The other day someone in our art group handed out pieces of what she said was “African barkcloth”. The idea was that we would all make something with this material, and the pieces would then be sold to benefit a Ugandan community charity. I wasn’t all that keen – for a start, it isn’t always possible (or a good idea) to use unusual materials in embroidered designs. But I had a look at the barkcloth, and it was moderately interesting – thin but robust, with a rough fibrous texture. One side was pale brown, and the other side was darker and looked as if it had been dyed.
African barkcloth
After some thought it did suggest the coat of an animal so I did a quick sketch of a folk-arty deer, and used it as the basis of an applique for which I used the barkcloth as the appliqueed “fabric”. The fawn is done with the paler side of the material uppermost, and the mother deer is done with the darker side up. I stitched it out in warm yellows and browns, which did give it a sort of African feeling.
Deer in an African mood
It did work, but I won’t be using barkcloth again in a hurry. It’s tough and inflexible and nearly finished off my good applique scissors, and my second-best scissors barely made an impression on it. And after all that, I think the result is much the same as if I’d used brown painted fabric. Never mind – it worked out pretty well and at least I can say that I’ve done my bit for that particular charity
Mia, Your creative genius is amazing! The deer designs that you created and digitized with your hand painted fabric were perfect for the barkcloth. I can certainly sympathize with you on your applique scissors as I recently ruined my favorite pair of applique scissors using glitter fabric for applique on a number of shirts and sweatshirts for highschool sports.
Oh, poor scissors!
🙁
But the results are gorgeous!
My exact thought, poor scissors! Thanks for sharing your story. Sounds like a great art group to challenge your creativity. Great job!