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Kirsten Gets Stitching with Quilt Stencils

March 22, 2017

The new Quilt Series stencils have been a source of great inspiration for me. After my last project, where I worked with paint in my art journal, I decided to get my SEW on and grabbed some fabric and embroidery thread. Since I am more of a tortoise than a hare when it comes to hand sewing (okay okay, really ANY sewing) I am only sharing the first half of the project this week.

Here's what I used:

Raw cotton canvas (mine is approximately 26" x 14")
Dina Wakley acrylic paints (Penny, Ocean, Lime, Cheddar, Blushing and Fuchsia)
White Gesso
Quilt Series Stencils (Bear Claw and Amish Star)
Embroidery thread and needle

First step was painting my canvas. I sprayed my canvas with water so when I brushed on the paint it would apply smoothly and blend well. I also made sure I used a wet brush and brushed the paint on the canvas with circular motions. I was going for a wash of color as opposed to thick layers because I wanted to fabric to stay pliable.

When the canvas was dry I placed my two stencils down and did a layer of gesso and then, when dry, a layer of Penny.

Now comes the sewing!! So far I have chosen a variegated embroidery thread and sewed around the edges of the stencil with a back stitch. When I add more stitches I'll be thinking about what I would add if this was a drawing or painting. My needle and thread will act as my pencil or paintbrush. I am enjoying the handiwork and I find myself relaxing as I work. It's nice to unplug, slow down and make progress stitch by stitch.