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| 20" x 21" |
I always thought I would figure out the code and piece a quilt, but the idea of bias tape came to mind and from there...the idea was born!
With the image printed, I marked a grid using 1" squares as my guide for when I place the bias tape.
Bias tape, you ask? It seemed like the perfect way to see this image become a reality. I've tried bias tape one time with semi-success and was ready to give it one more try.
The 3/8" (9mm) Clover Bias Tape Maker was my weapon of choice for this project. I revisited my lessons for 'Technicolor Galaxy' (which is my oldest WIP ever) and found the proper way to fold fabric so the strips are cut on the bias. Trying to be proper here! The strips were cut at 3/4" and sewn together for a very, very long strip.
Now, this is the irritating, aggravating, frustrating part! I should have used starch on my fabric first. Second, I really didn't need my strips to be cut on the bias. Bias cutting is great if you are doing curves, I am not, therefore why bother?!
Also, you see that white strip? That is bias tape fusible web, which is suppose to allow you to fuse the bias tape to your project, make it stick...my luck with that was a total bust! A total waste of time! I think my problem was my iron was too hot. I didn't use steam, but I had the heat hot. I'm sure it works if you adhere it properly.
In the end I took all the paper off and grabbed my glue!
I grabbed my Moda Cross Weave fabric and began to mark a grid on it just like the photo. After pressing the horizontal and vertical lines, I used my Hera Marker to fill in with the 1" grid.
And the fun began! Glue, bias tape, press and repeat. You can see how the bias tape has a 'bump' and is not perfectly straight. Starch...starch...starch and no fusible web or bias fabric cutting would have made all the difference.
How do I know that? I had to make another one, a smaller one and it was pretty dang perfect! I'll share that one when it's finished!
It took a lot of fiddling, fussing and rearranging at times and I did get confused. I persisted because that's what women do...and the results were worth it.
Because I hadn't done my 'Faux Trapunto' method in a long time, I wondered if I could incorporate it into this piece.
One heart project that really inspired me I saw on Instagram. Stephanie Ruyle @Spontaneousthreads is a great source on inspiration to me. Her #lovemore quilt got me motivated to 'heart it out' too!
What I really wanted to say on my quilt was #shepersisted, I didn't think the heart was the right background for that. Maybe one day.
I first quilted around the edges of the bias tape to make sure they were secure and now raw edges would pop out and then went with Match Stick quilting for the rest of this piece. I ended up using a dark red, bright red, dark pink, light pink and grey thread.
And yes, I did wash it! I had to do it!
The back uses my hanging method and the left over heart fabric. The Heart fabric is Heavy Metal by Windham Fabrics which has a touch of gold metallic splotches on it.
Have you tried bias tape on a quilt before? What about bias tape adhesive? What is the secret to applying the adhesive...I know I'm doing something wrong!
Hearts for Valentines are as old as dirt! As is heart shaped boxes of candy! Which frankly I love! All those little candies with sweet surprised inside of them!!
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I tried bias tape on one quilt and though it turned out ok, it wasn't my favorite technique. I like your heart tho - especially all quilted up!
ReplyDeleteI remember when you tried it! I see the possibilities of bias tape, but don’t see it as something I would do often. My first attempt with ‘Technicolor Galaxy’ was not pretty!
DeleteThis is amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to finally take an idea that has been in my mind for years and put it to the test!
DeleteYou are amazing making this cute amazing heart! I bet batiks would work well for it wouldn't they?
ReplyDeleteFabulous project! Great that you hung on to the inspiration and carried through. A+ for originality!!!
ReplyDeleteSo inspired! I love it. And I love how you persisted despite the issues withthe bias tape.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we see things in our minds and have to wait until it fully forms to do something about it! Bias tape issues aside, it was a fun project!
Delete"I persisted because that's what women do." Huge love to you. I've never really played with bias tape in this way. I'm glad you immediately tried a second time and found something that works better for you.
ReplyDeleteYou are so inspiring! I love this project. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried using bias tape before. I was never really sure it was my style. This is gorgeous though! I love how the quilting gives it such a delicious texture! I would say this is a complete success.
ReplyDeleteI've used biased tape on a quilt. The first was an Eiffel tower using the premade 1/4 in black biased tape with the adhesive on it. I placed my pattern under a silicon matt and created it on that first and then transferred it to the fabric. The second was cursive writing and I used premade 1/4 in black biased tape without the adhesive. I used glue and pins for that. After both were glued down I used a double needle to stitch them down.
ReplyDeleteIt's so unique Jayne ! Congratulations on the quilting too !
ReplyDeleteI'm getting geared up to do a class with the Academy of Quilting. Now seeing your heart, I am really looking forward to this class...there is so much that could be done with bias tape!
ReplyDeleteI "heart" your heart!
I have used bias tape and the base tape adhesive. You are right about the getting it too hot. It will cook it. Ugh! but it really is wonderful when it works right. I have done bias tape for Celtic blocks (no adhesive, pin and stitch by hand) and in stained glass and used a double needle to stitch down. Beautiful piece and different.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cool design! My favorite heart I have seen! I tried that adhesive tape stuff too and it would not work for me either.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool Jayne. You are tenacious with your projects and it pays off. This is awesome. Love the little bits of shimmer to the fabric - Great job!! Sorry for all of the frustration but you inspire me with your ability to persevere.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot to be said for letting a project idea simmer on the back burner for a while. I'm glad this one came to fruition!
ReplyDeleteYou are always so amazing and creative! :)
ReplyDeleteI just love this Jayne. Thanks for sharing your process - I have been wondering about using fusible on home made tape and didn't know if it was worth the effort!
ReplyDeleteI'm all the time seeing random things in random places, and trying to figure out how to turn it into a quilt. You really have me thinking that my next project (once I dig myself out of my big project hole) is to do something with bias tape. I'm not so sure that you or your iron were at fault on the fusible web... had the same problems too and just decided to ditch it. Looks great and I love the puffy quilting at the bottom!
ReplyDeleteAn inspiring read!
ReplyDeletePersistence paid off! Love it.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing. What an interesting pattern. Kudos for sticking it out until it was finished.
ReplyDeleteWow! Absolutely perfect for heart day! Your persistence was definitely worth it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat quilt and a great idea for the way that you made it!
ReplyDelete