Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Tsukineko Inks and the Traditional Quilter continued

Well as you can see, I know have had the opportunity to machine applique using rayon threads. The Tuskineko really enhances the flower. Using a dark pink fabrc, white Tuskineko on the edges, red to highlight the centre of the petals, gives the flower depth. Using the rayon threads to applique the fabric down gave it yet another dimension! Using a dry brush approach on the flower, it's not to heavy and easier to blend. Next will be quilting then maybe some beading...!

The 2010 Olympic Games have arrived!


The Games are here and I'm proud to be Canadian! In 1988 I was an employee of CTV and had the opportunity to work at the Olympics and it was one of the highlights of my life!
I, along with other Canadian Quilt designers were asked by Northcott Fabrics to design a quilt pattern using their "Winter Sports" fabric line! We are very proud to be part of this endevour and here is my design! When I heard the CTV's song sung for the first time it sent chills down my spine. This quilt was created in July of 2009, so you can imagine my feelings when I heard the "I Believe" song sung by Nikkie Yanofsky! Thank you Northcott and CTV for what you have given me!
Sincerely,
Susan J. Jensen
Designer, Teacher and Quiltmaker

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Tsukineko Inks and a Traditional Quilter


As you know I'm a traditionalist as a quilter designer but with a twist. I'm always looking for techniques that will enhance my designs and make it fun and a learning expierence for those who purchase my patterns. I have always wanted to use Tsukineko Inks, but not being an artist I was wondering how I could you these wonderful inks to enhance my quilt designs. Well, my very dear friend and Fibre Artist Judy Greenwood (www.fibreartbyjudy.com) and I spent the afternoon playing around with the inks and she helped me use them in one of my designs. Well as you can see, a plain looking flower is has come alive with a little ink. Heat setting this with an iron will make it permanent. Along with a little beading and hand embroidery these flowers will be good enough to pick! This technique gives the traditonal quilter who loves applique to try something new, but you don't need to be an artist to do it. With a little bit of shading and highlighting on your flowers you can make you flowers come alive on your quilt. Wow what fun I had and I'm looking forward to doing more! I will also be trying this on wool as well! I will keep you posted on this wonderful journey of Tsukineko Inks and a Traditional Quilter!