Sunday, June 19, 2011

Painting on Fabric

There was an article in Quilting Arts #50 by Judy Coates Perez who visited NZ in 2010. Rose City Quilters brought her out as our Tote & Gloat speaker last May. She was a lovely speaker and tutor and her works are amazing. The article was about using Daler Rowney FW Acrylic paints on fabric. As I can get hold of these paints I decided to check it out and ordered some in. Like Judy I loved these paints. They go on smoothly and can be watered down heaps for a lighter and softer effect. I played around on a piece of white fabric and made notes as I went. I used 2 shades of green, a yellow, a red, a blue and pearlescent white. I then washed the piece and had no colour loss from all of the colours, except the pearlescent white which washed straight out. So, thank you Judy for passing this info on. I would use the pearlescent white only if not washing or I would use a textile white as I used a black tectile paint for highlighting. My sample piece is here
I now have some of these paints in stock for NZ$12.50 each and can order more colours if required. They are a neat little bottle which has an eyedropper at the top.Why not have a play yourself. Even if you are not an artist you can trace designs and paint over them to great effect. Have fun, have a playday.
Dianne

Wonderful new fabrics

What a lovely day it was today, sunshine and a little warmth, 17 degress is not bad for winter.
Some lovely new fabrics have arrived in store. Check these out
This lovely deep dark green is from Jinny Beyer's palette range and is very useful NZ$26.50 per metre

These next fabrics are from UK manufacturers Fabric Freedom who produce some gorgeous fabrics. This range is A Red Rose. I have had this range before in the grey roses (I still have 3 of this range left in stock) and now I have it in this beautiful rich red colour. NZ$26.60 per metre. Check out their website for great ideas and quilt designs.

I currently have some of the large allover rose still in grey and some of the stem roses in grey plus a smaller allover red & grey rose fabric, all of which could be combined to make a gorgeous quilt, wall hanging, bags etc.
This new batik has lots of movement and has lovely paua shell colours  in soft greens and blues, although the picture I am seeing looks more blue. It really is a lovely soft shading. NZ$28.10 per metre
Call in and check them out or order by phone/fax/ email or post. Looking forward to seeing you.
Dianne

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Sue Wademan Landscape Class

Hi everyone,
Just updating you with more details about our feature tutor for this year Sue Wademan. Sue has graciously consented to teach for me in August, I am lucky here as Sue isn't teaching much anymore and may be moving overseas so this is a fantastic opportunity to take a fabulous class.
Have you been wanting to try something a little different using textiles. This class explores the many ways you can manipulate fabrics - in particular sheers (silk organza, georgette, chiffon etc) and synthetic fabrics - to create an individual fabric colage landscape. You only need to see some of Sue's artworks to see what possibilities you would have to create very individual and stunning pieces of art using textiles.
Whilst students of all levels can attend a knowledge of free motion stitching is a help.
The class is a 2 day design focussed workshop to create wonderful landscapes using a variety of synthetic and sheer fabrics to manipulate and texture your finished piece. Sue will teach the 5 elements of design - line, shape, tone, texture and glorious colour. Sue will start you off with a sample piece to learn her 'linear collage' technique then you will move onto creating your individual landscape using those elements and many fabric manipulation techniques that Sue will share with you.
The class is designed to develop your intuitive use of a variety of textiles and to allow you to gain confidence in using fabric like paint.
Why not step out of your comfort zone and try a class with a difference from a very well qualified tutor who has taught overseas and at NZ national quilt symposia. There are limited spaces available so be in quick.
Contact Dianne now for your place in class.
Check out Sue's website for more examples of her wonderful art http://www.suewademan.com/
Dianne