This week I am taking a slightly different approach to a whole cloth quilt.
When I came across this fabric, it seemed to call out for some sort of fun fabric modification.
I have done some different fabric painting and dying techniques over the years, but I hadn’t had the right project to try this one on before. In this process color is added to fabric using Sharpie markers. Using a paintbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol, you paint over the colored areas to create a watercolor effect.
The quilting is a free motion design that follows the printed design on the fabric. The design blends into the front, but stands out nicely against the solid white backing fabric.
Quilt Stats
Title: Fading Florals
Size: 14-1/2″ x 14-1/2″
Techniques: Wholecloth quilt, Rubbing Alcohol/Sharpie fabric modification
Quilting: Freemotion quilting following the printed pattern of the fabric
Fabric: “Bellisimo” designed for Benartex by Michele D’Amore Designs, white Kona Cotton backing, black American Brand Solid binding
Batting: Warm and White Cotton Batting
Thread: Quilted with Black cotton machine quilting thread
Binding: Black cotton, cut in 2″ wide strips on the bias, machine stitched to the front, hand stitched to the back
What was new?
Sharpie/Rubbing Alcohol fabric modification
Using a pre-printed fabric to determine the free motion quilting design
Quilt 28 / 50
Goal #5 is finished!
7 Comments
Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl
August 28, 2015 at 7:35 pmDid you do the coloring before the quilting (I assume yes, but just making sure I understand…)?
Jenny
August 29, 2015 at 4:07 amWhat an interesting idea. I had not heard of rubbing alcohol but it is very effective with the sharpies. Your minis are always a breath of fresh air and have some new approach as well as being beautiful.
Cindy
August 29, 2015 at 8:24 amI like this effect and may have to give it a try.
Marva
August 29, 2015 at 8:48 amStriking! The black quilting on the white Kona cotton mimics the original fabric perfectly! And the sharpie/ alcohol technique looks like fun!
Shirley Woods
August 29, 2015 at 9:48 amLove your mini ideas. You’ve given me lots of food for thought as I belong to an art quilt group that generally has several small challenges.
This whole cloth quilt is especially stimulating to me.
Keep it up!
Rochelle
August 30, 2015 at 1:16 amI’ll have to give that a try. I’ve heard of it before. Did you heat set the fabric after you used the alcohol?
Leanne
October 18, 2015 at 6:54 pmLovely, and it looks like fun too!
I’m visiting as a member of the official 2015 Finish-Along cheerleading squad.