Project in Black & White

Keeping up the momentum, this week I got busy with a new project; still working with the fragmented shapes from cut up "Q's."

The first phase was to sketch out the idea:

Next came the transfer of the sketch to fabric. It turned out this was a time consuming step. My vision was to double the size I've worked with on previous projects. I had to figure out how to make that happen, and ended up drawing it out on large butcher paper. The cut out shapes were used as a template. Not ideal, but it worked out fine.  

A background fabric was basted to the black fabric, (see the large green stitches within the lines.) This ensures the shapes stay in place when the excess fabric is cut away from the desired shape. 

Making sure the bottom layer is not caught in the scissors, the top fabric is carefully cut about 1/4 inch from the outlines for a seam allowance that is folded under in the appliqué process. Shapes are sewn in place with a very small invisible stitch. 

Since these shapes have been enlarged there are less sharp points and other small details. This quilt is coming together pretty fast. 

Of course, that also opens up bigger spaces for interesting hand quilting. 

. . . Stay tuned.