Things are getting more and more eccentric at Casa de la Swain. Changing styles in my textile work, falling in love again with painting and photography...and then there is the ever illusive quest for continuing creativity through working with Eric Maisel. Still on the road teaching, posting now at the Ragged Cloth Cafe and taking the pledge to keep handmaiden up to date.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Today's Progress

First, a little explanation, having never done this before some of the painting is experimenting with using acrylics. Second, explanation, when you design fabric you have to include over all designs, geometric designs and backgrounds. None of these may make the cut but I am enjoying the exercise. Honestly, I haven't a clue what I am doing but I sure am doing it fast. More leaves tomorrow, also some tulips in fairly large scale....something for everyone, I hope.
Had the most fun doing the backgrounds. Don't know if you would agree with me but IMHO, most background fabric is just boring. Not enough color...all that tone on tone is just too tame for me. My hope is that the fabric company will like these because the market really needs something interesting in this arena.

Thanks for all the comments on the painting. I appreciate all your suggestions and take them all into consideration. After all, you are the quiltmakers I want to reach. Sorry that I haven't taken time to reply to everyone individually...but know that it means so much to me to hear your thoughts.

On a less interesting note, it is still hot in Texas...yuck! Come on folks, it is almost the middle of November and it is 86 F today. Tomorrow is predicted to be 71 F....I will believe it when it happens. My poor pansies are panting....my mums are shriveling...it is fall all you weather makers. Time for some cool weather.

Stopped painting early today...even though it is fun....I need to touch fabric. Not sure I have completely recovered from market...running out of steam, rather, exhausted at the end of each day. Result: haven't quilted for a couple of days.....haven't appliqued since before market...eeek. Neurosis is sure to set in at any minute. Ronnie keeps telling me to take a day off before I burn out...I think I am already toasty....but a day off..hmmm? What would I do on a day off? Sew, of course, so I guess that really isn't a day off but it would be doing what I love.

Scarlet will think about that tomorrow.

8 comments:

Val said...

OK here's the teacher in me speaking. If you don't refresh yourself your work will be stale! Ronnie's right! I'm glad you're having fun!

Debra said...

Hey, Gabrielle,

Take a day.. visit a book store and bug them about getting Twila's book in paperback next month.

Stop at another store of your choosing, and browse.

Go to your pilates class and out for a drink afterward. Or dinner.

Pick up the DVD Mad, Hot Ballroom (a documentary about kids in NYC learning to dance).. and watch.

Take a walk. Read all the blogs on the Artful quilt ring.. and everyone else on the SSL list (have you seen the new member's photo of benches and scoreboards??!!)

Really. Take a day off.

Lisa Call said...

I really like the variety you have going for these fabrics. Oh course the geometric one is my favorite as I'm not so much into flowers.

But your backgrounds are nice - much more interesting than the typical tone on tone.

I don't actually buy commercial fabrics so I'm not really your audience but I'm enjoying watching your process on this effort.

jenclair said...

I like the swervy striped and the geometrics best, but love the colors in all of them. How interesting to truly consider the designing of fabric, something I usually take for granted!

Deb R said...

I'm really enjoying seeing the progress of these, Gabrielle. So far my favorites are the giant leaves and the wavy stripe, but I like them all.

And yes...take a day off! Got out of the house ferpetessake! Go buy a latte and go shoe shopping! :-)

Deborah Boschert said...

I am going to be so crabby living in HOT TX next fall. Love the leaves and the stripes. Mostly, I just love peeking in on the whole process.

Debra Dixon said...

I know from your comment on Teri's blog that you are not fond of the Artist Way but one of the main principles underlying the book is to take an Artist Date weekly to refill your creative energy levels. It's OK to play because when you return the work will go faster. Might be a good idea for you now. just a thought.

Jen said...

So did you go shopping? buy shoes?

I like all your designs, and since I am much too lazy to dye or paint EVERYTHING I use, I would definitely buy backgrounds like like those. Jen

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