The Progression – Part 3
After I hand-embroidered the French knots, I snipped apart bridal lace and lace I had created previously using the thread-painting technique to imply larger splashes.
See Part 2
I worked slowly avoiding all of the French knots to avoid breaking the needle. I placed the lace over the zebras at the water line using pins where needed and stitched using 50 wt. Aurifil white thread stopping to pull out the pins along the way.
Once the lace was stitched, I hung it on my design wall to be sure I was happy with it. All embellishing was completed before moving on.
When quilting my art quilts I prefer to use Tuscany Silk 100% Unbleached Cotton by Hobbs. It is soft and the weight is perfect for art quilts. The backing fabric on my art quilts is a simple cotton unbleached muslin. My go to basting tool is the Kwik Clip by Paula Jean. Creations. I have tried many different methods when basting art quilts and this tool is a finger nail saver!
Do a search there are many tutorials on how to use the tool.
After I had completed basting it was time to quilt. I am using a BERNINA Q20 sit-down long arm as it has a long throat allowing easy sliding as I free-motion stitch. I used 40 wt. Aurifil white #2021 in the top and in the bobbin. I used the BERNINA #72 foot.
The needle used was the Superior topstitch 90/14. I did not always own a longarm and did all of my quilting on the BERNINA 770QE as it is an excellent machine —I still use it often. Both machines are workhorses and I am very happy with how THEY do most of the work!
After the quilting was finished, I pressed it with a medium heated iron careful not to damage the silks.
I then squared it up and trimmed it. I love using Karen Kay Buckley Perfect Adjustable Square rulers. This tool has saved me so much time! I finished this quilt using a no-show binding edge technique. I cut strips and sewed them onto my quilt. Here is a video that helps explain this facing technique. Thank you, Tiny Orchard Quilts!
Once I finished hand stitching the facing, I added a sleeve for hanging.
It was a joy to create and I’m thrilled it was on display in my 26-piece special exhibit at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. It took me three years to complete this body of work and I’ve been invited back when I am ready to exhibit again…we shall see.
All of Lorraine’s work supports endangered animals worldwide.