Each year I try to make several significant pieces for the Alzheimer's Priority Quilt Auction event held in the fall at Quilt Festival in Houston.
I just finished my first piece, and for the 2nd year in a row, both of my donations pieces will feature beading on wool felt. It's titled "Inner Strength", measuring 9" x 12" (to comply with the guidelines)....here's the process.....

I marked a 8" x 11" rectangle onto a non-fusible lightweight stabilizer, rough cutting it out with about a 1" margin. Next, using a permanent pen, I traced my design (which I had previously worked out on paper) positioning it in a pleasing manner.
The stabilizer was then thread basted to a slightly larger rectangle of wool felt along the outside lines. I do this because when viewed from the right side, I always know where my outside edge is.




The beading is now completely finished. Before trimming the top, I decided to add hand embroidered french knots to the background for a little more texture.
Then I remeasured and remarked to assure a 8" x 10" shape before taking the final step of cutting away the excess fabric.
I used a rotary cutter with a wavy blade to provide more interest to the edge. Naturally, a backing is necessary to hide the stabilizer and protect the threads. So, using a darker green wool felt, I cut a rectangle 9 1/4" x 12 1/4". The top was then centered on this backing and thread basted together.


Project #2 is already designed, beads selected.....now all I need is some time to stitch it!! Stay tuned......
Gorgeous piece Mary. Thanks for sharing your steps in making it.
ReplyDeleteI love this Mary! Can you bring it to Judy's?
ReplyDelete