I spent Thursday at a workshop that was sponsored by my quilt guild. We learned how to make prints from leaves, using a product called "Colour Vie", a water based pigment system.
Our instructor for the day was Beth Cameron of Manotick ON.
She provided containers of already mixed pigments, and showed us how to paint the colours onto the back of the leaves, and then print it onto prepared fabric. I used some white PFD cotton, and each participant had to bring some 1 inch foam brushes, paper towels, etc. We all collected fresh leaves, and there was a large variety to choose from.
We were a very busy group - I have never spent time with quilters with so little conversation! By the end of the day, everyone had lots of printed pieces.
These were my test sample pieces, and I think I'm going to use them in a small wall hanging.
A pattern for a quilt was provided as well, so the rest of my pieces will be used for that, but I have to find the perfect fabric to coordinate with the prints that I made.
I started out using very little pigment, and I like the lacy look that it provided. Some of the others used lots more than I did, and their prints were very bold.
Some used just one set of colours. My table partner made all her blocks in a yellow to orange blend, and another made all hers in dark blues and teals. I hope to see their finished projects some time in the future.
I was asked to take over a workshop on Thursday. The person who was going to teach it had to be out of town.
Thursday morning I headed to the fairgrounds in Odessa ON, where we use one of their buildings for large workshops. I was there about 8:45, and helped set up tables and chairs. Soon ladies started arriving with sewing machines, and lots of assorted stuff.
I had 2 helpers for the morning and part of the afternoon too. The ladies were there to make some clothesline baskets. I only had a couple to show, as most of mine have been gifted or sold, but my helpers each brought one as well. It took a while to get everyone started, as it is important to get a good starting wrap of the clothesline. Then the 3 of us were flitting from table to table to help everyone start their coils ( the hardest part, I think).
I shared a couple of websites with the group, and everyone was off and wrapping then stitching.
Personally, I like to wrap the clothesline ahead of time, then just sit and stitch.
By 4pm, there were some finished baskets, and some great progress by others, who had decided to make a large basket to hold knitting.
There was lots of chatting and visiting to see what other's baskets were looking like and seeing how different fabric choices were working.
I explained that I save all the selvedge edges from the fabric I buy, and make scrappy baskets, so I think I have people looking a the selvedges with "new eyes".
I must say that I was tired by the end of the day - my first full one since I was ill, but when I returned home, I sat and wrapped some selvedges around some clothesline!
I spent Thursday at a workshop that was sponsored by my quilt guild. We learned how to make prints from leaves, using a product called "Colour Vie", a water based pigment system.
She provided containers of already mixed pigments, and showed us how to paint the colours onto the back of the leaves, and then print it onto prepared fabric. I used some white PFD cotton, and each participant had to bring some 1 inch foam brushes, paper towels, etc. We all collected fresh leaves, and there was a large variety to choose from. 
We were a very busy group - I have never spent time with quilters with so little conversation! By the end of the day, everyone had lots of printed pieces. 
A pattern for a quilt was provided as well, so the rest of my pieces will be used for that, but I have to find the perfect fabric to coordinate with the prints that I made.
