After taking Carol Ann Waugh’s Stupendous Stitching class on Craftsy (which by the way I loved!) I was so excited to see that she was offering a new one, Stitch & Slash.
Here is the class description: “Stitch & Slash is a fun way to create lots of wonderful textured fabric that you can use for home decorating projects like pillows, and for accessories, like tote bags, purses and clothing. If you like to work big, you can also create interesting art to hang on your wall. The possibilities are endless. Get ready to become addicted to making several different projects, because you will always think of new patterns and designs as you learn this fun technique.”
I started taking this class in April, but due to my month of jury duty in May I wasn’t able to finish my project. Now that my days are less busy I was able to finish my first “Stitch & Slash.”
The class involves stacking fabrics and slashing them. Carol told us we COULD use old fabric. She didn’t know that I’ve been holding on to some real old ugly fabric! Well, I decided to use some old fabric that I thought I still liked, but I found out quickly that they weren’t to my taste anymore. Another lesson learned. If you don’t like the fabric, give it away so someone else will love and appreciate it.
So here is how my project started.
I discovered I didn’t really like the cat fabric on the bottom. It was way too busy, but I didn’t want to start over.
I added some couching and stitching and I still didn’t like it so I painted the cat and flower fabric black. But I also cut it apart since I still wasn’t sure I liked it.
I added more decorative stitching and cut it up once more.
It was too drab so I added more paint. That helped but this is definitely not one of my best efforts!
I had several circles left over since I had cut up the project. I really like these circles alone and would like them added to another piece or maybe a tote bag.
Carol’s examples and the one she works on in the class are absolutely beautiful. The key, I believe, to making this project work is starting with materials you really like and remembering the bottom fabric will be the fabric you will see most. I do really love this way of making textured fabric. My next project with this technique will be with some pretty batiks.
If you like online classes, check out Craftsy. They have not only sewing and quilting classes, but all types of learning experiences – even a gardening class. And the prices are really reasonable. You can ask questions any time and for this class Carol responded almost immediately. Also, other students can answer or give you tips. The class is available forever. I hadn’t been able to be on Craftsy for a month and couldn’t remember my next step. All I had to do was log on and watch Carol again.
Carol’s instructions are easy to follow. I love to watch as she sews up a storm. If I had not learned anything from her two classes (and I’ve learned bunches), Carol has helped me to be more comfortable with my old Elna. And that’s a biggie! Thanks Carol.
Hi Lynda,
Thanks for sharing your process. It’s always so interesting to me to see how people learn and make things their own. I love how you kept working and didn’t give up. To me, that’s the essence of creativity — breaking through the barriers and getting through the ugly stage to beauty. Thanks for taking my classes!
Carol Ann Waugh recently posted..Stupendous Stitching for the Modern Quilter
Carol, Thank you for this great class. I definitely will be working with some of my other fabrics the next time. I’ll definitely post them when I do. Lynda
Nice post. It’s always so interesting to me to see how people learn and make things their own. I love how you keep working and didn’t give up. Thanks that you’ve shared,
Brilliant idea! You can use old clothes to make some awesome design too! I love doing some sewing too, but I never thought you can actually do something like this. Lovely!
The top picture looks like a lot of amoeba’s.
Stephanie, It does!! Thanks for dropping by.
I took this class too. Really enjoyed it and have a great pillow to show for it!
Susie, Wasn’t she great? Thanks for dropping by. Lynda
Your “Stupendous” review led me here. I should have known that Art Girl had beaten me to the punch. I went thru Craftsy last week and added all the many classes I wanted to take to a wish list, but now I know that “Slash” will be the next. Thanks!
You make me laugh!! You’ll love Jane’s class and Carol’s Slash I might do again with fabric I like!