Being intentional using water soluble stabilizer

I’ve played a bit with a variety of water soluble stabilizers. Today I’m talking about being intentional when creating fabric with this fun product.

Here are a couple of links to other fabric created. In these I pretty much just threw the fabric scraps on the stabilizer.

Making Scrappy Fabric

Scrappy Scarf

I’m working with Vilene Water Soluble. I like it because it’s heavier than Sulky Solvy. You can also use the fusible water soluble. However, I used it on the project below, and it really gummed up the sewing machine needle.

Fabric using Doilies

As I said above, I didn’t want to just throw scraps on the stabilizer. I took this piece of rainbow dyed fabric below, tearing it into strips and adding three dyed solids. I placed them, and then added the string between the strips.

When I was happy with the design, I pulled back the fabric and sprayed adhesive on the stabilizer.

I then laid the strips back down and ironed the piece.

Then I added the second piece of stabilizer.

Here I pinned the stabilizer to the front of the piece.

Time to take this piece to the sewing machine. I am sewing rows that are opposite to how the fabric is laid out starting in the middle of the piece.

Then I added more stitching.

Here is the piece after sewing.

Now for the magic. It goes in the water, and the new fabric will be revealed.

And here is what it looks like after all of the water soluble stabilizer has dissolved.

Now I need to audition background fabric. After playing with my stash, I decided on this green.

Now to use spray adhesive to adhere the piece to the background fabric.

Then to sew it down. I added batting and then sewed some straight lines.

Since this 12 x 12 inch piece is for the SAQA Auction, I need to finish it. It laid around in my studio for several days as I thought about what I could do to finish it. I decided to back the art quilt with the same color green fabric. After much deliberation, I added some rickrack I found in my stash and buttons.

I’m calling this Joyful Journey.

Here is my artist statement about the piece:

Over the years I’ve questioned my art. Is it good enough? Do I still want to do this? Why can’t I pull something together? Why am I in this slump?  After constructing this piece using water soluble stabilizer in an intentional way with my bright dyed fabrics, I realized that I was creating my art life. This piece is joyful. It is meant to remind the viewer that regardless of how we might feel at one point or another, or the twists and turns that life throws us, this is the artist’s journey, and the joy is still there waiting for us.

I hope it brings a good price at the auction, and a smile to the purchaser.

I want to try this process again, but design it so that it doesn’t needs a background fabric. I’ll have to think about that a bit!

Meanwhile, while moving from my computer chair to my recliner in my studio, I turned my ankle and fell down. It pretty much scared me, but luckily it was just a sprain. I have to stay off it for a few days, and wear this brace. Today was good since I couldn’t play outside I had to stay in and finish this post and this piece.

Hope you are keeping cool and staying healthy.