Whole cloth questions
 

Happy Friday!!!!

I've successfully completed a real whole cloth quilt (just posted pictures earlier today).

I did a mini whole cloth quilt using a stencil for painting. I adjusted it so that I could follow lines, etc. And it looked ok until I washed it. Then I realized it was just too small.

So I'm looking at things like this on pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/353673376983960797/

And I'm trying to figure out how to quilt it ...

a) how big should I make it
b) how much contrast? I'm thinking I should use a bright colour so that you can really see it. Because on the smaller one it's white on white and you don't really see anything LOL

And if you have any other tips, feel free!

Thanks a bunch

here's an example ... I just traced over this pic that I want to quilt

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It will be beautiful.

That looks like fun! The whole cloth you posted earlier is gorgeous!
I did a similar peacock - wall hanging size (about 24 x 36 or so). I used a variegated rainbow machine embroidery thread that was a bit thick. (I think it was about 40wt or so). It came out all right, but I did it on a pale green background instead of white, and it wasn't as much contrast as I thought it would be.
I also did a goldfish (about 22" x 22" ) on a yellow background using shiny yellow machine embroidery thread. I liked the effect much better. But then I also went over it with a pearly fabric paint. I liked that effect ... or maybe just that process a bit better.
I also used 3 layers of batting on the fish, and got a 3D effect I didn't expect. I also traced my design on tracing paper, and then used it as a pattern....stitching right through the pattern, then removing the paper.
I first tried tracing the design on H2O soluble stabilizer. I used an H2O marker, but bits of that color stayed in the thread. Couldn't wash it out. Bummer.
Can't wait to see what you do with this design! :)

They are a bit spendy, but you might have fun with these (they are specifically made for thread painting: https://www.superiorthreads.com/thre...-studio-colors

Both your practice piece with the lovebirds and the peacock are really dynamic and unique for a wholecloth design. I would almost be tempted to do the lovebirds as hand embroidery in colorful embroidery threads and just quilt background fill like mctavishing in a matching color.
I have seen some amazing wholecloths at shows that used colored thread to make the design and they were spectacular. There are examples pictured in this topic:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/pictur...s-t116142.html

Also in that same topic are some pics from Irena Bluhm's booth, she quilts then goes back and colors in using colored pencils. That is another approach you can take.

I do love the look of quilting with high contrast colorful threads, especially on black or dark backgrounds. The upside is it makes a dramatic and dynamic presentation but the downside is every wobble and missed backtrack really stands out. If enough thread is laid down, it helps to not notice that so much.

Another technique I want to try is Graffiti quilting which Karlee Porter developed and teaches https://www.karleeporter.com/2015/08...-crash-course/ . Just search images of it and you will see examples. This style can be done with heavy threads or regular threads. Wonderfil threads makes a 12 wt cotton called Spaghetti you can run through your machine. But when quilting with such heavy threads you will need to preplan your thread path carefully because backtracking would be very unforgiving and you would want to keep it minimal or try not to do it at all.

I really think you need to experiment to see what you like best. I really think that peacock would be very dramatic done on a dark background with colored threads. I think I would keep it wallhanging size. Nothing larger than say 50" x 60" but that is JMHO.

you ought to check out Bethanne Nemesh at White Arbor Quilting: https://www.whitearborquilting.com/

I think you'd like her methods and ideas to spark your creativity and she has won quite a few awards for her personal quilts!

OMG! This is so amazing! I am so jealous of all you artisans who can even imagine creating these masterpieces! Create on so I can admire and ooh and awwwe!

oh wow! I downloaded a video class from Leah Day on whole cloth quilting, but haven't done it yet. I'm always floored by how gorgeous they are.

Finally have power back! Ottawa got hit with 2 tornadoes on Friday last week ... I had no house damage, but the winds took down my fence, and destroyed power lines all over the city. I just got power back this morning! Yeah! So lucky, because others have lost everything.

I just finished reading the posts, and hints ... and wow, I'm always so grateful to see how much of a response I get on here, and the tips, techniques and guidance!!!! I have lots of reading and exploring to do!

Thanks so much all!

Marion

SO I coloured it ... and now to sew it!

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