The world may be in chaos, but through it all, I can find peace in my studio, sewing and loosing myself in my projects.
This jacket, you may remember from a few weeks back, had only its front laid out. Now the back, sleeves and collar have their bias tubes basted in place and are ready for hand stitching.
The collar in process. I took this picture just before the strips were basted in place. I love how this looks, all the pins lined up in a row.
Unless I’m in a hurry, hand appliqué is a slow process, I’ll wait until night, the TV on, watching movies or series or documentaries. No news! I read the news in the morning to wake up and get moving. At night, I need to calm down and relax.
Meanwhile, I’m starting a new project. A long coat pieced in warm sand and gold colors.
The first couple of steps are completed, squares and rectangles cut out, first seam sewn, then cut again, sewn again, repeat. Finally, it’s at the magic place, where instead of a pile of fabric scraps, I can see the eventual design.
Stay tuned!
Hey Ann,
Gorgeous blue jacket! Is it more flexible/drapey when appliqued by hand? And, do you pin each strip down as you take it off the wall? Or, glue?
Your work is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing it!
Maggie
Hi Maggie, Thank You! Hand appliqué does end up being much softer than machine. Plus hand sewing is so much easier to control when sewing. Not to mention much more relaxing! Like a meditation.
I can’t imagine sewing all those bias strips. That would be a once-in-a-lifetime project for me, probably never finished.
Can’t wait to see the jacket you are piecing now!
The trick Carol, for any giant pile of whatever you have to do [sew bias strips, refinish furniture, weed a garden, make a thanksgiving dinner], is to just relax and go for it! Before you know it you’re finished.
Those are both fabulous, Ann. Thank you for sharing your wonderful work. I am so intrigued by your bias strips – do you ever teach a class on your method for making them (and then another to gather the patience for sewing them down? !!!). Wow!
Yes Pat, I have taught classes on sewing my bias strips. Though the secret is that there is no secret. Just cut narrow strips of silk organza, fold, sew close to the fold and turn inside out. I use a blunt tapestry needle to turn the tube, other people do better with a tiny tube turner.
Thank you, Ann, for your info. I will definitely give it a whirl, although then, the prospect of sewing them down… hmmmmm…
Another beauty for sure. Do you ever show how you make such small bias tubes? Would love to learn how to do that.
Thank you Anne! See my reply to Carol about making skinny tubes. Use silk organza! That is one thing that makes a difference.