what if

what if #81: un-quilting

over dyed patchwork, un-sewn to see IF(?) the seams resisted the dye. unexpected resist in seam overlap. thicker fabric, in this case corduroy has more potential for the framing effect which shows up on the back.

what if# 80: sheer overlay

sheers can be used for see-through panels in fabric pieces but i was thinking also what if (?) they could just be used to change the tone and texture of a background. used here as  a softener and base for embroidered  motif. used here   

margaret ramsay has also done some interesting posts on sheers. here and here.

what if#79: see through reverse applique

....of course after doing sheer patchwork, i started wondering if i could execute the same idea with shapes.
cotton print on top of linen sheer. fairly simple but a little more difficult on a commuter train.
cut the star out first. and baste well to avoid shifting.

applied over here.

what if#78: marker ikat

....how it used to upset me when i drew on fabric and the ink ran. i searched high and low for a better marker. i was thinking if (?) the ink runs along the threads it could look a bit like ikat. it does. oh, it does!

permanent laundry marker on old stained linen. bottom piece has been machine washed and ironed.

the longer you hold the marker to the fabric, the more it runs. i am sure it will vary from fabric to fabric.

what if #77: see through patchwork

well it was what if (?) i use sheer fabric in patchwork this time... the seam allowances are usually the issue here, i plan to iron and tack the seam allowance toward the opaque fabric to clean the window edges... this is cool and merits more experimenting. and then what if (?) the batting is something to be seen as a shadow effect behind the window....oh gosh you could go on and on......

3.5" square block cut and dirty dyed from old sheer linen embroidered napkin.

for applique version go here.

what if#76: crooked star on purpose

just playing around with wonkiness. planned wonkiness. pieced by hand. i was thinking what if (?) i just draw some crooked stars and use the english paper piecing method to put them together. 

all the pieces are different with different angles...so care must be taken to know where they go. since this is a one way commuter project, i prepped the pieces, ironed them, removed the paper and basted them down to a base cloth just to keep them in place. i simply lifted them off as needed and it was fairly simple to keep them straight.

i have done a quick scan of the first try. better picture  later. (3.5" square overall)

now i am asking myself what if (?) i rotate one crooked star. every-which-way. i could use one pattern block to get a very varied looking arrangement. i will try that.

using some shibori dyed fabric from here on this one.

what if#75: reworked patchwork

when i first started using the sewing machine i pieced a lot of small pieces to test effects. and this one worked fine but it was just plain and too much like what's out there. so i though what if i dirty dye it? ok. it was different but i was still bored until i wondered what about cutting it up and weaving it with some discharged black corduroy? and now, even though it is only basted. i like it. a lot.