Wednesday 29 January 2014

The Evolution of a Moth

Ever since I first saw the wonderful moth sculptures created by Mister Finch I knew I wanted to make something featuring moths.
 
 
I didn't really know what I wanted to do... except I did know that I didn't want to recreate moths like Mister Finch... they had to be my own take on the theme. Then I saw these fabulous screen printed cashmere moth patches made by Stella Neptune and I decided I would like to embroider some little moth patches to cover up the moths holes in one of my favourite jumpers.

 
But once again I didn't just want to copy these moths. The idea stayed mulling around but not actually going anywhere until I spotted some more moths... this time some on some rather exquisite enamelled jewellery featuring a variety of bugs in the Anthropologie cataloge

 
And I especially loved their little floral wings which weren't that far removed from the original Mr Finch designs. And that is how I came to start embroiderering some little moths.

 
But like many other projects they were cast aside half finished because there were more pressing things to do. But this week I've been finishing off an article about stitching miniature pictures in free machine embroidery and I remembered the moths which were a perfect example of the technique. So today they were retrieved from under a pile of other unfinished projects and I finally finished them.*

 
I've just got to get around to stitching them on my jumper now. They remind me of the embroiderered patches we used to stitch on our jeans in the 1970s... or was that only me?

 
And all this whilst getting to learn how to use my new smartphone, making pantomime costumes (there will be more about that another time soon) and baking another carrot cake... early night for me tonight I think... I'm pooped!!!
 
* Just to say these were created with free machine embroidery - I don't own an embroidery machine!

20 comments:

  1. These are lovely, I feel old and tired simetimes when I see what comes from your very busy brain, Thank you for being so inspirational.

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  2. No that wasn't just you Gina, I remember vividly having a pink butterfly stitched on a pair of maroon corderoy loons.
    Now then that dates me, doesn't it! :)
    I love your little moths though...very pretty.
    V xxx

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  3. The moths are lovely and very individual. I'm not surprised you're worn out!

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  4. Just perfect stitching! Beautiful stuff.

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  5. I just love Mr Finch Gina - if only I could afford him! Your stitched moths are gorgeous - such lovely colours. I still have some of my patches from my 70s jeans! lol

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  6. In the late sixties, I had a Kingfisher patch on my white jeans! How old am I!

    I had seen Mr Finch's work some years ago but for some reason had not followed him. I think I might rectify that.

    I used to be afraid of moths - can you believe it? Now I adore them. Yours are lovely and I hope that we see more of them.

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  7. Rather lovely I think ( yours and Mr Finch's).

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  8. Gina, where do you get the energy, and when do you ever find time to sleep? These are inspirational. Cheers

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  9. They're lovely Gina, and would look really good on those velvet hot pants of yours x

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  10. Very clever moths Gina! They will look great on your jumper xx

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  11. Those little moths must take hours to create Gina - so pretty.

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  12. I used to have funny little patches too -- mostly the 70's era smiley face. I sure wish I'd had these cute little moths -- they're adorable!

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  13. I think maybe I should play a little more with my embroidery machine Gina. I haven't done anything in quite a while. Thanks for inspiring me once again.

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  14. What a great idea! Pretty little moths to cover up moth damage - inspired!

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  15. You are amazing Gina! I love popping over here and feeling thoroughly inspired by you. Free machine embroidery? Oh my! I'm lost for words.

    Stephanie

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  16. What cute little moths, just right for those holes!

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  17. Gina just sat and caught up on your latest blogs - the carrot cake looked delicious. Hope you enjoyed Missendon and look forward to seeing what you do with all those faces! Love the moths they are so pretty

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  18. Gorgeous patches, they make my heart flutter!

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  19. I'd like to meet the moth that had the audacity to destroy anything in your wardrobe! Great way to make a positive from a negative and beautifully stitched. No wonder you needed the disclaimer. Your work is so well done!

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  20. What a great idea! Can I pinch it for a much loved cardigan that has been attacked by moths? I was so cross! And upset.
    I am afraid I too can remember the motifs sewn onto jeans etc.
    Kath (nb Herbie)

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