Art Quilting Tips - Discharging

Discharging Fabric Some of you mentioned that you would like to know how to discharge fabric, so this is my blog post for today . . .

Discharging is the process of removing dye from fabric so that the original colour shows through. You have all done this before ... think of that favourite T-shirt that got spattered with bleach when you were doing laundry, or the slacks that you dripped dish washer detergent on . . . that's discharging!

When we are discharging fabric for use in an art quilt we like to be a little more selective in how the design emerges and what the final effect is. Different dyes discharge to different colours so you will want to do a small test sample if you are looking for specific results. Here are a few ideas for you to try:

• Use bleach in a spray bottle (can dilute with water up to 1:1) 
• Use dishwasher gel or bleach-based bathroom scrub 
• Try a bleach pen Have an old credit card handy for spreading the gel onto stencils, stiff paint brushes 
• Temporary spray adhesive for the backs of stencils 
• 3% hydrogen peroxide (available at pharmacy) 
• Have a couple of buckets of rinse water handy 
• Wear rubber gloves or latex gloves to protect your hands 
• Wear a respirator mask to protect your lungs 
• Wear old clothes!! 

For a first attempt, use a piece of black or dark coloured cotton and place it on a plastic-covered work surface that is away from anything that could be harmed by bleach (this is a great project for a calm day outside).

Use stencils or masks (spraying the back of them with temporary adhesive will make it stick closer to the fabric and you will get a cleaner line) or work free-hand. When using a stencil, I would recommend using a thicker form of bleach (gel or paste) and pulling the bleach across the stencil with an old credit card or other straight edge.

Bleach takes different periods of time to discharge different fabrics ... keep an eye on the colour and be ready to neutralize the fabric when the colour change looks right.

When the fabric looks like it is the right colour dunk it in a bucket of warm water and rinse it quickly ... then dunk it in the next bucket of water to rinse it some more ... then neutralize any leftover bleach by pouring 3% hydrogen peroxide over it ... DO NOT use vinegar to neutralize the bleach as it creates dangerous fumes. Wash the fabric well using your regular detergent ... dry ... iron ... and use it in a new project!

This cuff bracelet that I made was created by discharging a piece of black Kona cotton on which I had placed a piece of cedar bough before spraying it with bleach. This cotton discharged to a lovely warm caramel colour.

This purple batik fabric was discharged with dishwasher gel, using a stamp that I created, and the colour ended up being a soft grey-blue.

Have fun with this wonderful process and enjoy the surprise results that you achieve.

 Read more about the process of neutralizing bleach on Paul Burch's website here http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/FAQ/neutralizingdischarge.shtml.

 Feel free to comment or convo with questions on discharging . . . Kathy
KathyKinsella.etsy.com

Treasury Delight!

Karen Jones of Tessie Textiles created this delightful treasury full of items for your kitchen! Although not all items are made by Quiltsy members, it is certainly appropriate for Mother's Day and all who spend hours in the kitchen. I am not one of those! Karen is a self-confessed fabri-holic, and her line of Elvis hot pads and mug rugs were a huge success in her shop the end of 2011. Thanks for this fun, kitchen inspired collection of goodies!

'A Well Appointed Kitchen.....' by TessieTextile

Not only mothers enjoy a well appointed kitchen. Use these lovely items to create wonderful food items!

MagpieQuilts $9.00	AcresAwayWoodw... $179.99	QuiltingDiva $7.00
LoreleiRose $23.00	LibertineTacom... $38.95	Springwaterdes... $22.00
gildinglilies $20.00	uniquelynancy $22.00	paintedquilts $24.00
sewinthesnow $19.50	CrabCreekIndus... $194.00	clubaloha $40.00
WoodVisions $73.00	QuiltingFrenzy $15.00	MyCarrieCreati... $7.00
CraigsMarket $4.75

Treasury tool supported by three quick questions

Posted by Karen Colbert of TahoeQuilts.etsy.com. My shop features landscape art quilts and home decor items. I've been creating for 14 years and enjoy the artistic design process of creating images out of fabric.

WiP Wednesday #7

Welcome to "Work In Progress" Wednesday, hosted by moi. As usual, it's been a wacky week, which makes it a perfectly normal wacky week.

Luckily, Maggie is feeling much better after her little doctor visit. She's even back to helping me get my work down. How considerate is that?

So kind of her.

This week I got a custom order for some huge cat toys. Huge. We're talking cat toys sized for a baby lion. Check these out.

Thirty inches long, 15" around. Huge.

Between the two of them, I used a gallon of catnip, and 32oz of stuffing. I can't wait to see what my client's cats make of them.

And that's enough about me. Last week we had two brave participants. You've got to check them out!

Collette from Poppy and Poochie shared what may very well be the cutest bunting I've ever seen. Look at this! Click on the photo to get a closer look on her website, or click here to see all the cute things in her Etsy shop.

Ann from Magpie Quilts shared a variety of projects, including this cheerful number:

Just looking at it lifts my spirits. You can visit her blog by clicking on the photo, or visit her etsy shop by clicking here.

Now it's your turn! Let's see what you've got. :)

<a href=" http://teamquiltsy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Quiltsy WiP " src=" http://sunflowermuse.com/files/2012/03/quiltsy.png"/></a>

Question of the Week - 4/23

I love to shop local quilt stores and keep the money in my area.  I have worked at a quilt store and have expectations of how customers should be treated.  There is a local quilt store near me that I have had 1 good experience and 3 that have turned me off.  I will not be going back there after my experience last week.

So my question to you...is there a local quilt store that does something you do not like?  How do you deal with this?

Note:  PLEASE do not call out shops directly.  I don't want to call people out because that does none of us any good.  Just an opportunity to vent. 

SPOTLIGHT: Aviva of "Sieber Designs"

In Northampton, MA, Aviva crafts and quilts for her "Sieber Designs" Etsy shop.  Aviva has been quilting for over 15 years, and it is her absolute passion.  In December 2011, Aviva was featured on News 22, a local news station, with a video tutorial on how to make a gift card holder, which is not only great at holiday time (when her spot was first aired), but also during the year for family birthdays and anniversaries.  I personally found it very easy to follow and think the design is fantastic.

When I look at Aviva's shop, I always think of batiks!  Now, she doesn't always use batik, but I love her fabric selections.  Aviva offers many different types of quilted items ranging from throw/lap quilts, to purses, and home decor....here are some of my favorites:

I've enjoyed asking each "spotlighted" quilter a few questions to round-out the feature.  With Aviva, I'm going to start asking a new standard question: What quilting machine do you use and how long have you had it?  I know I'm interested in hearing about who-likes-what-for-what-reason, and I hope you do too.  For Aviva, she almost exclusively uses her Janome Memory Craft 6600 - from start to the finish of her quilts, that includes the free motion stitching.

Aviva is married and has a daughter, so carving out time to sew becomes a catch-as-catch-can....every spare moment she gets is spent in her studio creating a new quilt.  Aviva is most productive early in the day, but will often work late into the night if she is on a roll.  Besides maintaining her Etsy shop, Aviva also showcases her wonderful work through an Artfire shop and participates in craft shows in Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire.

For my "fun" question, in light of the recent $640M Mega-Millions lottery jackpot, I asked Aviva if she had won, would her life change, and if so, how?  Aviva said that even if she were to become instantly wealthy, she wouldn't change what she does for a living.  However, she wouldn't feel guilty about the amount spent  on fabric or feel that she would need to justify her fabric purchases with a sale.  :-)  I'd have to agree with her.....

Cheers!  Jennifer

My mother and I make up the Olive Street Studio design and sewing team.  I cannot remember my mom NOT sewing or quilting.  Since 2003, we've made chenille and cotton baby quilts, baby gift sets, little girls dresses and skirts, and for a second dimension, reversible tote bags and smaller handbags.  I joined the Quiltsy Team on Etsy in 2010. 
Etsy Shop: Olive Street Studio
Website: Olive Street Studio
Blog: Olive Street Studio on Blogger

WiP Wednesday #6

Welcome to "Work In Progress" Wednesday. It's already been a crazy week, including one visit to a pet ER for our Maggie. I was really worried she was having renal issues, like our last senior kitty. Scary stuff, but it looks like everything will be ok. Crazy cat.

I've also been working on finishing a quilt for my husband. It's been in progress for a year. How silly is that? Time to get this baby done. The top is a Garfield sheet he's had since he was a kid. It even has a 1978 date stamp on the pattern. How neat is that?

If you'd like to read more about my WiPs, just click on the garfield pic above. :)

Team members shared some really gorgeous WiPs last week. It's getting hard to pick one to feature! I may start going with a random number generator, to keep things fair. That said, you absolutely have to see this quilt by Sew In The Snow.

The colors are giving me such spring fever. Just gorgeous.
Ok, now it's your turn! I can't wait to see what everyone is working on. I'm nosy that way.

<a href=" http://teamquiltsy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Quiltsy WiP " src=" http://sunflowermuse.com/files/2012/03/quiltsy.png"/></a>

Question of the Week - April 17th

Quilts make lovely gifts for most occasions. I made a few during 2011, but how many quilted gifts did you make in 2011? Care to share photos.

Below is one of mine that went to a friend for her new baby.

WiP Wednesday #5

Welcome to "Work In Progress" Wednesday. I'll be your host, today. I will admit, my main project this last week was my garden. I have serious spring fever, and the sudden sunshine has not helped.

How about the rest of the Quiltsy members out there? Are you gardening, or getting seedlings going, or are you in an area that's still buried under six feet of snow?

I did manage to make about roughly a kazillion cat toys for etsy, and now it's time to take photos so I can post the items. Ah, photos. My old nemesis.

Taking fantastic photos doesn't seem to be a problem for this week's featured WiP, though. Barb from Mountain Quiltworks has a great eye for shape and color. Just look at this amazing wonky quilt she made. Love it.

I haven't given "stand and whack" a try. Is it as much fun as it looks?

Now it's your turn. What have you been working on?

<a href=" http://teamquiltsy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Quiltsy WiP " src=" http://sunflowermuse.com/files/2012/03/quiltsy.png"/></a>

Question of the Week - April 7th

Have you ever met or really want to meet a designer?

I met Lotta Jansdotter in her shop. She's amazing, wonderful, and super nice. I was completely star struck. Can't wait to go back to NYC to stop by again.

SPOTLIGHT: Jennifer from "All Things Belle"

I have been away the last two weekends and again the upcoming, so finding the downtime (and a computer!) to write up the SPOTLIGHT feature has been a little challenged.  But, the creative mind of Jennifer of the shop "All Things Belle", has been featured in two great venues for her delightful work.  The first is a feature in Mary Janes Farm magazine, where her new line is showcased.  I've tried to find the article to provide a link, but unfortunately, I cannot get to a 'search' feature or even read articles - likely because I do not have a subscription. But I'll try again.

Jennifer's other feature is on the Moda Bakeshop blog where her tutorial for "Plus Kisses Boo Boo Pack" is showcased.  I personally love this blog because of all the great projects with easy instructions.  Jennifer's project definitely follows suit, and uses a Charm Pack and some uncooked grains.  Aren't these adorable?



Jennifer lives in Utah and is a work-at-home-mom of two little girls.  Some items from her Etsy shop that I especially like include:

When I asked Jennifer how she got her start with sewing, crocheting, crafting, she responded that in her teens, she made three quilts and then didn't quilt again for a long time.  Jennifer has been sewing since junior high, but feared the intricacy of quilting.  She started quilting again after she gave birth to her first daughter and found she loved making her small baby quilts for the holidays.  Starting with small quilts broke the intimidation of quilting and she really got into designing soon after.

I also asked her how it is to be a work-at-home mom - and where she carves out the time to quilt.  Jennifer said she is probably the poster child for the imbalanced mom...everyday is a struggle to make sure everyone's needs (including her own) are met.  In the past couple months, Jennifer finally decided that work had to take a back seat to raising her little ladies...so she now exclusively quilts at night, usually between 7pm -1am.  Of course, there are times she wishes for more creative hours, but then one look at the little beauties and there is no substitute for these precious early years.  The girls are a constant source of inspiration - Jennifer's best designs come from thoughts while playing with them.
My final question for Jennifer was if she was given three hours of "alone time", how would it be spent?  She responded with: "Alone time? What's that??" But, then she said she would spend some time quilting, some time in the quilt store browsing the new lovely fabric, squeeze in a quick nap, and would top off the time enjoying a leisurely meal with her sweet husband.

Cheers! - Jennifer

My mother and I make up the Olive Street Studio design and sewing team.  I cannot remember my mom NOT sewing or quilting.  Since 2003, we've made chenille and cotton baby quilts, baby gift sets, little girls dresses and skirts, and for a second dimension, reversible tote bags and smaller handbags.  I joined the Quiltsy Team on Etsy in 2010. 
Etsy Shop: Olive Street Studio
Website: Olive Street Studio
Blog: Olive Street Studio on Blogger

Here is our Quiltsy treasury for this week, created by Robin of whimbrella.etsy.com. Robin created this absolutely gorgeous treasury during March, National Quilt Month. This treasury stuck with me due to the creativity displayed in the items in the treasury, but also the cohesive color and design of each item. The details of the quilting lines on these items is extraordinary, and although a relatively simple color palette, each of the quilted items is a beautiful example of how thread and fabric come together to in a creative process. Thanks, Robin, for this wonderful example of quilted treasures!! Robin's shop features adorable baby crib shoes, lovely quilts and knitted slippers.

'Simply Quiltsy' by Whimbrella

Beautiful examples of the quilting arts by Quiltsy members in honor of National Quilting Month. Search HANDMADE "Quiltsy" for even more wonderful items.

Forcomfort $160.00	shannaquilts $125.00	madebydrawstri... $75.00
KathyKinsella $48.00	QuiltedbyJulie $1800.00	KarenGriskaQui... $410.00
MoonDanceTexti... $27.00	KathyKinsella $42.00	SweetDreamsbyS... $8.00
Sieberdesigns $25.00	bearcreekcreat... $46.00	KarenGriskaQui... $210.00
Serenstitches $48.00	annsquiltnstuf... $10.00	thewanderingst... $150.00
QuiltingFrenzy $75.00

Treasury tool supported by threequickquestions

Posted by Karen Colbert of TahoeQuilts.etsy.com. TahoeQuilts specializes in scenic and landscape quilts, as well as quilted treasurers for you home decor needs.