Turning up the heat
Posted by cottonmillthreadworks on Saturday, November 5th, 2011
Two informative and enjoyable afternoons were spent with Carolynn McMillan learning about different embellishments and how to create them. I'll send you over to Carolynn's blog so you can enjoy her work and the photographs that inspire it.
What really intrigued me was using the heat gun to melt away portions of background (in this case polyester felt). Carolynn has free motion quilted this design and then melted away the black felt:
She then uses these bits in her work after further stitching and beading:
Carolynn said that she uses cotton, silk and rayon threads successfully as they won't melt - but suggested we not use polyester as it could melt along with the background. Aha! Just the sort of thing that I love to test!
In my lab I quickly quilted some samples on black Kunin felt (100% polyester), using King Tut 100% cotton in the bobbin. Carolynn brought her Marvy Embossing Heat Gun to class and the burning ensued (don't try this at home, kids!).
L to R: King Tut 100% cotton and Kimono Silk #100:
L to R: So Fine #50, So Fine #30, Highlights Trilobal - all polyesters:
L to R: LAVA (polyester), Superior Metallic and Glitter:
The threads didn't melt! Bear in mind that this heat gun reaches temps. of 680° (that's the old-fashioned Fahrenheit). I'm confident in using my Superior threads for any project that will undergo heat. However, if using something else (but why would you?) make sure you test and test again!
Carolynn will be showing her beautiful fibre works at the Caledonia Grand River QG meeting on Wed. 9 Nov. Or if you would like to learn more about some very cool (and hot) techniques she has another Embellishing class scheduled for 23 Nov. & 7 Dec. at The Quilt Rack in Ancaster.
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