by Sandra | April 1st, 2009
Joan asked these questions based on the Egyptian Goddess photo from the March 30th post and I thought it would be best to answer for everyone to read:
“Now that I examine these pictures, I have a few more questions. Is the hair black fabric with embroidery embellishment? Was the silk crepe fabric of the dress difficult to needle turn? Is the earring embroidery/appliqued? What are your thoughts on cutting away the back as you layer applique objects?”
Is the hair black fabric with embroidery embellishment?
The hair is first appliqued with black fabric and then I used three strands of DMC black cotton embroidery thread and created “lines” of twisted chain stitch. The twisted chain stitch created the illusion of braids and added dimension and texture to the applique.
Was the silk crepe fabric of the dress difficult to needle turn?
Extremely difficult! Not only did I have to needle turn a flimsy fraying edge, but I also had to do so with a slip of a lining to eliminate shadowing of the applique. The added issue was making sure I didn’t distort the “scrunching” texture of the silk as I appliqued. This was not for the faint of heart!
Hand appliqued silk crepe
Notice there is no shadowing from the background fabric or seam behind the dress? Another thing that drives me crazy is shadowing because it is very distracting visually.
Is the earring embroidery/appliqued?
Both. I appliqued down the gold fabric and then stem stitched the rings of darker gold with one strand DMC cotton.
What are your thoughts on cutting away the back as you layer applique objects?”
I do not cut away from the back of my applique unless I have a build-up of three or more layers including the background piece. Then I only cut away so that I still leave two layers intact–the two uppermost layers. Not only does cutting away behind the applique weaken the construction integrity of the top, but it also creates those unsightly hard edged divots (I call them applique pock marks). Batting will not adequately fill in those divots during the quilting stage either.
Time, weight and wear will, in short time, create permanent hard edge ridges from the seam allowances and ‘sunken cheek ’ impressions on the quilt’s surface. I have also found that doing this brings attention to and accentuates irregular stitching along the applique’s edges too. Experience has taught me this is not the best approach for an applique quilt either visually or technically.
Joan, I hope this answers your questions!
©2009 Sandra Leichner
All I can say is the closer the better !!!!!!!!
It is very interesting to see how you handle each piece you applique . I love your ideas and the way you enhance each piece .
Could you show us some of the close ups of American Still Life ? Although I have seen it in person I would love to have you share some of those techniques , if you don’t mind .
I don’t mind, in fact I love it when I get questions because it lets me know what you are interested in reading about! are there questions you particularly have about American Still Life? Nothing is off limits so ask away.
)
Wonderful !!! I’m interseted in anything you have to say ! ; )
I didn’t want to be a bother but , I have been so happy to have you blogging , I just can’t help but have questions.
Did you come up with the idea first , embellish it as you go along or is that all figured out before hand ?
How did you do the highlights in the fruit ? did you use the colored pencil technique on any of it ?
Do you use colored thread ( brand ) or just grey and off white to applique with ? Do you thread paint or just use embroidery ?
I’ll have to stop by again later ,when I can take a good look at “American Still Life ” and decide on more ques.
I have to go rake the winter off my lawn : (
I’d rather be working on my Alphabears. I have the letters all drawn out on the backround . I’m not real good at the quilting part , but I’m going to try it any way . Thanks for the inspiration to get me motivated ! I know practise makes a good quilter , but it is hard to find that time . I have too many projects that need to be done , NOW!!
Thanks !!!
how did you do the berries next to the banner ? I found a site where it showed some close ups of your American Still Life : )
Would you suggest that I do echo quilting or stippling on the backround of my Alphabears ? or something else ? I drew some letters tossed in a smaller alphabet on the back round .
Stippling is more forgiving and also camouflages mistakes. Echo quilting will show every irregularity and bobble of your hands. I would do stippling since you are developing your confidence.
American Still Life is out there on webshots and stuff by quilters who attended shows and I have no problem with that at all. I know some quilters are really persnickety about their images being posted, but as long as the show go-er doesn’t represent it as theirs or make money off of the images, I just don’t worry about it. To be honest, it is the only way I get to see my quilts at shows most of the time. Besides, if someone is going to copy, they are far more devious than that.
It may take a few days to cover American Still Life so bear with me. I have suddenly been overwhelmed due to my procrastination! Woops.
The berries were stuffed during the applique process and then hand embroidery detail added. I don’t do any machine threadwork, so none of my quilts incorporate that technique.
Thanks !
Don’t hurry at all to get to American Still Life , I was more curious than needing to know !
I certainly am benefiting from your explanations and close up photos posted for reference. The detail you put into a piece is second to none. The more you teach in your blog, the more I realize I do not know. Thank you for for being so receptive to our questions. I feel your new website is a “gold mine” for those of us wanting to learn secrets to your beautiful quilting and detail techniques.
The close up of the silk dress is unbelievable. Did you use textured material for the scarf…silk? Did you apply each bead around the neck directly onto the quilt or do all the beading onto a separate piece of fabric and then applique that?