Friday 28 October 2011

Leaf project.

The group I belong to has been asked to demostrate various textile techniques to a local art group. Only 2 or 3 of us will be needed to take part but we are each asked to contribute a textile version of a chosen leaf shape.
I was looking for an interesting leaf in the garden and came across this hosta leaf after the snails had enjoyed it during the summer. Above is a coloured photocopy - I love all the holes and made my version by layering a piece of fine Lutrador between two pieces of synthetic sheer fabric.

I had traced off the shape onto the Lutrador so that I had lines to follow, then machine stitched through all layers, following the lines. I cut out the leaf as close to the stitching as I could and then burned away the holes with a soldering iron.

I have to decide now whether to leave it as it is or pluck up the courage to paint in the yellow and green areas which appear on the original leaf. I am afraid of spoiling it with paint and quite like it as it is.

I'll take it to our next meeting and see what everyone else thinks!


It is a glorious day here today and such a contrast to yesterday which was grey, wet and dismal all day long. This morning I was watching little clouds of steam rising from our neighbours' conifer hedge where the sun's warmth was catching it. All along the pergola the same thing was happening. I tried several times to get a photo but they came out looking misty and unclear. The garden was still soaking wet and the sunlit raindrops sparkled everywhere like diamonds - so lovely to see, but very hard to photograph well. I should be out there doing more autumn clearing - hope tomorrow will be another dry day with better conditions underfoot.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely piece of work. I think I should be undecided about leaving it at this stage too, I wonder what you will eventually decide?

Maggi said...

What a lovely leaf to use as your inspiration. I'm glad that someone has found a use for slugs!! I have to confess that I like the greens and yellows in the photocopy but would I be brave enough to try the paint??

sweetypie said...

thats brilliant!love it![but I liked your book cover even more]...

Heavens2Betsy said...

I happened here by chance and am stunned by the beauty of your leaf creation. Love it! penny

Crafty Green Poet said...

that's so beautiful

Julie said...

The leaf is beautiful and I'm sure you wouldn't spoil it if you added the colour. Thank you once again for your lovely comments on my blog, I'm having fun with the stained glass :-)

Carol Q said...

I love that leaf Heather. I know exactly what you mean about deciding to progress further. good luck with your decision!

Gina said...

Wow! I love that leaf Heather - it's beautiful.

Val said...

The leaf is brilliant Heather - what a great use for lutradur. Not sure if paint would take on the sheer though - depends on the paint I suppose! Go on - be brave - try just a smidgen on the reverse side .........

Jane said...

I think it would benefit from some paint - as the sheers are synthetic, you could try some transfer paints/dyes so you can check the colours.

Robin Mac said...

That leaf is stunning - I shall follow with interest to see what you do with it next. I also loved your book cover too. You are a very clever lady. Hopefully you will be out in the garden for several days of good weather. Cheers.