Patches and Slow Stitching

I've begun using the cotton knit scraps that I've purchased from The School of Making

They are cutting room scraps that are scooped up and packed for shipping, so they are rather random.

I'm doing 3 in x 3 in patches and exploring the fabrics and what threads work well with them.

Eventually I'll assemble them into usable pieces, maybe scarves or cushion covers or other larger works.

The knit feels lovely in my hands and the small size of the patches provides enough territory to try something, but it never takes a lot of time to finish the experiment and move on.

Variations in color and stitching produce interesting results.  I'm going to be playing with these fabrics for a long time to come.

I'm also trying small zokin style utility cloths, inspired by the the Japanese zokin, made from old fabrics as one final use before they are discarded.

The zokin on top is an older one from linen and the black one on the bottom is make from a waffle knit.  Each one is three layers, so it is like using a small sponge and it's washable.

I wanted to try the stretchy knit as a binding for the layers of the zokin - it's too stretchy!

This binding adds a lot of happiness!

If you want to see more everyday photos of what I am doing I post frequently on Instagram @journalofathousandlives

https://www.instagram.com/journalofathousandlives/

Little Hands Studio News - The Studio is Moving

Yes, Little Hands Studio is changing location, so it'll be topsy-turvey while boxes are getting packed and unpacked.  But it is altogether wonderful to handle all the lovely materials in the process of packing.

This embroidery is an old work in progress and worthy of some time and attention.

I've been mending these old black jeans for years, so this session I got out the bright silks for some dramatic applique and colorful stituches.

An old pal asked me for a favor and so I finished the yoke and neck. It was nice not to have to get through all that gray first!! I really enjoyed working with the bulky lopi.

 

Group Quilt 2020 - 2022

Community Quilt 2020

Insight Meditation Society Staff quilt

Gotta love a group quilt! Our quilt organizer, Rebecca Layton, began to develop this quilt in the spring of 2020, just as the COVID19 outbreak became obvious around the world.  Our organization hosts meditation retreats, so at that time we had to cease operations and the retreat center was in temporary suspension.  So Rebecca requested that we create a community art project.  She asked people to do a 12in. x 12 in. block and we had 24 blocks when all was said and done.

Most of the blocks were created from fabrics designed by Rebecca.  She has a business called Rekh and Datta that is a brand of clothing.  She works with artisans in India to produce wonderful block printed textiles. 

A team of three pulled together the blocks and created sashing to help make an integrated quilt top design.

Some blocks were more abstract and some blocks documented the pandemic and other happenings in the moment.  2020 was a year full of social and political upheaval, so there was a lot to think about!

Once the blocks were completed and assembled we held a few quilting bees.

Many of those who contributed to the quilt had never sewn before, so it was an opportunity to participate in a  community project in brand new way

A preview hanging in the Welcome Room of the center in January 2022.

The completed quilt in the conference room of the retreat center, spring 2022.