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
