Lately I've been checking out other crafter's blogs and one in particular just catches my eye and stimulates my imagination constantly. Jo of Cart Before The Horse consistently inspires me. If you've never looked at their creations, you really should. Just wonderful!!! Jo has been making some gorgeous little goodies lately that she calls "Cheater Quilts". I've found other Cheater Quilts before, but none as creative and unique as her's.
Sooo... I decided to give it a try. I started my 1st Cheater Quilt last night. I cut out a front of Osnaburg, a back of stained muslin, and a piece of batting sandwiched between the two. Then I drew out the painting/quilting on the cloth surface that I had earlier sketched on paper. Then I stitched the quilting lines. Here's how it looked at that point.
Next came the paint. I use acrylics and layed in the basic colors. It looks really bright at this point.
The next two photos show the piece when I had accomplished more painting, then did some sanding to tone down the look. I 'stained' the entire piece w/ a colorwash of watered down acrylics, then w/ a wet sponge, wiped most of the paint away. After it dried I sanded it...that's when it starts to look old.
Next I started embroidering. To make it look even more quilted, I stitched between the 'blocks', all around the edge of the painting, and on the painting itself. I dug into my stash of vintage buttons and found lots of them to add to the piece.
I feel like it's finished now. I hemmed the piece all around the edge with a running stitch. I'll add a dowel to the back/top edge to stabilize the piece when it's hung.
I don't know for sure... so you all think it needs something more? I wish my photos could be better so you could get a better look at it.
Here's some assorted pics of my new/old sewing machine I just bought. I just LOVE her. I named her Bertha. She will probably outlive me, she's a TANK! There's a pic of part of my work area where I store most of my buttons, and a pic of a fabric picture my sweet Momma made years ago. My Daddy made the frame out of some old, OLD barnwood from their place. Good memories there!
God Bless You All!!!
Hope your Tuesday is memorable and blessed!
Penny
7 comments:
That is so awesome. I am a terrible painter so mine would most likely look like my 2 year old did it. That is a very cool idea. Thanks for sharing and I will be sure to check out that blog.
You did a wonderful job, Penny! I especially like the stitching between all the border blocks, and the combination of squares and circles that repeats with the buttons. Great work!
I was just thinking the same thing, lol. I have seen her cheater quilts and love them. I have painted on fabric before, so I may try some with my laural burch pattern books. My daughter wants a wall hanging with the moon and peace sign. Wish I had saved her mod art drawings, would be fun to make some of them into painted quilts.
Debbie
Penny that cheater quilt is wonderful..
For the old machine. Too funny I have that same one.. But mine is still in the table.. She runs like a beauty... :)
Kaela
Thank you for sharing this technique, it is so different and unique I can't wait to make one.
I LOVE all your dolls, you are so talented...my daughter won one of your cat dolls off ebay a couple weeks ago, she LOVES her!!! She is hanging front and center on her front door so everyone can see her when they enter. Thank you for your beautiful work...it is much appreciated. God Bless!!!!!
Rhonda! Hello! Thanks for your sweet comment. In fact, thank you ALL for the encouragement.
Which doll did your daughter win Rhonda? I LOVE hearing about what happens to my babies after someone buys them. How wonderful that she has a front and center role to play!
You have just made my day!!!
Blessings,
Penny
LOVE your cheater quilt!!
You did an amazing job on it Penny!!
I love to paint, so I may just have to create one myself.......Thanks for the inspiration!
Hugs and Blessings,
Wendy
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