Ghetto Reverse Applique

I have taught two art quilt classes this year.  In January, I taught Kawandi style.  In March, I taught a cut-layers technique, that I call ghetto reverse applique. The fun thing about it is, you can create simple, yet eye catching, art quilts using this technique.  Simplicity is the key.  

For the class I prepared a piece with two layers of fabric beneath the top layer.  The top layer becomes the background, to the parts you decide to "cut out".  This was a gold square of fabric, which I stitched my design on top of, then I cut out parts of the design revealing colors from beneath.  I used this piece to show attendees how to use a pin to lift the top fabric, then snip a little hole in it, so as to start removing some fabric to reveal the next layer down.

I did this one a week or so later, as I had used these fabrics in class just to show how contrasting fabrics work best and that you can get away with using a non-bleed-through Sharpie marker to draw your letters on.  When you sew around your letters, twice, with black thread, you do not see the marker marks.  I decided I needed a cat under my words, so I found apiece of fabric I had purchased in Germany with big cats on it.  It was perfect!  These simplistic, but graphic art quilts are fun and easy to create.  So, get off the computer and go make one!