Tidal Wave XVII, Upholstery Cord

(Above:  Tidal Wave XVII.  Donated upholstery cord hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt with layered buttons.  Custom framed:  33" x 33". Click on any image to enlarge.)

Recently I received a most incredible donation of vintage and antique quilts, a big bag of upholstery cording, and several other items.  I was a little overwhelmed and truly awed by the generosity but I had no idea what I might do with the upholstery cord.  I've received similar lengths of expensive trim in the past.  I've generally given it away, mostly to art teachers and school groups.  This time, however, it just didn't feel right (and since moving, I haven't established a good place accepting this sort of material.)

(Above:  Detail of Tidal Wave XVII.)

I dumped all the cording out onto the floor in order to think about how I might use it.  The colors all seemed to work well together (which isn't really unusual when coming from a single household!  People do seem to decorate with well coordinated colors!)

 

(Above: Detail of Tidal Wave XVII.)

Then, I looked at the donated quilts. One seemed perfect for the upholstery cording.  Soon enough, I was pinning the lengths into a tidal wave formation.  Dozens upon dozens of pins were used.  I think there are some still buried in the layering!

 

(Above:  Tidal Wave XVII as seen at an angle.)

 

It took days before everything was stitched in place.  I also quilted the background with pale lavender perle cotton thread and added an outline of buttons ... stacked units of three buttons!  I'm really pleased with the result.  It really was a challenge!