When I did get to the machine it was a tussle with the bulk – though it was a lot easier working in the centre than the outer edge.
\nOuter to inner is an odd way to work but the overlapping feathers necessitated them being stitched down in this order.<\/p>\n
All were finally machine stitched\/quilted down with some quick hand stitch needed to hold some edges in place and then the trimming and stitching down of the backing to be done in the coming week.\u2028 I\u2019m on the home run\u2026<\/p>\n
But my thoughts about the quilt this week are now love\/hate.
\nThis usually happens to me with this sort of work where I have invested so much time and so much thought into its being.
\nI usually start an artwork with a strong idea, explore options of both the idea and the manner of making, then try to then work downwards sharpening the idea, materials and method of making.
\nEach step of the way there are choices.
\nEach choice informs the next step.
\nThere is no guarantee that all of my choices will make for the best artwork.
\nSo now with the piece almost done the second-guessing starts….
\nDoes it say what I want it to?
\nDoes it look complete?
\nWill it grab the viewers attention?
\nShould it have been looser?
\nWas it a mistake right from the start?<\/p>\n
My thoughts will be validated when it is out of my sight for a while.<\/em> Right now though, assuming I ultimately feel good about this piece\u2026.<\/em> On the time management<\/em> front I have corralled my inbox work to an hour each morn – 9am to 10am – with the alarm set for a quick finish. I then close the computer off, or at least the email, and check it again at 5pm. Another thing I am concentrating on is having more \u2018physical setups\u2019 in place to make starting work downstairs easier\u2026 Saturday was Quilt Study time again, this time looking at the collection of one of our members – Jenny’s ethnic textiles, mostly<\/em> old quilts and some family treasures.
\n My thoughts will be validated when it is viewed by others.<\/em>
\nHopefully the outcomes will be positive.<\/p>\n
\nI would like to make a few more of these exploring the others who help feather our nests – not just the glory box\/hope chesters – but also the 9 to 5 suit wearers who traditionally bring the income to our homes as well as the builders\/ architects\/ tradies who make our nests.
\nI could also make more works considering our the home makers – the digital prints I used are sourced from the 1880\u2019s but I\u2019d like to consider more recent homemakers\/featherers – my mothers\/grandmothers generations.
\nIf I continue on with this thought line though, I am, right now, feeling the need to make the next one looser….
\nI would need to invest time in trialling ways to muss up the feathers a bit without loosing the clarity of design that is inherent in me\u2026hmmmm or perhaps the current piece has me on the right path.
\nTime will tell me….meantime Laminex feathers are calling….<\/p>\n
\nIt worked beautifully this week as I settled quickly into making mode downstairs with that as my prime task for the day.<\/p>\n
\nLists are good, good habits are better, but I find that if I arrange workspaces and materials for the next stages of the project it helps me to focus on a quick start with no procrastination, no need for a distracting cuppa….
\nand
\n<\/em>Whilst I haven\u2019t closed the door between my studio and home I have set this up in my head as a threshhold\u2026to be crossed only as necessary between 9 and 5.
\nIt has been a productive week.<\/p>\n
\nMany of the pieces were purchased from tours she has done with Ruth Hadlow<\/a> to Flores and West Timor.
\nWe saw some lovely pieces with a few having some of our experts trying to nut out details of technique.
\nWe saw old & soft & English…<\/p>\n
![\"week](\"http:\/\/janmullen.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/week-28-4-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"week](\"http:\/\/janmullen.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/week-28-3-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n