Pink Stripped and Stitched Background Fabric

As you may know I like to encourage recycling and trying new techniques.

Sue wanted to try one of the stripped pieced background techniques.

She had brought some of her own scraps and then

 delved into the big scrap jar I have in the studio.

Sue also wanted to try one of the studio 607 Janome sewing machines

to see whether she would like to buy one.

She was going to put it through its paces by trying as many of

the embroidery stitches as she could.

As you can see above it looks fantastic and it is

going to be made into a book cover.

Well done Sue.

I think I see a new machine on the horizon!

See more backgrounds by clicking the written labels below.

Colourful Textiles

I try and stretch textile students out of their comfort zone and this 

month part of the inspiration was making backgrounds out of

scraps and stitch. 

Helen started and yelled half way through. I don't like this.

I asked her to persevere and keep adding more strips and stitch.

Use textured threads and decorate more.

We all love this including Helen and it has inspired others

 to have a go from the scrap jar in the studio.

Scrumbled Surfaces

We have been making lots of different surfaces and textures with textiles.

Using man made fabrics such as nylons and polyester lining fabric,

make great surfaces. You can colour the surface by transfer printing

with paper bags, transfer paints of crayons.

Then take a large piece of man made fabric and form a grid with

zig zag stitch at least an inch apart. 

then pull up those threads and then you can iron it,

between two sheets of parchment paper.

It will form bubble like formations.

Enjoy having a go.