I spent more time working on my mandala yesterday. I'm having a great time with the technique, but I'm not sure about my execution. Perhaps you could give me a little feedback, please.
Should it be more uniform? Do I have to keep my colors inside the lines? What if it looks more primitive? Is that alright, or is it meant to be more "perfect"? Carol's pieces seem to be flawless. I did use a tone-on-tone fabric. Maybe I should have used a solid fabric instead. I'm second-guessing myself now. My Type A personality wants everything to be "just so", while my ability is so imperfect. How do you feel about this?
When I had completed the outline stitching on my machine (using Carol's specified #12 perle cotton), I forged ahead and did a few rows of echo stitching. I looked at it for a while, and then decided to stitch a doodle pattern that I used to draw for hours at a time onto paper when I was in high school.So, do you think I should consider this my "practice" piece? Or, do you think the imperfect quality of this piece still merit "gift" status? H.E.L.P...
Don't feel that you'll hurt my feelings by being honest. Heck, if I send this to the intended recipient and she thinks a kindergartner did it, I'd just faint. I'd rather have you tell me I should use it for a dishcloth (if that's what you think), than to send out a mediocre effort.
Oh Donna I say put that inner critic away...far far away. This mandala of yours is wonderful. I love the raw quality of it. Anyone who receives this would be ecstatic. Your work is art. Happy creating...
ReplyDeleteI personally would prefer something not to be so perfect...it would make me second guess my work. If the intended person you are making it for doesn't like it..I will gladly email you my address :)
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful..so wash your fears away :)
Well, you know what they say about practice. But, why does it have to be what YOUR eye sees as perfect. Look at it with a foreign eye. Its a pretty piece. Continue on and enjoy the journey.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try the technique, but it won't be a mandela. That would be biting off more than I can chew, since I have never free motion quilted....yet.
I think it's wonderful - and far from primitive. I like things that aren't perfect - more character. I absolutely think it's gift-worthy and if you can't find anyone else to give it to I'll gladly give you my address LOLOLOL Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI think it's brilliant. Anyone would be overjoyed to receive it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Hey Girlfriend,
ReplyDeleteTell your A personality to take a nap....it's gorgeous! I do, however, know how you feel, but sometimes that part of us needs to be quiet. My opinion (you did ask) is that it's just perfect and very charming. I've never seen an antique piece, whether it was crudely homemade or professionally manufactured that was actually PERFECT. There really is something to say for imperfection and making us all feel like we're on the same level.
Relax.....it's perfectly imperfect!
Love ya'
Meri
Donna, it's beautiful we are always our worst critic but, I need to ask what exactly is the technique your doing I've not seen it before and a very "Happy Belated Birthday" have a great day and will be anxiously waiting to see the finished piece.
ReplyDeleteHugz friend♥
Dee, I can't see it very well, if you could send it to me I could look at it better and........ha ha.
ReplyDeleteIt is "beautiful"!!!!! The recipient will absolutely love it!!!!
You are right, you want it to be perfect because that's how you are....and it is.....you just need to step back and look at it through my eyes!!!!! Your work is stunning!!!!
Hugs,
Mags
xx
Donna it is perfect as is! Perfection is in the imperfections! Those little areas outside the lines are the soul of the work speaking to the viewer. Traditional perfection is boring, there is nothing to look for, to imagine about....
ReplyDeletewhat you have done here is absolutely perfect to an artist's heart!
Tina xo
I love the "freeness" (is that a word) of the piece. I love the echo quilting and then the transformation into freeform. The black stitching outlining the piece is great too. This is just a step out of your comfort zone. That is why you are unsure of it. But take it from me this is beautiful and so current. Great job.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Imperfection is my middle name
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful to me
Blessings
Rebecca
It's only needlework . .
ReplyDeleteIt's your first attempt . .
It's not the one and only one you'll ever make . .
Relax, gal, enjoy the process.
Besides, this looks wonderful ! ! !
Holiday Hugs,
Gerry
btw, last week while in Cracker Barr-ell having a great tasting meal I spied
"Mystical Mandala Coloring Book"
by Alberta Hutchinson
and just had to have it.
Now, you've shown me why.
You have a fantastic idea going on here - I love it!! Perfect for a gift.
ReplyDeleteAre you sure we are not twins separated at birth? We have discussed some of our similar traits before, and now you describe more! My sewing room is filled with unfinished projects because I was way too doubtful of my ability, and too critical of my work.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought yesterday was how much your design reminded me of a beautiful stained glass window. My favorite stained glass windows are the old ones, and they often are not precise. That is what makes them so very sacred and special.
I cannot believe that you used to fill pages with the squiggly never-ending doodles. I did that all the time, and still often do when holding on the phone! Get back to stitching. Otherwise, you will never meet that self-imposed deadline that allows you to really enjoy the holidays!
WOW!!! It is really, really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteDebby
It's beautiful and perfect! I wouldn't change a thing.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I can't add much more to what everyone else has said. We all want our first piece to look perfect to us - as if we've been doing it for years - I think it looks great and will add my name to the list of happy recipients should you need one. I'm intrigued to know what the finished project is going to be.
ReplyDeleteMinimiss
Definitely a practice piece. When you are done practicing... Please just box it up and send it over here to get it out of the way so you can start to work on the real one. (WINK!)
ReplyDeleteActually I have no critique or helpful suggestion...I think it is turning out beautifully.
hugs
Terri G.
I wish I could give you more technical advice, but I can't. But I do know that I love it. The colors are bright and so beautiful. I think you're doing a fine job. :) Theresa
ReplyDeleteI think it is lovely and definitely gift worthy. I'm sure you'll change your technique as you experiment more with new idea, but this one is absolutely beautiful. ~ Sarah
ReplyDelete