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what if#44: one fabric patchwork

what if a patchwork block is pieced using both the back and front of the fabric to create the motif.  Both_sides_now that could work.

one fabric nine patch
english paper piecing method
front and back of printed dot on cotton
3" x 3"

a good approach for a limited stash.
back  of fabric has a nice worn or antiqued look to it.
many more possibilities here, a series.....


and i have included the back of this block, because it inspires me...Back_of_both_sides

Posted in Backs of things, Dots, Nine patch, Patchwork, Print inspiration | Permalink | Comments (3)

what if # 61: quilting with dots

Dot_quilting the answer to what if quilting was to be done with dots(?) is you get a very interesting texture and tack the layers together very securely.
6" x 6"
linen sandwich, thinnest cotton batting
9 patch sampler
dots embroidered with 4 strands of  cotton floss.
reversible
in process

continued here

Posted in Backs of things, Dots, Embroidery, Quilting, The nature of dots-series | Permalink | Comments (5)

what if #61: quilting with dots- evaluation

the question: what if quilting is done with dots?
the reasoning: like tying without the tails. points of color. tacking the layers without lines of stitching. a new kind of texture. a short cut to combine embellishment with quilting.
Collage
the texture is very fun.

the process is very simple.
the back is clean and acceptable.(picture 2)

designs and shading can be accomplished with different color dots or combining different strands of color.

4 strands give a nice bulk .

i learned that threading the needle with 2 strands and using them double gives less bulk at the needle eye and it is easier to get through the fabric. threading the needle with 4 strands is difficult and  is like 8 strands at the needle eye when sewing.

freehand dot placement and varying the stitch repeat gives nice variation.

the drape of the final product depends on how close the dots are.

it is easier to stitch the dots farther apart and then go back and fill in if you want them closer.

after catching both layers several times, the thread from each complete dot is carried in between the layers to the next dot so the stitch is a dot on both sides.

this post is continued from here

Posted in Backs of things, Dots, Embroidery, Quilting, Stippling, Stitch, The nature of dots-series | Permalink | Comments (12)

what if #64: seam wrapping

Seam_wrapping_2Seam_wrapping_detail mending methods have my interest at the moment. i am still working with the vintage piece i started in the previous post. i should mention i quickly dipped it in in brown dye to disguise some staining. some of  hand stitch seams have pulled apart so i thought what if (?) i wrap the seam in a bar of satin stitch. in this case i am going all the way through and catching the backing fabric. i used one layer of thin cotton batting and gauze so i could really get a feel for the tension created. the stitch forms a gully type line on the back and fits in with regular quilting. the method is decorative and very reinforcing. not to mention the texture. and again, quilting and embroidery become one step.Seam_wrapping_back_3    Seam_wrapping_in_progress

Posted in Backs of things, Edge treatments, Mending, Patchwork, Refashion, Seams, Stitch | Permalink | Comments (7)

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

Posted in Backs of things, Dyeing, Fabric makeover, Shibori | Permalink | Comments (5)

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.

Posted in Backs of things, Holes, Reverse applique, Seeing through things | Permalink | Comments (3)

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

Posted in Backs of things, Dyeing, Seams | Permalink | Comments (4)

what if #89: soft edge diced dots

Interrupted_dots actually i am not sure what the question was, but i was inspired by some paint leftovers and i tried some softer edge discharge on indigo with soft scrub, continued from here but i used wet fabric and no stencil. and then i sliced and re-pieced, because i was thinking what if (?) i did that, probably left over from some other thought. at the same time i was wondering what if (?) i pressed the seams outward instead of to one side. i did that and now i am wondering if (?) this side wouldn't be interesting to work with.Open_seams

Posted in Backs of things, Discharge, Dots, Edge treatments, Indigo, Patchwork, Seams, Sewing machine, The nature of dots-series | Permalink | Comments (7)

what if #93: sheerer applique

Sheer_applique working with lightweight fabrics can create very delicate effects and to get a more see through effect i wondered if (?) i cut away the backing beneath the appliqués, how would that look? it is also a great way, i think, to even out the weight of the overall piece especially if you work layer on layer.
Looking_through_the_sun

Posted in Applique, Backs of things, Seeing through things | Permalink | Comments (7)

what if #98: reversible colored eyelet

Reversible_colored_eyelet ....just to finish up what occurred to me in the last post when i doubled the fabric for stability and then i thought what if the fabrics were 2 different colors? and if they were not sheer at all, i could make the eyelet reversible and hide the knots and thread ends between the layers. the double layer works well for this and also is more stable so the dime sized hole seemed be ok. i was thinking of a paisley shape too but then i saw this which is really nice. and i also love emmy's use of the eyelet over here.
i suppose if (?) there was batting in between also, some more stitched dimension could be added around the hole.

PS.....look what paula did!

Posted in Backs of things, Edge treatments, Embroidery, Holes | Permalink | Comments (5)

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