Thursday, September 3, 2009

Mixing textures

I have to admit I am not a big fan of mixing textures. As I mentioned in a previous posting, incorporating the fancy yarns into my rugs makes me break out in a cold sweat. Don't get me wrong, I love the look of all the different types of materials but I never really know what to do with them.

And this texture "issue" is broader than fabric. The same theory applies to food. I'm sorry but lettuce does NOT belong on a sandwich! Crunchy and mushy together.....in one mouthful.......LUNACY!! Raw onions on a hamburger - Never! And don't even get me started on celery! (OK thats enough sharing of my wierdness for one post. LOL)

However, today I was off work and decided to pop into Deanne Fitzpatrick's studio for a visit and some inspiration. You may have heard about RedJack Rugs - April DeConick's idea to create a Monthly Reflections Rug based on the monthly theme at her church. I (foolishly) jumped on the bandwagon thinking it would be a really fun challenge. But now I'm nervous. Its not as easy as it sounds. September's theme is "turning". Now the first thought that comes to mind is the leaves turning in the Fall.

But I have never been one to take the simple route. Ooooh noooo, I have to complicate everything. So I am thinking of a depiction of "turning" that is a little different. I remembered seeing a rug Deanne had done several years ago, which was similar to what I was thinking. Perfect opportunity to pick her brain. We had a great visit and I explained my concept.

She immediately sprang to her feet gathering up material. Wool, yarns and silks. A pile of different textures. I looked at the pile pictured below, with total fear, like I thought it might bite me or something. Deanne took one look at my face and burst out laughing! "Trust me" she says. "You'll love it".
OK, I'll give it a whirl. They really are beautiful and I admit I am kind of curious to see what happens. However I am not yet prepared to commit to revealing my idea for the square. Just in case it turns into a pretty colored mess!

Wish me luck!

7 comments:

  1. You're so brave - I can't wait to see!

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  2. You go girl! I bet it will be great to push the edges of your comfortable boundries--just like I think your "turning" portion of the rug will turn out great. I can't wait to see what you have in mind.

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  3. I bet you will do a great job with those materials. Wish I could get my hands on some of this.... You are so fortunate to be able to visit with Deanne. She is a SUPER person and I love her work....

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  4. Can't wait to see what you do with those beautiful materials, I love the colors!!

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  5. Life is too short not to take chances! Live alittle and mix up your textures. You may be surprised how good lettuce tastes in a sandwich.

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  6. I already LOVE the colors together! Can't wait to see your idea come to life! Inspires me to try some textures! Cathy G

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  7. You are a lucky girl indeed ~ to be able to pop into Deanne Fitzpatrick's shop ~ I try not to be envious, ever ~ but I might be just a tad!! The colors and fibers are great ~ I'll be watching to see where you go with this ~ good luck!!

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