A good thread stash is JUST as important as a good fabric stash!
Repeat that out loud 3 more times...
Click Images to Enlarge:
Thread Stitch Outs 1 of 2
I put together 2 sample sandwiches from leftover rust fabric, batting and backing fabric. When auditioning threads, I know exactly what they will look like on the actual quilt.....no guessing games.
The two brown variegated threads on the left did not appeal to me at all. Even tho very subtle color change, it was enough to be distracting.
I like the orange Mettler polysheen in the center.
I like the 24K Gold thread too.
The far right is gold metallic and it did not stitch well into the rust fabric.
Thread Stitch Outs 2 of 2
The first stitch outs were so flat looking, so I decided to double up on the batting in this sample sandwich.......much better. The stitching is so much more defined and puffy.
The brown Mettler in the center was too dark. I was afraid it would distract from the rusting motifs.
Again, I was pleased with the 25K Gold and the Orange threads.
The 24K Gold Rayon was so yummy quilted into the double layer of batting.
It won the audition!
Finally.....I can begin putting the frosting on the cake...
At this point, I am still uncertain about a final border treatment.
I am leaving an extra 5 or 6 inches of batting and backing fabric just in case I want to add one more border to this quilt top later on.
Big, well defined 24K Gold Feathers
The feathers are big and beautiful, but do not fight for attention with the rusting motifs. They are working harmoniously with the rest of the quilt design.
Just what I was hoping for...
I guess all those hours of auditioning and stitching out thread samples worked.
Cross Hatching all chalked out in the background.
I love Miracle Chalk. It stays on until you iron it off.
5pm......time to quit......not that I want to.
I have dinner company coming shortly and I need to get in the kitchen and rattle those pots and pans!
The grid work will have to wait for tomorrow...
May Your Bobbin Always Be Full,
LuAnn
LuAnn, your choice of the gold thread, and your feather quilting are gorgeous. Do you simply free-motion your feathers, without marking them first? I use Golden Threads paper, as I need the crutch of knowing where I'm going. You too?
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments.
Yes, I free-motion my feathers. I chalk out the spine first all the way around the border, then I free form the feathers.
We all need to use the methods that work best for us. I originally used the Golden Threads Papers, I also used plastic stencils and marked everything. That is a good jumping off point. Eventually you will be ready to stretch your wings and try something new.
Patsy Thompson DVD's a few years ago, were the best investment I have made in my machine quilting skills. What an excellent teacher of free motion techniques.
My Best To You,
LuAnn in Oregon
its beautiful! Your feathers are gorgeous, and the thread choice was perfect. Will the cross hatching also be in the 24K Gold?
ReplyDeleteIn a success new rich year!
ReplyDeleteI had never thought of marking my quilting samples with the thread and needle that I used. Thank you for sharing that LuAnn.
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is coming out beautiful!
Have a Happy New Year!
LuAnn, I have a question about rust fabric. I've made a few pieces, which have become my "hippie dish towels". I read in a recent article in Quilting Arts magazine that the oxidation in rusted fabric will continue and over time degrade the fabric much faster than unrusted fabric. Do you know anything about that? It's the ONLY source where I've read that, and I'm not sure if the author knows what she's talking about.
ReplyDeleteHello Musicmaker,
ReplyDeleteAfter the rusting process I soak my fabrics in a bucket of salt water, rinse, then soak them in a bucket of baking soda to neutralize the rust, then I throw them in the washing machine.
I have not seen a rusted quilt that was more than two years old, so I haven't witnessed the continued rusting with my own eyes.
Time will tell us what becomes of the rusted fabrics we create.
LuAnn in Oregon