New Piecing Project

I knew I wanted to start a piecing project. But what exactly? I wasn’t sure. Sometimes I’ll know precisely. I’ll plan it out and make diagrams and drawings. Other times, I jump right in and hope for the best. This one was most definitely the latter. I had no plans. I started with color.

I pulled out variations and combinations and ended up with this bright and colorful group, red, pink, tangerine and orange with a deep fuchsia for contrast.

Because the fabrics were soft and because I wanted to use sew them together every which way with no puckering, I added an interfacing.

I wasn’t even sure of what finished garment shape I wanted to make.

I just started cutting and sewing the pieces into blocks.

Loving these colors.

As I was cutting, I decided on a coat pattern, my ‘trench.’ It’s a classic design with front princess seams for shape.

The thing is, the interfacing, plus all the seams from joining the pieces together, can add a certain amount of body. Which is perfect for my trench pattern. It does quite well with a fabric that holds it shape. Plus I love the extra coat pattern seams. The four front pieces and two pockets divide up the front into interesting patterns.

Below, still in process, three of the front pieces and part of a pocket.

This kind of working, following your instincts, is a little like painting with water colors. You have a general idea of what you’re aiming for, but the medium itself dictates the direction. It’s a collaboration.

Stay tuned with this one.

Also, one last appliqué jacket. Pinned on my board, ready to be basted in place.

I am definitely on a bright color kick.

And maybe a bit of a whoopee, life is good, let’s celebrate kind of a feeling?