The Pod Project

I’ve focused on creating dimensional art quilt pieces since 2007 when I incorporated distinct layers separated by spacers (anywhere from ½” to 1”) between the layers.  From there I’ve tackled the occasional sculptural piece, of which the first pod was an example [see “The Green Thing” picture].  Paper maché provides the structure onto which I apply embellished and quilted fabric.  I first learned of paper maché in middle school, and although we used some type of clear liquid gel glue (possibly a dextrose-type wallpaper paste), I’ve had just as successful results using the old tried and true white flour and water paste.  It really couldn’t be simpler – water, flour, and newspaper torn into strips.

You’re probably not thinking of creating your own pod (but if you are, good for you!), but what I’ve learned through experimentation may be useful if you’re thinking of trying art quilting or other fabric manipulation applied to a structure.  Or, it may inspire some other application.

I start with either dry newspaper waded up to make a dimensional form and secured with masking tape, or a combination of newspaper, cardboard, and tape.  I’ve also incorporated wire for shapes with narrow pieces that need structural strength.  Once I’ve made the basic shape, I apply multiple layers of newspaper strips coated with the flour paste.  From there, it’s only a matter of letting it air dry for a couple days, although I have put pieces in the oven at a low temperature to speed that part of the process.

Here are a couple paper maché pod shapes which will be part of The Pod Series.  These are at the stage after drying.  Next I paint them with gesso to seal the surface.

Here’s the one I’m working on now.  Note I’ve used a permanent marker to delineate general planes covering the pod.  These will guide the pattern making.  I try to divide the sections so I’ll have shapes to apply that don’t require extensive fabric manipulation.  It’s easier if there are well defined edges or ridges (which there aren’t in this piece – it’s generally smooth with curves), otherwise darts are sometimes necessary.

In the next stage I place muslin over the form.  The black marker lines show through this bleached muslin.  I pin as necessary on the marked line showing through the fabric, then trace the line with the marker.  Unpin the muslin and cut out the shape.  Be sure to leave enough seam allowance outside the marked line, probably 3/4” to 1”.  This will help later when trying to fit the pieces together, as well as give some leeway for shrinkage that can happen when quilting or embellishing.  Each pattern piece will be quilted before being applied.

Continue pinning, marking, and cutting until you have all the pieces necessary to cover the pod.  It’s a good idea to label each muslin template and the space it came from on the structure in some way so you know which is the right side and which direction it should be applied.

Note how all the pieces will generally fit together.  Note also on piece D how there is a large dart at the top which will accommodate the top back curve of the pod.

I’m working on the muslin pieces now and will update next time with that progress.