by Sandra | January 11th, 2010
Ever since I bought some punch needles at a quilt show, I have been waiting for an opportunity to experiment with them to incorporate some texture on my quilts. Especially to create moss. I know that probably excites you as much as watching paint dry. I wish this could be something you could see in person. For those of you in the Seattle workshops–you will.
With a Fall quilt like “Jason’s pumpkin“, I had the prime opportunity to add my moss idea (moisture and dirt don’t you know). For those of you unfamiliar with a punch needle embroidery, it reminds me of rug hooking with embroidery floss, only you punch from the back that creates the loops on the front as you go. Oh and NO, I had no previous experience with punch needle embroidery. But hey, I never let that stop me.
The key is to know you won’t have too many do overs as it will leave some big holes where you pull it up to try again. You basically get a couple of opportunities to smooth out the fabric (heal) and after that, you are toast. Or should I say the area is toast? The needle is scary sharp! Once I practiced a little bit on scrap fabric (about five minutes to get the hang of it) I was on my way.
I used the three thread needle punch, DMC embroidery thread that consisted of two dark color threads and one light colored thread combined to create………more interest and depth. Have you heard that enough yet?
Maybe it is just me, but isn't this so cool?
This is the vendor I bought mine from and this is the brand I used: Gail Bird Designs
Thank you for your best thoughts for me while I was sick and I am very happy to say I am finally on the mend. It was the most wicked I have felt in a long time. I will answer the emails as quickly as I can! Thank you for your patience while the blog remained silent.
Sandra, Glad you’re back among the living! Nothing worse than feeling bad.
As for the moss, I love it! I’m sure Jason will too! It adds such depth and texture! Fun, fun. You’ve got me experimenting with my applique and I’m trying watercolor pencils! I feel like a kid again!
Thanks for sharing.
Melanie
PS will you be bringing Jason’s quilt to Seattle?
You’re welcome Melanie! I love to hear those magic words of “experimenting with applique”. Music to my ears. It doesn’t have to be boring does it? (that’s rhetorical) LOL
Melanie,
All of my quilts will be at the publisher for photography so yes, My default “go-to” will be Jason’s quilt. You will see it in the flesh.
I think you are soooooooooooo creative. I love the moss !
I never thought of being able to do it from the back. I always thought those were just for felting . What a great thing to do.
this is like watching a magic show ! : )
Glad your feeling better !
I love this idea! I am starting a new applique quilt this month, and can’t wait to use this technique!
Your work is always beautiful. I have learned so much just from reading your blog!
Your posts always make me smile and jump with excitement! Your work amazing!!! I would never have thought to do this with needle punch. I didn’t think I would be interested in doing it, but now I HAVE to learn and of course “purchase”! Thank you, thank you, thank you for doing this blog. I have learned soooooo much. That spark you started is now a full blown fire.
I have always resisited the urge to buy punch needles, but will not resist in the future!
Great to know you are feeling well enough to join us again.
Thanks Judy
There are so many applications I could dream up for this technique to apply to my quilts. I was so glad to finally be able to play with the punchneedle technique. Every time I opened up the drawer that I had them in, they would stare back at me and say, “play with us please!”. I am glad I did.
Ah Eva & Nikki, I am glad My evil plan of exposing applique as FUN and not the “A” word is working then? wha ha ha ha
What a brilliant idea! I love the added texture. I’ve been following your blog for a while and just love your work. You motivated me to start back on my needle-turn applique. Thanks!
Yeah Tina! Thank you for letting me know I motivated you to pick up your applique again!
Way cool!!