Saturday 25 October 2014

Hands and Horses..

Still following the hand print / cave art theme I decided to felt a shawl.. the inspiration was one of my favourite cave painting images:
Spotted Horses - Pech Merle Cave, France

I didn't take photos of the early layout stage.. I was just so excited to be finally making it - it's been in my head for ages.  It pretty much filled my 8ft x 4ft table at the widest points..  laid out in the shape I wanted the finished piece to be.  

I started off by laying down mawata silk hankies and throwsters waste silk fibre, followed by a white merino/tussah silk blend, then a colour layer.  THEN I started 'drawing' the horses :) and adding handprints..  this all took hours.

This was a couple of hours into day 2..
just finishing the design layer
I'd added white Wensleydale locks between layers to create an irregular fringe..
now I placed them on top of the design too (lightly veiling each lock to help it attach).
I covered the main image with thin builders plastic after wetting
to prevent it from moving around while I rubbed.  I actually left it in place
when I started rolling too, the thought of anything moving around was just to scary to be risked
Part way through rolling..
I was so pleased that everything stayed just where I put it :)
After LOTS of rubbing, rolling and throwing I got this:

The finished size is 63" x 24" (160cm x 61cm)
I wanted it to have a sort of 'skin-like' character to be in keeping with cave painting..

Close up.
Much as I LOVE the outside..
I also really love the simple inside too..
As well as the silk textures there's a ghost image of the outer design
My cheeky Little Miss modelling for me in the woods :)
Now I have another one in mind using the colours differently.. there'll be more about that when it finds it's way out of my head.  

I have actually put this one in my Etsy shop.. but I love it so much I don't really want to part with it. I think I shall have to make another as soon as possible - it won't be the same but at least I can have one to keep and one to sell :)  

14 comments:

Teri Berry said...

It's gorgeous and looks really cosy too, just want you need with winter around the corner.

Lyn said...

That has got to be the most amazing shawl I've seen in a long time. Fabulous! I really like the locks on the edge and the colours are just so right.

Heather Woollove said...

Ohhhhhh...this is spectacular, Deborah! I especially love the overall colourway. It really echoes the colors of the work of art that you're channeling here! You all must have had to eat meals on the deck or on your laps in the living room...this was a huge undertaking!!! Congratulations!!

Gill said...

Hi Deborah
I saw this in your etsy shop and nearly commented on it with your last post - it's fabulous!

Terriea Kwong said...

Beautiful large project with drawing and hand. Love the color combination. Your previous projects with hands are great!

Unknown said...

Oh wow...this shawl is gorgeous! Love what you did! I'm so impressed that you could get such a clean image of the horses, considering how much one has to rub and roll the roving. Awesome artistry!

Zdolność-tworzenia said...

Rewelacja!!!

FeltersJourney said...

Thank you all for your lovely comments :) xxxxxxx

Heather, I did monopolise the dining table somewhat lol :) x

Teri it is cosy and warm indeed :) x

Susi Ryan said...

Deborah! You have out done yourself! Absolutely fabulous piece. Kudos!

FeltersJourney said...

Thank you Susi :)
xx

RMK said...

The colors, the fringe, the "skin like" approach - OUTSTANDING !!!
Someone from France must scoop it up from your shop...

FeltersJourney said...

:) Thank you RMK x

Ruthie Redden said...

Deborah I can see why you wouldn't want to part with it, it's gorgeous! Love teh colours and texture and the inspitration x

FeltersJourney said...

Thanks Ruthie xx