Year of the Horse - for Project QUILTING 17.3
Challenge 17.3 for Project QUILTING highlights the Chinese New Year, THE YEAR OF THE HORSE. Having a lot on my plate this week, I opted for a quick project. Supplies are never a problem, so I turned to my stash of batik fabrics, line drawings and fibers.
THE PLAN
The line drawing is placed under a silicone sheet. Solid black fabric is cut into the shape of eyes and fused to the silicone. Highlights are added with fused white fabric.
An archival ink pen from Pigma Micron was used to trace the lines on the batik. This pen creates a fine line and doesn’t bleed into the fabric.
THE CONSTRUCTION
A fusible stabilizer needs to be added to the back of the fabric to prevent distortion before couching. This Stitch Enhancer from Wonderfil Specialty Threads is fusible and feels like a very thin, soft batting.
Black crochet cotton is stitched on the black sketched lines. BERNINA appliqué foot #23 offers a clear view of stitching. Although this foot is designed for appliqué, the grove in the bottom guides the crochet cording perfectly.
Every stop and start of the cord creates a tail that needs to be secured. Using a large-eyed needle, each is pulled to the back of the fabric.
The black crochet cotton is pulled to the back of the work and needs to be secured. Knotting was an option; it would also add bulk and be difficult to quilt through. The layer of Stitch Enhancer provides a barrier that prevents shadows of the dark threads from showing through. I elected to fasten it with a vanishing fabric glue, allow it to dry, then snip the cording.
THE QUILTING
A simple crosshatch pattern stitched with a light neutral Glide 60-weight thread is quilted with my Pro-Stitcher. A layer of Hobbs Heirloom Wool batting adds depth and definition.
THE FINISHED PROJECT
Black and brown batik binding completes the art quilt. It finished at approximately 10 X 13 inches.
A few detail shots.
Corner squares provide hanging tabs for wall mounting. They also lie flat so it can be used as a table mat.
Find this in my Etsy Shop - at this link https://sallymanke.etsy.com/listing/4454081246
Published by Sally Manke, Fiber Artist
Sally Manke's mission is to delight others with textile art that exemplifies her passion for joyful, creative expression through color and texture. She is a speaker, teacher, pattern designer, and fiber artist. Contact her to book a workshop or trunk show at this link. Visit her Etsy Shop at www.sallymanke.etsy
Sally is a brand Ambassador for BERNINA USA. All stitching on this project was completed on a BERNINA 140 PATCHWORK.