The completed embellished center square has now been backed with a larger, sturdy piece of woolfelt (fiber content is 100% wool). To provide a margin of error, I've cut the background piece slightly larger than the marked finished 16" square.
Because some of the motifs extend to the edge of the center square, it was necessary to finish/cover the edges. My original plan didn't translate.....so after much pondering, I opted to cut strips with a rotary cutter fitted with a wavy blade. Various widths were auditioned until I found the right look.
Next, to add more interest to the edging treatment, seed beads were stitched through the three layers.
I decided to finish the final border in the style of Penny Rugs and that required a master plan. Math is definitely not my strong point......so this task was done by paper folding to determine the spacing of each of the half circles.
I made templates from thin poster board and traced their shapes around the border's perimeter.
Although the edges of woolfelt don't require finishing, I added blanket stitching to provide a bit more stability.
This is a beauty.....Pasty dyed the cotton sateen wholecloth background as well as the fabrics for the tulip motifs which are highlighted by her skillful machine quilting.
I love the way the braid sets off the center unit. Pasty markets her own instructional machine stitching/quilting DVD's that are superior quality. She covers everything you need to know to conquer this skill with detailed instructions, comprehensive visuals, and always with a calm reassuring manner.
She's a master at stitching feathers......and not just single feather units.....she outlines them with additional thread colors which makes them vibrate.
She excels at seeking out amazing fabric, lace, fiber, & trinket bargains....like this piece above.
However, it won't look like that long.....instead, she will transform it with various dye/paint methods. It's a great way to re-purpose these treasures espeically if they had any unsightly stains. Very effective!
She's a fan of rusting fabrics.....utilizing a myriad of rusted iron objects which with vinegar, salt and water transfer their details (and rusted iron particles) to fabric.
Of course these altered materials find their way into elaborately stitched pieces, such as this purse which is made from her own felted wool, embroidered with hand-dyed threads/cords/yarns and buttons and beads.
Another in-progress piece: The motifs are attached to a felted wool panel that Nancy created.
The wrong side is nearly as interesting as the front.....it will eventually be lined to protect the threads when the project is complete.
Her detail and creativity is awesome. Here's a cigar box she's transformed to contain a journal full of inspiration, and well.....it's a feast for the eye!
She uses old lace, bones, beads, buttons, lots of text, her own drawings, hand stitching and a large variety of fabrics which all add to the attraction of her work.
She's created pages within the journal, secured together with rivet holes and ribbon....and more treasures to enjoy.
Carol uses paints, rusting techniques, various fabric and paper mediums....which frankly, I can't describe accurately since working with these products is new (yet very exciting) to me. This is one example of how she altered what was probably a simple brass plaque.
One specific package must have taken the gift giver all year to assemble......it contained silly, non-related items that had us all laughing......here's an example. (Frankly, I like the bovine poster!)
Cathy embellished herself with some of the other items in the bag.....she's even sporting one of the two wigs that were generously given by Linda Cantrell. If you know Linda.....none of this would be a surprise to you.....
Linda LOVES her Boston Terriers and frequently dresses them for photo shoots. She kindly added a photo album to her gift bag......hysterical!
Gen opened this leopard and bead encrusted zippered bottle cover and I believe she chose to keep it. Hummmm....why??
When a package is decorated with fabric pom poms.....what's a gal to do with them? Heck, none of us are in the Bravo TV's 'Housewife's' club......our breasts are unaltered. However, one of our members found a cheap way to enhance hers with the pom poms.
When the gift I stole from someone, got stolen away from me.......I ended up with this lovely item....(not for long.....I managed to steal something else later and dumped this cemetery looking vase off on another member. Ya gotta wonder where these gals find their white elephant items?!?
To protect the identity of this member....I've cropped her image......I'm sure her husband will appreciate her gift!
Of course....we are quilters so it's all about the food! All hands are on deck as prepared dishes are readied for the next course.
Lynne thrilled us all by creating a PTA Photo Album of our activities as party favors for each of us. She even made the origami paper packaging.
After we were all stuffed......we moved along to show and tell. Most us us are professional quilters, therefore our projects are made for sale...... Today was a bit unusual as many of the pieces were more personal. I love Barbara's new quilt....in progress.....this is 1/2 of a twin quilt.
She's cleverly quilting the top directly to fleece....which is her backing......fast and comfy.
Judy showed some of her unique scarves, created using rusting techniques. You really need to see them to appreciate how much texture and interest this method creates.
Georgia Bonesteel hosts annual retreats at the Circle 9 Ranch in Montana......here's a portion of a large quilt top she's made as a gift for the ranch.
Lynne is a master of innovative contemporary designs made with her own hand dyed fabrics....
Coming home from the grocery store....we encountered several bovines out for a stroll on this sunny day.
I've blogged about the Fiddlin' Pig before....but it's worth repeating. We love this Asheville area BBQ and Bluegrass entertainment restuarant. Their welcome signs says it all....
Among the many fine groups that play nightly at the Fiddlin' Pig.......our favorite is Balsam Range. A local group with a national and international reputation. Their banjo player, Mark Pruet (sorry a post was in my way so he's not visible) is a Grammy Award winner. The fiddle player lives in our neighborhood....we frequently see him hard at work in his day job....a farmer.
Each night cloggers are present to help liven up the music. Each time we go, I mentally commit to seeking out a place to take lessons....this looks like so much fun AND a real calorie burner.
