Hello friends! I thought I would give you a look at what Im working on this week. It is so helpful, objectively, to look at photos of progress.
We went to the storage unit for some books and hand dyes that I knew were there, somewhere. It's amazing how a 5X10 unit can still take forever to search through! Its mostly all my books and bookcases, because of remodeling the cottage. There in the far corner, at the very bottom of the last milk crate, was 'We the Living', by Ayn Rand. It is my favorite of her work, and the inspiration for a white on white minimalist kind of art quilt that has been in the back of my mind for over a decade. I am closer to starting it, but not yet. The book I will read for the 3rd time starting this week.
I also wanted some hand dyes, tie dyes really, that I thought might be good for big stitch hand quilting, and found 3, although not the one I wanted. Here is the one I chose for the project:
I use a spray basting method that works like a charm, for machine or hand quilting. My favorite spray is Alene's Crystal Clear Tacky Spray. I can't always find it, but over the past few years there has been a burst of similar products on the market so I dont have trouble finding one for my purpose without too much trouble. Here are the steps I take: Iron top and backing and lay out backing on a surface that is protected and washable. I use my bed and then wash the top blanket. Spray the backing thoroughly and lay the batting on top, smoothing it nicely. Then I iron it, backing side up. I rarely iron batting although I sometimes will hit it with steam from my iron and hover over it (only cotton, never poly or wool). Take the ironed back and batt back to the bed, batting side up. Spray the batting thoroughly. Lay the top carefully over the batt, smoothing again. You can reposition once or twice without messing up the batting. Then a thorough ironing, both sides, til it is crispy smooth and neat all around. I let it cure for a while, some hours to a full day, then sew away! I have made a number of small to lap sized quilts this way and I love it.
The other piece I'm working on this week is a tapestry of broderie perse, or fussy cut appliques. I want to try for Sacred Threads, and so the inspiration is a cloister garden. I've added some of my Spoonflower prints, and have been alternately delighted and despairing all week as I attempt to put the puzzle together. I intend to cover the entire surface with cut pieces of fabrics and then quilt the whole thing down once I complete the surface. I used a similar method for my Dia de los Muertos and was so happy with the outcome, it made me wish I'd been working with that method for longer. Here is a picture of the progress:
I want to fill the open spaces with greenery and flowery fabrics. I refuse to despair, even though I doubt myself pretty regularly. If I ignore it for a day or two usually an idea or two will occur to me, and I try again. Having finished the day of the dead piece has really encouraged me to continue moving forward with this idea.
Speaking of Dia de los Muertos 2014, we should be seeing the full results of our challenge uploaded quite soon, maybe even by the end of the night tonight. I know it is in good hands! Thanks again to all who participated! Can't wait to see them.
I wish you love
Sue
We went to the storage unit for some books and hand dyes that I knew were there, somewhere. It's amazing how a 5X10 unit can still take forever to search through! Its mostly all my books and bookcases, because of remodeling the cottage. There in the far corner, at the very bottom of the last milk crate, was 'We the Living', by Ayn Rand. It is my favorite of her work, and the inspiration for a white on white minimalist kind of art quilt that has been in the back of my mind for over a decade. I am closer to starting it, but not yet. The book I will read for the 3rd time starting this week.
I also wanted some hand dyes, tie dyes really, that I thought might be good for big stitch hand quilting, and found 3, although not the one I wanted. Here is the one I chose for the project:
I use a spray basting method that works like a charm, for machine or hand quilting. My favorite spray is Alene's Crystal Clear Tacky Spray. I can't always find it, but over the past few years there has been a burst of similar products on the market so I dont have trouble finding one for my purpose without too much trouble. Here are the steps I take: Iron top and backing and lay out backing on a surface that is protected and washable. I use my bed and then wash the top blanket. Spray the backing thoroughly and lay the batting on top, smoothing it nicely. Then I iron it, backing side up. I rarely iron batting although I sometimes will hit it with steam from my iron and hover over it (only cotton, never poly or wool). Take the ironed back and batt back to the bed, batting side up. Spray the batting thoroughly. Lay the top carefully over the batt, smoothing again. You can reposition once or twice without messing up the batting. Then a thorough ironing, both sides, til it is crispy smooth and neat all around. I let it cure for a while, some hours to a full day, then sew away! I have made a number of small to lap sized quilts this way and I love it.
The other piece I'm working on this week is a tapestry of broderie perse, or fussy cut appliques. I want to try for Sacred Threads, and so the inspiration is a cloister garden. I've added some of my Spoonflower prints, and have been alternately delighted and despairing all week as I attempt to put the puzzle together. I intend to cover the entire surface with cut pieces of fabrics and then quilt the whole thing down once I complete the surface. I used a similar method for my Dia de los Muertos and was so happy with the outcome, it made me wish I'd been working with that method for longer. Here is a picture of the progress:
I want to fill the open spaces with greenery and flowery fabrics. I refuse to despair, even though I doubt myself pretty regularly. If I ignore it for a day or two usually an idea or two will occur to me, and I try again. Having finished the day of the dead piece has really encouraged me to continue moving forward with this idea.
Speaking of Dia de los Muertos 2014, we should be seeing the full results of our challenge uploaded quite soon, maybe even by the end of the night tonight. I know it is in good hands! Thanks again to all who participated! Can't wait to see them.
I wish you love
Sue
I love your work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Billie!
ReplyDelete