Tumbling Along...

I did it! I finished this month's Month of Softies contribution - a Tumbling Tumbleweed! August’s theme was The Wild West. You can view all of the August MOS images here on flickr.)

The Tumbleweed is made from an old faded velvet curtain. I made up the pattern myself (if there is a place that sells them I surely wasn't going to try and hunt them down.) I actually drew the pattern directly onto the fabric.

I knew from the start that I wanted to add a little bird perched on the top.

The bird here is a smaller version of this pattern, which I adjusted to make a new, smaller bird. The pompom is from a piece of vintage trim I found at the same thrift store where I bought the fabric.

After missing the deadline for the last two months I really wanted to complete something for August, but I had a hard time deciding what to do for the theme The Wild West. Once I had my idea, I drew a very quick and sloppy sketch - it helped me to visualize how all the weedy parts would fit together. I put a little less stuffing in the center bottom of the top piece so that it fits better over the other two. The pieces are sewn together a little bit at the bottom - but it really does stand all by itself. My husband was skeptical of my idea from the beginning, so seeing it come together was totally sweet. Of course, he says that he was purposefully challenging me to help build my determination. Hmm… would that line work on you? Me neither, but it made me laugh.

Comments

[Aimee Roo]

that is such a fun idea! it turned out really cute too, it's the kind of tumbleweed you would actually want to tumble by you. the bird is especially cute.

[sarah]

laurie this is so wonderful, so clever and i love the way you have used different textures and balanced them all, organic and cute at the same time, i just adore it...

[jenny vorwaller]

i love how you carried out the sketch, such a sweet plan! :D (And of course, anthing with a bird on it makes me swoon!)

[debbie]

This is absolutely fabulous! So creative! I'm loving the tumbleweed in fabric. Really great stuff!

[Stephanie]

This is so fantastic and original! It's a fabric sculpture. I really love it. The bird adds just the right touch of whimsy.

[abbyjane]

It's terrific - like fingers reaching up. It could also be coral. I really love your idea and good for you for tackling something difficult. The result is great!

[kristin]

Such a cute and unique spin on the topic-- love the end product :D

[michelle]

Such a good idea for that topic, so original! It is awesome!

[Bel]

Now that is impressive. I know I'm just echoing all the other comments, but that is really very clever and very gorgeous!

[Cassi]

I really like where you took this theme, so creative! It came out beautifully too, I love your use of the velvet curtains and the little bird is the perfect touch! I have to say your photos are wonderful too and I love seeing your sketch :)

[momo]

can't believe you drew your own pattern! you are so talented! =)

[susanne]

wow! that tumbleweed is so cool and what a sweet little bird :) how you made that tumbleweed stand up all by itself--genius! good job on making the deadline for mos, i've been meaning to try my hand at all the monthly going ons but always forget about them. d'oh!

[lyn]

How lovely, it all looks so tactile and pretty.

[amanda8]

How creative! That is great!

[vicki]

Very original! I admire your patience with sewing, turning and stuffing all the velvet branches. (I love velvet, but hate working with it sometimes.) Cute birdie too. The whole piece is like a fabric sculpture. Brilliant!

[myra]

Wow! That is so brilliant!

[*jenny]

Clever clever clever idea!!!!! I love the little birdie perched on top.

[laura r.]

tumbleweed!
brilliant.
i love tumbleweed.
i see a lot of it in the central valley, california.
green, dried, running along with the wind...
you have honored the tumbleweed.

[sunni]

i love the tumbleweed! the idea itself is so great, but your execution of it is just amazing. i really, really find it so cute and pleasing to the eye. and so unique!

[kath]

this is totally so amazing.

[mopsy]

I am a craft-challenged lurker who had to post to tell you your tumbleweed is so much nicer than the tumbleweeds that clogged our streets, playgrounds, and yards growing up in the high desert "wild west".

What a creative idea. Love the little bird, and all your creations.

[Nichola]

That is amazing!