Obviously Chocolate

"Obviously Chocolate"

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?!