In previous lessons we have been fusing a shape onto a base fabric. Today we are not going to be using a base fabric but fusing one strip onto another. More like piecing, rather than applique. The idea of strip fusing is so integral to my work that I can't imagine making a quilt without them. I want to share some examples and the problem is not what to show, but what to leave out!
All of these began by making strips fused together to form new fabrics as shown below.
To begin, select several colors that you love, and cut some strips, varying the widths. 
Place one strip next to the first and overlap a tiny bit, just enough to attach it. Fuse lightly.
Then place a third strip onto the first fused set and again fuse lightly.
Continue fusing strips into a panel of strips. Now you can trim it even or fuse it to another set of strips, leaving an uneven edge. Something that would be a time consuming task if we were sewing strips instead of fusing them.
Continue adding strips, building larger and more complex fabrics.
Some of the ways strips can be used with larger sections of fabric.
Awesome Melody....the long awaited--for me--link between fusing and piecing! Thanks so much for your insight and practical techniques.
ReplyDeleteI hope those who have recently received their dyed fabrics are catching up quickly. Looking so forward to making a 'piece'.
ReplyDeleteI have received fat quarters from Anthony and they are amazing! Was actually quite nervous about committing to so many solid colors but find they have actually stimulated the creative process. A very good investment indeed.
ReplyDeleteI found out today the Remarkable Sew Shop has almost 100 people on the 'waiting list'...don't think that's a actual list but those who have expressed interest in purchasing Melody's Fusing Class palette. Acording to Antony he can put a dozen or so fat quater sets in the shop each week.
ReplyDeleteSince it may be a few weeks before I can get the fabric, I have a
QUESTION for MELODY:
I'd like to use some commercial batik and will launder it with Synthrapol. What do you think? (I guess worst case is that I'd have to do a bunch of stitching edges down...which I've done with all of my previous raw edge applique (invisiblible thread and small stitch))
I think I've fallen in love with this process! I have a piece ready for fusing to batting. Made a small piece from the scraps and fused it to white Eco-felt.
what fun!...lmd
Synthrapol is the same as any old detergent. Batik will eventually peel up if not stitched down. Why not try Country Classic Cotton from Joann's, washed and ironed. http://www.joann.com/country-classic-cotton-solid-quilt-fabric/prd10005.html#sz=90&start=1
DeleteLess expensive but darn good quality with lots of color choices. Fuses well.
What about other dyers like Vicki Welsh? I really like her fabric.
DeleteI am going to ask a question..was hoping someone else would (ha!)...I always seem to not seem to heat the wonder-under enough.is there such a thing as fusing/heating it too much to your fabric? Sometimes I have to heat again and again.....can't wait to try this post!! I have lots of little pieces I've saved!!!! Thanks again, Melody! You are the bomb!!
ReplyDeleteMy iron doesn't seem to be quite hot enough on the cotton setting to fuse the Wonder-Under to my fabric. I now set it at the next higher setting and it fuses just fine. But I do have to hold the iron in place for the recommended 6-8 seconds!
DeletePat
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DeleteI found myself counting very "fast" seconds. Now I listen to my noisy clock tick off actual seconds.
DeleteThat helps too.
Thanks to each of you! I think I'm not allowing the 'ironing' time to be the full 'seconds' either! Will start counting or looking at the clock as one of you suggested! Thanks again!
DeleteUntil your composition is completed, just fuse lightly, and then you can really fuse longer at the end.
ReplyDeleteI had my first "gunky" iron experience yesterday, Teflon surface, disaster! I tried plain whit vinegar after it cooled---amazing! I just wiped the surface carefully, it kind of dissolved the gunk and it came off easily with a soft cloth. This fusing thing is addictive!
ReplyDeleteI have used a putty knife to "push" away any residue on my teflon surface.
DeleteI'm loving the strip fusing....and I can see ahead how all the parts and pieces will come together for a finished piece. Thanks Melody, this is fun!
ReplyDeleteI met Antony today and got my fabric. It is well worth the wait. The colors are crisp and glorious! Now there's a lot of fusing in my future!
ReplyDelete