Hi... To be blunt, I'm struggling with the quilt I said I wanted to make a few months ago. I've done applique once before, but I think I've bitten off a bit more than I can chew as I want so much detail in it, yet still determined to 'have a go'.

I've been planning a space themed quilt for a while and have drawn up some of the outlines/objects and alien/person that are going onto it. But, I still can't decided whether to add the odd painted bits to the applique before sewing them down. ie... the alien's face; do I (can I) print off a photo, add/alter some features and extra hair with fabric paint? Is it possible to even do this?

Also, does anyone know how I can get a metalic look in applique for a ship without using glittery show fabric? I would like to use shiny thread for this whilst doing the quilting.

Last question (for now :wink:)
I'm thinking of doing this as a total picture with the applique pieces overlapped across the whole quilt (rather than in separate blocks divided by sashing) yet feeling rather daunted at the prospect of such a lot of fabric to pin and pull round from the beginning.
Has anyone sewn quilts/art quilts like this and do you have any suggestions or tips?

Thanks so much for anyone that can sit me down and stop me procrastinating! :)
Joanne

There is a lot of nice silver thread on the market that can be "thread painted" on the space ship to give it a nice shine. This can be done before you applique it down.

I would add the paint and other items after the quilt is completed. The less you have to quilt/sew around the better during it's construction.

I have used the thin metallic fabric in quilts by using a light fusible behind it before it is cut out but have to be careful of iron temperature. It does melt on high heat. When I do art quilts, I try to make the design fit on the top of the bed with the borders down the sides. This means you applique on a smaller amount of fabric. I would also paint the pieces before you applique them on. Everyone has to try what sounds right, then try again! Sounds fun!

Can't help with the applique questions but would love to see a picture of it when you get finished. Sounds really interesting.

Thank you.
amma, I've only just recently begun collecting my nice shimmery thread just for this project and hoping to get more at the quilt show on the 22nd. Do quilt shows also sell fabric paint?

spinnergs, Thank you for your suggestion about using fusible on the light metal fabrics. I had discarded using this fabrics because I thought it would just keep fraying. I'll now reconsider my options when looking at fabric.

I have come up with a solution to the design area and have been drawing and cutting out the correct size area using wallpaper lining this afternoon. So, I will get the eventual pattern at the right size when it comes to cutting out.

Debo, I can't wait to get sewing this one, and I'm hoping it all goes according to plan so that I can take some photos whilst it's still in production.