Misc

So I finally arrived at the finishing stages--whew! Here are a few pictures of the facing process.  Hope they make since to you.

I've been anxious for this for a long time...I finally have the quilt ready to cut the edges and face them. Because the piece is really long, I have put two tables together to accomodate the length.  I have a cutting board that is 59" long which we laid on the sewing desk and then another 24x36 laid on the second table.  To assure the long edge doesn't wobble, it is best to see that whole length at once.  This is a ticklish business, and I have my husband to thank for helping me with it.  (Carpentry skills and know how are very useful).  Our approach was to cut one long edge; measure to the second long edge and cut that.  For these long edges we use a metal straight edge purchased at a hardware store.  It isn't see through like our normal rulers, but with care can be used for this purpose.  Now we had 2 parallel sides and could use the large cutting mat to lay those sides along the lines.  We then could cut one end perfectly "square".  Then measure to the other end, flip the quilt around and cut that one square to the board...works like a charm. 

Then to check our work, we measure the diagonals.  Corner to corner, if they are the same we're successful...and they are!! Yes.

I'm so excited to finally be on the "home stretch".  This is the last major branch.  Here I'm drawing the branch reversed on paper backed fusible.

  Then using an applique sheet I position the elements.  I'll transfer them to the top portion of the quilt  finishing the major parts.  I'll probably go back and add some single items here and there to fill in where I think it is needed, but I'm hoping to start the facing soon.

This month my "Fiber Art Friends" group has quilts at the Old Town Art Gallery at the gazebo on 2nd street in Eureka. We have one group quilt "Honey I Can't Find My Earrings!" and then several other quilts that are made by the members of the group.  Everything is for sale.  There's a reception Saturday night from 6 to 9. ereThere's also a nice article in the Times-Standard today.

I'm happy to report that Superior Threads has featured me in their blog today. I've been happily sewing with their Rainbows and other Trilobal poly threads since 2005. (that's quite awhile!) I really like these threads because they have a nice shiny look that picks up the light and adds a little "spice" to my pieces.  I also use Superior's Bottom line for bobbin thread.  So here are a couple of detail shots of some of my threadwork.  You can find my methods in my book "Fabric+Paint+ Thread = Fabulous!  (you don't have to use paint to learn the thread techniques).

Following is a detail of the Wild Rhosies threadwork.

I'm still at it--(slowly).  There are so many more flowers to do but I must continue - or I'll never get it done.  So--onward!  After getting the two ends sewn together I put down the major tree trunks and several large branches. 

The smaller branches will be put down as the flowers that grow on them are made. Here are a couple of shots.  As you can see there is a long way to go.

At the end of the flowers on the first half of the quilt, I decided it was time to join the 2 halves.  This is because there are a bunch of tree trunks, limbs, etc.  It would be harder to join it with all of those pieces needing to match.  So...it will make the piece harder to manipulate under the machine, but it was time.  First, I squared the top of the lower section and cut it.

Next, overlapped the cut edge onto the other section and pinned. Then, trimmed the other section longer (1 1/4" longer). I sewed the seam at about 1/2" seam allowance on the short side. 

I was able to separate the 3 layers and trim away the batting from that section. Then pressed the seam. 

Then took the long side of the seam allowance and folded it back under itself and pinned. Hand stitching is necessary to finish that folded edge.  Next I'll start adding trunks and limbs and flowers over....(more flowers!!)

Oh, so many flowers! -who was it that decided to make this tree? So I've almost reached the half way mark and there are a few pink flowers before I get there. 

So I traced the reversed outline on fusible, pressed it to different prints, then decided to enhance with some paints.

  I still need the double layer even though it isn't needed for a shadow barrier, I want to do stitching on them and need this as a stabilizer before I cut them out and sew to the quilt.

Next I did sew them down - notice some have loose edges here and there.  Then back to centers again.

  I did discover that I can do a little zig-zag to attach the centers then add the beads.  Whew.

I've tried a couple of methods and this is the one I think I'll stick with.  I finally decided against the yoyos, though I spent some time making them.  The change seems good to my eye.  What I am doing now is cutting 3 layers of batiks in the color family I desire.  Sometimes all three layers are of 1 fabric and sometimes I mix it up.  Then I cut into the edges, pie style, leaving an uncut center section where I attach a bead and sew it to the quilt top.  After I have several sewn on I put a bit of sizing on my fingers and ruffle up the edges by pinching them.  When it dries it stays fluffed up pretty well.

I stitch them over the centers of the flowers and vary the sizes and the beads just to mix it up a bit. This is a slow process.  I'm still making flowers and now centers.  I'm approaching the halfway mark, but that's probably wishful thinking.  Got to keep going.....

Well it goes on and on I'm making progress, however it's going to take some time.  I think I have about 1/3 of the basic flowers made.  I've been stitching with light colored threads to enhance the flower shapes and make sure the two layers don't separate.  Here's an example, after stitching I trim and attach.

and here's a portion for the top.  After this, I'm experimenting with the flower centers.