On Saturday, we had a very enjoyable workshop with Pat Archibald. I've known Pat for 22 years (we assured each other that we look just the same as we did all those years ago!). When she first started out, I did several workshops with her, but this is the first I have done for some time. As you can see, we were going to make the most wonderful elephant wallhanging (are you now singing Nelly the elephant packed her trunk ......)
but first, we got to play with beautifully carved wooden printing blocks which Pat had brought back from India, and lovely thick, gloopy ink
we practised first on scrap fabric
finding out how much ink to put on the block, and how much pressure to apply to get a clear print
then, after our experiments
we printed cotton bags
once the ink dried, we ironed it to set it, so if necessary, the bag can be washed
next we stamped all over the fabric for our elephants, so we each had a unique pattern
using the pattern, I traced the elephant on to fusible web
I cut it out and set it aside
while I repeated the process with two fabrics for the saddle cloths
I stamped the two saddle cloth fabrics
and having cut out the ear and the tusk, assembled Nelly
having fused all the elements of Nelly together, except for her ear, I then fused her to the background, which I had prepared at home
at this stage, I had stitched round most of Nelly
you can see the stitching better on the wrong side
back home, I looked out some bits and pieces to decorate Nelly ....... I shall have to add some beads and bells as well
we had a fabulous day with Pat. As well as being a very talented, award winning quilter, she is also an excellent teacher, explaining all the steps clearly, and getting us through a great deal of work, without our feeling under pressure. Do click on the link above and explore her website - she travels all round the world teaching, so one day she may be in a town near you! She also has kits for sale, so check out her shop as well