Originally Posted by Favorite Fabrics
... does it change forever the way you look at fabrics?
We had some fun today - five of us from the shop hired one of our favorite customers to teach us how to do a stack-and-whack block and also a four-patch posie.
So much fun... the weather was wonderful so we took a break to eat lunch out on the deck (Joanne hosted us at her home)... and then went in to sew some more.
And now, I have visions of fabric swirling through my mind, and every one I see I'm wondering how would it look as a stack-and-whack or a posie!
Is this just what happens after your first experience with this technique?
Is it permanent???
Yes on all counts. I started doing stack n whacks which are a way of doing OBW (one block wonders) and it does change the way you look at fabric. SNW is what got me into teaching. Every class I have done I have taken pictures of peoples starting fabrics and then some of their blocks against different backgrounds. I have a wonderful libary of fabrics and results which continues to inspire me.
I learned a lot about colour from my students doing stack and whack. The same fabric block pieces with different backgrounds can look amazingly different.
I bought a lot of fabrics and then was able to sell the half width pieces to students who graciously them made them up so I was able to see what the fabrics did without having to make them myself!
Sadly these days the large scale prints have repeats of 24" or more so you need 5yards plus to get your 8 repeats. Definately need to split that with a friend as that size stack is hard to pin. I split one such print into four down the length which made it more attractive and easier.
What I love about SNW:
you never know quite what you will get.
it is far more effiencent in fabric than other "hunt the motif" methods.
If you find the holy grail of fabrics.... ie one very hevily printed so the reverse side looks very similar to the front, the reflective symetry possibilities ( especially butterflies)are amazing.
I will try and attach the picture of the cover of my book of pictures.
Have fun, enjoy and take pictures and keep them.
I also love the hinged mirrors which give you an idea if a fabrci will work.
Try lower contrast prints too. I have some lovely monoand achromatic ones.
Batiks and hand printed fabrics do not work.
I pin form the bottom layer upwards so the head is on the bottom and then stick bits of foam board over the end of the pins when pinning the stack to stop them catching on me. Rubber ear ring backs will work too.
Becks
My SNW sampler (II)
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