My latest abstract piece is progressing nicely. After creating the sketch and selecting fabrics, I began to compose the background on my design wall.
Here it is, completed.
Next, I made tracing paper patterns of the two undulating lines I wanted to add.
It’s coming along, don’t you think? I was happy with this design and began to select fabrics for the undulating lines. As usual, I wanted several fabrics for each shape.
Here they are, finished.
Next, I auditioned the idea of adding skinny undulating lines. Should they be teal or rust? I tried out both.
I drew sketches in the computer and that settled it.
Not teal.
So, I cut some skinny strips of hand dyed rust and set to work.
Ellen Lindner
P.S. Right now I’m calling this “Abstract #4.” I definitely need a different way of thinking of this piece, but titles often come to me last.
Are the undulating lines cut from fabric that has been backed with fusible? Do you cut them with the tiny rotary cutter? Or do you glue them on. Can’t wait to see this piece quilted. I llove the look and want to try it. Thanks for sharing, Ellen. You are always so generous!
The colours are wonderful. I really like the teal and rust and orange together. Striking colours. Great lines! Love it!
I agree with Degans comments as to the ‘how’. Do you use fusible web with unfinished edges and then sew over them? I guess most people don’t expect to wash their works too much so they don’t care about fraying edges. Do you agree?
Hi MaryAnn,
Thanks for your kind words.
As far as securing the fused pieces goes, this is what I’m doing this time:
– I’ve used a very loose zigzag and monofilament thread to secure the edges of the turquoise lines.
– For the skinny lines, I just straight stitched right down the middle of each. (In the photos currently posted, none of this stitching has happened yet.)
Generally, I do a lot of all over quilting to secure raw edges. (Usually, they’re just glued and not fused.) This time, I felt like I needed long quilting lines to play up the design. That means I’ll have to do lots of it, in order to catch all the parts I want to.
Ellen – I love the way your blog and postings have evolved! Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with your readers i.e. techniques, how to’s, organization, your thought processes, tips, the good and the bad, etc. All are very thought-provoking and appreciated. Please keep at it!
Thanks, Lynn. I’m glad you’re enjoying my posts.
(I’m a talker, so maybe all this “show and tell” is an electronic version of that! 🙂
Hi Degen,
This is one of the few times that I’ve used fusible – on all of the undulating shapes. The large ones were hand cut and the skinny lines were cut on the bias with a regular rotary cutter.
Have fun drawing your own shapes and lines. I think it would be fun to try a horizontal composition.
Love this quilt! I am interested in the possibility of commissioning a piece very much like it, or at least one of the early stages. I live in Abiquiu NM, and I can see from your blog that you are familiar with the scenery out here. Would it be possible for us to discussion a potential commission? You really get the beauty out here.
Hi Daria,
I’m not interested in a commission, but check out the completed quilt on my website at http://adventurequilter.com/quilt-gallery/abstract-gallery-partial-to-use/deliberation/