Painted Cards

Hand (dye) painted fabric card 4.5”X 6.5
'Fox In the Hen House'
Artist: Eileen Gidman

When perusing the 60 cards I dye painted and stitched this winter, this one is a definite favourite. A story is implied which I think is particularly appealing.

To start, approximately a meter length of damp soda soaked cotton lawn fabric was painted with Procion dyes. Colours were chosen with the thought of fall landscapes in mind and the dyes ranged from yellow to red with a medium blue used for the sky as a complementary contrast to the orange. The fabric was cured and washed out in the usual way. To stabilize the fabric for free-motion stitching a heavy-weight interfacing was ironed onto the back.

4.5 X 6.5” rectangles were cut, the sewing machine readied with black thread and pictures stitched with whatever images came to mind. Having a sketch to refer to as I stitch is helpful. This same fall colour scheme was used in a variety of stitched images as in the sample of a bricked fence and wrought iron gate.