Pineapple 2- Mixed Media – Completed – Narrative Textile Illustrations

The completed concept of a pineapple that started with a sketch and developed into a water color piece is now a completed mixed media art work. Before beginning the mixed media piece, I read an article about the fusing and handwork methods used by Laura Wasilowski of the “Chicago School of Fusing” in Quilting Arts Magazine (2010 December/2011January). Having always wanted to try fusing, I decided to give it a try. I especially liked how she fused the fabric first and then cut out the pieces. She also has developed a way to transfer a pattern to fabric by using the release paper from the fusing. It works wonderfully! After being inspired by the article, I enthusiastically visited her web site and found a plethora of advice that ensures success. She has videos and still photos that teach how to embroider and how to bind the quilt using fusing in a variety of ways. She is truly an inspiration!

I used batik and other cotton fabrics; a variety of threads- variegated, quilting and embroidery; some small beads added to bring light to the pineapple surface; seta color paints to stencil the countertop; hand and machine embroidery; and hand and machine quilting. I enjoy it all, so it is fun to put it all together into one piece.

And so now, it is on to a new project.