what if

what if #91: indian style patchwork

again i am looking for a freer style, patchwork with out seams, something to recycle scraps and thread ends, something portable. what if (?) i use torn rag strips, couched down over ragged edge patches? that is what i asked myself. marker grid (2" boxes) on double layer of linen. overcast patches in alternate boxes. ragged torn scraps 1/2 wide. backstitched first straddling the edge line. over-casted and pulled into place. also tried 2 strips twisted. more potential i think here for decorating the dividers.

what if #87: chained applique part 2

...so after this post, i thought i would take it further and ask what if (?) i patch some pieces together so each one can be a different color. or fabric. well, i am glad i asked that question.

a chain of caramel cats. ready for applique.

what if#84: chained applique

remember those great folded paper chains we used to make when we were kids? i wondered if (?) that could be applied to fabric.
indigo on indigo star, ragged edge, tacked with indigo thread. 2 1/2" star motif
excuse me while i perfect this idea and do a tutorial....later...

what if #69: part 2-on loom quilting

this patchwork weaving trial (continued from) has gone well. stretching the strips on a frame (an old picture frame) holds everything in place nicely. as opposed to this method.i actually thought what if i just quilt it while it is still on the loom. it was very easy to handle and stabilize this way. this is a small piece, 6" x 12" , to be used as part of a lion applique over here, but i can think of many more things to do with this going forward.

after the piece was removed from the loom. it held together just fine without a backing. i am excited with the feel, the texture and the possibilities.

and there is a survey going on over on the other blog, in case you don't visit there.

what if #69: rag woven fabric

what if i warp a loom with fabric? frame loom warped with fabric strips and woven with fabric strips. 6 " wide, in process. cotton, linen and silk. ragged edge. study for woven patchwork applique.

to be continued.

what if #68: burned fabric

today i was wondering ...what if i burn holes in fabric?
6x6"
smoked and burned muslin over muslin.
washed.
amazingly the smoke and char stays fast.
i've already started playing with the idea of sliding printed or drawn images between the layers. something ancient about it. what if i use this technique for february's TIF?

what if #53: part 5

ok. this one sat around for a while all coiled up waiting to become the holder for something, and i couldn't get going with it. it needs to hold more was the felling i got and i had plans to extend it a bit. it sat. and then i though what if i extend it using an old shirt placket? an indigo shirt. a beautiful ready made edge with holes. button holes. buttonhole are always good for something. so that's what i did. and for some of the raveling edges i thought what if i just mend them with satin stitch,,, solid indigo.... and tack them down with that magic blue? nice. (left, by the needle) . when it gets a bit bigger i will coil it up again and see what it will hold. i need a bottom edge.

what if #49: ragged mandala

what if i stitch fabric with fabric? i suppose this what if was born out of need, after all, today i had my fabric and my scissor on that commuter train, how is it i forgot my thread? small fabric strips threaded through a large eye needle, fabric carefully perforated with a scissor.  fabric strips used like thread. in addition i pulled and recycled some thread from a printed strip of fabric and used it to stitch around the circle's edge. the print gave the thread a mottled appearance , instant variagated thread!
ragged mandala, 6" x 6", cotton on cotton velvet. the method has reminded me of sewing and its relationship with weaving.

whatif #48: raggedy linen lion-part 2

the technique of layer on layer is working well here and i am interested in taking this forward in a more "serious" mode. i have had success in applying fabrics scrap by scrap and adding thread detail. this what if is complete in my mind and i will make this into a gift to be continued over at spirit cloth....

mostly linen with velvet paws, cotton embroidery and mane.

4" tall

what if #48: little linen lion

i wanted to try to make a doll/toy. i like linen so i thought what if i use my favorite fabric...linen...and make it a lion....a raggedy lion? what i am after here is to see if i can apply some of my quilting techniques to a 3D piece.

in process, about 4" tall. to be continued....