Legend has it that Waco, TX, was built on land that was
first occupied by the Huaco (also known by many other spellings) Indians and
they made their home here because of the big spring on the Brazos River that
provided abundant fresh water. They were also known to live in permanent lodges
of thatch and poles and were considered to be fine artisans in flint and bone
and stone. By the early 1830s the Huaco Indians were almost gone. When our
challenge word was presented I wanted to remember this part of our history in
my SPRING.
In constructing this, first the background was made and
quilted and then the appliqués were completed.
Two years ago I took a class at the International Quilt Festival on
thread painting, taught by Nancy Prince.
The steps are detailed in her book, Thread
Painting with Style, published by AQS. Each of the thread painted appliqués was created separately
and then attached to the quilt. To do
these a sandwich of heavy weight soluble stabilizer, two layers of tulle, and a
top layer of light weight soluble stabilizer, on which the design is drawn in a
fine tip permanent marker, is made. The
amazing thing about thread painting is that only two stitches are used, a
straight stitch and a zig-zag stitch.
The stabilizer and tulle sandwich must be placed in a hoop that will fit
under the free motion foot of the machine and the basic rule is to run the
machine fast and move the hoop slowly.
The feed dogs must be lowered as well.
After the stitching is complete, cut out the appliqué
approximately one eighth inch from the stitching and soak in water until the
stabilizer has completely dissolved.
After the stabilizer has dissolved, the appliqué will be edged in
tulle. Using a hot stencil cutter, simply
melt the tulle away. This also serves to
seal the edges of the appliqué. The
appliqué is amazingly soft and supple.
The Indian, his lodge and the vegetation are all thread painted. The rocks are broderie perse appliqué, cut
from a commercial fabric and fused into place. All appliqués were attached with
a small zig-zag stitch using invisible thread.
[Note: Rita's quilt and narrative were posted by Alice since she was going to be out to town on today's Reveal Day; she sent them to me via email before she departed.]
As usual your quilt is perfection. There is a replica of the houses at the Mayborn Museum. It is interesting to note that the women built the houses. So if any of you ever come to Waco make sure you visit, it is a spectacular place just like Rita's spectacular quilts.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is truly, as always, an amazing quilt! What Janet refers to the the museum that is located on the Baylor University campus. It is a treasure-trove of wonders. Just as Rita's quilts are treasures!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely historical tribute! And so interesting! Love the colors and the composition! And the workmanship is just spectacular!
ReplyDeleteI really like the way the pieces stand out. I think you have inspired me to try that in the future.
ReplyDeleteNice work.
What beautiful and adventurous work ! The narrative is so informative I feel I could gather my 'tools,' sit down at my machine, and be successful at thread painting ! Fabulous job, and terrific glimpse into the intriguing history of Waco.
ReplyDeleteLovely work as always Rita! I sooo must get the book. I want to learn how to thread paint so badly!! I agree with Kathy though - I feel like I could do it with your very clear explanation of the process. You make it look so easy. I particularly love the dimension you achieved in the lodge.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful Rita, your design and workmanship always leave me in awe. I need to try this technique out. I love thread work but haven't done any this way/
ReplyDeleteSTUNNING! What a beautiful job of thread painting and how brave you were to try it on a small 12 x 12! You are an amazing quilter, and I appreciate so much your explanations of how you put all of your quilts together!
ReplyDeleteI love this small piece of history! Your thread work is amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow. The stitching is amazing. I would love to try it.
ReplyDeleteGreat story and "Oh My" the detail! Your combination of the thread color really gives the appliqués the detail and depth they need to look perfect.
ReplyDeleteI am learning so much about Waco from your quilts!
ReplyDeleteYour thread painting is just amazing and fascinating to learn that the technique requires the use of only 2 different stitches.
Thank you for your detailed explanation, it is fascinating, as
is your Spring quilt.