Chantilly Lace

Chantilly Lace was created for the SAQA booth at Houston International Quilt Festival. It is the first of 3 pieces to be completed and measures 9X12. The background was screenprinted with procion fiber reactive dyes on white cotton and subsequently painted with acrylics to create depth and pattern to the ocean floor. The sea plants consist of both fibers and a dyed soft sculpted doilie that was painted with 3 dimensional paints to add texture. The turtle shell was made entirely from scrap pieces of fabric that have been fused with Misty Fuse. Love that stuff!!!!  Extra layers of high loft polyester batting were added to the shell to provide lift and dimension. The shell was also  beaded and embellished with embroidery floss. The head, arms, legs and tail have been painted with acrylic paints, layered with multiple layers of cotton batting and strategically tacked down as if allowing the turtle to "float" through the water. In the past, I have carried the sea plant patterns onto the background through stitch, however, I felt that a little geometric pattern would provide interest and a nice change in texture. Actual sea plants were hand stitched. Edges were finished with pillowcase style.  This is the first piece I have made in a while, following my sister's death. I am finding it hard to focus and am hoping that with time, the muse will return. Funny how grief can affect your creativity. Interesting observation....