The small trapunto-beginners' group

[HomespunMary]

This is a discussion thread for those of us who feel like trying out a little bit of trapunto for the first time!

There's no teacher here, no deadlines, no rules, and no quilt police! Hopefully just a bunch of brave persons who don't shy away from trying this on their own...

Just some general info to get us started:

METHODS

Trapunto can seemingly be done in a number of different ways, and everyone just choose whichever method they think will be comfortable with. For those who want to look at a few different methods before they start, here are a few links:

A general overview of trapunto techniques:
http://www.quiltersmuse.com/wholecloth_ ... uilts4.htm

The method used by Karen McTavish:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_quilting_in ... 68,00.html

And, the video version (click on the link, then on "Wholecloth trapunto" in the menu to the left:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/t ... 66,00.html

The somewhat different method used by Sharon Schamber:
http://www.sharonschambernetwork.com/sp ... 008/1.html

Patsy Thompson's method (parts 1 and 2):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_wgE74M ... _wgE74Mro4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZracYi4 ... ZracYi4ooI

For those who'd like use their embriodery machines:
http://www.advanced-embroidery-designs. ... punto.html

And, another method, from eHow:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2120258_learn-t ... punto.html

MATERIAL

What you need will depend on the technique chosen, and some of the links above specify the material needed for that particular technique, but at a minimum I guess the following is needed:

- a quilt top of some kind (whole cloth, pieced, appliqued, or a combination)
- batting for the trapunto areas (fairly high loft poly batting, for instance)
- regular batting and backing of your choice
- safety pins
- small sharp scissors
- regular thread
- a basic knowlege of free motion quilting

For some methods, the following would also be needed:

- water soluble thread
- motifs for the trapunto areas
- a lightbox

If you can think of other general tips to share here, please just let me now and I'll edit this post. Now, let's get going!

[HomespunMary]

For my part, I’ve got most of the things lined up, and will start tonight! I’ll basically be following the method used by Karen McTavish, so this is my supply list…

A quilt top:



Pics to use as inspiration for my motifs, the first for the sashing and the second (the flower in the shadow) for the blocks:






Two designs already drawn up on paper (had to start with the easy ones, LOL!):



The batting (Airtex, ordered from www.battylady.com):



A marking pen (Clover blue water soluble marking pen):



And water soluble thread (Vanish, from Superior Threads):




Just need to draw up the flower motifs and I’ll start placing blue marks on my white quilt top

[luv_2quilt60]

Great links Mary......

[sunsup]

This is exciting and I admire you gals. I think I'll watch and cheer you on.

Sandy

[HomespunMary]

Come on, sunsup, why don't you join us?

[Redtop]

This sounds very interesting, I have always wanted to learn how to do trapunto. It will have to be a beginning group because I know nothing about this method.

[grammy65]

Hi...checked out most of the links last night. The one by Patsy Thompson was very good. Still need to check out the others. Need to think of a project and find a design. Guess a pillow would be good. Thanks for getting this going.

Today I am off to my LQS to see the new Viking Designer Diamond embroidery machine. They are going to unveil it at Embroidery Club.

Diane

[HomespunMary]

Redtop - join us! We are all absolute beginners on this!

Diane - I think a pillow sounds like an ideal project! Here's a page with very nice and free feather motifs, if you're interested in feathers:
http://www.forestquilting.com/freemotif ... geone.html

Looking forward to hearing what you think about the new Viking Diamond

[HomespunMary]

OK, first lesson learned: if you plan to mark your trapunto design by placing the motif under the fabric, you should either check that you can see though the fabric before you start or you should own a lightbox...

I'm now stuck, because I don't see through the white Fairy Frost and I don't have a lightbox. Will go out lightbox-hunting tomorrow...

[nanjam62]

I would love to try this with you all. Am far behind on my prayer quilts so I may have to watch and do later. Keep up the good work & I'll be dropping by when I can. This really looks like fun. Good luck all. Nancy