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FREE-MOTION MACHINE STITCHING
Stitching is an additional design element in fiber art. When well-executed, stitching adds texture, depth and movement. Here are some methods that I find helpful for free-motion machine stitching:
- STITCHING DESIGN: Think about the mood you want to create and the stitching designs that will complement your piece. Practice the motion of the desired design either with paper & pencil or with your finger on a table before you stitch your artwork. This practice will become part of your memory and will make it easier to do the actual stitching.
- SET UP: A flat sewing surface is best for easy movement of the fiber piece. If the piece is large, roll the ends to keep it on the sewing surface; fabric hanging over the edge of the table will pull away from the needle and distort the stitching. Match needle size to thread weight. Put the feed dogs down and needle in the down position. Use a free-motion quilting foot or a free-motion darning foot. “Machingers”, other gloves or plastic finger covers make it easy to grip the fabric and move it under the needle.
- POSITIONING: Practice on a sample “sandwich” made of the same layers as your fiber piece. Pull the bobbin thread up before stitching. Start near the middle and work toward the edges. Position the artwork so you are stitching the section IN FRONT of the needle to clearly see your stitching.
- STITCHING: Run the machine at high speed, but resist the temptation to move the fabric to keep up with the needle. Move the fabric slowly and smoothly. Stitch in small sections. After stopping and restarting, take a few stitches in the same place before moving the fabric.
- MACHINE CARE: Clean your machine often; at least “dust-off” between each bobbin refill. See improvement with practice.
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| Postcard donated to FFAC |
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| FIBER ART FOR A CAUSE
Through FFAC, artists donate fiber/mixed media postcards which have been sold at International Quilt Festival, Houston and Chicago as well as online. To date, FFAC has raised over $150,000 (WOW!) with all proceeds going to American Cancer Society. For more information, please visit the website of Virginia Spiegel, creator of FFAC:
http://www.virginiaspiegel.com/NewFiles/ACSFundraiser.ht |
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| Postcard donated to FFAC |
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| Postcard donated to FFAC |
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***
All images copyright Shelley Brucar. Images may NOT be reproduced
except with written permission from the artist.
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