I’ve been working, working, working and sewing, sewing, sewing to finish some pieces for the April show. I’m taking three pieces off the photographer today and should have seven pieces finished by the end of the day tomorrow! Then it will be right back at it, no rest for the weary, although I am going to fit in a pedicure somehow.

This is Blade #4 in its final stages of construction. In the top photo the panels are ready for stitching and I’m auditioning thread colors on my work table.This photo shows the inside of the piece before I sew it together. I like to take photos of the inside of the panels after they are stitched but before I sew the panels together. I like that there is this secret, unseen part of the piece and try to keep it at the same level of craftsmanship as the outside. I think of the idea of the beauty of our secret inner selves that shines through our skin.

And below is the finished piece and a couple of detail shots. The fabrics are a hand-stitched shibori piece I did earlier this year, (there’s a blog post about making it from February 1st, 2010) and a really nice piece of silk broadcloth that I used maple leaves to print then overdyed a couple times to tone down the red. I’m happy with the piece, it’s dark but rich and I like the shape. It’s good to see these take their final shapes, to see them come together after being in pieces for so long. And it’s a relief to get them finished!