A little over a week ago, I blogged about this installation with images that look remarkably similar to those in this post. Of course they look similar! In both entries, I was showing a couple dozen, damp vintage handkerchiefs pinned to a makeshift clothesline. The difference is in the details! On each handkerchief is free-motion stitched text. The text is a "reason for tears" due to statements, executive orders, and other policies coming from the Trump administration. To do this, I used an adhesive backed, water soluble stabilizer to make the ultra sheer material able to accept the machine stitching. Then, each one was rinsed (and by that I mean lots of agitation, a little delicate rubbing, and plenty of water!)
On my last blog post about this installation, I said I'd put a temporary hold on this project because of the social media posts written about it. I'd requested donations of additional handkerchiefs and statements. Lots of people responded, but at the time, I had no idea how many handkerchiefs would be arriving in my mailbox. Thus, I didn't want to keep stitching on those from my own stash.
Since then, dozens have arrived! I've been stitching up a storm (though not as "stormy" as conditions coming from the White House.) Yesterday, rinsed ... and rinsed ... and rinsed! Today, more handkerchiefs arrived. I'll be back at it soon. I love doing something to express my personal frustrations. I only wish that the list of "reasons" wasn't still growing.
No comments:
Post a Comment