The Fourth of July at the Rensing Center

 (Above:  The Cocoon, in progress.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

Since taking down all the previously constructed panels and putting them on the drapery/bedspread hangers, I've made several more sections for The Cocoon.  This is my last week to make these panels as I will be moving the entire installation to the Rensing Center Library next Tuesday for the Thursday, July 12th reception ... which is from 6 - 8 pm and open to the public.  If you're in the area, please consider this your invitation.

 (Above:  The reverse of the three panels shown in the first image.)

All these panels are double-sided.  Originally, I thought I would be attaching the front to the back with buttons ... in a sense, quilting the two sides together.  Yet, I learned that this just doesn't work.  The varying weights of the fabric and the many odd shapes and wrinkles mean these panels hang much better just flowing down to the floor.  Each one is slightly longer than the eight foot pipe system.  I like the effect, the "puddling" of vintage fabric at the bottom.

 

 (Above:  Another panel beside half of the previously made panels that are now on hangers.)

I am also trying to use the crocheted doilies.  They are sort of difficult to incorporate but important.  Why?  Well, the entire idea for this installation stems from my TEDx talk.  The presentation is called Precious: Making a Plan for your Precious Possessions.  In it, a often mention "Grandma's doilies".  In it, I suggest USING your precious possessions ... but the truth of the matter is: No one uses doilies anymore!  So this installation really needs to become a place for at least some of them!

 (Above: Detail of an appliqued and embroidered crib cover with yoyo-s.)

So ... today is the Fourth of July!  What did I do? I stitched, of course!  Yet, I also went to the Pickens County Flea Market.  There were hundreds and hundreds of people there.  It was a lot of fun but not as much fun as continuing my project.  Scroll down for a few more detail images!

I am linking this post to Nina-Marie's "Off the Wall Fridays", a site for sharing fiber arts.