Fabric Sculptures Part 1

I'm busy preparing for my kids class next week where we will start making fabric sculptures. I like to be at least 1 step ahead of my students, so today I have been working on the background fabric layers for my example piece. I've used dyed, printed and painted fabrics that we made in class along with scraps of commercial fabrics and papers.

I'm working on a base of thick interfacing usually used in bags. The interfacing was covered with Bondaweb and fabrics laid on top collage style. When I was happy with the arrangement they were ironed into position. The next stage is to stitch all over it to secure everything permanently. I also used some thicker thread in the bobbin to add more texture and interest. You can see where the stitching is more easily on the back.

The next stage will be to cut them into sections to assemble into the sculpture.

I love this one (below) so much that I'm not sure yet if I will cut it or whether it will become a 2D picture instead.

I can't wait to see what designs the kids come up with.

Mono-Print Monday - Tips for Using Leaves

Leaves are great for printing of all types. Today I used native Australian leaves with the Gelli® plate. A great tip is to press the leaves first to make them flat and easier to work with. Always put the veined side down onto the paint as this will give you stronger lines.

The first print from the plate will give you white leaf shapes. Whilst not amazing at first look, they give a great area to draw into later.

The 2nd "ghost print" is where you get the interesting stuff happening.

If you use tape to keep your paper in the same position you can combine an initial print with a ghost print as seen at the top of the page.

To get really clear prints you need a clean plate. See how this one was spoilt by marks from old paint.

Another technique is to roll paint onto the leaves and then "stamp" them onto the Gelli® plate. Do this several times and in different colours. Let the paint dry completely on the plate. Once dry add a thin layer of white and pull off the print.

I'd love to know how your leaf prints turn out.

Perth Quilt Fair Exhibitions 2019

This weekend saw the biggest event on Perth's textile calendar - The Quilt and Craft Fair. There were loads of amazing textile art pieces on show beginning with Quiltwest by WAQA. Above is the best in show by Jan Rowe.

Below are some of my favourites - I'm sorry I do not have the artists' names for these, I was supposed to be doing White Glove Duty whilst I was photographing! See the WAQA website in a few days for pictures of the winners in each category.

Also on show were the best of Australia and the AQC challenge Quilts

This quilt had a surprise in store for anyone taking a picture with flash photography. The artist had used reflective thread which was not visible to the naked eye. A secret message was revealed with the flash.

The Four by Four group also had a fabulous exhibition "Collage to Stitch #2" but it was a shame that the paper collages were not with the quilts this year.

The Embroiders Guild of WA also had a large exhibition this year for their 50th Anniversary.

Last, and by no means least IMO, was an amazing display of textile prayer flags made by children aged 7-13 and their parents in my homeschool textile class. I'm so proud of my students, many of whom have never used a sewing machine before! Thank-you WAQA for letting us be part of the show.