The Best Laid Plans.....
 

You know how that goes....

I am doing a large wall hanging in a collage technique and had planned to satin stitch in between each piece of fabric on the seam line, with the intention to make it look sort of like a stained glass effect.

I was at the LQS today and the lovely owner there has done a workshop on collage and told me that if I do that, it will ruin the blending effect of the fabrics and it will look patchy. She gave me the names of some artists who do collage and they put tulle over the piece and then quilt over that, randomly.

I've spent months on this and don't want to ruin it now.

Does anyone have experience with this? Know of any on-line tutorials?

I'm kind of at a stand-still because I thought I really had this planned out and now it seems I have to change direction...

Thanks for any suggestions or comments.

Watson

I think the tulle is a great idea. You want to be sure to get the very fine bridal type of tulle, or organza. Here is a link that might be helpful: https://satinmoon.wordpress.com/2010...ther-ephemera/

Since it is your piece, and you have planned it the way you envision it, you can do it the way you want. Maybe look at some of the other collage pieces that people have made and see which look you prefer. If you like the seams then maybe you can just call it stained glass work instead. Or call it what ever you want, it is your creation! There is room for many variations in this world!

I agree. It's your quilt, you can do what you want. There is no right or wrong way to do most things. If you want the blended collage look, you probably wouldn't want to satin stitch, but if you more of a stained glass look, go ahead and satin stitch. Don't let others tell you that what you are doing is "wrong". Any time someone tells me out of hand that something is "wrong" I question how they know it's wrong.

I agree that it is your choice. I know someone that is always tells me that the major opinion is this or that. Maybe the minority's opinion is what I like too. Try placing a 1/4 inch bias tape over your seams and see if it pleases you.

Perhaps you're creating your own technique. It sounds beautiful. I'd stay the course and then be sure to drop by the shop with it. :)

Hugs,
Charlotte

I think I am going to make a small piece, maybe 10x10 and see how it looks.

I'm not sure I was very clear to the lady in the LQS that I was thinking of stained glass look. She was just trying to be helpful using her own experience and I appreciate that.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions!

Watson

You could also use threadplay to get the pieces secured without losing the blending effect.

check out Pinterest for some examples--there's a male quilter that makes amazing art quilts using the method the LQS lady suggested--just blows me away. Let me see if I can find the name.

https://www.google.com/search?q=dann...YlNJkVCLE8M%3A

I'm thinking it's Danny Amazonas! I just discovered his work the night before last and spent the rest of the night dreaming about doing these portraits! I hope the link works...

I used tulle and organza ALL the time. Audition a few colours and weights.

on the same vein - you could also use a varigated thread for the satin stitch - make sure the colors, which coordinate with your fabrics, change in a random pattern so that you keep with the blended theme. If you use one with a regular, or non-random pattern, it will stick out almost as much as a solid fabric.

I tried this with a King Tut, but it wasn't random and you're right, it did stick out. Any ideas on what brand of threads are random?

Watson

well you aren't wanting a blended effect. you want stained glass effect. you could get some black bias binding instead. making sure you put short pieces where a longer piece will go over the ends. but most doable. Good luck!

Perhaps you do a crude mock-up of some image and practice both ways. See which one appeals more to you before deciding.

Watson--check out Danny Amazonas' work on Pinterest--think that is similar to what the LQS lady was suggesting

I don't think you can go wrong if you use tulle. I have used it many times and it virtually disappears when sewn down. Good luck on this very interesting project and let us see it when you have finished it.

I wonder if Monet or Mozart were ever told their "technique" was wrong? Art is coloring outside the lines. Go with what pleases you.

So, I slapped together a rough sample in order to try out my original idea of sewing all the seams with a satin stitch.
I don't think I like it. It looks too...mechanical...to me. The original looks soft (IMO) and I don't want to ruin that look.

I'll attach the sample and what the wall hanging looks like right now and you all can give me opinions, if you would. Do you like the satin stitching to give it a sort of stained glass look? Or????

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I have looked at the various artists suggested and all do beautiful work, and I have ordered Susan Carlson's book.
Any suggestions appreciated, as always.

Watson

I honestly do not have an opinion to give. I just wanted to tell you that you are making an absolute masterpiece!! I am amazed! After all is said and done, this is your work and you can complete it in any way you want. Oh I can hardly wait to see the finished product!

I've never liked the satin stitch--just me--seems to make it more stiff and harsher--so my vote is no--did you look at those Danny Amazonas pins on Pinterest? Amazing work.

I did look at his work and it's gorgeous, but I can't find any info on HOW he quilts it, except that he uses invisible thread.

Watson

I'd bet that someone told Picasso he was doing it wrong.

I just went and looked at your pics. I took a class from June Colburn many years ago that used a fabric collage technique. The way she did it was to take the pieces and fuse them down along the edges with steam a seam and then use invisible thread in a small zig zag to secure it. Its much more *blendy* than satin stitch but won't give a stained glass effect if that is what you are looking for.

Edit: If you google Danny Amazonas, there is a youtube interview with him. I didn't listen to it but it might give some insight into how he quilts his work.

Do what you intended. Don't let anyone influence you.

The problem is, I don't think I like what I intended, so now I don't know what to do.

Thanks, Cashs Mom, I'll try to find that interview.

Watson

I also have no advice, but your work is beautiful! How wise you are to have tried the sample before you started the satin stitch. At least you know what you don't want. It is going to be beautiful, no matter what you do.

Dina

I love the look of your quilt so far! I also like the softer look w/out the satin stitching. I would love to understand how you select the different fabrics for the different sections. It's amazing!

The satin stitch is too harsh for my taste. Absolutely ***LOVE*** your project!!! Honestly, I think you are way better off going with tulle or organza overlays.

https://www.facebook.com/Danny-Amazo...2507189104179/ I believe Danny Amazonas fuses his quilt pieces and uses invisible thread to secure them. I do not see any organza or tulle in his work.

From what I understand, the tulle or organza is used as an overlay to help hold down any loose edges. Mine are all fused, so I don't have any loose edges.

Danny Amazonas seems to do a zig zag around all his pieces, but Susan Carlson does free motion and uses the flow of the piece itself to determine where the quilting is going to go. I'm waiting for her book before I do anything. I did buy some invisible thread and I'm going to try Danny Amazonas' technique and see if I can do it.

Watson

I prefer the one without the satin stitch. It looks softer and smoother.

i don't know of which you speak, just came to read about it. your horse is a work of art to me. amazing, such beautiful work!

I've done the zig zag around the edges with invisible thread on a collage coat I made. I fused the pieces down then zig zagged around them. The coat has been worn for several years and the edges haven't frayed so for a wall hanging, you wouldn't have a problem