Sunday, May 11, 2008

Finished - well, all apart from the binding and the labels - another contender for the ALQS.
This one started off really well, but now I'm not quite so sure.
Its actually a reversible quilt, thought I would let my partner decide which way they wanted to hang it - hence the double whammy incorrect phrase from the last post. The photos of the finished piece really are poor quality on this one.
This is the first side.
And this is the reverse.
I started off in the usual way by marking out my design and stitching it.
Then came a coat of white acrylic paint.
This is the first layer of Quinacridone Nickle Azo Gold on the front side.
And this is the second layer of Paynes Grey.
First layer of Quin. NAG on reverse side.
Followed by second layer of Paynes Grey which I then put a further layer of Transparent Red Iron Oxide over the top as you can see in the finished photo. I used these pieces on the front side. They are handmade paper, torn into shape, covered with Golden Coarse Pumice medium and the same combination of paint on the top as in the quilt. Before stitching them to the background I lightly rubbed Treasure Gold around the edges. I tore some medium weight calico just slightly bigger than the space I had left on the surface of the quilt. I tore rather than cut so I would have rough edges. Scrim was laid on top and once again the same combination of paints was used. Once the rusty handmade paper shapes were stitched on top I stitched down a square of copper shim that I had lightly heat treated. Several strands of gold coloured aluminium were stitched over on two sides at the same time. These next photos show the embellishments on the reverse side of the quilt.
Once again a torn calico painted base was used. I then painted heavy Tyvek paper firstly with Walnut Ink then acrylic paint over the top. The shapes were cut out roughly with a soldering iron and Treasure Gold rubbed around the edges before stitching down.
Through the centres of the Tyvek you can see the copper gauze that I heat treated.

I think that what has put me off this one is the trouble I had sewing with a metallic thread through all the layers to fix the top pieces in place.
Metallic machine thread and I don't get on too well at the best times and I found this really difficult to do.
I've got so many other ideas on how to make a quilt using this basic method but have decided to limit myself to three so the third one is on the go as I write.
So far though, I think I still prefer the finished first one although the reversible aspect of this second one does appeal to me.
Kate is showing the finished quilts on the ALQS blog, they are all very good. Plus you can link on the blogs of the other members of this swap.

32 comments:

Vicki W said...

I think it's awesome! Whoever receives it will be ecstatic!

Anonymous said...

I'm in awe!!! What a neat idea, a reversible quilt although I wouldn't have thought to do it this way!!! Now how do you pick which side to show?????

Amazing what you can do with paints, isn't it????

Very impressed, yes I am!!!!

Arrée ô Gommage - Pleyben 29 said...

C'est magnifique ! et quelles couleurs !! waow....

Carol said...

Lynda, will you stop showing us all up!!!!!! I am in total awe of you, I can't believe it isn't a rusted sheet of metal! You clever cever girl, when is someone going to notice you and give you an exhibition, QA I hope you are taking note! You know your acrylics, they are Golden's is this right??? Obviously worth investing in.

Sandy said...

I think I would hang it where I could see both sides. If that's not possible, I would rotate it periodically. It's Wonderful!

Shirley Anne Sherris said...

Hi
Ditto to all above re the quilts.
Wondered how long it would take you to abbreviate the .....gold paint. (QNAG)
A tip for using metallic thread. Use an elongated eye Topstitch N needle. I have never had any problems since I began using them. Metallic needles don't work - Topstitch N do. They come in all sizes.
Cheers

Jan said...

Ditto Lynda to all the above comments, this is just the best piece i've seen in ages and thank you for your very comprehensive instructions, so generous. Like Carol I now need to invest in these acrylics.
Jx

Pat said...

Ye gods and little fishes Lynda. This is just beautiful, I want it for my comfort blanket!! I want to hold it and stroke it.

Doreen G said...

Holy Toledo Lynda--just when I think you have created the greatest piece ever you com up with a better one.
Another thing with the metallic thread is to loosen your top tension a bit and also make sure the thread is running freely and not getting caught on anything- but you probably knew that already.

Ruth said...

I think I like the reverse side best. Your paint techniques are amazing as always. I wish I could see it in person and I'm sure the recipient will love it.

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful result
I love your technique and explanations
Joelle (FR)

Françoise said...

Beautiful! I really don't know which side I prefer..

neki desu said...

gorgeous! love the Tyvek badges and the way it all comes together.

neki desu

Wil said...

Lynda, your work is gorgeous! I love both sides. Maybe you can attach the label with a piece of string to the quilt so that both sides can be shown.

TracyB said...

I think BOTH sides are wonderful!!! Love the colors.

Unknown said...

I can only agree with all the others: It is gorgeous Lynda!!!!

Laurence said...

Very beautiful. I love it. Congratulations !
Laurence

sharon young said...

Awesome!! I'm totally speechless!
Well almost LOL, only you would come up with a reversible rust quilt. Now I'm even more nervous about you coming to our humble exhibition :-)

Val said...

Lynda this is just beautiful - the colours gave me goosepumps! Thanks for being so generous with information of what you used to create such a stunning quilt. Val

Julie said...

Lynda, so much work and so beautiful! Thank you once again for sharing your process with us. I love the idea of stitching and then painting on top. I think Art Van Go should be offering you commission as I'm sure quite a few of us are now giving in to temptation and heading over there! lol I'm on my way now :)

Robin Mac said...

Like all the others I am in awe of the magnificent quilt you have made. I just love the colours, how can you bear to swap it! The person receiving it will be over the moon. I learn sooo much from your superbly detailed blogs.

Gina said...

I like the reverse of this best - slightly more subtle effect (in the photos anyway!) but the whole thing looks pretty impressive. I'm stuggling with metallic thread today - stitching through metal and the darn stuff keeps shredding! Worked fine on my sample but is refusing to behave on the real thing.

Julie Zaccone Stiller said...

I loved seeing your process and techniques on this piece. Very inspiring. It turned out splendidly, someone will be very happy to receive it!

Jan said...

I love following your blog and I keep sending the link to other people so they can check it out too. Thanks for showing your process, it is fascinating.
blogless Jan

Stitchety Grub said...

I always enjoy visiting your blog - these pics are just faaaab!
Britt West Aussie :D

Caroline Moore said...

Your quilt is fabulous, I love your choice of colour and want to thank you for sharing you technique - not everybody is willing to share as much as you do. You have some beautiful work on your blog.

Carol said...

Fabulous piece Lynda. Great work as always.

Jacq said...

Your work is wonderful, both sides are great. Thanks for sharing the details of how you created it.

Threadspider said...

Pure inspiration-thank you for sharing it-it's gorgeous.

Becky Mairi Farrell said...

This is so beautiful, I don't know how you managed to find anything to dislike. It looks like you've been quilting for years and your unique style shines through every aspect.

Unknown said...

OMG! Absolutely stellar! Everyone already beat me to the comments, but wanted you to know that I too am in awe!

carole brungar said...

Hi Lynda, I think your work with this piece is amazing. It's very inspirational and I am going to try something like this too. It will be right outside the comfort zone - I mean quilting and then painting it?? But I'm gonna give it a try, and be brave! Thank you for sharing, I love to check your work and your blog is so interesting. kiwi carole:)