One of this year’s experiments has finally come together into a finished piece I’ve named “Suspended,” which I hesitate to call a quilt. I think fabric collage is a more descriptive term. More and more I’m using this big piece approach as lots of cutting and pressing cause problems with tendonitis in my dominant arm.
It began with chunks of cloth I had done some form of surface design on. Here’s my first mock-up, which is much wispier than where the piece ended up.
I sewed blocks of silk and cotton I had painted and printed to a piece of cotton drill cloth with no regard for finished edges. A lot of trimming and shaping went on as I wrestled with a layout. I realize it may not look that way, but trust me on this.
On top of that I sewed down chunks of silk organza I had monoprinted, plus a bit of an old curtain. Finally, I glued random strips and squares of cotton fabric over it all.
I quilted it with off kilter lines, following the Marcia Derse backing fabric. I emphasized the thin strips with 30 weight thread and a jeans stitch. I’m still debating whether “Suspended” should have a vertical or horizontal orientation. It’s roughly 22 by 26 inches. Let me know your opinion.
I’m linking to Off The Wall Fridays.
The Snarky Quilter 
I like it either way. And that motorized turntable sounds great!
I’ll let you know when the turntable is operational.
Another vote for vertical. It provides some tension/excitement to the piece that a horizontal orientation doesn’t. What intrigued me about your post is how you came to make the piece. Tendonitis has opened up a new world to you. Rather than seeing it as an impediment, you are on an adventure.
I learned last year that I can no longer do lots of piecing and cutting without pain, so it’s more painting, less sewing for me. It’s freeing to ignore all the quilting rules, though some have a hard time accepting my raw edges.
FWIW, I like the vertical orientation, and think it better fulfills the title.
Thanks for your input, and for reminding me that the work’s title should enhance it.
I prefer the second one with the brownish squares slightly left if center in a vertical format. The stitching has added even more to this already amazing piece, Joanna!
Thanks, Penny.
Always great to read your process. I love this piece, the colors really speak to me. I think the weight distributions is good in the vertical orientation but I like to horizontal best.
I appreciate your kind words, and will add your vote to the tally. (Of course, I reserve the right to go my own way on this.)
Of course, that goes without saying. I look forward to seeing which way you go!
Making this decision will probably take longer than I spent making the darn thing.
I often look at a piece in a mirror, that can really help with orientation decisions, sometimes ;>) For me it is deciding on a title that take way too much time.
I often use a photo, but I’ll try a mirror too.
Joanna, I am always pleasantly surprised by what comes out of your wealth of creativity. Thanks for the views of the process. I have to admit I sometimes look at abstract collages and wonder how the maker arrived at the final iteration. I like Suspended in any orientation. If this were mine I’d be tempted to put the necessary sleeves or tabs on the back so I could rotate it on the wall as the mood serves. That said, my favorite orientation of all possible alternatives is the inverse of the horizontal, followed by the original vertical.
Yet a third opinion on orientation. At this rate I should install a motorized turntable on the back. I hope the process views help to explain the final product.
Yes, Joanna, your process views absolutely explained the final product.
I realize my comment should have included “but your process views show me how you arrived at the final product.” Motorized turntable — YES! So many options: continuous slow turn, timed turn such as every hour or every night at 2:30 a.m. so the new orientation greets you every morning, occasional reverse turn, …
When should I expect delivery on that.
Sometimes… works that just make you you say done… are the best…!!! Although you may have sparked and idea… for some things I have been carting along waaaay too long!!! Just to use them and be done!
It’s true that sometimes you just have to decide that something is finished, and move on. Of course, I do circle back and redo some pieces.
The vertical orientation appeals more to me, so there you go………your first 2 comments and 2 different choices! I always say that’s a sign of good design, when it can go either direction. Lovely work. Thanks for sharing your process.
One factor in orientation has to do with minimum size requirements of some juried exhibits. Sometimes a minimum height is specified. Of course, I could always just put on another sleeve. And thanks for the compliment.
Such a wonderful summary to give us a peak into the development of your piece which I prefer oriented horizontally.
Thanks for your comment and your input as to orientation.