A while back, in this post, I shared with you the beginnings of a new art quilt based on a watercolor painting I had done. I've finally had some time to continue playing with it, and it has progressed to the machine- and hand-stitching stages.
I began attaching the pieces, using machine appliqué, starting with the lowest layer of the motifs and working to the uppermost layer. I like using a slightly open, flat zigzag stitch, so the color of the fabric will show through the thread.
Here, the entire right half of the butterfly has been appliquéd; the triangles and decorative stitching stitching around the purple center were embroidered by machine. The black background fabric behind each piece has been cut away for two reasons: (1) to prevent build-up of the layers, and (2) to keep the color of the motifs from being dulled by the presence of black behind them.
I auditioned beads at this stage; I liked the white ones and nixed the red ones -- French knots seemed the better way to go, so . . .
. . . I decided to embroider them at this stage, before the backing was attached, so that the knots on the back would be buried within the batting. (Full disclosure: I later learned that the type of knot I make is really an Italian knot because I wind the thread around the needle the wrong way . . .)
I then embroidered the black lines using a back stitch; to keep the stitches even, I placed a piece of masking tape, marked at regular intervals, next to the line I was stitching as a guide. White perle cotton accents were added to the violet flowers at the top.
It's on to the machine quilting at this point -- hope you'll stay tuned!
Diane
12 comments:
Your design is stunning - and your worksmanship is fabulous! I love the way that you have done the satin stitch. Do you have a mechanical machine? The taper on the petals and leaves are so precise. I never liked the way that my whizz-bang computerised digital machine made obvious steps as I decreased the stitch width so I ended up buying a Bernina 1008 mechanical machine.
Yes I'm staying tuned as I'm enjoying the progress on this piece. Love it so far!
Diane, your work just keeps getting better and better. It's very vibrant and engaging. I was thinking the other day that it was a year ago that you were helping me work on my Navy quilt. Several people have emailed me saying they had seen the exhibit. It's still thrilling for me to think that my quilt is travelling the country. Thanks again your your unselfish help.
That is just awesome, and so fun to look at. I will be watching your progress and can hardly wait to see it done. Although I can't imagine anything much better than it is right now! B E A U T I F U L
:-)
So bright and colourful; I can't wait to see the finished quilt.
thanks so much for sharing the process - very cool! I was wondering was any of this fused before you started the machine applique? What machine do you own? I just got a janome horizon and one of the selling features for me was all the great applique stitches it had! Can't wait to see more!
So very joyful and uplifting, (and so much detail and craftsmanship)! I know that the finished piece will be a true visual treat!
Beautiful and so solorful very amazing!
This is absolutely gorgeous Diane - I love it. I particularly like the contrast of those rich colours against the black background - it really makes it pop out! Can't wait to see the finished article.
Thanks for your supportive comments on my blog recently - lovely to be back in touch with you. I sent you an email about a week ago - hope you got it...
Keep up the stunning work!
Dotty xxx
Oh Diane....you constantly amaze me with your incredible talent. I could not even begin to do what you do. I love this piece and will continue to watch it progress.
What a beautiful piece! Your work is extraordinary!
I've been enjoying each step of your progress. I can't wait to the finished piece. Who knew, Italian knots? I wonder which one I make. Are you left handed?
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