This post is to help those machine needle felters become familiar with the use of Vilene or other water soluble fabric. I began experimenting with this several years ago and it has become one of my very favorite means to create fabric. Once we learn how to create fabric, the possibilities for using it is unlimited. Sometimes the work is so pretty that you'll just want to mount it to hang on the wall; other times it would make a gorgeous pocket or lapel to dress up a sweater or jacket.
This piece is as light as air -- the materials used were silk habotai, silk rods, silk throwsters waste and mohair roving all dyed by me with the exception of the mohair. It was all machine needle felted on to Vilene and then some areas machine stitched. I have just begun to add hand stitching along with some beads and at the moment that is all I know for certain; I'll let the piece "talk" to me as I go along -- it may end up being mounted because I love the different textures.
Margo, what a beautiful piece. I love the colors and the texture, wish I could fondle it. It looks so soft and cuddly.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gail! This piece began with an experimental piece of silk that I dyed in a soft yellow, pleated it, then overdyed it in apricot and soft green. Just about all my pieces I imagine are areas of in a "secret" garden and that gives me inspiration.
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