WOW ! This challenge has literally caused me to come "Full Circle." Let me explain ! I had an idea set firmly in my mind...Really ! The lyrics to the song "Circles of My Mind" that I sang over and over again, along with beautiful illustrations ! And then I came upon a different illustration of somewhat concentric circles that threw me into an entirely new direction; I decided to just go for it !
Using a new-to-me tool called "The Ultimate Stencil" (www.cindyneedham.com), I traced a number of randomly placed concentric circles onto my all-cotton fabric, then machine stitched around each circle using Madeira Monofilament thread (top thread and bobbin). The circles were great, but the overall effect was BORING ! So I began the labor intensive task of Hand Quilting each of the circles using very thick & heavy, black-core copper metallic thread ... you know... the kind that tangles, frays, snags on itself, and in general takes more time to complete than all the other processes put together ! To help calm-down the thread, I used liberal amounts of "Sewers Aid" that I applied directly to the thread each time I re-threaded my needle. (Sewers Aid is available at most stores that sell fabric & supplies.)
After completing all the hand quilting, I hand-sewed copper beads / buttons to the center of each of the circles. The beads / buttons give the quilt a more finished look, and I think, help emphasize the concentric circles.
For the back of the quilt, I used one of my favorite "Keyhole Binding" techniques, and as you can see, continued the "Circle" theme with my choice of fabrics, and the Circular keyhole.
Peace and Blessings to all !
This is stunning! So graphic and love your back!
ReplyDeleteLove this Kathy! I think the hand stitching is just what was needed to set off the circular quilting!! I too used metallic thread and it was a nightmare, but I wasn't smart enough to use Sewer's Aid!! Buttons are perfect finishing touch!!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, the hand-stitching in addition to the machine stitching = a great quilt! I NEVER would have thought to use Sewer's Aid in that way; what a great tip for us all. Love the finishing touch of the buttons or beads!
ReplyDeleteCopper wire thread is sensational when hand stitched. What a great idea and very effective at portraying the theme.
ReplyDeleteThe hand quilting is perfect! I love your concentric circles. They are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done! Love the hand stitching.
ReplyDeleteI love the texture that the quilting gives this piece.
ReplyDeleteI love the texture that the quilting gives this piece.
ReplyDeleteThe hand quilted texture is great! Love the little buttons.
ReplyDeleteI love the quilting on this and the metallic thread and buttons really brings it together. I need to buy those stencils!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful illustration of our theme. The hand stitching was worth ever bit of aggravation it caused you. I love it!
ReplyDeleteKathy, I just finished a class with Cindy Needham. She would be proud of what you have achieved with her stencil. What a great interpretation of the theme. And I love the added hand stitching and buttons!
ReplyDeleteVery, very elegant! I'm sorry that you had such a frustrating experience with the thread, but the end result with the hand stitching was so worth it!
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