Traditional piecing methods

Looking back over my inspiration boards I worked some ideas out on rough paper.  The thought of using up 'precious' hand made paper samples caused me to pause before having the confidence to cut! It was at this point that I also chose to print copies of the printed fabrics thereby having a stash of papers.  I began to get the feeling that I may well be printing more fabrics that more closely replicated the paper samples or maybe photocopy the papers and print them!!
Ref Page 44
The papers that were selected to work an idea were from the range of feather, fish, amphibian and skin papers. When deciding to select a pattern to work with sample c) seemed to offer the best choice.  Sample b), the ammonite, could well be better  for use when looking at the Fibonacci sequence in a later chapter.

 Originally setting out to do a different sequence to that shown on page 44 I decided to also try the reverse using the full square rather than cutting off the corners as shown in page 44 sample c). Samples on page 45 show design using log cabin technique.
Ref Page 45 sample                                             Ref Page 45 sample b)            Ref 45 sample c) For the sewn sample c)  a range of bought fabrics

 

Working with strips of paper sequences were used to experiment with the technique of Seminole patchwork.  First working through the sequence with bought pattern papers :

Ref page 46 sample a) and ref page 46 sample b)

Progressing onto making a sample in hand printed papers using a range of cuts before deciding on the two following options of cut; 90 degree for main body and 45degree for fringe these appeared to have a 3D effect and could incorporate some see through and textural aspects.

Ref page 47 sample a)

Now the fun begins in fabric! Determined to keep to a plan - what happens! I contemplate that I should try a sample using just a 45 degree angle, not so much cutting and resewing!
In cutting off the sides as show on paper sample on page 44, a fledgling appeared!

Ref page 48 sample a) front             Ref Page 48 sample b) reverse

 Then guilt set in and back to the original plan.

Ref page 48 sample c) reverse                                 Ref page 48 d) front

As you can see a bit wobbly and confessions - this is the second attempt!  Made some strong recommendations to myself that when doing precision sewing; pin at right angles any matching seams and make sure you keep to a straight line to the end of a seam, it seems I have a tendency to wobble at the end and the effect multiples as the piece grows.  Feel somehow that the back is the more interesting image as it doesn't focus on perfection!!

Ref Page 48 sample e) bondaweb and chiffon scarf Ref Page 48 sample f) machine sewn on soluble fabric ( not dissolved)

Made up some fabrics from my 'thrum' jar with an idea for using them to make the insert or fringe.  It took a lot of playing to come up with a result which is sadly a bit of a mish mash...looked great on paper.  Maybe I should have just butted up the seams and over lock to get same effect as paper sample! In trying to tidy up top edge have exaggerated the wobbly edge

 Ref Page 49 Full view on left more detail right

The ideas of how this could be made into a repeat pattern became intriguing but decided that as there was more piecing to come in future chapters would let my thoughts quietly mull over the lessons I had learnt. My inspiration board seems to have become a 'bird table';  an old wood block of a paisley pattern which sits on my window sill and had been used as a print suddenly became a birds wing, a tern that was machine stitched years ago suddenly appeared maybe its time to explore a new animal theme:

Hey presto I decided to iron my fabrics and discovered not only great colours but ... shells!