While making all those clothesline hotpads, I couldn’t help but wonder if I could adapt the technique for use in art quilts.  What if I wrapped the fabric strips around wire or pipecleaners?

I had to try both.  The fabric wrapped pipecleaner is on top, the wire one on the bottom.

        

I prefer the pipecleaner version.  It’s easier to sew and has more substance to it.  My pipecleaners were green, and the color shows through the lighter sections of the fabric.

I intended to create branches, stems and vines, but now I can see grass, hair and even spaghetti.  I love that I can bend and shape them so they stick out from the background fabric. 

I am obsessed lately with adding three-dimensional elements to my quilts.  The idea won’t go away.  These are perfect.  I already know where I’m going to use them. 

tags: 3d  artquilts  ideas