Batting for shadow trapunto?

[HomespunMary]

I posted this question under an old thread that quiltcreator posted last summer, but I guess she's not here a lot these days. So, thought I'd post it here as well in the hope that someone else who has tried shadow trapunto may have some ideas to share...

I really want to try the technique for shadow trapunto that Karen McTavish does with batiste, but on a not-very-ambitious project. I'm having problems, though, deciding what to use for batting for the trapunto parts, because the batting used on the top layer shows quite a bit.

I've tried three different battings in a little practice piece, but am not really happy with any of them.

- the poly (that Karen McTavish recommends, although I didn't have the same brand) makes the colored "background fabric" shine through (see the two "blue" drops in my test piece),
- the cotton isn't really even in color so that the "cotton lumps" show, and
- the polar fleece "bends" rather than fluffs up when the quilting around it is finished...



Has anyone else tried this and happens to have any thoughts on the batting?

[Littlebit]

Hi Maria - I have never done Trapunto, but I did find a video that might help you, This video is done by Sharon Schamber who won the Paducah Quilt show this year. Sharon does amazing work! She does use a long arm, but I don't see why you couldn't use your regular machine. She also mentions using High loft 10-12 ounce bonded Polyester Batting, you can get this at a JoAnns or similar store. Hope this helps, can't wait to see what you come up with )
Michelle
http://sharonschambernetwork.com/free_a ... /free.html

[HomespunMary]

Littlebit - thank you so much for the link! I've spent the evening on the train and watched the video. You really made my evening, I was so bored before I saw your link!

She is an unbelievable quilter!!! I just couldn't take my eyes of the screen - I almost felt hypnotised, LOL!

I think the video may also at least partly have answered my question. I did use high loft poly, but to my knowledge not of the "bonded" type (whatever that means....). On the other hand, she doesn't use see-through batiste for a top layer, so I can't be 100% sure that the bonded type would solve the problem of the main fabric showing through the batting and the batiste.

So, if anyone else has tried this I'd love to hear what you used.

[CaroleJ]

Mary, I remember an article in a quilt mag a while back...she discussed using colored FELT for trapunto padding.

[HomespunMary]

Carole, now that you say it, I too remember that I've heard or seen someoe mention felt. I'll have to look into that! Thanks for reminding me

[CaroleJ]

Mary, I'll see if I can find that magazine...give me a day or two!

[HomespunMary]

Carole, please don't go through any extra trouble for me! I'm starting to have second thoughts about this whole experiment, so I might at least postpone it for a while. I'll try to find some felt next time I get to a fabric store, and try it out in due time...

[Cathy32078]

Maria I was just reading a book on Trapunto by Karen McTavish this morning and she said to use dyed fleece or bright colored acrylic felt if you want your Trapunto to appear a color. She said to use a somewhat sheer quilt top, such as a Batiste. After you do the Trapunto work, cut the excess colored felt & batting away. Use water-soluble thread in the top only, not in the bobbin.

Be sure to test the felt in warm water for bleeding. Hope this helps.

Hugs & Love