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  • Author: jude hill
    journal, needle, thread, fabric, experiments, interpretations, documenting and sharing. mostly unplugged. a conversation with myself and anyone else who joins in.

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May 03, 2008

what if #83: quilting with fringe

Silk_fringe Silk_fringe_folded ...i have started using fringe as an edge treatment in my new quilt.  the fringe is recycled from old silk scarves.  some of it is rather sparse so i was wondering what if(?) i double it up before inserting it under the applique. Fringe_insert folding it so that is offset gives it more fullness. Silk_fringe_combined and if you have two, it can be multi-colored... hmmm... what if (?) you use 3 or 4?

what if# 82: patchwork as applique

Patchwork_as_applique well, if (?) you have a few stray blocks around and don't have the time to make a bunch more, you could always apply them to a base cloth or an existing project. that can work and give some added variation and dimension, not to mention use up some things that are laying around...

4" wonky log cabin blocks made by the talented dijanne cevaal from her beautiful hand dyed fabrics... appliquéd to a quilt in progress as a border treatment.

April 28, 2008

what if #81: un-quilting

Un_quilting_2 Overdyed_patchwork 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.Seam_resist

April 23, 2008

what if# 80: sheer overlay

Birth_up_close_2 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.

April 16, 2008

what if#79: see through reverse applique

See_through_reverse_appliqur ....of course after doing sheer patchwork, i started wondering if i could execute the same idea with shapes.
Sheer_star_back 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.

April 15, 2008

what if#78: marker ikat

Marker_dots_3....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!Marker_dots

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.

April 14, 2008

what if #77: see through patchwork

See_though_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

Crooked_star_pattern_2 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. 

Portable_piecing_2 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)Crooked_star_block

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.

April 06, 2008

what if#75: reworked patchwork

Mp1 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.Dye_and_weave

March 19, 2008

what if #74: shibori over print

still using the dirty dye pot, and asking what if i do more trial dyeing over prints. i am really liking the backs of prints. the muted design looks great with the dirty dye and doesn't fight the shibori effect as much. refined slub printed cotton poplin with grey over dye. back and front.Shibori_over_print_backShibori_over_print