In looking through Mary Nordeng's book, Extreme Makeover: Feather Edition, I came upon a page of sketches with a lattice design that reminded me of holiday ornaments nestled against each other. I thought it might be fun to make a Christmas card featuring one of these ornament shapes, and I started playing again (this "play" thing is addictive, isn't it?).
After drawing the design and tracing it onto green background fabric, I sandwiched a layer of batting between the green fabric, a piece of Pellon Craft Décor (a stiff fusible interfacing), and the backing fabric. I then stitched the design, using Sulky rayon and Madeira metallic threads. I attached a hanging loop to the back, and since the piece is 5" by 7", it could also be displayed on a tabletop plate holder.
I hope to try making these in different color combinations -- a goal for Christmas, 2010, if I want to keep my sanity this month . . .
As I was writing these last two posts, I remembered a student in one of my math classes from many years ago. "Phoebe" was every teacher's dream student: She was hard-working, polite, and intelligent, and she loved participating in class discussions. She also happened to dress in a style that could best be described as Emo: dark clothing, dye-streaked hair, black boots. One day, she volunteered a wonderfully innovative solution to a difficult problem on the board. I became really excited (we math teachers live for such moments) and I said, "Wow, Phoebe -- you're really thinking outside the box!" And she said, "Mrs. Evans, I live outside the box."
So one of my goals for 2010 is to do more living outside the box, and I'll remember Phoebe every time I do.
Diane
9 comments:
Beautiful! Elegant......an addiction to play time is the BEST!!!! I have it too
Beautiful!
Wonderful workmanship!
What a beautiful holiday decoration. You are wise to plan for 2010 and not try to do a lot of them for 2009 (something I would do and drive myself crazy--and eventually give up.)
So you were a math teacher. I am teaching math now and loving it. What a nice story about Phoebe.
Your "playing" really paid off! I now have to tell my hubby that you are a Math Teacher that quilts. He is an Actuary and he never thought that the two could mix. Although, then again he married me and we mix just fine. I love your students outlook too.
Living outside the box is where I want to be. I am there some of the time but not all of it..
I love your piece and especially when I clicked on it. Your stitching is incredible. Someday I hope to be there!
Lovely! I think I'd like to live outside the box, too.
Oh, it's simply gorgeous. So simple and elegant! I love your story about stepping out of our comfort zone. I must do more of that too!
Beautiful stitching!
Phoebe sounds like a smart and creative cookie, too!
Post a Comment