September's Technique--Fugitive Media

First let me start with an apology!  I have been dieting.  You would think that is a no brainer but it takes lots of thought and work on my part.  Consequently I have been missing the rest of my life for the last couple of months. I am being successful--lost 22 lbs so far--but I am needing some more balance (i.e. ART) in my life and am determined to work on it this month. Thank you for understanding or at least not throwing rotten vegetables in my direction.

Okay, this weekend I will post more information about the technique but let me here post a supply list of things you will want for our play this month.

·         Pre washed and Ironed Fabric:  Fat quarters or smaller lengths of cotton, cotton/poly blend, polyester or any other fabric that can be ironed with a hot iron.  Try one plain piece and then some fabrics that needs a second or third technique.  You could even try some commercially printed fabric that needs some help.

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      Fugitive Media:  Generally this is any water-soluble media that was intended for paper but we will be using them on fabric.  Items such as charcoal, conte, chalk, graphite, and water soluble pastels, crayons, and pencils.  (Laura, here is your chance to get your ink tense pencils back out!)

·         Transparent Base Extender:  Fugitive media is called that because it will wash out unless bonded to the fabric.  You can use a base extender (I like Pro Chem’s the best), clear acrylic medium, or 50/50 Elmer’s glue and water.   The cheaper ones--like the 50/50 Elmer's glue-- will stiffen the fabric but then we aren't making baby quilts.  I would certainly start there before buying the more expensive base extender if you don't already have it.

·         A stiff surface:  Either use a foam core board and pins or tape to secure your fabric OR  some freezer paper to iron to the back of your fabric.  Fabric that is secured one way or the other will be easier to work with.  I have done it both ways depending on what I was making.

·         Odds and Ends: We are playing so you will want: some brushes (a variety of sizes), plastic spreaders or squeegees, a container for water.  You may also want some rubbing plates and a silk screen and its equipment but they are not necessary.  

       

      So, start gathering and I will post more information and some pictures of things I have made using this technique. Till then I have enclose a link to the Quilting Arts show that Kerr Grabowski demonstrated the technique and here is her PDF handout.