Thursday, October 29, 2009

Working Through Some "Issues".....

Don't believe in complaining - it only proliferates negative energy and compounds frustration. So I do what I do - to work through "stuff" - I workout, I run, or I sew! Therapy.

Made this turkey out of batik fabrics that I've been hoarding ( sometimes I just can't bring myself to use stuff I really love - isn't that DUMB!) It actually was a pattern, but I didn't like the pattern so I changed it up. The turkey was supposed to be mounted on a "pieced" background which I thought made it way too busy and took away from this cutie. So I cut him off the pieced backing, and satin stitched all the way around his body, which added tons of dimension and personality.
Here is the Autumn Leaf Tote I have been working on. I was soooo tempted to keep this one for myself. The fabric I used on this is without a doubt the coolest batik I've ever found. I wish I would have bought about 10 yards because this would have made a really stunning quilt.
I made the leaves like I do for most of my projects - commercial leaves that I cut up and paint with Lumiere Metallic paint. I appliqued these leaves to a piece of jet black canvas before attaching them to both the front and back of the bag. The inside is lined with tea dyed muslin and I made a pocket edged with canvas and embellished with a bronze word charm,"Dream." (little hidden messages make me happy!)
Both of these are available in my Etsy shops. The tote is in my Clevelandgirlie Etsy shop, and the turkey is at MountainGirlQuilts at Etsy.
Go outside, look up at the sky, and breathe....

14 comments:

Mary Welsh Hubbard said...

Hey there! I like both of them, but the Turkey sure is cute. I'm the same way about some of my supplies - I love them so much I can't use them - which doesn't make any sense at all.

Pom Pom said...

BEAUTIFUL! I love hidden messages, too!

sukipoet said...

these are fabulous. Esp love the bag.

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I am so with you about hoarding the stuff I love! At least in my case, I have PLENTY of other supplies to use! The turkey is fun and perfect for this Fall season, and tote bag is stunning! Hope they exorcised all your "issues"! Regards.

Deborah said...

what a wild turkey! love the colors

Jeanne Turner McBrayer said...

I made two of those turkey quilts last year..but your little guy looks cute liberated from the background!

That tote is gorgeous!

sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...

Hi Cathie - the turkey's so cute, but the batik bag? It's amazing - something to do with the pale, rich colours and leaf shapes set against the dark areas of the fabric, I think. Lesley

Katiejane said...

Love this little turkey-guy! I don't know what size he is, but he would make such cute placemats. You did a really great job on him.

Next, your tote is gorgeous. You are right, that is terrific batik. Very professional looking.

Last, I love all those wonderful photos on your sidebar! Very Halloweeny. I think I love the pumpkin! (And of course, Sabrina.)

CAROLYN SAXBY said...

You've been so busy! The bag is wonderful. The turkey guy is adorable. Great thinking on your part. I agree that a busy background would have detracted so much from your turkey. He is such lovely jewel colours

Hope things work out :o)
oxoxox

Lynette said...

Oooh Cathie, I love both your turkey and the tote and that's such a gorgeous fabric, wow!! I just wanted to let you know that I got your package with the girlfriend's sketchbooks yesterday and I got my completed book back home and I LOVE it! Now I can work on Karen M's book and only one more to go, Aunt Mims.

Chatters said...

Hi Cathy

Can't remember if I posted already or not because I was reading your blog yesterday(-:

Your turkey and bag are absolutly gorgeous. The bag would make a wonderful christmas present

Joei Rhode Island said...

Lovely blog..Nice turkey and lovely bag. Great pictures of the Smokey Mountains. My DH and I are planning on a spring bike ride through the Parkway. I'll be back.

~Babs said...

That is one gorgeous bag, Cathie!
And Mr. Turkey is adorable!
Beautiful work!

Unknown said...

The turkey is cuuuuuuute, and I just love the colors you chose for him! They suit him so well. I can well undestand that you come alive with wind, and cold etc, I love that too, it makes coming home into a warm room such a miracle,:)
love

andra

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