Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Playing with thread...


Over the past few months I have been working on a quilt about nature. So I decided to play around and try creating some of these creatures with thread. First was my moth done in silk dupioni and tiny bits of fur (not real fur)! I quilted it and the wings move, so it really doesn't look flat. It is finished on both sides.
Next I tryed a butterfly. Same technique as the moth. But I am still working on the body, as so far cannot find what is needed.






I then tryed a very delicate and lacy looking dragonfly. All done with threads onto a netting. I used a wash away stabilizer both on top and bottom. I did free hand quilting and really enjoyed it. The body was done with metallic thread.
I sewed beads onto the wings for a little shimmer. Here is another shot. My camera or maybe me is not doing so well on this one. The colors are
more aqua than pictured....

Then I created a leaf. Similar technique as the moth and butterfly. The leaf is partially eaten by a yet to be created caterpillar.

Finally I fooled around with a fish,(not to be used in this quilt) that I shall show you. It was created the same way of the dragonfly. I must mention that you should be constantly checking and making sure that your threads overlap enough to hold the image together. Poor fish lost his tail several times....

Lots more to create before the quilt can be started for final layout. A fun project.

10 comments:

Christine said...

Sharon, I've made a couple of samples on wash away stabiliser, with mixed results. It's quite difficult to use these stabilisers for recognisable creatures, and making sure there are "joins" in the work so they don't fall apart when dissolved, LOL. I've only done skeletonised leaf shapes and free motion embroidery. I'm inspired though to try it again with my new machine, haven't even tried to lower the feed dogs yet, after 12 months of ownership!!
Hooroo,
Christine in sunny Sydney Australia
http://missmuffettwo.blogspot.com/

Laurie said...

Hi Sharon, I am going through blogs listed on Quilters Who Embellish, and yours has really caught my eye, as crazy quilting is an addictive hobby of mine. I have to say, your work is so beautiful, and your blog has me entranced. You are officialy added to blogs I follow!! I really need to post more of the things I do, but you have given me so many new ideas. Your treasure box blew me away!
Come visit me sometime!
Most Sincerely,
Laurie
http://buttonsnlace.blogspot.com

Laurie said...

Your work is awesome! I love the butterfly and moth, what creativity. I'm still trying to figure out how you did this fish. Amazing!
Laurie

Wildflowerhouse said...

Christine, Shame on you... 12 monthes and the feed dogs are still up. I imagine you've just been sitting around eating chocolates and sipping tea.LOL I will have to look up the new stabalizer (wash away) that i have found, and let you know. It is much nicer than the older ones and allthe gookie stuff really washed out. I'll let you know and maybe the feed dogs will lower.Ha Take care, Sharon

Wildflowerhouse said...

Laurie, Thanks for your comments.The fish was an experiment using wash away stabilizer. Idrew the outline right on the stab.and proceed to free motion sew. I think it would be better with anetting between 2 stabs. as my fishie kept losing his tale.LOL I shall be eperimenting in Jan. so look for more info then. Gleefully Sharon

Pat Winter Gatherings said...

Sharon! I must try the dragonfly. How cool is that? Your quilt is going to be exquisite!
Hugs,Pat

Wildflowerhouse said...

Thanks Pat!

Larna Ezzy said...

Sharon,
The bugs look so great. What a clever girl. I've never tried the wash away stabalizer so I'm intrigued with what you are achieving. The dragonfly is so delicate looking too.
Cheers Larna

Anonymous said...

Sharon, your bugs and butterflies are beautiful! I have never tried anything like this! Very inspiring! Especially the dragonfly.
Diane

Wildflowerhouse said...

Thank you all. I shall keep you posted as I stumble through this creative endeavor!