Block Print - Distort Part Two

 The next stage was to try out the block on fabric, which usually means cutting away more areas which are not as you want them and are showing up more clearly on fabric. There was not too much to cut away but I made a few adjustments.

Printing on fabric.

Machine quilting one of the printed pieces.

Trying out the scrim distorted but not yet coloured.

The scrim painted.

I was concerned that the scrim would obliterate the image too much, I wanted the effect of the grasses blowing across the image. When it was all in place and the edges needle-felted onto white felt I was pleased with the result.

A Revelation.

I am often wandering from one end  of the room to  the other when working with a group of people and asking where did I put the masking tape, etc., etc.?  A couple of weeks ago it came to me, what I need is a pocket in my apron! Obvious. I won’t say that there will not still be times when I lose the essentials or go home with a needle stuck in my jumper for safe keeping but forgotten. So this was a golden opportunity to do some more block printing.

 It is so much easier when the blocks have already been made and tried and tested. Moo Carve is good because it is nice and thick to carve and print with, and both sides can be used.

Work in progress.

Now I shall not want to get it dirty.

More Trees

More block printing, there are some amazing examples on the Facebook page for the class, this is a closed group but I think Jen is going to post a selection on her blog at some point as she is planning a new class to start soon. Some people are obviously experts at making clothes and smart bags and are combining their new skills with those they already have to produce great results.

Lined and quilted.

I pursued the tree theme and also made a block inspired by some African patterns to try an all over print, which almost joined up! I used MooCarve which I would recommend.

 The pouch bag I have just made is probably my favourite, I should have planned out the print placement first but I just printed the fabric and then thought what to do with it. I used felt as a backing and lined it. It has a nice squashy feel now that it is free machined around some of the trees.

 I’m also trying out pattern making on the computer so here I made a repeat pattern on paper.

Welcome to those who have just joined the blog; I would 'pop' round to say hello, but I can never work out who the new followers are on the list.

Trees and Fields.

I have continued with the block printing and am definately finding that my blocks are better, although I still find carving them far from the meditative experience described by some. I have now bought some Moo Carve and will be trying that. It is certainly worth the effort of carving a block' well' as there are then so many ways to adapt them.
I cut this block prior to the ecourse but have gone back and used a larger blade. I like the material for the block, but have had it so long that I have no idea what make it is; if I remember correctly someone sent it me after a show one time.
This photo of local fields was the inspiration:

I then added one of my tree blocks,printing in black ink.

I then free machined over the shapes in green and white thread over a piece of wadding:

Made up into a small bag and with a couple of cards printed with the remaining ink:

Thanks to the Gourmet Quilter on YouTube for ideas for making up the bag.