Two for the price of one this month! Because of mum's illness I thought I might have to drop out of the Contemporary Quilt Group Journal Quilt project but I've used a quilt that I felt wasn't very good as a filler for October and I have managed to make one for November using hand sewing as that seems easier at the moment.
This is the October quilt which I have named, unsurprisingly, Crinkled! You may have seen this quilt, or a larger version of it, on here back in February. I used the technique devised by Nellie Durand which you can read about here. The base fabric I used here had been painted with inks (for some bizarre reason) and had been festering in my stash for sometime. I sprayed the fabric with spray starch and scrunched it up and left it in a cup (not one I was going to drink out of) until it was almost dry and then smoothed it out and layered it with wadding and a rust dyed backing fabric. I then used all colours and weights of embroidery thread and ran running stitches across the fabric building up a network. It made me think of an aerial view of trackways although that wasn't my intention. The piece was originally much bigger as I was going to use it as a Journal quilt last year but didn't think it was good enough. Being as I am in a panic to get the JQs made this year I decided 'needs must' and cut it to size for this year's JQs.
This is my JQ for November and I am happy with the stitch and the colour. It started out as an attempt at Paper Lamination which went wrong because I didn't fully understand the process. Not least of all I forgot to heat set the paper once the medium was dry. You can find a great tutorial by Claire Benn on Youtube.
As I hadn't collaged my paper before applying the medium, I cut the resulting fabric up afterwards and collaged it onto a hand dyed base fabric, wadding and backing. I then basted/tacked everything in place and started to hand stitch in various weights according to how the piece spoke to me. I deliberately left some areas without stitch and I'm pleased with the result. I think I will have another go at laminating as it gives a lovely layered effect.
I've started my JQ for December and am actually paper piecing! I've never done it before and thought I would have a go after seeing it on Design Matters, Linda and Laura Kemshall's site. I've made it tricky for myself by choosing curved shapes but it is coming together. Watch this space!
21 comments:
Both lovely - pleased you had time to get these done! Love to mum
Super journal quilts and some really useful links. Thanks Julie.
Love both your quilts especially the second one which is in my favourite colours.
Lovely quilts, I especially like the colours in the 2nd one too.
Oh wow! Julie - totally awe-inspiring! I should get my action plan sorted for Christmas - yeah!
Love both of these Julie. The blues really speak to me at this time of year. Thanks for sharing the video. xox Corrine
I'd be interested to see how you get on with heat setting the laminated papers/sheer fabrics - I did this the other week and the acrylic really does niff when hot!
These are gorgeous Julie. There must be something in the air - I'm hand-stitching this group of JQs too and did so with my suitcase collection piece...
I'll heed your warning about the niff Lz :)
The journal quilts are both lovely - the the November one has the edge for me! Love to Mum - tell her we are relying on her to keep an eye on you and make sure you do it properly!!!
Love both your quilts Julie especially the paper lamination failure! I too have one of those, but sadly I binned the result. I am so far behind you on the JQ front and I don't have your excuses! If the snow lasts much longer though and I can't go out, there'll be no excuse for not getting them done! hope things get better for you soon.
love Penny
Lovely journal quilts, you are a talented lady. Can't wait to see the December piece. Hope you are keeping warm and looking after yourself as well as your mum.
Lovely quilts, Julie.
I love both, too, nothing like a good failure! Enjoyed the lamination video, now I need to find one for the next stage.
What a pleasure it is to me that you've been inspired by my work. It's good to hear that "crinkle quilting" done in your own unique way helped express the goal for this piece.
Lovely stuff. How big are they?
Thank you for your kind words re Fluffy... I think she only has a little time left now, poor sweet thing... We are so sad...
Glad you managed to get these done, and with the paper piecing you should get December finished in no time. Congratulations in advance on completing the year.
Cayme bak for anuther look. I think theyer cool!
Thank yoo Bob :-) xoxox
Both your quilts are very beautiful! Love the colours and textures !!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !
Your quilts are great Julie - I especially like the colours and textures in 'crinkled' :-)
Thanks for the video; this is the technique Maggi taught me a few weeks ago. It was good to see again as a reminder!
Linda X
Post a Comment