TIPS AND TRICKS

 I was preparing this post to share some tips/tricks that I've resorted to while working on my current art quilt. An internet pal Peggy just happened to post frustration about the excessive amount of fraying (even on good quality fabrics) she's been experiencing. (

Because I'm such a perfectionist, I can NOT tolerate frayed edges on raw edge applique. It drives me nuts!! So even though my solution adds extra steps during construction........I do it anyway for carefree applique with great results.

TIP #1. I take all the precautions in my bag of tricks to avoid fraying.

(a) Spray starch the fabric before cutting (b) Use paperbacked fusible adhesive which for me requires less handling than the temporary stick and reposition adhesives. (c) My secret weapon: Fray Block by June Tailer. I squeeze a small amount at a time into a small plastic cup (think NyQuil dosage cups). Then using a very thin inexpensive artist brush I apply this clear liquid to the edges of the appliqué motif that has already been fused in place. Let dry.... Enjoy care-free appliqué. CREDIT....The best applique artist I know, Linda Cantrell taught me this.....

TIP #2. You've got fabric that has the exact shape, size with motifs you wish to feature, but it the color blends into the background. There are a number of ways I handle this problem. but here's what I did on my current project. Instead of appliquéing with invisible or matching color thread, using a high contrast thread allows the motif to 'pop'.

TIP#3. Nearly the same problem as tip 2.....the 'bird' fabric that fit my theme yielded the right size, shape but NOT the right color. The motifs didn't stand out enough. Even outlining wasn't going to help in this case. So, I used a white water-soluble wax pastel to lighten the fabric.

I'm tackling one final problem in my design right now....I expect there will be another answer in a 2:00 AM thought!! Visit again, won't you?

BRAGGING ON MY TALENTED FREIND

 Long time friendships are precious.  While working for TWA in Chicago my roommate (Sandy) and I met and married roommates (Steve & David).  Interestingly, we all were born and raised in Wisconsin.

Now 61 years later we continue our friendship.  Sadly, we lost Steve a few years ago, but never forgotten.  What's more surprising, none of us ever expected to leave the midwest, but we find ourselves in Roseville & Clovis. Life sure has surprises.

Sandy has developed talent as a watercolor artist and sent me this rendition of our Clyde, NC home.  Yes, long time friendships are precious!

PLAY TIME

 With the Easter holiday weekend now upon us and looking forward to family coming.....I still managed to get in a little play time yesterday.

I lent my book "Embellishing With Felted Wool" to a friend which got me digging into a couple of bins filled with felted wool.  Naturally, I was inspired all over again and this time in a new direction.

One piece had a discolored line.....no problem....out came my gelli plate and pretty soon I was printing various designs onto small pieces of felted wool.

Why?  Who know how my mind works??  But I am having fun creating small baskets/bowls with the reimagined felt pieces.

SUNNY SIDE UP!!

 It's rewarding to put the finishing touches on some of the small projects I've created for our community upcoming Artisan Faire.

SUNNY SIDE UP!!  - 12” x 12”

Commercial cottons, raw edge appliqué,

 mounted on canvas covered frame.

Finished backing, prepared for hanging or consider displaying this piece on a small table top easel.

STRUTTING

It's rewarding to finish a couple small projects that have been patiently waiting their turn!

 

STRUTTING - 12” x 12”

$45

Vintage indigo dyed & commercial cottons, 

raw edge appliqué, machine quilted, mounted on 

canvas covered frame. Prepared for hanging or display 

on a small tabletop easel.

HELLO SPRING!!

NO, I don't work this fast......often there's only time to squeeze in  an hour or two in the studio at a time.  So....sometimes projects evolve slowly, such as this one.

                                                                   HELLO SPRING!! - 12” x 16.5”

Indigo dyed cotton, batiks, mono printed fabric,

Raw edge appliqué, machine quilted.

PLAYING!!!

After completing two large landscape pieces back to back, a whimsy smaller art quilt idea has caught my attention.....

Come back soon to see the finished results.

NATURE'S HARMONY

 With some serious 'seat time" in the studio.....it's now finished and ready to find a forever home.    SOLD

NATURE'S HARMONY - 23" x 33"

SOLD

Authentic Japanese cotton, hand dyed & mono printed fabric, oil pastels, dense thread blending, fused appliqué, machine quilted, faced edges, hanging sleeve attached.

SLOW BUT STEADY

Work continues........I've now cut and auditioned the bamboo leaves pinned in place using my design wall. (what did we do before we had design walls....so very helpful!!)

Next begins the machine appliqué.....I use an open toe walking foot but not FMQ.  Yes, it take more time as the quilt needs to be turned every couple of stitches but I have much more control that way.  Being a perfectionist does not mean projects go quickly!

Stay tuned for what comes next, won't you???

SLACKING OFF ON MY POSTS

 It's been awhile.......been dealing with a severe allergic reaction to a spider bite but after losing 9 days of creativity.....I'm now back in my happy place, just stitching away.

My newest landscape piece has taken a new direction after lots of time to reflect on where it was going.  So here's how it's progressed.  Stay tuned, won't you??