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About 10 years ago, I was at Quilting by the Lake, and I noticed a display of quarter yards of this luscious fabric - all rolled up and ready to take home. They were being sold in the vender booth of International Fabric Collection (based right here in Erie County, PA). I took the plunge and ended up taking about 14 of them back to my classroom with me. I was taking Cynthia Corbin's Black Sketch at the time and it was just the ticket I needed to get me started on my vision. Well I was totally in love with the silk - it pieced fine and it wasn't to hard to work with unraveling. (Truth be told I like how it unravels - you can run your fingers through that too - grin) 
Anyways - I did manage to get a lot of the piece done but then didn't quite like it - so there it sits in my UFO pile. For Years! I loved the complex background - I love Shady Sadie but still the proportions are off - intentionally - and - well - it really needs a rework! Still I have a schedule of projects before I get back to Sadie but she's on my list for 2013!!So now the good stuff. . . . . . .
I'm participating in my first Quilter's Blog Hop Party! And for the giveaway. . . . I would love to share my fasination with Dupioni Silk.
Since I asked for a bundle of it for Christmas - I thought I could share some of what I have here! Recently, I found (after two years) my scraps for the Shady Sadie project and I started making these great book markers. I will gladly share two of them with you plus an envelope of scraps.
Anybody can enter - I'll mail the envelope domestically or internationally.
Just leave me a comment of what you would do to rework Shady Sadie. I'll have my daughter, Tessa, choose the winner on December 16th. Please make sure that I can find your email - plus I'll post the winner next week. Also - want to mention - that I host my own blog link party - called - Off the Wall Fridays. Its mainly fiber and quilt art driven but any quilter or artist is invited to share their creative endeavors. So come on by and link up any Friday you have something to share. I promise you the other artists are amazing and they'll inspire you to do your own work!
I'm linking up with Judy's Patchwork Times and get all those gal's opinions too. Check out the great Design Wall's there!
I can't quite 'see' Sadie. I think she needs to be defined. I'd hate to cover up that background...but you could put a mirror there...to show her other side. Or, am I just totally not getting it at all?!? Anyway...your bookmarks are lovely and I'd love to be added to the list to possibly win them. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIf I were working on Sadie, I think her back would be free motion quilted with a totally intricate design, a quilted tattoo if you will, but in a very subtle harmonizing color that would bring just a bit more coloration to her delicate skin. The rest of the background would be quilted in angular geometric patterns.
ReplyDeleteShe's really very interesting right now, and I don't think there is much if anything I'd want to do to change the quilt top!
I haven't been bit by the silk bug yet, but mainly because I am nowhere near any shop that sells it! I love to read and would be honored to use one of your bookmarks! And I love being a part of your Off the Wall party!
ReplyDeleteI do love silk and have managed to collect some little bits of it here and there. It is going to be a bag for me once I get enough. I agree that Sadie doesn't stand out from the background enough. Perhaps you could give her an aura using some gauzy fabric in a light colour...
ReplyDeleteI think some thread painting to define Sadie would be nice, great piece! I have never worked with silk and would love a chance to win your giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMaybe added some laces. This is just my suggestion.
ReplyDeleteI love it just the way it is! I got started on silk when my daughter lived in Japan and gifted me with some used-kimono silk. I am planning a crazy quilt with it among other things.
ReplyDeleteI think Sadie needs some embellishment to make her stand out more!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great giveaway!
Her skin is very delicate. What about some stiched lines to define her arms and I like the idea of a tatoo, but a very small one. Have your heard about the widow with a tatoo on her buttock? A small scarab, big enough to make a man interested but not so small that he needed to put on his glasses.
ReplyDeleteHmmm - maybe add a texture to the background? It is looking pretty good as it is though :)
ReplyDeleteI think I would highlight the hair to give it movement. Then maybe embellish the dress to give it more dimension.
ReplyDeleteI kind of want to know what she's gazing at. Maybe defining some area in front of her to give her a focus.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the Mirror. Great idea and would look so clever. Your giveway is a really nice and thoughtful one. Everyone uses book markers and scraps always are welcomed anywhere, anytime. Thank you for giving all your followers a chance to win. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteSandi T.
sandit1@sbcglobal.net
Sonora,CA
Sadie is one sexy lady, LOL! Love her the way she is. Thank you for the great giveaway.
ReplyDeletejbechosend at sbcglobal dot net
What about adding some sequins or couching on sparkling threads? I haven't sew with silk yet so I'm not much help.
ReplyDeleteI think Sadie needs some thread work to bring her out a bit more.
ReplyDeleteShe needs to pop out of the picture better. She;s getting lost i the background. I would suggest some thread painting and / or couching to enhance her. Thanks for the opportunity on a great prize and have a very Merry Christmas. bonnielarson58@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteI am ridiculously addicted to silk! yes really. I could roll in it all day and night :) I so hope I get picked.
ReplyDeleteAs or Sadie, I think what is missing is the contrast between her body and the background. Use black stitching to outline her skin and around her hair. I don't have a huge problem with the spacing but consider cutting off the top at the halfway point from the top of the quilt to the top of her head. It will give her more importance and also do some major free motion to give her hair and skin some texture. Just don't kitch her up...It'll be dynamite when done!
textilerecycler@yahoo.com
I am not much of portrait expert and have not used Silk so I am not sure how much help I can be. Thanks for participating in the blog hop. I like the colors that you chose to play with- thanks for sharing your love of creating.
ReplyDeleteRegards from Western Canada,
Anna
Nina Marie, thank You for inviting me to your blog, LOVE IT! I love your pieces, I love art quilts. Thank You for your give away and I am now a follower, hope you will follow my blog.
ReplyDeleteI would take the 4 pieces of Shady Sadie and let them hang side by side, or appilque them onto another piece.
ReplyDeleteLove your Off the Wall Fridays,also.
grandmawillcox(at)zoominternet(dot)net
I like to do crazy quilting so I would add some embellishments to Shady Sadie. Maybe a strand of jewelry, a hair ornament or some trim on her dress. Something to make her stand out more. Thanks for a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI think I'd add a tiny dimensional red rose in her hair. Can you see it?
ReplyDeleteI love dupioni silk and have a few fat qtrs. but the shredding factor intimidates me so I've never used it. I hope I'm the lucky winner of a book mark! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI would be thrilled to win the silk scraps! I've been dying to work with some.
ReplyDeleteFor Sadie- she seems to be the same values as the background, lots of contrast in the background and lots of contrast in her so she doesn't stand out as much. Could you use some shiva paintsticks or something to soften the background a bit so she stands out more? not sure that would work, but worth thinking about.
I don't really know much about Sadie and her techniques for this quilt. But I feel it is way too dark of a background and said etehnd sto blend not pop off the background. Need to lighten it up perhaps a large sun or a few sunnier colors here and their. Your bookmarks are lovely.
ReplyDeleteconn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com
Outline her arms, add buttons to her blouse. I think it looks great - reminds me of Gee Bends quilts. Thanks for the great giveaway! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI thought Sadie was facing the urban area (city) with her back to me..then I thought maybe she could actually be moving forward toward me but looking back (like lot's wife). Regardless, she definately needs a string of pearls. I think you are a true artist and one day when I get out of basic quilting and stitch in the ditch I hope to venture forth into fiber art. Great giveaway..I am thinking CrazyQuilt.
ReplyDeleteOh,I LOVE silk!
ReplyDeleteThread painting both details on Sadie and background. Maybe you could stitch a saying into the background or ghostly images of Sadie's past or dreams. It is a fabulous start! I love silk, but have not worked much with it.
ReplyDeleteI think her right arm is throwing me for a BIG loop.. how long is that arm anyhow??? I think THAT is where it all goes astray.
ReplyDeleteI must be weird or something, cuz I actually like it the way it looks now.
ReplyDeleteI love the background. I agree with mommarock that the disproportionate arms are distracting.
ReplyDeletethank you for this chance. hugs Alessandra
ReplyDeleteI'd put her in profile so we can see more of her....and I'd use the scraps for a fun embellishment project....thanks for the chance to win!!
ReplyDeleteThe main thing I see is her right arm is way too long.. Maybe shorten this arm a bit and have her holding a red rose... Quilt her body to give her some dimension... Maybe thread paint her hair to give her some highlights... Pearls was one of my first inclinations too...
ReplyDeleteThread paint some in the background to give a few of the areas a "roof-like" look to bring forth the illusion of houses...
Just my initial thoughts.. I hope they aren't too corny...
If I won the silk it would go in to one of my crazy quilt projects! :)
Dupioni silks are absolutely wonderful for texture, shimmer, and luster. I love to make Christmas items with it because it looks so rich. Your bookmarks are beautiful. I'll have to try those if I win!
ReplyDeleteAs for Sadie, I really like her, although I'd have to shorten her arm.Thanks for participating in the blog hop party!
I think you're brave to mess with a mostly completed quilt. I love Dupioni silk. Only used it at a quilting retreat but I want to do more with it, it was so great to work with. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't know what would make her better!
ReplyDeleteI think Sadie is gazing at something maybe waiting for the trolley? thanks for sharing Sadie.
ReplyDeleteI love the quilt but I see two spot that bother me, one the light piece of fabric next to her head and the other is the dark piece next to her right arm. Other wise it works!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great subject going. Could Sadie use a little stylish tattoo on her back. Add a little free motion quilting to her back.
ReplyDeletePlease do not enter me in the give away. I have should be having my own give away! Shelly Beth
Of course I would love the silk! If the exaggerated proportions are intentional, should there be something that lets the viewer imagine why? I always like something realistic against a traditional pieced background but the background is usually more muted. Try overlaying a dark color of tulle to mute it which will make Sadie pop...then give us a reason why she gazing into the background. Possibly use a large attic windows block with some crazy quilt in the middle to suggest a window to her mixed up world? The proportions would help balance her in the composition.
ReplyDeletePoor Sadie, she is overwhelmed by color. She loves it all but just can't manage it all. What if you cut off about the top 1/4 of the quilt? Don't throw it away (unless you throw it my way) but use it for another project or...what about a two part quilt (diptych?) hung side-by- side.
ReplyDeleteI share your fascination with silk and am currently using Kaufman Radiance silk blend for several projects. What a creative way to use your scraps for the bookmarks. They are lovely. Would love to have one.
I'm not sure she needs reworked: the only thing I can find that's really off is her long arm
ReplyDeleteShady Sadie needs a tattoo! Doesn't have to be huge.
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed your blog. As for Sadie, I'm TERRIBLE about giving advice. I have way to many UFOs of my own to be giving anyone else advice. I LOVE the background and would hate for any more of that to be covered up. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteI think Sadie is out of proportion and needs to be re-worked a bit and more definition added to her. Looking good otherwise, I think.
ReplyDeleteRobin
indyqltr@hotmail.com
I think she doesn't have quite enough detail to pop her off the background. I think it would be better if you delineated her arm and maybe gave her some pattern in her hair. Her torso seems a little long as well. I love the background though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great giveaway!
maybe a window to gaze out of...
ReplyDeleteSadie is one sophisticated dreamerand and I see her standing in front of a beautifully free form pieced quilt... stunning. I agree that some stitching into her body to define her beautiful shape is a best idea, while covering all of the beautiful silk with thread painting would be a bit counter productive. Please do finish this project and email me a photo (I will be watching the blog as always). Thanks for all you do for all of us!!! Happy Winter!
ReplyDeleteBethany in Kingston ON
garner@kingston.net
Beautiful silks. To rework sadie,since we got a new kitten this year, I would change her into a slinking cat!
ReplyDeletePlay, play, play!
ReplyDeleteI like Sadie. Maybe use a large direction design over the background.
ReplyDeleteNot worked much with silk but love them. I also save and use small scraps of every thing.
Have never worked with silk but would love to give it a try! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWell I like Sadie as it is, I would not change too much. Especially so many years later. She already is what she is.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
saruqa at gmail dot com
Since I fall in love with lace...why don't you add a beautiful collar lace for her. And maybe a ribbon on her waist, a bright one. Thanks so much for the give away..
ReplyDeleteI would give her to my quilting MIL to finish! HA!
ReplyDeleteI'm very curious to see what you do to her. My thoughts are: she needs something in her hair, perhaps some thread-work "tattoo" on her back, embellishment on her dress.... but I'm curious to know what she is looking at. The background almost looks like a bunch of doors/windows if you look quick... like she is pondering which one to choose. Secondly, with her strap missing on one side...she almost looks like she had a rough night LOL (maybe that is what gave me the impression of struggling with a choice?).
ReplyDeleteI'd put some thread work into the background. Hope she finds some inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHow can you re-work a good thing.
ReplyDeleteHaven't had a chance to work too much with silk, but looks like you can make nice things with it! Thanks for a nice giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I can think of is to update her with trendy colors. My personal favorites lately have been aqua, pale yellow and gray
ReplyDeleteI have never worked with silk. Shady Sadie - Her torso is so long, I'm distracted by it and can't see the rest of the quilt. If Sadie were just a silohette - total black - would that work? Using stitches to define her hair and dress?
ReplyDeleteI think Sadie is great the way she is ,don't think I would change a thing .I would love to win the silk , have always loved silk and love wearing it but have not used it much in art work but you have inspired me to give it a try . I will be back your blog is intriquing .Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower and know that I am going to enjoy following your wondrous blog.Thanks for the lovely giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year. May the coming year bless you and your family with everything that your hearts desire.
Usha
usharaneem@yahoo.com
I think maybe Sadie's arms and back needs more defining, and her skin colour stands out a little too 'pink'. Perhaps also something added in the top right corner that Sadie is 'looking' at?
ReplyDeleteThankyou for this opportunity .
I LOVE LOVE LOVE working with silk! It may take a little more TLC to get it right, but boy, nothing beats the luminosity.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity - and for keeping on the Friday links! Love them!