This piece was really fun to make. When I first heard the new theme, I knew I didn't want to be too obvious. I thought I would take my cues from some beautiful brown fabrics and maybe a bit of metallic referring to some lovely chocolate packaging. But, the results couldn't be more obvious -- don't you think? Rather than using some metallic fabric or foils, I simply used the actual chocolate wrappers. Obvious isn't all bad. I think it's gots some nice abstract elements and I'm really pleased with the variety of layers and textures.
I incorporated the same methods I used for my two Encrusted Cobblestones pieces. This was a bit trickier since I had to have a specific finished size. I cut a piece of batting about 11.5 x 11.5 and then cut several 2ish inch squares in a variety of browns. All those fabric were pre-fused. I also (carefully) added Wonder Under to the back of the chocolate wrappers. I used some nice Godiva squares that came in three lovely browns (for milk, white and dark chocolate) and a Mr. Goodbar that was super shiney gold. I think there is a Dove bar in there too.Then I just began placing the squares on top of the batting overlapping each square just enough to fuse together. I let the edge pieces hang over the batting about a quarter of an inch. After I was satisfied with the first layer of squares, I added several more squares of various sheer fabrics over the top. Tulle, cheese cloth, organza, etc.
Then I fused a piece of black fabric to the back. The edges that were hanging over the batting got fused to the edge of the black fabric. I used a deckle edge rotary cutter to trim the black batting just a smidge bigger than the top so it has a nice black edge.
Then free motion quilted all those swirly shapes to imply chocolate pieces. Yum.
I can hardly wait to hear the new theme! Kristin?!
14 comments:
You and Nikki have both made boxes of chocolate, yet they couldn't be more different. even obvious doesn't mean boring or the same old same old. Love the variety in your box and the little touches of wrappers are such a nice surprise.
I love it! Very yummy. And I usually don't like brown fabric...
I'm looking forward to the next theme too.
It's wonderful. I get a feeling like I'm peering into a box of fancy chocolates and looking for the perfect one to taste.
I really like the uneven edges on this, it look s like peices of wrapping hanging over
rich, rich, rich--as sensuous as good chocolate.
Not a lick of purple or green. I am so proud of you!! (vbg) I really like it and it very similar to one that was in my head. Your's is way better. that little Godiva label just makes it.
Deborah! I really like how this is abstract and direct at the same time. The chocolate box association is obvious, but the execution makes takes this away from obvious into "OOOOOOH!" I've enjoyed looking at the detail shot and seeing the wrappers mixed in with fabric. Very nice touch! And of course, the quilting lines to suggest chocolates works perfectly too.
Brown was definetly a stretch for us purple girls!!! You did a beautiful job. I love all the textures of the browns and the touch of wrappers.
Yum indeed. I would like a full sized version of this to sit under whilst eatng the real stuff. It would never occur to me to fuse to batting or finish in that way - more lessons learned. Thanks.
Yummy! May I pick some from that box ? Please ...
I agree with Gerrie - the Godiva label is the perfect touch! And it really does look like a box of chocolates.
And the exuberant quilting line tells me that you enjoy your subject! Lovely variety of textures and I love the playfulness of the edges of your box.
joan
What an interesting way to edge. Would you mind posting a close-up of an edge? Was there WU on the black backing fabric? If so, didn't it show on the edge? If not, is the edge ravelly?
I love this quilt! I saw the photo first (not the close-up that shows the Godiva brand name) and then your blog entry. That is when I realized what you had done. So, for me, it was not so obvious. I'm guessing that this quilt SMELLS good, too, (with all those wrappers)!
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