Have you ever had an amazing idea for a project that scares the hell out of you? I know that this is a good thing, because it means that I’m stretching myself as an artist, but it’s still painful to go through.
To minimize the anxiety (and justify the procrastination), I’ve done a few things:
- I did my homework so that I’m comfortable with the subject matter;
- I’ve drawn several drafts with various amounts of detail;
- I’ve gone through my fabric and purchased lots more;
- I’ve written out the process I’ll use so that I know how to tackle the project;
- I’ve even sewn with some of special thread I’ll be using to get used to it (more on this below) and now…
- I have to get off my butt and START!
This post is as much about convincing myself as it is another procrastination technique :-)
I can hear you ask….So what’s the project? It’s another
Art with Fabric blog hop hosted by the wonderful Alida. As if my
last project wasn’t ambitious enough, this time I’m not just outside the box, I feel like I’m floating (or hanging) 10 feet above it! Here’s a hint: it’s based on the amazing Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona, Spain.
If you’re not familiar with this architectural marvel, check out their
website. I’ve been lucky enough to visit it twice. I have to admit that it wasn't love at first sight. When I first saw it, I felt like I was walking onto a sci-fi movie set designed by someone on an LSD trip! I've grown to love it, but what won me over is the inside. WOW!!!
Here are some of the potential fabrics I've taken out for the project. As you can see, these are all solids. It would seem that I have lots of blue, green and red (pink) fabrics in my stash. I had to order some yellow and orange.
 |
| Mostly blue and green fabrics |
 |
| Reds and what little I have of yellow and orange fabric |
What could require these colours within the Sagrada Familia? If you guessed the stained-glass windows, you are correct!
 |
| Stained glass windows |
 |
| Stained glass windows and pillar |
So what makes this project so out of the box for me? There are many things such as:
- The size – I’ve decided that it will be roughly 30” by 40” – much bigger than my usual art quilts.
- The fabric – I haven’t made many projects all in solids.
- The subject – although it's based very loosely on elements found within the Sagrada Familia, it’s very much my representation.
- The commitment and my expectations – this project is primarily for the Art with Fabric blog hop but I’m really hoping that it will be accepted for the Colour Unboxed fibre art exhibition that will be help at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum with Out of the Box Fibre Artists. This is an amazing opportunity – but it's adding to the pressure that I feel already.
 |
| This is the lovely package I receive each month |
I plan on doing a lot of free motion quilting in the windows. For this, I will be using mostly
Kimono Silk thread from Superior Threads. For the last 4 months I have treated myself - I receive 6 spools of Kimono Silk thread in their
Kimono Thread of the Month Club. The silk thread is very fine. #100. It's absolutely wonderful for FMQ that blends into the background. I am planning on using Superior Threads'
Bottom Line, which is a #60, for the bobbin. They really work well together.
 |
| Kimono Silk threads - better for you than candy! |
What I've learned:
- I do this every time I have a big project (one that scares me) to do. I will procrastinate till I have such a tight deadline that I'll have no choice but to start and be stressed out.
- At least I know that once I actually start, in theory, it shouldn't be too rough.
- I am really looking forward to the FMQ part - but I will make an effort to enjoy every step of the project.
- Please come back to check on my progress. Being accountable will help me move forward.
Your inspiration is really amazing!! I love your lists, they describe very well what is also happening to me pretty much all the time! :) I am sure your piece will be wonderful and I am glad I am encouraging to get outside your comfort zone ;) Thanks again for joining the hop!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alida. It's good to know that I'm not the only one out there procrastinating and getting anxious. Thank goodness I am going away for some serious quilting or this project would be in jeopardy! Thanks for hosting the hop!
DeleteI have two spools of that thread and find myself afraid to use it. Maybe I'm hoarding it? :) It's exciting to see someone push outside their comfort zone - I'll be watching for your progress. It will be stunning!
ReplyDeleteHi Beth, thanks for the encouragement. I was the same way with the thread. I bought two spools at one time and did the same thing. When I finally used it, I was hooked. It's like cutting into butter (in a good way!) Don't forget that it is really fine, so it does last a very long time :-)
DeleteSuch a beautiful church - buildings like that just won't be built these days. It is definitely a great source of inspiration for your art project. Thanks for sharing on Midweek Makers
ReplyDeleteUm..... WOW! This is going to turn out simply amazing! I love your subject matter - those stained glass windows are simply breathtaking. And I must say how much I favour solids. You are going to love working with those. I am so very much looking forward to following along on your progress with this project!
ReplyDeleteWhat a source of inspiration; I've only seen the outside as I dislike going round churches with hoards of tourists - the noise! The outside is impressive, but your photos of the windows are really stunning. I'm looking forward to following this project of yours; I hope that now you've started it all goes perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to follow the process. How inspiring to make all these beautiful colored windows!
ReplyDeleteYou are so ambitious! I'm also participating in that blog hop, but have pretty much finished my piece already. Nothing as complicated as this!
ReplyDelete