I've Got Rhythm - Design Wall Monday

Well, just under the wire I completed my July assignment from Elizabeth Barton's Masterclass.  At the beginning of the month I was relieved to find that Rhythm was the topic of the month.  All Rhythm is a repeating element  in your work - What can be easier?  As I studied it though, I found (like a  lot of things) that it wasn't as easy as it looked.

What I struggled with the most is how to add rhythm without adding boredom.  After much sketching I handed in two that I thought were the strongest.  Elizabeth approved.

With those in hand, I blocked out my piece but somehow got lost along the way.  Notice how this isn't as strong as the sketches.  I started playing with a secondary rhythm in this one and it wasn't successful.  Which of course, Elizabeth pointed out.

I went back to the original sketch and finally got a piece that was much stronger.  I think she said it worked, "Stupendously well" .  Finally success.

Rhthym - fused on muslin fondation - 28" by 28

Although I did learn things about rhythm, I also learned something about construction.  This piece was collaged together using fused fabrics.  I used steam-a-seam light 2 and heat and bond light. I liked the steam a seam better since you could position them on the foundation but the heat and bond held better.  BUT I really hated fusing all together.  The piece ended up flat - stiff and not at all like soft pretty fabric.  I know its faster to fuse but I hated working with all that glue and paper.  It was a huge mess in my studio and as well as on my iron (even though I have an fusing sheet).  But for a quick assignment I'm glad I used it.

I really like this piece with the color palette (which is one of my favorites) and the play on value as well as rhythm.  I think I'm going to quilt it without batting (since its so stiff and flat already) and use it for a mock up for a future much larger piece.

See more great design walls on Design Wall Monday at Judy's Patchwork Times.