Quilting Through Gold

I managed to get the new quilt top pinned onto the longarm today and begin the quilting. The aim is to add text to the gold background area. There were words quilted in the just the same way on the original Don't Go quilt but the stitching was worked dark blue on dark blue and so the result was very subtle, the lettering only being apparent in good lighting, not something that can be counted on at the average quilt show. The quilted words on the new version will be much more apparent. I'm working with a dark red Maderia Aerofil thread and just a regular needle. I was prepared for the gold to shred the thread and for lots of breakages, but so far, not a single incident.

Obviously the needle leaves holes that won't close up, but I rather like this effect. It reminds me of the punching seen in the gold areas of icon paintings.




I love the gold with the flesh tones. Obviously with the needle making permanent holes there's no room for error as any unpicking would look horrendous! Have to say that while I like the quilting, I love the gilding before it's quilted too, at which point it looks really smooth and reflective. I have in mind a way to be able to achieve that - areas of dense quilting, with areas of none at all, but that'll be for another day's experiment.

Thanks for dropping by,
Laura
x

Comments

  1. Wow! I don't know if it just the photo, but it is amazing how the textured gold recedes agains the hand.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the gold leaf. I just started following you. How do you affix the gold leaf to the fabric? with gold leaf adhesive or gel medium or what? And, does some of it flake off while you are quilting?

    Darcy Berg
    www.darcyberg.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Jill, Yes, I think the gold does create that effect. I guess the icon painters knew just what they were doing centuries ago!

    Darcy, I've been experimenting with various products and combinations and I'm not sure I have the definitive answer yet, but so far there's no flaking at all.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The gold makes this piece so rich-looking. Gorgeous stitching and I love your use of text.
    best, nadia

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a fabulous idea, sheer genius. Icons make me go weak at the knees and this is having th same effect, it's beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ooh, thank you everyone for your lovely comments!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment