Step By Step Instructions to Make an Abstract Art Quilt
This work in progress shows the step by step instructions to make this abstract art quilt, Sunlit Boulders. Featured in Art Quilting Studio Magazine, Fall issue, 2018.
Inspiration and Adjustments
Sunlit Boulders is an art quilt with curved line piecing, Scribble Quilting and couched decorative yarns and threads. My first intention was to highlight the Native American batik shown on the left on the first photo. As I chose different fabrics, I decided that I would minimize their use. I removed more of that fabric. I was happier with the way it looked. It’s okay to change ideas in midproject if it doesn’t look or feel right to you. Follow these step by step instructions to make your own abstract art quilt. It will be uniquely yours.
Photo 1
I am auditioning fabrics that complement and contrast with the batik fabric. Using strips of fabric, I couch(zigzag) a variety of decorative threads and yarns to the strips. I cut the strips apart into varying lengths without much forethought.
Photo 2
I am still auditioning fabric. I included some pieced strips left over from a previous project. Notice that I eliminated the reddish fabric.
Photo 3
I start to cut up the strips of couched yarns to add to the quilt. I am trying out where I like the pieces, moving them around. Dark strips frame the piece. I begin to sew some pieces together. Figures from the batik stand out enough.
Photo 4
Tucks are add texture. Notice that I moved some pieces around. I do more sewing of pieces together.
Photo 5
I am not afraid to cut up fabric. I can always use the fabric at a later date for a different project. More tucks are added to fabrics. I eliminated some batiks symbols.
Photo 6
All pieced together and ready for batting and backing.
Photo 7
Scribble Quilting is complete. Edges need to be trimmed and cut straight.
Photo 8
The finished art quilt represents my mantra of color, texture, and movement.
You may be interested in reading more.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/09/inspiration-from-one-fabric/
http://Inspiration from One Fabric
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/an-abstract-art-quilt-sunset-through-the-forest/
https://stampington.com/art-quilting-studio-autumn-2018/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/06/abstract-art-in-fabric/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/01/creating-movement-in-abstract-art-quilts/
