10 August 2024
There was an excellent turnout for this month’s in-house workshop on Lutradur and Tyvek. Janine, Kathryn and Jane initially shared with us some samples of the possibilities of these materials and then gave us instructions on how to apply heat to each in order to alter the surface to make a pleasing, textured result.
We were then left to play and have fun. It all seemed a little daunting at first but we soon began to make some interesting samples of our own and see how we could apply these materials in our own creative work.
We learned that Lutradur and Tyvek are both manmade fibres which react to heat in quite different ways, leading to a very different “look”. Tyvek can have heat applied by using an iron (sandwiched between 2 sheets of parchment paper please!) whilst Lutradur requires use of a heat gun (please use tongs!). Lutradur can result in a more textured, 3D look. Tyvek is usually heated in a sandwich of backing fabric (felt), then bondaweb or similar, with Tyvek as the top surface. The addition of various paints, stencils and other surface treatments such as Xpandaprint and foils were explored, as well as the addition of further texture by using a variety of different threads and upholstery fabric.
There are endless possibilities with these materials as evidenced at the show and tell. It was so interesting to see how we had all taken the brief in different directions and we enjoyed learning from each other too. There was such a positive creative energy in the room all day.
We also had time for feedback from the Region 2 Quilters’ Guild show at Lullingstone Castle and the Festival of Quilts as well as a show and tell. I never cease to be amazed at what people bring out of their bags each time!
Thanks to everyone who contributed to making the day such a success and especially to Kathryn, Jane and Janine for all their hard work and preparation.
written by Deborah Sexton