November theme

I am looking forward to the November theme. I have work to make for 2 shows and am stuck as to how to interpret the themes for them and am feeling frustrated at not really having anything to get stuck into. I have been busy with scrap quilts as a gap filler so hoping the November theme will give me something that  I can get my teeth into Happy Halloween to you all.
Irene

INEQUALITY (FOR SIGN OF THE TIMES)

I know that this is very late but ideas take a long time to mature.  I eschewed the obvious interpretations of my theme e.g homeless placards, glitzy buildings, deprived people and obvious deprivation and excess in favour of a more subtle approach.

I took a very showy flower - in this case a paeony and developed it as the central image.  It is intended to be a metaphor for wealth and fine living.  It is safe in its enclave because it is surrounded by a spiky barrier which separates it from the perceived 'riff-raff 'on the outside.  However, this part on the outside is now being colonised by the rich too as shown by the golden circular 'islands'.  There is chaos outside as represented by the angry streaks as they try to cling on.

I am motivated to do this piece because, living as we do in Greater London, we are very aware of the extreme housing crisis in the capital and inner suburbs particularly.

Techniques include photo transfer and free machine embroidery.

Ups and Downs of Life

I just loved making this piece. I used some linen I had dyed some time ago. I screen printed - up, down and a graph.  These were done using a stencil I cut. I then stitched a grid so I could accurately place the stamped letters. They can be seen if you click on the image to see it enlarged.
I had intended to print - down - in green but forgot before I had even got to the first one. I was looking forward to seeing the pattern made by the coloured lettering, I was pleased with the spread of the red ups. I had so many phrases to choose from.
Irene MacWilliam

New theme

The theme for the coming month is: Ups and downs.
Again I have to admit that I had no time this month to create something for this group. As you might know, I am participating in Elizabeth Barton's masterclass this year and that takes more time than I had expected.

2nd piece for Decay theme - Irene

This is the second compost piece 12 x 12 ins
I used some of the fabric over from the piece in my previous post. I also took a photo of my sun print and printed it onto fabric using TAP paper. I did not bother to fiddle with the photo so the colours are somewhat different. I also failed to wait for it to dry properly before washing, more than I would have expected of the dye came out. This created a worn looking fabric. However I call this 'happistance', it suited my theme. Using a metallic green paint I then printed.... composting is kind to the environment, it promotes diversity.

 I have just put out some more fabric with decaying leaves to sun print. I do not think it will be used for any more postings to this site unless of course I am totally excited about the result. Some of the bits were not staying in good contact with the prepared fabric so not too hopeful of a good result

August 2015 theme Decay Irene MacWilliam

When I heard the theme for August was decay I knew I had to make something to do with one of my great interests - compost making. Sounds sad but it just lifts me to see how all the decayable household waste can be turned into amazingingly productive soil. I found some old decaying leaves  and various other bits of growth and did the above sun print. I loved it. I was using reds, browns, yellows and a little green, not combinations I often work with. I find brown a difficult colour.  I did not want to cut it up but I had to.

This is the piece I made for the theme. I have printed a photo of the above onto TAP paper and am toying with producing another piece on the theme of  Decay. Again sorry for being late in posting. I also want to do the old and new theme and have an idea for that so again that will be late and out of sequence.

Apologies from Irene MacWilliam

I am hoping to do at least one of the last 2 challenges, either - Decay or Sign of the Times and maybe the latest Old and New. No real excuse except I just ran out of time as I was concentrating on producing work for a show.
I am off in a fortnight for a weekend retreat of quilters from both the north and south of  Ireland. We stay in this great place called An Grianan and have the use of a clean room for those who wish to sew and a simple art room, it is scruffy and has a sink but what else does one require. When we arrive we have to remove the lovely white linen cloths they have placed on the tables. Our weekend runs from Friday tea time until Sunday lunch time. The food is great. We are usually a group of around 6 - 10. I plan to be in the art room all the time. Hopefully I will produce something suitable for the 3 latest themes.