I just finished up a commissioned project that has been weighing on my mind. I was asked to make a 16" pillow cover with a linen strip in the middle with a row of my linocut Celtic knots. Her only other request was that the material be green with some metallic gold. I had a really hard time finding green material with gold that was not Christmasy looking or too garish looking next to the linen and hand printed design.
Krista saved the day and sent me a piece of green fabric with a gold pattern that sort of echos the idea of the knots. I ended up only using touches of it but it helped me figure out the other fabrics. I used a batik and some green shot cotton. After talking to the woman who asked me to make it again, she told me to just go ahead and find something else if the gold wasn't working, that she trusted my taste. I think what I gathered from her is that she was looking for a more formal looking pillow. So that's what I went for. I hope she will be pleased.
I used lots of straight line quilting, with tan thread on the linen, and variegated green thread on the disappearing nine patch design. I also freemotion quilted around the knots. It gave them a lot of depth that I had trouble capturing in the photos. It's a dreary day here today. I hope it's sunnier where you are!
Dreary here too but your lovely pillow sure perked things up!!
ReplyDeleteI think you are very brave to make something where you have to pick out the fabrics...I wouldn't be that brave...that's why I don't do commission pieces!:)
Really though, even if the person picked out the fabrics themselves...which you should have them do from now on!!:)...I don't think I would be brave enough to make something for someone else like that...I give you bunches of credit kiddo!:)
I think you did a great job and anyone would be pleased to receive that pillow!:) It's a great idea stamping across the linen like that....love that look!!
It looks wonderful to me!
ReplyDeleteIt's really lovely! Custom work seems very challenging, and you do it beautifully!
ReplyDeleteYesterday was one of those dreary fall/early winter days here too. I hope your weather improves!
Very nice! I really like those Celtic knots. I'm sure your customer will be pleased!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out beautifully!
ReplyDeletebtw, glad I could 'save the day'. I'll have to let my family know I've reached superhero status.
ReplyDeleteThat pillow is perfect!! you really did pick up the center thru out it. Beautiful pillow!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful, classy design! The celtic knot linocut is most excellent, and I really like the touch of gold.
ReplyDeletesuch a pretty pillow! i noticed the quilting around the celtic knots first thing. it really highlights them!
ReplyDeleteYou've done an awesome job mate! Well done. It is so hard sewing for other people. Looks like you have nailed this one!
ReplyDeleteVERY well done!! But, it's YOU so of course it would be!! I don't like picking fabrics either!! Even when they say "that's fine"...which is soooo NOT good for me...I still send tons of photo options, just in case they would like something better!! :) I try to let them know before-hand how ANNOYing I am! HA! I LOVE all of your linocuts..I can tell you are having FUN!! :D
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