I'm working on the next piece in my seasonal Madonna series. I'm working with the Hoffman Virgin of Guadalupe fabric, and I cut out the motifs and use them as appliques. Here's an image of the original motif trimmed down.
The background for the four pieces are a set of vintage napkins. I take out the hems and trim them up so that the finished pieces are 16 x16 inches
Like for the Fall Madonna, I'm switching out the Madonna's robes to match the season of each piece. For this one I gave her and black and cream costume, and the new fabric is added over the old with needle-turn applique. I like the winter foliage in the print for her veil, and the skirt fabric has a Jacobean-style subtle print that I've used as the pattern for the bead embellishment.
Because this is the Winter Madonna, I've chosen the poinsettia as the floral motif for this piece. I found some poinsettia beads that I've worked into the skirt. At the bottom you can see the machine basting that I used to outline this piece. The stitching will be the fold line for the applique and I'll cut the rest of the fabric away about an eighth of an inch from the stitching.
Here's the finished motif. I'm thinking that when I attach her to the background, I'll add embellishment along her edge.
And this is my mock-up of the placement of the elements on the background. I use a freezer paper outline of the Madonna to figure out where to place her. I'm also using a piece of black lace to indicate the new moon. Each piece will incorporate a different phase of the moon.
Here's the completed Fall Madonna for reference. I'll be adding silk ribbon embroidery and broidery perse flowers to the Winter piece as well.
8 comments:
You've got a great project going there! I love it!
This is absolutely beautiful! I didn't realize all the intricate handwork you do on these. The black and white fabric and the beautiful red beads are lovely too.
Nothing like a great project to settle the mind/nerves, right? If you'd like to send me your addie, I've got a couple of old magazines I think you'd like. At least, I thought of you the minute I came across them. Hugs.
Her skirt is really pretty with all the beading. This is going to be a wonderful season of the series. Is the moon a new idea?
Oh, Barbara, this is sensational! WOW!!
I love the lay-out of your Winter Madonna with the leaves, moon, and Her silhouette.
And how clever to swap out Her clothes!
Fall Madonna is exquisite...this series truly is lovely.
OK. I really wish you lived down the street from me. These madonnas are TDF -- of course, I suppose I might earn my way into heaven should I actually die for the madonna but...
The idea to swap out her clothes is BRILLIANT!! Duh....why did I never think of such a thing!
And the moon is completely singing to my soul. I love that it halos her head -- it kind of gives it a double meaning...
But I think it's the mixing of so many different ideas and techniques that make your madonnas so three dog night appealing...
Can I just echo what Plays With Needles above me said? I didn't realize you were changing out the madonna's outfits with applique. Truly a brilliant idea. Love the way Winter is developing too. It will be interesting to see how you handle the different moons...
Bet you have special empathy for the folks in Haiti after your recent experiences. It will be our turn one of these days. Yuck. At least we have some building codes in place and the ability to make preparations. {sigh}
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