I can't just sit in a meeting, listening and taking notes. I have to have some needlework in hand. The last couple of years my take-along project has been English paper pieced hexagons using silk neckties. These hexes are 2" unfinished. The "flowers" that I am making are just over 8" across. I've made 50 thus far and will keep going until I have 200 or so,or until I am thoroughly tired of them (which I'm not, so far). It is very unlikely that I will run out of ties; I have four file boxes full.
When people ask what I'm doing I stop short of explaining what the fabric is. They rub a hexagon between their fingers. Some get it: "Silk?" to which I say, "And what's made out of silk?" Again, some get it: "Ties!" But just as many can't figure out the fiber or the source.
I know that a some may be ones from me (and after I move the rest of my stuff from Wisconsin -- who knows when *that* will be), you may get more. I don't wear ties like I used to.
ReplyDeleteWhat are you going to do with them? Do they become a quilt? I am confused.
Probably a quilt, but one to hang on the wall rather than put on the bed. Perhaps a jacket. Maybe both!
ReplyDeleteWow you are on a roll with these. I don't think I could stick with it!
ReplyDeletenann, love your hexagons, what a great repurpose of quality fabric! be sure and show when done!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Grace -- since I only work on them when I'm in meetings, it's going to be a long time they become a finished object!
ReplyDeletethese are fantastic. love the idea of using ties.
ReplyDeleteI have a box of ties waiting for me to get started on a project ... and I really love yours.
ReplyDeleteIf you are using 100% silk ties (as opposed to silky-feeling polyester ones), I would wary of using your cool hexies in a jacket because the silk fiber doesn't stand up well to abrasion (or light). I remember a trunk show by Shirley Bottsford (author of Daddy's Ties), where she showed us several of her silk vests and jackets and the effects of abrasion from the seat belt in her car. I was a little shocked when she advised us to avoid the 100% silk ties (which almost all of my collect set are), because the fabrics are often much thinner.
I followed you here from the libquilters group and am adding you to my reading list. I want to watch what you do with this project.
I'm doing my first hexagons now and I Love them! I like having something that I can do by hand and the way it just seems to take on a life of it's own! I may have to start looking for ties... :-)
ReplyDeleteHadassah
Beautiful hexies! Thanks for sharing on Destiny gn Wall Mondays!
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