I cannot think of anything more appropriate than working with wool in currently subtropical Pennsylvania! My timing is superb. That said, I started this project years ago, I mean more than 5 years ago. As I mentioned in prior posts, my design sense is leading back to simple, almost a primitive esthetic.
I have been influenced by certain bloggers, new, charming periodicals and a passion for visiting house museums.
So, this piece of wool with applique was sort of borrowed from historical books, some applique patterns and my wee brain. I do have a skin sensitivity to wool but these pieces are very high quality and felted. I have experienced very little skin issues with this project.
I rediscovered this piece when I was reorganizing some drawers in the studio. I have been collecting pieces of felted wool for several years, it was tucked in there.
Here is the front of the future pillow. Black wool background, hand painted brown wool for tree trunk, slightly mottled yellow for the pears. The little clusters of three leaves are a very pale green. Probably much too pale I think now, but those babies are staying. Itty-bitty litlle pieces of wool can be fussy.
I thought, is this it? Is this done? No...........
I sketched and fussed and trialed then tried.
Using a big stitch I tacked down the left side of the green swath thing I thought would look like a patch of grass anchoring the tree. No, it looked like someone dropped a rag by the tree and some clown came along and "big stitched" it down. Had to go.
Now what? It still looked unfinished, not anchored.
So cut up the big swath into little grasses. Better, but too many
leaves.
OK, so finally she reduces the number of
leaves, stitches them simply with the same color of thread, and anchors the whole deal with a mottled yellow-brown wool that sort of looks like a rock.
Pre-rock it sort of looks like a pineapple top.
Cute rock. Now I have to mine the stash for borders and backing. I am not sure if the borders should be wool or another fabric. The answer will come in another post. In any event, I did get something finished on this "Finishing Friday."
Have a wonderful and safe week-end.
*Some Inspiration sources:
The Painted Quilt Blog
Primitive Quilts and Projects, Magazine
A Primitive Place, Magazine
The Goode Wife of Washington County, Artist Extraordinaire
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