Saturday, December 17, 2011

A Christmas quiltlet for Halle

This is a scheduled post until I can get back online. Several people have asked what I do with my fabric after I apply surface design treatments. Below is an example of a gift I made for my art friend Halle.

The top layer was made using monoprinting techniques like I showed here. The second layer and tab tops were made using Karo syrup as a resist, like I demoed here (part 1) and here (part 2). The third layer was cut and torn from a bolt of fabric I bought recently. The backing was made using several layers of dressmaker tissue. The skeleton leaf tore after I added it to the piece. Although I tried to repair it, I'm not sure it made it all the way to Halle's in one piece.

I have no feed dogs on my machine, so free motion sewing is not something I can do easily. I've read of ways to trick your machine into believing it had feed dogs, but I have forgotten how that works. So, I just sew what I can and hope for the best. Anyway, since I was so late getting Halle's birthday gift to her this year, I thought I should at least get her Christmas gift to her on time. That means I have yet to make other gifts I hope to finish before the end of the year. Have you finished your Christmas lists? Or have you procrastinated like me?

5 thoughtful remarks:

Halle said...

It's here! Love it. Will write about it tomorrow on my blog as well.

Dandelion and Daisy said...

Love it....all that texture coolness makes it! My sewing machine is so old that it knows no special tricks but I do like the fact that I can do my messy "normal" sewing and say I did it on purpose for my "art". Your "sew what I can" looks pretty good to me! I'm sure Halle will treasure it.

Anonymous said...

There are big intentions and never enough time, but this is a jewel and Halle will certainly love it. xox Corrine

Dianne said...

haven't wrapped a thing! so yes...procrastinating! Halle will love this quiltlet, it's beautiful!

voodoo vixen said...

Yep... procrastinating among the best of them!! I do now have a decorated tree though!!
You may be getting your Christmas card a wee bit after the date... maybe I'll make yours a New Year theme... LOL