Monday, October 28, 2019

Patchwork

I don't care for perfectly matching fabrics, nor do I like totally random; I like to see the fabric all speaking the same language, I'm looking for the theme.  Look at my patchwork here:  to me, all these fabrics have something to say in dark, bold colors.
Utensil/straw rolls made for J


 I literally lay fabrics next to each other to see if they speak the same language.  Their message surprises me constantly!  Like a chorus, maybe, where the different parts create harmony as well as dissonance in service of the whole song.
Hotpads made for my friends R & P


 I know some patchworkers use viewing tools and computer programs to match the fabric to their liking:  good for them, not for me.  I prefer fast and loose with a whiff of mystery:  how will it turn out?  Not always to my liking, but always interesting.

11 comments:

Hattie said...

Will any of your beautiful handiwork be in your shop?

Becky said...

I like themes in my fabrics too. My husband once told me, he didn't marry me so everything in the house would match after I brought home a pair of lamps for our bedroom. One of said lamps now lives in the den, so as to not be too matchy.

Lisa said...

Is this a lesson from Margo on how to make the most charming patchwork ever? Is it possible you can impart this knowledge to others? I'm all ears!
You are a genius with this stuff.

e said...

I love your patchwork! I believe that you and I share a method - when I start a quilt (or other project), the first step is to lay out the colors that I have in mind and see what feels harmonious. Not matching, but agreeable, whether similar colors or contrasting. Then the results, as you say, include 'a whiff of mystery' and are 'always interesting.' I love your work!
(I think I have a piece of that red floral in the utensil roll!)

Nancy In Boise said...

Looks great, you have a good eye! Made me think of my grandmother using flour sacks for quilts, no software there!

Margo said...

Aww, Hattie, that's nice of you to ask. These are projects that customers requested - I can usually handle that, but otherwise, probably not at this time.

Margo said...

Haha! Matchiness is not my thing either...

Margo said...

Sure, that's the lesson ;) Lay out the fabric and let it sing together

Margo said...

Thanks, e, I think we are kindred patchwork spirits!

Chepkirui said...

I'm a regular reader and very infrequent commenter, but just wanted to say that I missed your voice! These are beautiful. Also, I loved the list (maybe in your last post?) of what you chose as priorities during a busy time.

Margo said...

Thank you :)