October Cloth

I’m declaring this one finished. Appropriately in October, five years after I started it. Its name has always been the October cloth, although I worked on it in different seasons. It also rested a lot. It looks washed out in this photo.

I was going to hang it on the wall, and I still might. But the texture of the stitching is so delightful to touch. I’m indulging that sense by using it as a lap blanket when I meditate in the morning. Also appropriate because it’s getting just a little cooler in the mornings.

I am in love with the velvet squares in the corners. Silk velvet (purchased years ago from dyer Arlee Barr). Something about its juxtaposition with the darks and lights of the ecoprints on silk broadcloth (I think?) that i used for the border.

The backing is an old tablecloth. I cut it down to have fringe on two edges. I used green thread for one of the first squares I stitched, and it stands out. The rest are pale dyed colors and undyed off-white.

And I’m also working on the Dark Butterfly cloth. I stitched the four words associated with the four wings. I also added a head and antennae. I was going to baste it into the quilt sandwich, but I’m hesitating. I feel it’s lacking something. The lettering is not as bold as I wanted. Maybe bold appliqué lettering along the bottom? I don’t know, waiting to find out.

I’m feeling sad this morning. It’s cloudy, supposed to rain later. A visit that was supposed to happen is not going to happen, leaving me feeling deflated. I should be energized by this suddenly available free time! Maybe later.