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 Fractured Whole Cloth #1
Rings Around the Wreath
An Almost Mystery Quilt!

Join the fun on Sunday, September 4, 2011 as we work on this quilt together!  

WHAT IS "FRACTURED WHOLE CLOTH"

Many years ago, when I began working with whole cloth quilts I found that I was having a hard time keeping my designs lined up correctly and that there were issues with fabric stretching. After much trial and error, I solved these problems by taking my fabric, cutting it into specific sized pieces and sewing it back together again.  By doing this, the seams become a “grid” on which to place my designs and the seams greatly reduced the chances of the fabric stretching.

Since my “whole cloth” quilt now had seams, I called it a Fractured Whole Cloth quilt.

As I worked with this Fractured Whole Cloth concept, I found that if I used hand dyed fabric or commercial fabric that is “mottled” or marbled, you create an extra layer of texture to the quilt top. (See the photo at the right. Click on the photo for a larger view.)

The piecing of a Fractured Whole Cloth quilt is super simple and the quilting is relatively easy also. You will be amazed at the beautiful quilts you will create with this amazing technique!

I also found that if you use a contrasting thread in the quilting, you will see your quilting, and your quilting becomes the focal point of the quilt.

To see photos of the quilting on this class project Click Here

When I create a Fractured Whole Cloth Quilt, I like to use hand painted fabric which I paint myself. This is NOT HARD to do and it is FUN, FUN, FUN! I consider this type of fabric painting a cross between kindergarten painting and old fashioned tie dying! I made a video (see below) of how I paint fabric using this technique. This fabric an be used for a Fractured Whole Cloth quilt or any piecing you may want to do with it.

Please allow a few moments for the video to load properly. If you can view this video, you will be able to view the online class.

Fabric Painting Part 1

 
19 minute 52 seconds

Fabric Painting Part 2

 
15 minute 32 seconds

Fabric Painting Resources

In the fabric painting in the video I used Seta Color Transparent paints. These are paints formulated for fabrics and are a lot of fun to use. You may be able to find them in a local craft store – someone told me that Michael’s Crafts carry them. If you can’t find the Seta colors locally, here are some online resources I have found.

Dharma Trading – a great resources for all sorts of dyeing and painting supplies. Here is direct link to the Seta colors. A 10 color starter pack is near the bottom of the page  http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/35355-AA.shtml 

Here is a direct link to the Starter Set at Dharma Trading -  http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/6044983-AA.shtml?lnav=paints_kits.html

Dick Blick – here is a direct link to the Seta Color page http://www.dickblick.com/products/pebeo-setacolor/

Note – the Seta Color Transparent starter set of 10 colors is the SECOND item listed on the order form.

Click Here for instructions for Sun Painting with Seta Color.

Back to Fractured Whole Cloth #1 Class Details