So where are we at with my Textile and mixed media sampler project (
TAMMS)? So far we have made a foundation,
some paper beads (embellishments),
and some dyed fabric (Surface design),
I have been thinking all week about Fabric manipulation and had a few ideas on what I might do (of course with no Idea in mind yet about what I might make, lol) and finally I decided on fabric folding. I have recently been doing some fabric folding with my huge stash of charm squares. Spurred on by a recent
design matters episode called twisted squares, (which is available to watch if you are a member). I also have in my UFO stack a pile of folded satin blocks which I made a few years ago and haven't got back to - as you do.
Some good references for fabric folding, which show ways to use similar folded blocks are
Fantastic fabric folding by Rebecca Wat
A fresh twist on fabric folding by Rebecca Wat
Quiltagami by mary jo hiney
Folded fabric elegance by Rami Kim
Any basic origami book or site
Tea bag folding books and sites
I have always had a fascination for origami and when I saw folded fabric, well, I just had to do it. I have actually done quite a bit, but it appears I have not blogged about it.
So to today's Fabric manipulation method.
here are the two folds I like to use most. The one on the bottom left is a simple folded flower like a little hydrangea, the one on the right is a twisted square or chopkey square. Once you get the idea, the twisted square can be made in any shape, just beginning with a different shape piece of fabric. I founhd, when I was starting out, that it was helpful to make a few in paper first as it holds the folds better than fabric and helps you to get the folding right first. The blob at the top is a pincushion I made with the hydrangeas, using five on top, five oun bottom and five around the middle.
Let's start with the twisted square first.
Start with a square charm, I am usung tiny 2.5 in squares. Fold in half and crease one way then fold the other way and crease. Open out. Now you have the centre marked easily.
Take one of the folds and fold it halfway to the parallel edge. I have included a diagram which might make it easier.
Turn 90 degrees and do the same with the next fold. fold all the folds in the same direction - ie clockwise or anti clockwise.
Continue until you have folded all four of the initial creases.
Squash and twist the centre and it will form a square!
Press and remove the pins and you have a twisted square.
Above are four I have pieced together. The folded edges create a nice seam allowance for piecing so that only the little dimensional square is visible.
The back is also quite interesting as it creates a four patch which is interlocked.
The hydrangea begins exacly the same way.
Create the crossing creases as with the twisted square but the next steps are different.
Fold each corner to the centre and crease. I usually tack the tips in the centre with a few tiny stitches.
I also add a tiny bit of clear nail polish to the new outside corners to stop them fraying.
I bring a knotted thread up through the centre, catch the centre of one of the edges and go back through the centre. Repeat on the opposite side.
Next I do the same with to other two sides. The first one creates a boat-like shape, then with the second, you can see the petals starting to form.
I pull the corners of the petals to the centre one by one, catching them and flattening them. I have included my index finger so you can see how small these are. I suggest you start with a much larger square, lol. The stitches and nail polish in the centre can be easily covered with a sequin or a few tiny beads.
As I said, these remind me of hydrangea flowers. This is an ATC I made with them a while ago
Hope you enjoyed this post and have lots of ideas to use the little fabric manipulations. Don't hesitate to post your ideas and creations
here.
I will be away on family business until the end of the week, so won't be able to post, but don't forget
Happy creating!
