Monday, July 13, 2009

Bee Sack and Summer Pillow





After the weaving is finished, and cut off the loom, then the cloth is hand washed and dried, first on the line, and then finished on a cool tumble cycle in the drier. Then it's measured, sewn and cut.

The first thing is a new sack with a drawstring top inspired by a design of an antique Japanese rice sack I saw in the SRI Threads collection of vintage bags. The bottom of this sack is tanned deer hide, from deer that were hunted here on our farm. I put the suede side out, and sewed in a soft ragweave pocket. This bag is soft to the touch, top bottom, inside. The only stinger is the applique bee image from a Laura Foster Nicholson cotton jacquard woven ribbon. I love her designs. This bee is all about honey.

The summer pillow is an envelope, 7 " x 14", with a handsewn blue & white stripe ticking pillow, stuffed firmly with polyfil. I like to see handwoven textiles in a 3-d shape. The summer in this pillow is the linen, cotton and rag, in the colors of small green tomatoes and new red potatoes. A pillow invites handling, and looking at.

Now, back to work on a new warp: unbleached linen, maybe something rosepath?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

O lovely bee sack!

Only Dotter said...

Two beautiful pieces. Could I use the sack for carrying all my bees? I have too many bees: http://www.yousuckatcraigslist.com/?p=2289

miss Teariest said...

hmmm. Are you one of those dotters who ends all her sentences with" too many bees?"

Brittany | the Home Ground said...

Both of these pieces are a pleasure to look at, and I'm sure a pleasure to touch. I love these tiny rag weaves you've been doing. Can't wait to see the unbleached linen!

Susan said...

The Bee Sack left with a new owner today. I'm happy I sold it, but think I need to make another one quick. I liked the deerskin bottom, and the drawstring works really well. A nice design thought up by the ancient Japanese

Brittany | the Home Ground said...

Congrats on selling this piece! I hope you sold it for a price that you're happy with. That looks like a really great design. Japanese design is probably my favorite. Simple, utilitarian, beautiful.

Can't wait to see the next one!

Susan said...

Brittany, are you getting back to school? Or, are you finished?

Brittany | the Home Ground said...

Oh yes. I start school on Tuesday. This is my last year, though. So, I'll be putting on my senior show. I have mixed emotions about this. Mostly excitement and anxiety...