Wednesday, May 28, 2008

May Take It Further Done!

I finished my May TIF piece over our long weekend. This scan is darker than the original, but it's pretty close. I'm pleased. I wanted to capture the scribbly flowers coming out from my finger and I think I did so. I used mostly Medici wool and stem and lazy-daisy and chain stitches. The blue thread is a Stef Francis that I untwisted into two rather fragile strands. I like it's crinkly effect, though, so it was worth the care it took to work with.

The flower spray reminded me of the famous Shaker tree of life image as I was working it. This one is an adaptation used as the logo for Shaker Workshops.
It was a nice three-day break. A nephew graduated high school (woo-hoo!). We got some yard work done and also some work on the cars (my task was mostly to watch from the sidelines but I also helped haul things like jack-stands from the garage at the back to the street out front). We went and saw the new Indiana Jones movie (liked it). We also went to the cemetery, watched a lot of old Father Ted videos (love them; thanks Jenny!) and I got some stitching done. You'll notice that chores and laundry are missing from the list.

Rather than getting back to my now overdue graduation sampler for my nephew, which has been languishing in a pile, I took off on a new project. I began weaving on a purse loom I recently purchased from Spring Beauty Farm. You weave a 3-D shape on this loom, with an open top. The warp is held by the pegs at the top. I've woven the bottom of my purse and am now working up the sides, using a skein of Noro Silk Garden that was handy. I'm not at all sure what I'm doing, but I'm having fun and my overused and abused left thumb is much happier holding this than it is holding fabric or a frame these days. The purse looms come in three sizes and are lovingly handmade.

As I'm weaving, I'm imagining the possibilities with wrapping, beads, tapestry weave. Right now I'm just doing plain weave, to try and get the turns and corners sorted.

7 comments:

Jane said...

The more I look at your TIF, the more I like it! It is a feast for the eyes. I liked last month's project, but I think I like this one even more. I have always loved the "tree of life" so this really speaks to me.
That purse loom is a very cool idea! I may have to look into that. I'm picturing all kinds of projects for kids (girls' club and grandkids!). I have the metal loom, but no one has expressed any interest in using it yet.
Jane

Paddy's Daughter said...

Love your TIF - needed a closer look to see the details. Original and appealing.

Anonymous said...

Your TIF piece turned out magnificantly. well done. I like everything about it.

Unknown said...

this is so intriguing - I'd missed the earlier posts and enjoyed reading the whole story too. I think it's a lovely interpretation and a great result.

MargB said...

Marjorie
I think your TIF is marvellous. Your concept is wonderful and the way you have expressed is magical.

Have fun with the loom

Anonymous said...

LLove your intepretation of this moths challenge. The colours are gorgeous.

Lynne said...

Love the TIF - a really successful piece.