Make me like Batik....
#102
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 490
I grew to appreciate them after I found out what the process of dying the batiks is. Most of the work is done by hand with stamps. I like to use batiks for some quilt patters because they do not stretch as much.
#103
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Round Rock,Texas
Posts: 6,135
Originally Posted by dixiechunk
I agree with you on this point. Don't like to mix my batiks and other cottons.
Originally Posted by patchsamkim
I have seen some gorgeous quilts made of batik fabrics, but have only made one quilt using them. I make mostly scrap quilts, but don't think that the batiks fit in well with other fabrics, they seem to work best when the quilt is only batik...at least that is my opinion.
#106
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Some where in way out West Texas
Posts: 3,041
Originally Posted by sueisallaboutquilts
This is a funny thread. I never liked them either until I saw some of the stunning designs and worked with a couple and then I fell in love with them!!
I've come to love so many things since joining the board that I never knew I liked.
My wallet is skinnier these days lol :D
I've come to love so many things since joining the board that I never knew I liked.
My wallet is skinnier these days lol :D
#107
I love batiks!! The colors, designs are fantastic. I prefer working with them to regular prints. The Bali Pop stips in all different colors make into beautiful quilt tops even when using a basic pattern. Yes, there are some that I don't like, but 90% I love!
#108
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Southeast Michigan
Posts: 339
I've been quilting for 30+ years and have used everything from cotton blends & old clothes to the nice cottons we now can get. I started stashing batiks after a trip to a Hawaian quilt shop where I learned a lot more about how they are made. Many times the paint has built up as the layers are added which can make them feel heavy or scratchy and bleed when washed. Also, if they are triple dyed (my favorite) the lightest color is added on first, then release (wax) is put on where the next color is not wanted. This can happen several times allowing each color to show through. Of course, if you've ever done any watercolor painting (not on fabric :), you know how washes are created by putting paint on a wet surface so it pools & blends. Then a sprinkle of salt for little dots of more intense color here and there.
It's quite a process -- and does add a density to the fabric. So, the first lesson is to wash 3 times as someone noted in a previous post, and make sure the rinse comes out clear before you stop. Go ahead and dry this fabric -- it has been washed and dried many times while it's on the stretcher and doesn't seem to fray much at all. I've also noted that the grain is straighter so there is less fraying when you work with anything on the bias.
So, in the middle of my closet of frabic is a shelf of loved batiks. My first finished project with them was a purse done in strips. Loads of fun playing with the colors. Hope you try them.
It's quite a process -- and does add a density to the fabric. So, the first lesson is to wash 3 times as someone noted in a previous post, and make sure the rinse comes out clear before you stop. Go ahead and dry this fabric -- it has been washed and dried many times while it's on the stretcher and doesn't seem to fray much at all. I've also noted that the grain is straighter so there is less fraying when you work with anything on the bias.
So, in the middle of my closet of frabic is a shelf of loved batiks. My first finished project with them was a purse done in strips. Loads of fun playing with the colors. Hope you try them.
#109
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,837
I felt the same way about batiks until I went to this HUGE fabric warehouse in Gastonia, NC. They have rows and rows of different batiks! The way they were lined up by color were so eye-catching! From the hottest yellows and reds to the deepest, coolest purples...in short...I was hooked!
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AngieS
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06-14-2011 08:31 PM