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Showing posts from November, 2017

Quilting with Silk: Whole Cloth Sampler

Choosing and Prepping Materials Although I have quilted on silk in the past, never has it been on a scale like the 100" x 100" whole cloth quilt I am currently working on . There are  so many things to consider when quilting with less familiar materials like dupioni silk.  There's the question of  prewashing or not? Some say yes, others say never. Underline? When is it necessary? How will it affect the loft? Markers react differently on silk. Blue wash-outs can spread and must be washed out after the quilt is made, (you are then committed to pre-washing the silk).  Chalk marks easily and is fairly visible initially, but will rub off long before the large quilt is completed. What will show up the best on a dark fabric? Battings. Wool? High loft polyester? 80/20? Combinations of two? Partial combination, like trapunto style (see below). Which threads to use? Colour? Weight? Will it highlight the main motifs? Which thread disappears into the ba

Book Review: "East Meets West Quilts: Explore Improv with Japanese Inspired Designs"

"Enjoy the delight of discovery as you try something new. Give yourself permission not to know exactly where you are going. Yet note that creating improvisational quilts is never arbitrary or accidental; It requires active discernment in determining each design choice."   Quote by permission of the author, Patricia Belyea In her book "East Meets West Quilts: Explore Improv with Japanese Inspired Designs" , Patricia Belyea introduces the quilter to a fun and fresh method of improvisational piecing using Japanese prints as her inspiration. Written by Patricia Belyea. Photography by Kate Baldwin. Published by Abrams, New York, 2017. Patricia's comfortable approach to improv piecing eases the reluctant improv quilter (eg. ... me ) to drop those nasty self imposed inhibitions and restrictions and have fun playing with colour and pattern, while at the same time providing a safety net with a few basic concepts. Using strong solids next to vintage yukatas,