Saturday, November 19, 2011

Silk Dupioni Wall Quilt is Finished



This silk improv quilt is my latest finish and newest addition to my Etsy store. It's hand-quilted with Pearle cotton (big stitch) in straight lines and curvy lines. It measures 33" x 35." Working with silk takes a little getting used to; you need to use a pinking blade on your rotary cutter so the fabric doesn't fray away. I don't use a stabilizer because it drags under the feed dogs. I love how rich the colors are, and how brilliant it looks in a spotlight or near a lamp. It's worth the trouble in my opinion.




 I've been collecting silk dupioni over the last 5 years when I visit the garment district in New York City. I especially love the shot silks; the warp is one color and the weave is another color. So when you use it in a quilt, placing it in various angles, the color looks a little different. And so beautiful!!

Do you use silk in quilts? Any tips?
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8 comments:

  1. NickyNovember 19, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    Stunning - silk is such a quality fabric the fabric just glows and the colours are fabulously intense. I have some sari silks left over from I project I made and now I now what to do with them. In the past I ironed then onto lightweight interfacing but you do end up with stiff fabric - not tried pinking!

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  2. MicheleNovember 19, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    Stunning! I've been collecting silks, but haven't worked with them once.

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  3. UnknownNovember 19, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    You have got me on this one! Totally in love, but then again you know my obsession with silks. Only tip that I have is use interfacing. Hope you are having a great workshop.

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  4. Nifty QuiltsNovember 19, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    Beautiful!

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  5. SaraNovember 19, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    Your quilt is gorgeous!! I've never used silk - yet. But I have the scraps cut from the bottom of my daughter's Dupioni silk wedding dress. And I'm supposed to make a christianing gown for her baby out of it. Nervous!!!

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  6. electricdunceNovember 19, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    .What a dazzler, the fabric is so beautiful and it really sings. I always enjoy your bog. I love seeing the quilts from the Museum of Folk art as well. I've been having lots of computer problems this fall so I haven't communicated much. I'm going to go look at your etsy site right now!

    Karin

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  7. smazoochieNovember 20, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Beautiful! I didn't realize from the flickr image that it was dupioni.
    I know a woman who has dupioni pajama-like pants & said they were sturdy, hard-working garments, easy to wash & elegant.

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  8. Norma SchlagerNovember 23, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Your quilt is stunning! I love to quilt with Dupioni silk and have used it by itself and mixed with my hand dyes. I like the subtle sheen it has when quilted. I do back mine with a lightweight woven interfacing and have had no drag when quilting, but then I do machine quilt.

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