satin stitch around the thread painting (lorikeet) and a blind hem stitch with both a short width and length to machine appliqué the collaged fabrics.
Now for the ta da moment. I’m done!
I could use your support with a title. What do you think I should call this piece?
Rainbow Scrap Challenge
I didn’t work on my 2025 or 2024 Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilts once this week. First, because I have finished the May green assignment. Second, because I was fixated on completing the rainbow lorikeet. However, my plan is to devote next week to moving forward with quilting my 2024 Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilt. It has been languishing in my studio for several weeks without a single stitch added.
I’m linking up to the following posts:
I adore the Lorikeet’s glorious plumage!
A thought: “The Rainbow Connection” for a title.
The lorikeet’s plumage was part of the appeal of the original photo for me, too. Thanks for the title suggestion.
The lorikeet piece is gorgeous!! I’m always amazed at what you can create with fabric and thread. Wow!!
I’m touched, Sarah. I definitely have fun trying, even as I tear my hair out with frustration when things get rough.
What a great finish! I was thinking Rainbows Aren’t Just in Skies for a title and read Cheryl’s suggestion. . .hmm. . .maybe there is a pattern forming here?
You’ve given me something to think about with your title suggestion. This is a good thing. Well, it is a rainbow lorikeet, so I am not surprised by several suggested titles including the word rainbow.
Your lorikeet thread painting is amazing, Gwyned! It’s been so interesting to follow your process from beginning to finish. I like how you softened up the background with the blender pieces. I’m not a good quilt namer, but will let you know if I come up with something! I have a 2024 RSC project in the quilting stage that I would like to get back to this week also.
Ok, Diann. I’ve thrown down the gauntlet. You and will not get distracted this week. Instead we will move our 2024 quilting along. I’m in.
When I was a young child, our housekeeper/babysitter would entertain me and my brother by knitting doll’s blankets from yarn that we would unroll and string around the house. I was fascinated by how the yarn could go from ball, to string and finally to blanket format. Probably why I like to share the process of idea to finish with everything in the middle, including the inevitable doubt.I’m grateful you enjoy following along and don’t get bored.
Just came back to read your reply to my comment, Gwyned, and I see your challenge! I guess I’d better get on that!
Of course, Diann, you are free to take up the challenge or not. I did find it a good incentive. I spent Monday’s studio time quilting my 2024 RSC quilt. It’s a king sized quilt and I don’t have a long arm with a frame. I also don’t do E2E quilting, so it is going to take many more hours to finish. Very tempting to do other easier, instant reward type work.
Gwyned, I finally got my 2024 project out today and quilted one block! It’s good to have a reminder that I shouldn’t let it stew in the closet forever!
Good for you, Diann. Sometimes all that is needed to move on a project is taking the first step. I it helped me knowing that both of us were committed to doing so this week.
The Rainbow Lorikeet is so pretty. I was thinking “Here’s looking at you” for a title. My support comes mostly from myself. Growing up as an only child of a widowed mother, I learned to be self-sufficient. My husband is supporting when he can be and I find my crafts, reading and music are what give me the most calm. I seem to be the person everyone else turns to for support.
Ah, Cathie, I actually have a similar quilt, but of my cat, titled I’m Watching You. Your title is a great catalyst to jump start my brain. Thank you. Some of us were thrust into being self reliant earlier than others. It definitely has its benefits.
Lovely lorikeet! I love the neat finish, the satin stitch and the fabrics added to the background. Another stunning piece for the animal series! I will let others suggest a good name to you, I’m not very good with that 😉 Thank you for sharing your art process and tips, and linking up.
I have the SEDOSO to thank for the neat finish. We have been working together to develop the best way to work with corners. At first I tried the blind hem stitch to attach my thread paintings. I didn’t like the raw edge. Hence a thin satin stitch. Not enough to be distracting, but enough to cover the raw edge. It’s comments such as your Frédérique that keep me experimenting and motivated. Thank you.
Your Lorikeet is gorgeous, so much work in making him.
It doesn’t feel like work if you love what you’re doing and I do love thread painting.
He is stunning!! You amaze me with your thread work. Good luck on finding time to work on RSC 2024, I am struggling to keep up with my blocks for 2025, and haven’t even started piecing the 2024 blocks together. LOL!
I actually spent several hours quilting my 2024 RSC quilt today. It’s slow going because it is such a monster. At this point I just want to finish it. Fortunately, there is always time at the end of the year to play catch up.
Thank you for stopping by.
Support systems from family and friends seem to have broken down over the years and are now almost non-existent. Dave & I have struggled and long so badly for some friends we can spend extensive time with… like we had when we had years ago. Friends we could do spontaneous evenings with, have good conversation that never seems to run out.
I have considered making a “wanted” ad… lol! Hmmmmmm… I may have to ponder further 😉
Melva, you crack me up. I find making friends and developing a support system gets harder as I age. We’ve moved twice, first in 2010 and then again in 2018. Both times I’ve had to start from scratch making new friends. It is one of the reasons we will move again approximately five years from now. This time to a CCRC. There is an “instant” community and all the activities are just down the hall. 🙂