A couple of weeks ago I did a 1/4 scale sample piece to test out ideas and fabrics for Contemporary Quilt 'Thin Blue Line' challenge. I made it double sided - both main fabrics used were kimono/yakuta ( conveniently already a narrow width ) and painted with acrylics both sides. The woollen slubby fabric didn't work that well (at least on this scale - its delicacy is more suited to postcards etc) but I was pleased with the results on dark blue/black patterned cotton yakuta fabric which has a slightly starched finish
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEoT80yOVvuarNfYicVO3SWHEuP-Ibv-1fxbcMGLLqOgo79r8LdyFhzQ5iYqKCg4rXCestWrwz3tFRnQqZVCjkqxs1-uQ1kOF1a2-x2rq2CdmYfHp8vPWobFvcEUJXU4cfIm2-waCWB0/s320/tbl+side+2+painted+detail.jpg)
So the Easter weekend was spent scaling up! The original inspiration was of boats moored at Gythion in Greece with the 'thin blue line' of hills in the background. I snipped sections out of the photograph to compress it down to a composition and proportions I was happy with and matched some of the colour in fabrics to insert as thin strips. Having to work to a fixed size of 30 x 120cm meant I had to use some maths and measuring to PLAN where I was going to insert them - not my usual style at all (normally I judge by eye and let things evolve)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIMwmcWa-u6CtOAtUx_PQmo9VOYhpnKRRaNTdK1Cq2EWNNlL4bApt81IwCTNvy_EP5pUbUxowYMicyGp7_3a5-Va2YwVG8VJxNlALAAdjBuXJ8T3mTPAsIGpB8xg76kPJFmBhlodezSA/s320/TBL+Sketchbook)
I used the technique shown by Alison Schwabe - the strips are 3/4 inch wide and using a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance and careful adjusting and matching under the machine, can achieve gentle curves without using bias strips.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRR1EBHeKA4sYj21Be68cyMqY4cqLwu-Cb5HAQjZLZUDc_Naeq9Bs6Shm_tFy5n0ilmeLwlL7vvfj5wzvZQP87pduSMWCvlcSU3S4koJLlWPrMvgKDX-u7BrBh_DA_SN_gdWQ_XKpDwQ/s320/TBL+part+quilted.jpg)
I've just started quilting( using the same fabric on the back although without the inserted strips means that if it all goes horribly wrong when painting, I get a second shot!) I'm using Vandana variagated thread and a double or triple needle. I managed to break 2 new double needles by not re-adjusting settings before inserting the needles - blame the Cava consumed!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9fpdVmZL3x2wxdchZkdud5TFaWuj_hGSqy-m9_tNExO7cswJWlnp8DVOgUF1vmcbpEAnI2CIfM3sqgaytdOhj0UIEggCXw8gGm4YRAE89yoLoJxcxzoSBlwZZxIR3qqeu19HoMWKAss/s320/IMG_7128.JPG)
Next steps are quilting from the back with perle in the bobbin to emphasise the boat masts and some serious hand stitching
1 comment:
(previously the wittering rainbow!) I'm so glad I found your blog as I find your work so interesting and original. I use acrylic paints myself on fabric after sewing, but my stuff is nothing like yours at all. I love the way you're brave and go for it, covering it all with paint. It's so effective and speaks volumes.
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