Vicki Conley @vicki_conley_art_and_seattledesign and her work were new to me when I first heard of her workshop being offered by Seattle MQG, Improv: Inspired by Nature. But I liked what I saw very much and signed up. Well it took place on Saturday, and gotta say, I'm very glad I took it.
We were asked to choose a subject and share several photos with Vicki before class. My chosen subject was inspired by the goldfinch pair we'd seen at our bird buddy lately. Of the photos I shared with her, Vicki let me know it would be good to start with the one below, with wings outstretched.
Photo credit: Creative Commons
So mark the moment. I created my very first foundation paper pieced pattern!
Here are the fabrics I had pulled...yellows and a bit of black for the bird; and a range of grays and white for the background.
SO, I made my first block, which measured 5.5" x 6.5". Encouraging us to make a range of block sizes, Vicki helped us by providing another size of our block - mine being 15" x 13". It felt pretty big, but I was happy to try.
So below are the two blocks I was able to complete during the workshop. Honestly, I don't love them for a few reasons - my use of white, period. Also, I don't like the shape of the head or the right leg/tail. BUT they're made from my very first FPP pattern, and I learned a lot. I plan to refine my pattern, as well as my fabric pull, and try again. Meanwhile, it was an excellent workshop, and my interest in the design process has definitely been piqued.
I look forward to seeing where this evolves for you and I think it's very good to know what you want to work on so that you like the next iteration more than this first. How cool to have drafted your own FPP pattern!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo and amazing piecing, exciting challenge for sure!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, this looks like something I would enjoy! Improv but with an FPP twist. I have to google her. Thanks for sharing. xo
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ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting workshop! I agree that you're fortunate to have taken it. Looks like there's much to learn about creating FPP designs. I like the impressionist style of your bird and think it turned out well. Perhaps you can create several iterations of this bird and then place them alongside one another in a complete project. Make a triptych as a means to view the process/progress in a study the bird's development and clarity. I really like this!