Catching UP: Round Three: Mandala XCVIII

(Above:  Mandala XCVIII.  Custom framed: 17 1/2" x 17 1/2" when hung as a square; 24 3/4" x 24 3/4" when hung as a diamond. Found objects hand-stitched to a block of a vintage quilt.  Found objects include: a blue, plastic lid on which was stitched a decorative copper candy mold; white dairy pull-tabs; dominoes; eight electric toothbrush attachments; wavy hair curlers; white plastic water bottle lids; assorted beads and buttons.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

This Found Object Mandala was stitched to another section of a rather poorly made Dresden Plate quilt.  The bright red background fabric is happily tremendous and worth the effort to figure out how to deal with the otherwise poor, original applique work and the fact that the center isn't really round at all.  Using the dairy pull-tabs, hid the lack of symmetry.  Over every one of my Found Object Mandalas, there's a layer of nearly invisible netting.  This netting protects the fragile material and damage ... though, one can see the ill-plied blanket stitch in places. 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala XCVIII.)

Despite the problems with this vintage quilt, I really do like the colors and pattern.  Each piece stitched on a block from this quilt is vivid and draws attention to itself.  I was especially happy to used these dominoes.  I've used other dominoes in the past but these are the kind my family had.  I'm very lucky that they were donated to my stash.  Thanks, Marguerite!

 

(Above:  Mandala XCVIII when hung as a diamond.) 

The electric toothbrush attachments came from a local church bazaar.  I am thankful that another good friend recommended this opportunity because I really scored all sorts of great things that Saturday morning!  Thank you, Sue!