Saturday, December 19, 2009

Sewing Wild Oats


Titles for my art usually are difficult for me but not for this journal cover; it was a piece of cake because of a label I chose to use, from a company called Wild Oats.  And since the cover is sewn ... well there you have it: Sewing Wild Oats. Yes, I know what that phrase refers to, but I'm using it here because this cover is the first assignment in Remains of the Day class where I'll learn to be loose, both with my journal additions and with my machine stitching.  I'm never very loose. When I learned to sew I was taught to be careful and precise. But now I'm asked to turn loose of that life habit and work without thinking. We'll see about that.

I dug into two of my collections, the Thai silk and the clothing labels and sewed them to the base fabric almost without thinking. The resulting piece is overworked in an interesting way and I think it'll be fun to continue.

One thing I learned many years ago about journaling is that if the cover of the book is attractive then I'll be attracted to pick it up and work in it on a more regular basis. Even when buying simple spiral notebooks I look for a color that's attractive, and if it loses it's appeal I take the time to paint or collage the cover.

8 comments:

  1. Hi Jo,
    I love this post-it's like you've been reading my mind (my latest post is about "not thinking)". Your sewing is wonderful - you've inspired me to think (again!) about learning how to sew
    I'll let you know if I decide to 'plunge in'
    meanwhile . . . Merry Christmas!

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  2. Jo, this is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! It's a piece of art! Your talent is breathtaking. I think the outside of a journal is just as important as the inside :)

    But I'm ashamed to admit this: I own lots of very attractive journals that are completely blank inside! I'm afraid I'll "ruin" it somehow by writing in it! lol

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  3. I agree - the item needs to be attractive to my sensitive eye, or I'll avoid it. Beautiful work with color, as always Jo.

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  4. Jo, wonderful, wonderful job! You should have no problem wanting to work in this journal. I need to begin mine, but I have a feeling it will have to wait till after Christmas!!

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  5. Wow! I love the colors you used for this journal!! This piece is fantastic!!
    Have a great holiday season!!

    manon

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  6. Your journal is beautiful! I'm sure was a little difficult to "get loose", I'm in the same class and my journal is very structural (Fallen Leaves), I'll try to make another one and get loose!!
    Herm

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  7. Jo, Your journal is fun, colorful and intriguing. I like the stitching that ties it all together. I want to play with my friends and will sign up for Mary Ann's class today.

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  8. This is gorgeous!!! I'm in Mary Ann's class too, have to catch up!
    xoxo,
    ja

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