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Rusting some Fabric - WIP Wednesday?

 I think I have mentioned before that I have been busy making up samples for a Fabric Manipulation class I am scheduled to teach.  This is my sample in progress for rusting fabric.  The first step is to line something with plastic wrap to hold it all while it is rusting.  I "borrowed" a big coffee can of nuts, bolts, screws, etc from my husband's workshop to to create some rusted designs. After saturating the fabric with a mix of half water and half vinegar, I arranged some washers and screws in a vaguely floral design (at least to my eye, lol).
 Cover up the nuts and bolts with another layer of fabric, or the other end of the same piece if you want a larger piece of fabric to work with in the end.  These will find their way into AAQI quilts eventually so the smaller size works well for me.  Make sure it is all WELL SATURATED with the water/vinegar and cover the top with more plastic wrap.  Now wait....
... and wait...and wait.....
The instructions I followed instructed you to wait for between 24 hours and a week.  It looks like it will be closer to a week for mine.  I'll post the big unveiling tomorrow - stay tuned!

Comments

Suztats said…
I love rusty bits fabric!
March 14, 2012 at 7:22 AM
Mosaic Magpie said…
I had some great luck rusting fabric recently with an already rusted steel wool pad. I keep a jar that I throw bits of metal I find and used steel wool pads in. They rust quickly from the rusting process that has begun with the steel wool. Toss in your twisted fabric and watch the magic begin! It is almost like dyeing fabric....you never know how the finished product will look!
Deb
March 14, 2012 at 10:05 AM
Cathy said…
This has been on my list of things to do with the grandkids along with sun painting,flower pounding etc...

I'm anxious to see how yours turns out. I have a bunch of rusty things out in the old barn.
March 15, 2012 at 4:26 AM
Michele Bilyeu said…
It's always such an interesting project, isn't it? I think back to all of the bits of clothing in the past that accidentally got rust stains on them and cringe...who knows who beauty might have been created from their marks that I then used for cleaning rags?

Now, I have to make rust marks on purpose! Hmm..check moist garage clothing boxes...maybe rust magic is still silently working without me;)
March 15, 2012 at 6:50 AM
aprilZ said…
Hi Kerry

I have your gorgeous gold piece for the February BJP collage, but I haven't been able to find your one for January. Which one is it please? I'd love to include it in the collage. Thanks.
March 15, 2012 at 8:31 AM
kerrykatiecakes2 said…
Hi April! I am a month behind I am afraid. I haven't done January yet! It's uphill but I am peddling as fast as I can! lol
March 15, 2012 at 10:40 AM
aprilZ said…
Hi Kerry

Sorry, I didn't mean to hassle you. I just thought that, as February was done, January would be lurking somewhere! The collages seem to be popular so I'll be updating and doing new ones before too long. Looking forward to seeing your next piece.
Cheers
March 17, 2012 at 1:06 PM
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