Susan's sample is an example of a quilted and painted background. With multiple machine stitched patterns, she has created a very interesting background for her sunflower. This lesson is designed for you to practice the technique on a small piece before attempting it on a larger piece. It is a little scary to spend a lot of time quilting without knowing how the paint will look when it is done. Experiment with this little piece to get confident and then try it on a larger piece or one that could use a little pizazz!
The kit contains two pieces of fabric and a piece of batting. The intention of the lesson is for you to paint the black side, but it is up to you. Maybe you'll want to paint both sides. So layer your fabric and prepare it for free motion quilting or hand quilting.
This project is a great way for you to practice your free motion quilting. There are several sources for designs. The March issue of Quilting Arts has several articles about free motion quilting. Or check out Leah Day's free motion quilting project for 365 filler designs. We suggest that you do your quilting on the colored fabric with black thread as the top thread and in the bobbin rather than on the black side since it is very difficult to see what you are quilting. A thread that matches your fabric will be a subtle detail. Try a contrasting thread to see a different result.
When you have completed your quilting, it is time to paint. We have included Lumiere paint in the kit, but any fabric paint will work well. On your deli wrap or other palette, squeeze out a sizable amount of paint.
Load the foam roller with the paint. Depending on how much you started with, you may need to add more paint to the palette until the roller is filled with paint.
With a light touch, roll the paint roller across your quilted area. You want the paint to stay on the top of the fabric, rather than down into the stitched area. This may take a little experimentation.
As you can see, the paint creates a design element in contrast with the stitched areas. Multiple applications of paint can be added, or additional colors placed strategically. Also the paint can be applied with a paint brush if you want to highlight specific areas.
This lesson is great for changing the look of an old piece that didn't work. It might just need a layer of paint over the quilting. Adding paint over quilting may be perfect for highlighting one area of a large piece. Be daring and try it!
