Thursday, January 10, 2013

PatchWords

A PatchWord Canvas

When I saw the blog hop announcement on Sew We Quilt 
for the

I knew I had to take part.   Thanks, Madame Samm and Linda for organizing this wonderful blog hop!

I have been thinking about starting a "journal quilt" for some time and this was just the incentive I needed. My project started as the "first page" in what I intend to be a "My Journal Quilt."

When I finished sewing and thought about quilting, I had to stop and think.  I had been considering a "Quilt As You Go" technique for this quilt.  Then I realized that I have no idea what the "next page" will be.  I decided to quilt it when I am further along in the journal quilt journey.

I wanted to display my page, though. Quilt tops look too incomplete to me.  I am one to to never call anything intended to be a quilt "accomplished" until it is quilted and bound.

So I decided a new way to display my work was needed. 

 I bought an inexpensive artist canvas in the appropriate size with a 40% coupon at Michael's. My canvas is 36" by 24"

The I cut and  cut and stapled batting over it.  


Then I gently stretched my quilt top over it and stapled it too.


 I did a "test" of scrap fabric and staples and I found that if I did not stretch too tight that the heavy duty staples will not leave holes and will not damage my fabric.  So I can enjoy my patchword canvas now and take it down and add more fabric and make a quilt later.


Seemed like a win-win solution to me.  I am pretty happy with the results and may make more of these fabric art canvases in the future.

Here is my design and sewing process:

I chose my first word and drew up a plan



I found some inspiring fabrics in my stash

and started my sewing machine to whirl.
I made my Butterfly Block first ... 

... this is my own design.

The Butterfly has always been a special sign in my life.

This block is inspired by an inspirational art postcard that my husband to be gave to me when first we came together.


The card was on our refrigerator for many years and in many different kitchens. Ten years ago my teenage daughter and I took an art journal making workshop together and the card became a page in my journal.  


 I also made the art journal cover.


It was not until I took this picture of the cover that I noticed that the wire word on the upper left corner of my paper journal is the same one I chose for my quilt journal.  I did not plan that!


To do the writing, I pressed the block to freezer paper to stabilize it so that the writing would be easier.


I used a permanent black fabric marker, an Identi Pen, to do the writing. I like these fabric markers as they have both a fine and a regular tip and they print nice and dark. I have used this pen on many labels and projects. I pressed the block again after writing to set the dye.  When you are writing on fabric you need to be fearless. It is only fabric after all and you can always rip and sew another piece on if your really do not like the results. My penmanship, like my sewing and quilting is not ever going to be perfect.  It is my own, which is good enough for me.

Then I made My PatchWord ...


I used my own learn as I go method to make these letters and word. I cut 1 inch strips and squares and added larger squares and pieces as needed.
piece by piece
letter by letter
oops!
fixed!
getting there!


tricky "v" required larger pieces of background fabric
all my letters in a row

sewed the together
trim and done

Then I made my word definition ... 

I wanted to add a definition of this word so I went to dictionary.reference.com/
and copied their definition to my Word processor.

 and then  ...
trim to 8.5 by 11 inches
You can add letters to fabric with just freezer paper, an iron and an injet printer. It is important to wash your fabrics first to remove the sizing and finish added in the manufacturing process. Then just cut a piece large enough to go through a standard printer and iron it to the shiny side of a freezer paper rectangle. I always cut both oversize
you want to be sure to trim off rough edges and threads

Then just print!

I set my color to black and ran it through my no frills Lexmark printer.  I have also printed labels in color using this process that have washed well.

To test that the print would not run I printed two copies of the definition on the same sheet and cut off the top one to ...

wash in the sink.

I used hot tap water and Woolite, which is what I wash all my fabrics and quilts with in the machine, too.

The freezer paper back will peel off easily in the sink.

Soak it!  Scrub it!

rinse it
set it to dry and then press it again with a hot iron


Here is the washed piece on the top and the other piece still on the freezer paper. As you can see the lettering did not run and the top piece is ready to be sewn into My Journal Quilt.


I framed my word definition in a rusty brown tone on tone before sewing it into my  layout. 


More PatchWords 
and fabric pages for My Quilt Journal 
coming soon!

For More Inspiring Words
Please Visit All Of Today's Participating Blogs ...
Thursday, January 10

Life in the Scrapatch (You are here)
Just Sew Sue (Sue B.)
Scrappy 'n Happy (Jess R.)
Sowing Stitches (Beulah aka. Carol)
Just Quilt It (Kathy G.)

To say thanks for visiting my blog I would like to send the the following GIVEAWAY anywhere in the world.

In My Words Giveaway

This Giveaway is Closed

I will send the second copy of my printed word definition still on the freezer paper and four Fat Quarters of the fabrics I am using in my journal quilt, including the McKenna Ryan print and the Moda "Homefront" text print to one follower. As these fat quarters are cut from yardage in my stash and I wash all yardage as if comes into my sewing room, these fabrics are washed and pressed and cut by me.

To be eligible to win, please be a follower and leave me one comment and be sure that I can contact you by email to let you know that you have won and to get your address.

For a second chance to win, leave a second comment telling me you are a follower.

One winner will be chosen at random from all entries by midnight January 16th EST.

The winner will be announced  here on my blog on January 17th.

Thank you for reading My Words.

Have a happy quilty day!

:) Pat

174 comments:

Thearica said...

This is an awesome idea!

Sewgirl said...

Believe was my word for last year....and it came in handy! Thanks for the tutorial, always very helpful and inspirational.

Sewgirl said...

I am a follower!

Amy said...

I keep wanted to try and print labels on my printer. Thanks for the great tutorial and beautiful project!

Tina said...

Wow.
I didn't know that this was possible.
So glad I stopped by.

Greetings,
Tina

Vroomans' Quilts said...

This is just a wonderful project and thank you for sharing the process with us. You are going to have the most beautiful journal quilt.

Judy B said...

Lovely! Thank you for the great tutorial and giveaway. jbechosend at sbcglobal dot net

Judy B said...

I follow via GFC! jbechosend at sbcglobal dot net

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

That is beautiful! I really love the fabrics you used too!

Nati said...

Really sweet project and love the butterfly! Thanks for the chance to win, would love to use the definition of believe in one of my projects!

Nati said...

I am your new follower!

Kathy MacKie said...

I'm a new follower, thanks.

Kathy MacKie said...

What a great tutorial, well done.

Lavonna ZWB said...

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful creation with us!

Lavonna

Martina said...

That is such a great idea! Thanks so much for saring also the progress. Very interesting and I love your first page.

Martina said...

I am looking forward to see more of the journal as an ew follower.

Just Sew Sue said...

Wow.

Jodi - usairdoll said...

What a great word, idea for a project and your first page of your quilt journal. I love your tutorial and all the photos. I had not heard of using freezer paper for backing when printing on fabric before. I'm going to remember that for when I try printing. I can't wait to see your next page! You did an beautiful job! Thank you for sharing it with us.

Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Jodi - usairdoll said...

I'm a new follower via GFC and Pinterest. Looking forward to the second page of your journal, hehe.

Thanks again for a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Sunshine Girl said...

Your project is fabulous and what a great tutorial too.

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

Believe is a powerful word - a lovely project for the hop.

vicki said...

That is a neat idea. Love the giveaway, hope (and believe)I win. vickise at gmail dot com

vicki said...

I am a new follower. vickise at gmail dot com

Karen said...

Love your learn as you go method!

Quiltsmiles said...

Nicely done and quite an inspiration. I follow you vi agoogle reader. Thanks Pat for sharing and I just love the hand written message it contains too. Beautiful!! Jane

Jeneta said...

Oh that is great! I love trying new things - thanks for sharing!

charlotte said...

Very pretty and pretty inspiring.

Just Quilt It said...

This is a beautiful project and a great tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing your project. I'm going to try printing on fabric this way!

Just Quilt It said...

I am a new follower!

Marla's Crafts said...

That is a great job. Nice give away.

Unknown said...

Believe is such a powerful word and I good word to start the New Year off...thanks for the mini tutorial I appreciate it. Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

I am a new follower to your blog...thanks for having me.

Gill said...

Thanks for a great tutorial - very clear and easy to follow!

Gill said...

Follower!

Quilt Doodle Designs said...

Beautiful project and wonderful tutorial! Thank you!

Quilt Doodle Designs said...

I'm a new happy follower :)

Jeanie said...

I just love this project... from start to finish. Love the way it is mounted. Wonderful job!

Mara said...

I love everything about your project, what a wonderful idea of putting it on canvas while you work on the rest of your quilt journal.

Patty said...

Very wonderful idea - thanks for sharing. I need to try printing on fabric.

Mara said...

I am a new follower, can't wait to see more as you work on your quilt journal.

Britt-Inger said...

A very wonderful idea, putting it all on canvas and an awesome work too.
Thanks for sharing

Sowing Stitches said...

I just love projects that fuel future projects! :) Looking forward to seeing your journal quilt and how you will be displaying it when it is completed.
sowingstitches[at]gmail[dot]com

Barb Neiwert said...

I'm a new follower. Nice to meet you!

Barb Neiwert said...

What a lot of work you did to make the tutorial for us - thanks! Believe is my word, too, and I even have a wooden cut-out shape of it hanging in our dining area. A very important word to keep in the forefront of your psyche. :)

Martha said...

Love your project. Absolutely my favorite colors and the art work is incredible. I have bookmarked your site, we are having bad weather here this morning and the follower part is not loading up, but I will come back and become your follower. Thanks for sharing with us.

beaquilter said...

this is awesome I love it!! too cool on canvas

Susie said...

Hi Pat, love the quilt and the word you have chosen. Thanks for sharing and the giveaway. Susie x

Susie said...

I am now a follower. Susie x

Sparky said...

I BELIEVE by golly your inspiring ART piece was created with sooooo much love...Love it Pat...

Unknown said...

Thank you for the freezer paper technique for print. I will have to try that. Your project is fantastic. i am sure it will bring you and anyone who sees it inspiration.

Quilting Babcia said...

I love your create as you go method! You believe you can, and you do!

Quilting Babcia said...

Yes, I'm a follower of your great blog!

Quiltin Jenny said...

What a beautiful project and a very helpful tutorial.

I love using my printer to transfer, but have never done it on a different fabric like this. Thanks so much for explaining it clearly.

krislovesfabric said...

Beautiful, inspiring work :) thanks for sharing

Delia Moran said...

Wow, Pat! I had no idea you could do that with a printer and freezer paper. I'm definitely holding on to that bit of info! Beautiful results. :D

Dorian said...

Beautiful my friend! And a fun project too.

Carol Swift said...

I love all the different methods you used. Very nice! Thanks for sharing the tutorial.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Wow!! Very nice piece...I really like the tutorial. Lovely work.Thanks for the giveaway

pinsandneedles said...

I love this idea! I have been wanting to do an art journal for some time but wasn't sure how to get started. Thanks for the tutorial.

JudyCinNC said...

A wonderful word and a beautiful project to treasure. Thank you for your participation and inspiration. Judy C

JudyCinNC said...

I have become a follower and love your blog. Judy C

Linda said...

How wonderful! You did such a good job on this!! I love the idea of a quilt journal and I've wanted for a long time now to stretch a quilt on a frame. I'm so glad you've paved the way!

carla said...

Hi!!! Very pretty and creative!!! Love your word too!!!!

carla said...

Hi!!! I am a new follower and Thanks for the fun!!!

sew.darn.quilt said...

In a word, beautiful :)
Thank you for the chance, I'm a follower ;D

Anonymous said...

A lot of work went into your project, Very nice.

SIMPLESEW said...

I am a follower, a new one and I am glad, you are great at tutorials.

SIMPLESEW said...

Fabulous ! I loved the story, the journal book and the Quilt, and loved all the information I got. Just this week, I had a friend print me some words, not for this hop, I was scared to write. I will get me a pin and be fearless!!!!!

Sarah said...

I just came across your blog today as I was reading Amy's Crafty Shenanigans blog post...I am sooo glad that I did. Your post was sooo inspiring! I cannot wait to try you fabric printing idea!

Sarah said...

I am now an official follower!

Kathy said...

I love your wall art! And, how sweet you are to share the tutorial. Thank you.

kearley75860 @ yahoo (dot) com

Kathy said...

I am a new follower.

Bquiltin said...

so neat... how to do it... and a giveaway...!!! lovely work!

Kathy H said...

Beautiful journal cover and quilt too. Thanks for showing how to print on fabric. I had thought that would work but your directions were really welcome.

Lou said...

Love it and that was my word last year!!!! My word this year is Thankful:)

Lou said...

I am a new follower

Julie said...

Thank you for detailing your process for us! Creative work!

Calicojoan said...

I love the fabrics you chose, and I am very interested in the printing method. Do you use any kind of Bubble Jet set or anything on the fabric first? Beautiful wall hanging. I love them on stretcher bars or canvas. They always look so professional!

Agnes B. Bullock said...

WOW! this spectacular!

DachsiesWithMoxieMama@gmail.com

Vicki H said...

WOW, such a creative project. Thanks for sharing.

Vicki H said...

I am a new follower.

Judith said...

Fantastic! Love your idea of a quilt journal and your tutorial. Thanks for sharing and I am a new follower. I look forward to seeing more of your marvelous projects. Judith, Texas

Vickie said...

In reading the definition of believe, I was reminded of faith- unquestioning belief in God.Great project!

Katie said...

Pat I always love new ways to bring quilting to life rather than the standard quilt and this is a great example of that. Thanks for the ideas

Katie said...

also a new follower -- thanks again

Jane's Quilting said...

Your tutorial was great. I like the idea of getting an artist canvis. I must get one. Your quilt is so pretty and so true. Thank you for sharing with us.

Mary Ann said...

I like the canvas idea a lot!

Tammy said...

Now aren't you creative. And I really love the idea of putting the quilted page on the canvas to hang up..I may have to borrow that idea. Thanks fo ra chance to enter your giveaway and thank you forshareing your project with us today. conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary Ann said...

New follower on google reader.

Tammy said...

I am also a brand new follower. Thank you for the giveaway chance again. conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

Hooked on Quilting said...

Love the tutorial...very detailed!!! Thank you for sharing.

Hooked on Quilting said...

I'm a follower, too!

Nancy M. said...

a very cool idea. I love the word believe. So many things one can believe in. Thanks for the chance to win.

Nancy M. said...

i am a new follower

Mary Ann said...

I learned a lot from your tutorial and was inspired by your project. Thank you!

barbara woods said...

New follower

Anonymous said...

Awesome idea! I think I'll copy the display method once I get my "quilt" finished. Have a blessed quilty day.

Patty said...

What a bunch of great ideas, and great looking quilts.

Patty said...

I am now a follower. You make the neatest blocks. You are so creative.

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Love your journal and all you did.

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

I'm a new follower.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for a great tutorial. It will come in handy sometime in the future no doubt.

Suze said...

Thank you for sharing and explaining your process. Your handwriting is beautiful. We all need to BELIEVE. Attitude and that believe makes a huge difference in how we live each day.

Suze said...

I love the story about the butterfly. I also became a new follower.

robin said...

I like your word! Sometimes I am a Doubting Thomas.

robin said...

I am a new follower.

Queenie Believe said...

"Believe" is an always an insprirational word for Queenie! I love this quilt and your tutorials are wonderful.
Have a great day!
Always, Queenie Believe

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

It is wonderful! Thank you for sharing the technique.

Anonymous said...

FOLLOWING!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

LIKE YOUR WORD!
THANKS FOR SHARING!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

Sheila said...

Thanks for sharing your great tutorial , Believe is a great word !!I am a new follower and will enjoy seeing your progress on this quilt.

SandyMay said...

What a great idea, and what lovely projects you've shown. Super leaf page. swalker287 (at) gmail (dot) com.

BizyStitches said...

Believe has been one of my favorite words. Love the giveaway. Thanks for sharing.

BizyStitches said...

I think I'm the new lucky follower. LOL

Brenda said...

I'm a follower!
hulseybg at gmail dot com

Brenda said...

What a great use of the block! I love the butterfly you designed.
hulseybg at gmail dot com

gpc said...

What a wonderful project! And one of my favorite words, too.

Catherine said...

Very nice work. I just love what you have accomplished!

Diane Swett said...

Wow Pat I love the word Journal and you did an awesome job. thanks for sharing.

Diane Swett said...

I am following you on google and Pintrest.

Michele T said...

Fantastic idea... I've never made words like that but you have taken the mystery out of it!!! I would love to try it! Thanks! I am a new follower.

CeLynn said...

Love your "art canvas"! Thank you so much for the tutorial of how you made it.

Catskill Quilter said...

I love the idea of stretching a quilt top on a frame -- it is more "complete" looking, I agree!

Catskill Quilter said...

I am a new follower of your blog!

Jenny said...

beautiful "page". I love the journal quilt idea. Love that you added the definition. Lovely work.

Lyn said...

Thanks so much That was a wonderful tutorial! Thanks for being part of the hop!

Lyn said...

Yes I am a follower

StitchinByTheLake said...

What a sweet story and what a wonderful way to display your quilt - I love this! blessings, marlene

Verna G said...

What a great project! And what a good word to use.

LJ said...

Wow, Pat, what you did was outstanding! I read every word and enjoyed the complete post. Great to see all your designing, your canvas work, your Art Journal (which is beautiful!), the progress of your letters, everything. Thank you so much.

LJ said...

I said to myself, "I BELIEVE I'll follow Pat's blog!" so I became a new follower. Blogs introduce me to fabulous blogs - like yours.

sandra said...

A very awesome idea and so creative. Thanks for the wonderful tutorial and I think I will have to follow you to because I am excited to see what comes next and what the finish project will look like. Blessings Sandra

Farm Quilter said...

Great tutorial, thank you!!! Believe...great word and I love the way you displayed it!!

Cloud 9 said...

Great suggestion on fabric printing using freezer paper. Does it work just as good printing with color? I have to try this for quilt labels. Oh, and I love the art journal.

Cloud 9 said...

I'm a follower.

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Rosemary B here: fantastic. Thank you for the instructions and the give away!! This turned out just lovely. You are very creative

evelyn said...

Thanks for the great tutorial. What a neat way to display a small WIP. Believe is a great word it gives lots of food for thought.

Darlington Delights said...

Great word and I love your use of printable fabric! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the giveaway!

Darlington Delights said...

I'm a follower!

Scrapatches said...

I am sew happy that so many visitors have found my quilty efforts interesting.

Thank you, all, for stopping by and leaving such lovely comments. This is my first time as a participant in one of these hops and it has been a wonderful experience.

I will continue to try to respond by email to everyone to check that I have a way to contact the lucky winner of my giveaway,

Judy B ... I have not been able to find an email addy for you ... if your read this please send me an email. My email address is on my profile.

I have been enjoying all the beautiful projects each day and am looking forward to more inspiration tomorrow and next week.

Thanks again to Mdm Samm and Linda and to everyone who has joined in this wonderful blog hop ... :) Pat

lefuntz said...

My word! When I was a child my best friend's father was a preacher. They had a placard of Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible unto him that believeth. It has been an inspiration my whole life. When I saw the theme for this blog hop it was the first word that came to mind. Thank You!

lefuntz said...

I am now a follower!

In stitches and seams said...

what an awsome idea .... your journal... and the great givea away too.
in stitchs

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

Love it - thank you so much for going through it step by step - bookmarking for future reference!

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

Following your blog :)

MoeWest said...

A journal quilt is such a great idea and I like the word you chose to start it! Putting it on a frame until you have more of the quilt ready is much nicer than just putting it on the design wall.

Bonnie said...

Believe has always been my word also. Have several pieces hanging in my home with it and a couple of pieces of jewelry also. What a beutiful quilt and what a wonderful way to display it while it is in progress. Thanks for all the ideas and for the giveaway.

Bonnie said...

I am a new follower.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Believe is such a wonderful word and your projects is beautiful! I really like the way you put your word together! Beautiful fabrics too!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What a fantastic giveaway! I am a follower, thanks!

Wendy said...

Your art quilt is just beautiful - the sentiment, the piecing, the word...

That's a great idea to display it as a canvas for a while, changeable art!

Anonymous said...

that is really neat how you print right onto the fabric! I'd like to try that now.

Robin said...

Very cool project. I love the canvas idea! I will definitely be using that one. Wonderful tutorial for a beautiful piece of work!

Robin said...

I am a new follower!

Pamela said...

Love your fabric and the butterfly. Thanks for sharing.

Amy, a redeemed sheep said...

I love the idea of creating a fabric wall art using an artist canvas. So clever!!

Darla said...

Thanks, for the instructions of printing on fabric. It sounds so simple! I have heard of this but have never tried it. Now, I need to try it.

Cathy said...

Thanks for sharing the process.

Cathy said...

I'm now a follower.

The Slow Quilter said...

I love the word Belive and how you went through the process of monting it. Good job.

The Slow Quilter said...

I am a new follower and looking forward to following.

Bente-I like to QuiltBlog said...

Very beautiful, an thank you so much for the tutorial, I think I´ll try it some day.
Bente

Karrie said...

Thank you for the tutorial! I love it!

Ksmith8@emich.edu

Karrie said...

I'm a new follower ;)

nicolesender said...

The word Believe is a great choice. I enjoyed reading your tutorial. thanks for the hints.
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

New gfc follower: nicolesender.
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

PatSloan said...

What a GREAT Word... Believe is one of my favorites too! Thanks for sharing!

I hope you'll check out my daily blog.. my day is the last day

Pat Sloan
Radio show Host... The Voice of Quilting
http://blog.patsloan.com

sophie said...

I love your little quilt--I also used a combination of free-pieced and printed words. Yours came our great!

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

Wonderful project. Thanks for the tut.

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

I am a new follower. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

Quiltsmiles said...

I also follow you. Jane

Scrapatches said...

Last chance to enter my giveaway!

Closes at midnight EST.

Winner announced tomorrow!

Good luck!

Thanks to everyone who made this blog hop wonderful by visiting me and leaving lovely comments!

:) Pat

Maria Kievit said...

Love the explanations and tute you gave of how you did your work! Thanks. Am a follower.

Scrapatches said...

Maria ... welcome! You just made it into my giveaway! Good Luck!

This giveaway in now closed.

Going to a random number generator now ... sew exciting!

Good Luck, everyone!

And thanks sew much!!! :-) Pat