but their light was already fading ...
Not only had I failed to neutralize the bleach used to create the patch clouds, I had compounded the insult to the cloth by rinsing it in vinegar. Fortunately, Deb Lacativa saved me from myself by sending this informative link:
Likewise, I realized the clouds were obscuring the details of the sun's arc through the sky. And to get really down to it, I knew in my heart that the strip of patches would appliqué better if they were rotated 90 degrees before stitching them together. Three strikes ...
So I took a deep breath and cut ... and cut ... and cut ...
then stitched a whole new batch of patches. Which will be put together at the beach ... soon.
Removing the patch appliqués meant I likewise had to cut into several of the base cloths ...
of which there are now seven ...
with nine more to go. This too was a good thing, as my recent revisiting of Jude Hill's online classes opened my eyes to a better way to stitch appliqué.
Always I am learning ...
(((Liz))) oh gosh, what a hard decision, I love those bleached clouds but the need to get it right must win the day, have a fabulous time away at the beach!
ReplyDeleteThe moment when you realize that an idea has gone south is always a tough one, especially when so much effort has already been expended, but being true to the project is essential. Your toughness is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteMo - I think of your moon ladder, how it had to be right for you. Still, now I look at the patches and wonder if I can bear to throw them out, even as irretrievably damaged as they are
ReplyDeleteDana - your clear-eyed reflections on your own work have inspired me to never settle for good enough
Oh my glory Liz - such bravery! Well done, and I wouldn't throw those patches out just yet - they will find a place for sure sometime! Your commitment to doing the right thing for the work is so admirable - I hope the next steps bear fruit for you.
ReplyDeleteHi LA - just love those patches even if they were not exactly what you planned. I'm amazed with the conceptualisation and planning you put into work. And then so much in the execution as well. Go well. B
ReplyDeleteFiona and Barry - thanks for the encouragement ... I guess the one downside of blogging as you go is having to fess up when an obstacle emerges. Hopefully this post ends up saving someone else from a similar "fate."
ReplyDeletethank you for the link, it has been a long time since I've used bleach, starting over- ugh
ReplyDeleteSusan - the way I look at it, I love stitching, so more stitching should be better, right? Ha!
ReplyDeleteUnsewing is one of my least favorite tasks. Fortunately, you caught it when you did. Lessons often offer so many more possibilities. I am still amazed at your progress despite this glitch. Blessings.
ReplyDeletelike others, I admire your commitment to your idea. I probably would've said, "fuck it" and kept with it and been disappointed.
ReplyDeleteSue - love the word "unsewing" ... time was when I used to say I made three samplers worth of stitches once you counted in all the reconsidered colors, motifs, and/or placements. I do less of it these days, but am usually glad when I do
ReplyDeleteDee - disappointment seems to go with the creative territory for me ... but it's interesting to note that the "disappointments" often morph over time into "that wasn't half-bads" ... distance (spatial and/or temporal) makes all the difference
And a note to all: we've been away (again), this time to our annual Outer Banks family gathering. The views from our ocean front window provided much food for creative thought. Once digested, I look forward to sharing those insights in future posts.