The Pod Project - Part 2

Yes, I backtracked and added embellishments to both the dyed batting piece and the Color Challenge.  The Color Challenge needed more accents to make it sing.  It may not sing now, but at least it hums a pleasant tune.

The Pod has been moving along as well.  From where we left off, the next step is to create the individual panels using the muslin templates as a guide.  Pin the templates to what will be the background/foundation fabric, being sure to have the right side of the background fabric right side up, and cut out.  Save the templates because they will be used as the backing pieces when the pieces are quilted.

After cutting out the background fabric panels, I add fabric and yarn surface embellishments.  There was a time when I tried to keep all raw edges turned neatly under and stitched down, but that quickly gave way to raw edge appliqué with embroidery thread zigzag stitching in a short stitch length (variable width depending on the effect I was going for).  Here are the fabric embellishment strips pinned in place.

Here are the fabric strips appliquéd with the addition of metallic yarns.

Here each panel has been quilted with the embellished panels on top of cotton batting on top of the muslin templates (note the muslin templates will be placed under the batting with the marked side up which means the marking will be backward if looking at the back of the quilted panels).  I chose a simple, organic echo approach for quilting.

I use spray adhesive applied to both the back of the quilted panels and the individual sections of paper maché pod.  Do not spray all the way to the edges/seam lines of the back of the panels, and only lightly spray the pod.  This is to allow the edges of each panel to overlap.  The one that overlaps the other can be folded under at the edge for hand stitching.  I apply the largest piece first being sure to match the marked lines on the pod with the marked lines on the muslin backing as a placement guide. In this case I applied the back panel that had a large dart in it  (dart sewn before applying) since I needed it well placed on the back curvature of the pod.

Note the seam allowance overlaps the piece beneath.  Fold this under and hand stitch.  For this and the later stage of applying other embellishments, a curved needle is sometimes helpful.

Here all the panels have been applied and stitched together.  The top edge is glued to the inside of the pod opening.

Next I created an edge finish for the opening of the pod by stitching together an organic shape with batik and a layer of batting.  The shape is reinforced with a heavy gauge wire to allow shaping and to maintain the structure.  It is glued to the inside edge of the pod.

Next steps:  embellishing and finishing the interior…stay tuned!