Take it Further in June
Sunday, June 1, 2008 at 9:04AMRecently a group for stash busting was started in the stitchin fingers community. This reminded me once again of just how lucky we are to have a 'stash'. Most fiber folks have them. We draw on our stashes to make items or add to projects.
They are either purchased or scavenged materials that have accumulated over time and as such they often have a story to tell. Or it is possibly more correct to say that stashes are full of stories. The interesting thing for textile practitoners is that these materials can take on another story. They can be made into something new and take on other meanings in someones life.
Stashes also act as signifiers of wealth. Not only is the obvious wealth of what the stash actually costs to have and house but there is the psychological wealth of a stash because a stash is full of possibilities. While material is uncut it is rich with possible uses. Once you have committed to using it the material moves from being something that is full of potential to a project
So this month the idea to think about is stories that are and stories that are possible.
The colour scheme was taken from this photo of a stash of sinks I discovered at our local recycling depot. I thought it fitted the idea as I am sure if they could speak what stories they could tell! Even if the colour scheme produced by Colourlovers is a little on the pink side I am sure it will make for an interesting challenge. Remember that the colours can only ever be a suggestion as computer screens display colours differently. The aim is to be as close as possible to the colours on your screen. From ColourLovers you can download swatches to use is Photoshop, Illustrator, or in a CSS file.
As usual when you have worked the idea swing back to this page and leave a comment with blog or flickr address so that people can take a look at what you have been working on or done. There is a flickr group for the Take it Further Design Challenge and Debra Spincic has set up a another TIF blog. Please remember if you use Debra’s tif blog to swing by here too!
If you have not yet checked out the stitchin fingers community please do, as we have grown. Since start up two weeks ago just over 450 members are hanging out there all sorts of challenges, swaps and stitch alongs have started. There is a even a Take it Further group which has formed there too! So do take time to see it and join in on the fun
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Reader Comments (131)
Now that is A challenge ! Thankyou for breaking into your weekend break to satisfy us all.
Sharon -- I have not posted much to my blog recently but I have been working on the last two challenges. I am intrigued by the idea of stories, I spent far more time thinking about change and what I call myself than stitching. I am going to try and do some catching up. Jenny
Although I sort of "bowed out" of the challenge because of time constraints, I am going to try something this month. This is actually a calming palette, and also one men are very comfortable with.
Your thoughts about "stashes" are quite timely though. One's stash really is about "possibilities," and we are indeed fortunate these days to have them.
Thank you Sharon for a new ( and not very easy) challenge.
Pfew, this is a difficult one, but very interesting though...stories that are and that are possible...a rather positive thought, when you think of it! Any story can be positive if you want it to...I'll come up with something, bu sure of that! Thank you Sharon!!!
You have outdone yourself again!!! I do not get to post much, but my brain is usually thinking of something to do with this challenge or one of the others I am involved in. I'm hoping that inspiring thought will count---This months colors are ---- a real challenge. Haven't given the concept thought yet. Thanks for inspiring me to think outside the box.
I didn't get to the May challenge, but I think this one is doable. That's a story that is possible in itself, eh? Thanks for the inspirations!
Thanks for the challenge, another difficult one but I am definately up for the concept again just waiting for the flash of inspiration :)http://travelfibreandthread.blogspot.com/
Another month, another color shade chart posted to my blog - to freely share with everyone.
These colors are very calm and I think I know what I'm going to do, but will get back to everyone later if the idea works.
Enjoy the chart!!! Hugs, Diane
What a surprising picture for the challenge. Although I'm behind (not unusual for me) I've been thinking about the challenges and watching everyone's progress.
I've taken a few pictures lately that were just for the colors in the picture. Maybe they will turn into future CQ blocks. I probably wouldn't have taken this picture myself - but it will be a challenge to use just these colors.
I am back! I am still working on the Feb. challenge, put it aside, emotionally reached a difficult stagnation but am seeing it again with new light. March is done but not backed, however there is some replacement needed due to a catastrophe, as my cat ate the end of the wishbone I'd attached (A ture new version of the dog ate my homework)wo my husband is cooking a chicken this weekend to remedy the situation, I have all the April pieces ready and theme done and know what I want to do. May I am skipping for the obvious reasons of the last three. And well, I am adoring the June challenge wishfully thinking I can do something wiht this color scheme and theme as well. I'm itching with possibilities!
This one may be a challenge just because it is so open-ended! Thinking about it will give me time to get my May challenge piece finished ;- )
I love the color palette and the theme! I instantly knew what I want to do. I plan to use both. I just have to figure out how. I am so enjoying this challenge; it has been such a good learning experience for me.
miamithreads.blogspot.com
Some thoughts come to mind immediately. Since I'm moving during June I'll be doing something small and portable (another story in the making). And I think I'll use stash items.
Thanks, Sharon
great palette, i just need blue :)
Hmm stories....
neki desu
Well I didn't get the May challenge finished within the month but this is where you will find the result of my month's thinking!
http://debbibaker.blogspot.com/2008/06/take-it-further-may.html
And now for June...
ell I didn't get the May challenge finished within the month but this is where you will find the result of my month's thinking!
http://debbibaker.blogspot.com/2008/06/take-it-further-may.html
And now for June
Well I didn't get the May challenge finished within the month but this is where you will find the result of my month's thinking!
http://debbibaker.blogspot.com/2008/06/take-it-further-may.html
And now to June ...
ah stories... some one once said to me "if you learn to do anything learn to tell a story". Since then I've been looking for stories... how to tell them is quite a challenge though.
cheers
Helen Suzanne
May TIF is done, next month is going to be a real challenge. Go and have a look at http://greasyming.blogspot.com
I am amused at seeing the word "possibilities" used here in reference to one's stash. This is exactly why I named my feature article in Needlepoint Now (as well as my blog) "POSSIBILITIES!" Also - Emily Dickinson said "Dwell in Possibility" Having the art crazy quilters to inspire me, the possibilities are, indeed, endless for my little creations in needlepoint - so I feel rather justified in having this enormous hoard of fibers and beads, etc. In the last few months, my goal has been to use these things and not run to the LNS for more - quite a challenge!! I love it.
I have been trying to find the source of this thread for sometime. I'd love to join. I will take the challenge, even if I am not Officially a member, tho.
This will be fun!
Love those sinks! I've blogged about my progress on May ( still needs some stitching) and my thoughts on June. I'm continuing what is turning into a theme on botanical labels - in this case a load of discarded metal tags and the stories they tell about the plants named.
http:\\magsramsay.blogspot.com
Just looking at those colors again - I see ANIMAL PRINTS in them. woooo hoooo. Cheetah, etc. Got to go dig in my stash and get to work.
I love the theme and colors. I having been purging my "stash" for an artist garage sale, just to make room (for more?). My thoughts for this month and the finished May TIF are on my blog.
Good grief - apologies for the multiple comments by me last night but I got a weird message and tried again (and again). I should have known to wait until morning after the first one but as nothing was showing up...
This is a tough one Sharon! I just wrote my first post on this month's concept. I also matched up the DMC floss colors to help others who are working the challenge. Thanks again Sharon for this challenge. It's been interesting and more is becoming even more challenging!
Pam
Kitty & Me
http://www.kittyandme.com/
I've posted my first tangled thoughts on June on my blog. This one is so funny, as I'm also working on editing a novel I started. Talk about a story that is possible.
http://tangomusings.blogspot.com
I've put some thoughts and ideas on the June challenge on my June 3 blog post:
http://justenoughtime.wordpress.com
Well I have pieced my block. It was easier than I thought :) It's on my blog now.
June thoughts posted at
http://fibrefan.blogspot.com/
Well May got away from me but I got my block pieced last night. My thoughts on June's TIF are in my blog, and I pieced my block for June also.
http://karrinscrazyworld.blogspot.com/
I love these colors and I love the theme idea! I'm still working on the May challenge and haven't even taken photos yet but I'm excited to get to work on this one, too!
preliminary thoughts already up at my blog
http://amovablefeast.blogspot.com
Tough concept oi?
neki desu
I love this topic! My initial thoughts are on my blog at http://paintedquilt.blog-city.com/stories_to_tell.htm
I've decided to experiment with posting a 'stash story' of the progression of my June TIF on my blog
http://justenoughtime.wordpress.com.
I should have a little something there on this piece every day until it's finished.
I'll be traveling, so the piece will tell a story as it travels with me.
Well, I've come up with something, and started it with great pleasure, not finished yet, but I can show some of it on my blog together with my thought about the TIF June. Ever heard of the EUROPEAN SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP? See my blog!
My deliquent TIF for May, and my thoughts on June are posted on my blog:
http://karrinscrazyworld.blogspot.com/
Hi Sharon I have pieced my block this month a bit different to what I usually do and I am happy with it(I think).
Doreen
http://doreeng.blogspot.com/
Leslie? Your link to your blog doesn't work. Is it greasyming? I want to see yur Tif of may, too!
Hi Sharon,
very appropriate, that picture. I've just ordered a new kitchen sink!
I just posted my May TIF piece, really enjoyed that challenge.
http://debkolar.wordpress.com
Hello Sharon and all other bloggers,
I'm sorry, but I will be dropping out of the TIF challenge; I have to many activities and I am not getting on well enough with the weekly submissions... and I will be moving over June-July... too many things all at once. So I am making room for somebody with more time and inspiration.
I have discovered many nice blogs thanks to this challenge and I hope some will keep on visiting mine.
Bonne continuation
Victoria
Sharon,
I am writing to ask your permission to include one image of your work in the Wikipedia article on Crazy Quilting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_quilting
I think the article would be greatly improved by more images to exemplify the text. And your work with lace, buttons and silk embroidery is an excellent example. I can not include your pictures without your permission. I also want to begin a collection of crazy quilt images in the related site Wikimedia. Currently, there are no images of crazy quilts on this site.
Let me know what you think.
Maria
Thanks Maria for asking I have dropped you an email and also thanks Victoria for letting me know you can not be involved anymore I appreciate it as often people so not say anything
see my June result here: http://renthinks.blogspot.com/
whew!
Using the "sink colors" for June in a wedding pillow with needlepoint lace! Very elegant, indeed.
http://www.fairy-crafts.blogspot.com
Hi Sharon. My first thoughts on your June challenge are on my blog, hope to add more details in the next few days between other committments. Hoping to produce a finished textile piece for June, I seem to be manageing one every second month, VBG, at the moment.
Hooroo,
Christine
http://missmuffettwo.blogspot.com/
Hi girls: in this challenge i plan to use the color palette but not in floss, but, beads mill hill.
Hi
I haven't completed April and May challenges yet but I have first thoughts for June on my blog.
http://patchworkbroderieetcetera.blogspot.com/2008/06/tif-challenge-june.html
Paule