something stitched

Today I will be joining a group of fiber arts enthusiasts at the Rockport Center for the Arts to share the rust dyeing technique. Coming from a farm background I am familiar with how equipment rusts if not taken care of. I remember greasing plow blades and cultivator shovels to prevent rust. Now I am looking for all kinds of bolts and washers and nails and chains and anything else that is or can be rusted to create an interesting pattern on fabric. The sample shown combines a Tyvek leaf ( my favorite technique) on a rust dyed background with felted leaves on the side. I painted the background fabric using Setacolor paints with commercial batiks that combine so well with hand dyes. Made on a rainy day, it reflects the mood of the day with the sun trying to shine but the rain prevailed. Looking forward to the exciting but unknown results that take place when a group with artistic bent comes together.

Wow!! I was so motivated to try this that I made a mistake.  You will need 2 1/2 yards of background solid or reads as solid rather than 1 5/8 yards.  So then there are some additional cuts to be made. The new directions as as follows and thank you to my wonderful artsy group for trying this and making the corrections.  In actuality the directions were for four blocks rather than six.

Week 1 of 4

“It’s A Mystery” Quilt Challenge

Finished Quilt Size: 39.5” x 54.5”

 

Fabric Requirements:

• 2 ½ yd of solid or “reads as solid” for background
• 1/8 yd of at least 4 different coordinating prints for accent

(optional substitute: 24 different 3 ½” squares)

• 2 ½ yd backing

 

 

Cutting:

Background-

Cut 6 strips 6 ½” by width of fabric (wof);

Subcut each strip as follows:

Strip 1-21 ½”, 3 ½”, 12 ½”

Strip 2-21 ½”, 9 ½”, 6 ½”

Strip 3- 24 ½”, 6 ½”, 6 ½”

Strip 4-24 ½”, 9 ½”, 3 ½”

Strip 5- 21 ½”, 9 ½”, 6 ½”

Strip 6- 21 ½”, 9 ½”, 3 ½”

 

Cut 2 strips 3 ½” x wof;

Subcut strip 1: 18 ½”, 15 ½”;

Subcut strip 2: 18 ½”

 

Cut 2 strips 9 ½” x wof;

Subcut strip 1: 18 ½”, 15 ½”;

Subcut strip 2: 18 ½”

 

Coordinating prints-

From each of 4 prints cut six 3 ½’ x 3 ½” squares (24 total)

Label each stack of six squares 1-4

 

Binding: Cut six strips 2 ½” x wof

Rust

Yesterday I tried rust dyeing for the first time. It’s not a new process but I had never actually done it for myself. This morning I rinsed and pressed the small pieces of fabric. I learned several things. Results are less definite if too many layers are used. Weighting the layers contributes greatly to the clarity of the design. And I also learned that I like whatever comes out because it makes me have to think more creatively than if it had come out exactly as I had planned. Bottom line, it was creative fun and more fun is in store as I explore how to use the vintage buttons I grabbed for creative projects just before we left for the winter home. Some will notice the backside of the poster holding the buttons is an old election poster from my home county. The buttons were picked up at an auction but were carefully arranged on cardboard of all kinds. The buttons, the rusted fabric and an old Felco feed sack will find their way into a collage celebrating the life of my father’s parents.