Sashiko Experiment
Quilt has been basted with safety pins and rolled on a cardboard tube and is ready for hand-stitched quilting!
As I mentioned last time, I’m going to be experimenting with sashiko embroidery. I chose a wave design for the dark blue, and quickly realized this was a lot more time consuming and also more difficult than anticipated. Which, when reflecting on how patterns can evoke communal feelings, I feel like many have run into similar experiences when getting into a project.
Switching to a smaller needle, it is a bit easier to finagle the pattern so it reads as waves. As new and awkward as it is, I do like the effect visually as well as the texture of the quilt. With such dense stitching, it has a sturdy weight to it that is very different from the fluffy puffy stitching I did for a previous baby quilt. I like the contrast. Gives the sensation of durability, like this quilt will last through thick and thin. Possibly an apocalypse. At the very least a pandemic.
Don’t get me wrong, that baby quilt will too, I did a lot of it with backstitching to help secure those cloud-like double layer gauze pieces from floating away! Between the fabric, the thread, and the space of stitching, that quilt is very different from the one I am working on now. Even with the pattern being the same.
I’ll be sure to have a side by side comparison photo once it’s done!
To continue on the train of thought of experimenting with sashiko stitching. It is very time-consuming to stitch so densely. So I’m thinking of all the dark blue places, continuing that wave pattern. The light blue having a more swirly, almost airy, pattern. Then the more land-esque earth tones being variations of straight running stitches. Not trying to double back on itself with a bunch of curves should help me keep that dense repetitive pattern vibe without taking nearly as much time to complete the quilt.
The design is approximately 50” by 60” so I think I’ll give myself permission to adjust my earlier expectations. I’m looking forward to seeing how the end result reads with the combination of styles in stitching. I also have some very pretty and bold almost crushed velvet red yarn I’d like to incorporate towards the end.
Plenty more to come! I’ve been sketching out possible designs for a mini quilt to submit to You Are Here’s upcoming Women in Art show. As much as I want to finish one project before starting another, I may let this quilt rest a moment while I work on something special for the show. If you’re interested in submitting work to the show follow the link below!
As always: If anyone following along would like to donate, batting, fabric, textiles, lace, ribbons, beads, and other sewing notions: please contact You Are Here Art Gallery. Oh, Scrap! Is also open to the public to purchase your own materials to create something new! A wide range of items beyond just the fabric-based that I’m seeking for projects.
Hope you find something neat to create with!
Thanks for stopping by and happy sewing!