Latest from The Quilted Hen:
Gears in Progress
This is a little bit of a teaser and reinvention of what I'm doing at the moment. I realised recently while reading all the usual blogs I visit that so many things we make are a recreation of the same straight lines and defined patterns. I'm throwing all that out the window!!
What this means is that the raid your stash quilt-a-long is probably dead and buried for a while. I have no desire to work on complex straight line piecing at the moment. I want curves, dynamic ideas, pictures, a story... perhaps this is Leah Day's fault with her phenominal quilts and inspiring free-motion quilting, but I also think I am finally on track to what attracted me to quilting in the first place.
This week I've been working on using my cog or gear design which I showed you how to make by folding paper. This is the first of a series of designs that are rattling around in my head and I plan on turning them all into printable patterns for you too!
I'm not sure whether this counts as reverse applique or not, but I have been reading through Applique in Reverse by Teri Henderson Tope and there is so much potential from this technique.
Yesterday I discovered a problem... I'd been using a black polyester thread to do my applique and while pressing under a hot iron it melted! Of course I should have known better... and I have just finished re-sewing my edges with a 100% cotton thread. It is extremely important to use a 100% cotton or silk thread which won't melt when you iron!!
Steampunk Cog Template (step 6)
1. Take an A4 sheet of paper and fold it diagonally to create a triangle. Cut off the overlap so you are left with a square sheet of paper that is folded diagonally.
2. Fold your paper diagonally a second time.
3. Fold diagonally again. You might want to fold up one side then flip over and fold up the other side to reduce bulk and ensure all your folds are crisp and sharp.
4. To create a perfect circle, use a compas to carefully mark from the closest point. Put the point of the compass on the point which is the centre of your paper where all the folds come together.
(step 4)
5. Mark a design on the paper that you like. In this instance I'm making a cog, so I've used the compass to mark more circles then drawn some lines connecting them. I didn't draw the lines from the point as I want the joinin areas so be the same thickness all along, not thinner at the centre and wider at the edge.
(step 5)
6. Cut along the lines, then unfold - Just like making a paper snowflake when you were young!
7. Experiment!! Depending on how you fold will depend on your symmetry.
I used this method to create a shape and drew around it to create my cog design to follow when quilting. You could use any kind of fabric marker to transfer your design, and you know it is going to be symmetrical and look great!!
This creates a cog that is approximately 20cm wide. You could make it smaller or larger depending on the size of your paper.
Local Steampunk Enthusiasts
What is Steampunk? That is a great question, and as I've got a few projects going at the moment inspired by Steampunk lets try and answer it.
Steampunk is a relatively new branch of science fiction and speculative fiction. It is the imagining of an alternate history where we think what would today be like, if technology had continued its focus on steam power and clockwork rather than advances into electricity. It usually borrows heavily from Victorian era clothing and aesthetics including the colours, textures (wood, brass) and technology.
You may have heard of HG Wells or Jules Verne who are seen as huge influences of the style or seen cartoons like Steamboy or Laputa Castle in the Sky. Even movies like Stardust, Van Helsing, Sherlock Holmes (2009) and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen have been influenced by steampunk.
The best way to get the gist of the style is of course in pictures, so here are a few more of my favourite steampunk costumers: (all photos can be clicked to see larger!)
Steampunk Inspired Design
I want a little bag to take a sketchbook with me and since I have been very inspired by a lot of old fashioned ideas recently I used a little of some fabrics I've been hoarding to put together a little bag. I've just started quilting it - I'm drawing out my design as I go using two paper template and a tailors chalk pencil, then stitching around the design on my machine. Perhaps I should have hand stitched it to make it look more rustic... It will be subtle, but hopefully an interesting touch to those who notice.
Would anyone be interested in some step by step's once it is done, including how to make a symetrical machine cog pattern very easily?
Has anyone got any advice to share on my reverse applique thoughts? Have you done any of these techniques?
Rainbow Quilt
I've been quiet, but sewing has been happening. The rainbow is ready for binding and I've completed another small project too. More on that another time.
I'd love to know if any of you have tried any of the stained glass techniques. I've been doing some research into these techniques and I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of Reverse Applique from Book Depository. I've also browsed the internet and youtube for tips and tricks and I've found there are three different techniques that can be used.
1. Use fusible bias tape to divide the coloured areas. This technique can leave visible stitching depending on how you sew down the bias tape.
2. Place black fabric over the coloured areas, then clip and hand sew to leave the outline you desire. This technique uses a lot of basting, but leaves no visible stitching.
3. A relatively new technique where the black fabric is covered with a fusible interfacing such as vlisoflex. Areas are then cut out and filled with colour leaving a black border which is then sewn with a narrow zigzag. (see a video tutorial)
My question is... have you completed or seen any of these techniques? Which did you prefer?
I think the pattern I am currently designing is too complex for the bias tape method as I have areas which become wider than 1/4". I am unsure whether I should spend the time and use the second technique so that the quilting will be the only visible stitching, or whether I should just go for simplicity and do point 3 which I think would be a lot quicker. What do you think?
Cogs and Gears
August 6th, 2010Gears in Progress
This is a little bit of a teaser and reinvention of what I'm doing at the moment. I realised recently while reading all the usual blogs I visit that so many things we make are a recreation of the same straight lines and defined patterns. I'm throwing all that out the window!!
What this means is that the raid your stash quilt-a-long is probably dead and buried for a while. I have no desire to work on complex straight line piecing at the moment. I want curves, dynamic ideas, pictures, a story... perhaps this is Leah Day's fault with her phenominal quilts and inspiring free-motion quilting, but I also think I am finally on track to what attracted me to quilting in the first place.
This week I've been working on using my cog or gear design which I showed you how to make by folding paper. This is the first of a series of designs that are rattling around in my head and I plan on turning them all into printable patterns for you too!
I'm not sure whether this counts as reverse applique or not, but I have been reading through Applique in Reverse by Teri Henderson Tope and there is so much potential from this technique.
Yesterday I discovered a problem... I'd been using a black polyester thread to do my applique and while pressing under a hot iron it melted! Of course I should have known better... and I have just finished re-sewing my edges with a 100% cotton thread. It is extremely important to use a 100% cotton or silk thread which won't melt when you iron!!
How to make a Symetrical Template
August 6th, 2010
Steampunk Cog Template (step 6)
1. Take an A4 sheet of paper and fold it diagonally to create a triangle. Cut off the overlap so you are left with a square sheet of paper that is folded diagonally.
2. Fold your paper diagonally a second time.
3. Fold diagonally again. You might want to fold up one side then flip over and fold up the other side to reduce bulk and ensure all your folds are crisp and sharp.
4. To create a perfect circle, use a compas to carefully mark from the closest point. Put the point of the compass on the point which is the centre of your paper where all the folds come together.
(step 4)
5. Mark a design on the paper that you like. In this instance I'm making a cog, so I've used the compass to mark more circles then drawn some lines connecting them. I didn't draw the lines from the point as I want the joinin areas so be the same thickness all along, not thinner at the centre and wider at the edge.
(step 5)
6. Cut along the lines, then unfold - Just like making a paper snowflake when you were young!
7. Experiment!! Depending on how you fold will depend on your symmetry.
I used this method to create a shape and drew around it to create my cog design to follow when quilting. You could use any kind of fabric marker to transfer your design, and you know it is going to be symmetrical and look great!!
This creates a cog that is approximately 20cm wide. You could make it smaller or larger depending on the size of your paper.
What is Steampunk?
August 6th, 2010Local Steampunk Enthusiasts
What is Steampunk? That is a great question, and as I've got a few projects going at the moment inspired by Steampunk lets try and answer it.
Steampunk is a relatively new branch of science fiction and speculative fiction. It is the imagining of an alternate history where we think what would today be like, if technology had continued its focus on steam power and clockwork rather than advances into electricity. It usually borrows heavily from Victorian era clothing and aesthetics including the colours, textures (wood, brass) and technology.
You may have heard of HG Wells or Jules Verne who are seen as huge influences of the style or seen cartoons like Steamboy or Laputa Castle in the Sky. Even movies like Stardust, Van Helsing, Sherlock Holmes (2009) and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen have been influenced by steampunk.
The best way to get the gist of the style is of course in pictures, so here are a few more of my favourite steampunk costumers: (all photos can be clicked to see larger!)
Steampunk Inspired
July 23rd, 2010Steampunk Inspired Design
I want a little bag to take a sketchbook with me and since I have been very inspired by a lot of old fashioned ideas recently I used a little of some fabrics I've been hoarding to put together a little bag. I've just started quilting it - I'm drawing out my design as I go using two paper template and a tailors chalk pencil, then stitching around the design on my machine. Perhaps I should have hand stitched it to make it look more rustic... It will be subtle, but hopefully an interesting touch to those who notice.
Would anyone be interested in some step by step's once it is done, including how to make a symetrical machine cog pattern very easily?
Has anyone got any advice to share on my reverse applique thoughts? Have you done any of these techniques?
Reverse Applique Thoughts
July 19th, 2010Rainbow Quilt
I've been quiet, but sewing has been happening. The rainbow is ready for binding and I've completed another small project too. More on that another time.
I'd love to know if any of you have tried any of the stained glass techniques. I've been doing some research into these techniques and I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of Reverse Applique from Book Depository. I've also browsed the internet and youtube for tips and tricks and I've found there are three different techniques that can be used.
1. Use fusible bias tape to divide the coloured areas. This technique can leave visible stitching depending on how you sew down the bias tape.
2. Place black fabric over the coloured areas, then clip and hand sew to leave the outline you desire. This technique uses a lot of basting, but leaves no visible stitching.
3. A relatively new technique where the black fabric is covered with a fusible interfacing such as vlisoflex. Areas are then cut out and filled with colour leaving a black border which is then sewn with a narrow zigzag. (see a video tutorial)
My question is... have you completed or seen any of these techniques? Which did you prefer?
I think the pattern I am currently designing is too complex for the bias tape method as I have areas which become wider than 1/4". I am unsure whether I should spend the time and use the second technique so that the quilting will be the only visible stitching, or whether I should just go for simplicity and do point 3 which I think would be a lot quicker. What do you think?
More Articles
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- Cogs and Gears
- How to make a Symetrical Template
- What is Steampunk?
- Steampunk Inspired
- Reverse Applique Thoughts
- Patchwork Baskets
- Small Purse
- Oh Dear!
- Rotary Blades
- Raid the Stash Week 8
Recent Comments
- Half way through quilting this I thought hand stit...
- Very cool idea! If I was making this project I th...
- Please, what is Steampunk? A good white ceramic le...
- I would love a tut on making the cog. I am new to ...
- very cute bags, I especially like your bag on the ...
- Love your fussy cutting ! All the very best for yo...
- I knew as soon as I saw this that you must have us...
- It's wonderful and I love the shape a lot. The las...
- Better say nothing than nothing to the purpose. .....
- You certainly sound busy....but in the long run al...
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