I have my silk piecing on the go - a gentle task, snipping naturally dyed silk ribbon into to sections and stitching back together. Working with silk is something I haven't done for a very long time and I love the colours of black tea and rosemary, chosen for their connotations of sympathy and remembrance, the way they shine and glow in the soft, winter light.
I love too, how my stitches glide through the silk, without effort - my usually tender fingertips are enjoying the feel of not having to wear a thimble (or three) whilst I sew. A novelty that will change once I start layering this piece together.
This won't be a large quilt, but something small, intimate. I'm drawn to the black velvet I've inherited (inspired by my dear insta friend, @gwen_._edwards ) and the delicate, mending techniques used by textile conservationists: the layering of a fine net or gauze over areas in need of support and reinforcement. I like the metaphor too, as this quilt is becoming a personal exploration of grief.
As I keep stitching these delicate, silk squares, my mind is dreaming into being the next project. Small in scale again, perhaps just 18"x18" when finished, I am considering the fabrics and stitched techniques that have given me comfort since the start of the Pandemic.
My first fabric pull is very much 'of the earth'. A grounding palette of naturally dyed dove, aqua and umber. A pop of hand dyed indigo blue brings it to life and I'm in love. Dreaming and stitching, stitching and dreaming. As the daylight fades, these pieces will come to life.
Comments