what if ?

#5: reverse applique over random prints

I was wondering  what if   I use a very large repeat as the inside layer for reverse applique so that only parts of the design show for a random effect.

#7: Detailed reverse applique with linen

 

After trying a fairly intricate reverse appliqué using fine linen on linen on linen, I ran into an expected fraying problem. the small edges were hard to turn and I got frayed cracks at the inside curves.  Those linen threads slide right out.  So I tried binding the edges with split backstitch and overcasting and it was convincingly sturdy.    But  I started thinking what if i make this mending process a design element.???...(including fixing up a cutting mistake I made in the reverse applique process)

I just .love the effect of the colored binding stitch and found I could use varying amounts of strands(DMC floss) to control the weight of the color outlines.  And the stitch became looser as I became more comfortable.  An embroidered leaf covers the mis-cut.

some planned pre-frayed edges.

edged by backing, quiting still in process.

machine wash test planned.

#9: applique with heavy fabrics

Like everyone else, I have many unfinished projects.  So I was thinking what if  I use them for what-ifs.  This was part of another adventure.  I cut out the center panel but then there was this nice piece of corduroy hidden under the velvet, so I  thought what if  I cut through, will reverse applique work with such fuzzy heavy  fabrics?

7"x7"
Cotton linen jacquard on cotton velvet over cotton corduroy

Ragged edge applique center squares outlined in wrap stitch, random color banding

Quilted with DMC 3 and 2 strands.

Cutouts edged and plain, both work fine.

Very uneven edging , very badly mitered corners.

Working with pile fabrics is not difficult except for fraying,  stitches hide in the fuzz and cover up mistakes. Surprisingly easy to work with, producing dramatic textural effects.

Regular quilting, the pattern is hard to see on velvet in such a small piece. varying thread weight and stitch length may help

I like the way the bar edging mirrors the corduroy texture.

#14: ragged flap study in indigo

and so it hit me, what if i leave the flaps of the cuts for holes and fold them back, and tack them so they become a frame for the hole. halos.

before wash, just for reference. in case it disappears.

wash results show stability and a nice fray.

what if #22: quilt snacks-silk sandwiches

i have some really crappy silk, well, that's mean.... it is just that it is loosely woven and slippery and it ravels but it is beautiful anyway. i thought that i would sandwich it between two layers of linen. 3 layers. and then cut away, reverse applique,  to show the silk here and there instead of trying to "handle it in any way. too difficult on a commuter train. so i packed my bag with little silk sandwiches for this week's commute. delicious inspiration, sew as you go tidbits with silk fillings. this is number 1. so far.

i have never sewn with silk thread. i have some of my grandma's and some from Nellie.  it will probably be deliciously difficult.

i am randomly using this printed metallic linen as an inspiration here.

continued...

what if #22: silk sandwich (one) update

this project (continued from) has turned into a sew for no reason thing now. the silk windows work nicely and the sandwich holds it in place. the reverse appliqué being easier than regular appliqué on the slippery silk.

i didn't use the silk embroidery thread yet so that issue is still open....

and so the sandwich has a theme of pink bubbles that became things and now seem somewhat like alien lifeforms.

i don't like it yet.

but since this blog is all about fabric, let me mention a bonus discovery (at least for me). the silk layer in the middle imparts some wonderful drape and strength to the sandwich, like a magic liquid batting and i feel that a layer of silk between 2 lightweight fabrics would make a wonderfully warm but dreamy, creamy blanket. quilted of course. with silk maybe.

to be continued.....

what if#24: closure on silk sandwich 2

this project has been completed in terms of its goal, although it has now become part of # 25. the heavy stitching over the print and the silk sandwich is satisfactory. i have exposed the silk in the middle in a few spots to validate the sandwich and the original reverse appliqué premise.

what if #22: part 3-sewing free

so it came to be that i asked myself ...what if i just forget this one? ( continued from... ) i mean i wasn't liking it a lot. so it went into my what if it just isn't working basket for a while. sometimes it is just a good idea to step away . before i "junked" it i cut holes in it and cursed and started to tear some of the stitching out and well it was really irritating. this morning it caught my eye as i left (in a hurry) to catch a train and i wondered what if i just sew again for no reason, just to sew.
there was the smallest scrap of silk shibori on the floor leftover from something else. i was thinking what if i just patch up those holes?...with silk again and ....
so here it goes again. still liking the feel of the silk inside and now liking the depth of the ragged silk cut-outs. what if i just keep sewing and see what happens? this is starting to be more about embroidery.

unless i change my mind

what if #32: ragged patterned mola

molas have always intrigued me.  so  i was daydreaming and wondering what if  i try a ragged edge mola using patterned fabrics. and maybe let the patterns guide the cutting. so i layered a floral over a floral over a yarn dyed check. and i am thinking of cutting the background from the first floral away and letting the second floral show through for starters....
tiny back stitches outline the shapes first, then cutting and clipping. of course a machine stitch will also work fine. but this is an unplugged blog.
i suppose you could use a light box, or a window (staying unplugged) to position the 2 florals strategically, but i like surprises. especially on a commuter train.
after i finish the top layer i will cut to reveal the check here and there and then , no doubt, i will be wondering....what if i add more layers....because i like the way it is working.  continued

what if #32: ragged mola -part 2

...all three original layers are showing now. work is slow on this one, stitching and snipping, little by little. another layer has been added to the back and the outline stitching color has also started to become a design element.now there are questions like  like what if some small cuts with inserts for accents are added and what if some turned reverse applique is combined with the ragged edge?.....

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