Whilst I was sitting in the sun one summer afternoon, a gulp of swallows gathered on a nearby telegraph pole. After a while, they began swooping around the garden, flying in and out of a large horse chestnut tree and feeding on small insects. They were there the next morning and continued feeding and resting throughout the day. Overnight some remained and some left. By the third morning, they were all departing. They were obviously on their journey south, crossing borders to warmer climes. In flight their feathers showed beautiful colours with amazing flight patterns. They made a true summer inspiration.
I used calico as the main fabric side, backed with recycled curtain fabric which had a slight sheen. I joined the two in a pillow case style turning it inside out. The ‘journey’ depicted was achieved with the use of various pencils and paints mixed with water, embroidery threads and some use of Bondaweb and machine threads. The chiffon I had planned to use did not adhere well so I substituted lightweight felt for the swallows in flight.
