Category: a work in progress

How to Mentor like Project Runway

A Project Runway Unconventional Materials  Challenge

The First Conversation

Recently,I was approached to teach a creative fifteen year old girl. What do you want me to teach her? The father liked my website, but .wasn’t exactly sure about what he wanted for his daughter. He liked that I had done Mexican folk dance like his family does. I suggested that I teach her a small project like to make a gift bag. Or perhaps how to create a quilt using the fabric layering technique. He mentioned that this girl was working on a dress. I thought maybe she would like to work on that. Most of this communication happened by text.

The response, a resounding YES! He sent photos of the dress that his daughter was currently working on. The teenager had completed a design drawing of a prom dress. The zippered bodice of the dress covered a free standing model of a bust. Small pieces of fabric sewn together created the larger fabric of the dress Small pieces of fabric . The dad asked for feedback and thoughts.

The First Assessment

Compliments for nice colors and good design. Inspiration from Project Runaway and Next in Fashion made me smile. She had brilliantly emulated them. Concerns: fit and comfort. She would need a pattern. I pointed out that a lining would make insure comfort. She would need a pattern. I suggested that she bring her fabric, bodice stand and design when they came.

Making Plans

In preparation for our two hour session, I considered several thoughts. What if they hadn’t already bought a pattern? We would need to get one. Maybe we could go to a local fabric store. Yet, I don’t think that she should go in my car to the store. Surely we would be able to find her design, a strapless bodice with a not too full skirt. We would need to cut out the tissue paper pattern before it could be used? It would be easier to adjust a pattern rather than create one. Just perfect for her own Project Runway Challenge!
She had sewn in a zipper in the bodice. That level of sewing was reassuring; she could sew. I couldn’t tell from the photos what type of fabric she had chosen. I could set up an extra table outside of my studio for extra room if necessary. Remove extra clutter to allow for a bit more space in my small area. All of my forethoughts proved successful.

First Steps

The family of five arrived at my studio. First, we discussed the need for a pattern and lining fabric for the dress. The whole family would go to a local fabric store for those items. While I took my own car, they followed me. Fortunately, I had considered all of these possibilities beforehand.

On the one hand, because the bodice was complete, we were able to get a pattern for an A-line skirt only. Rather than trying to find a complete dress instead. The pattern came with several lengths . The design called for a short length in front and a longer train in the back with the lining showing. Furthermore, the pattern called for beginning sewing skills. In addition, we found a lilac cotton lining. I learned a long time ago that dressing was easier with a long zipper opening. We found a longer matching zipper. Ready we were.

Next Steps

Upon returning to my studio, I put Mom to work cutting out the tissue paper pattern pieces. This was a new experience for her. Above all, she appreciated being involved. Meanwhile, the young designer and I worked to cut out the lining for the completed bodice. Then we measured the bodice for fit and discovered that it needed about 4″ more. Above all, the wearer needs to be able to move comfortably. Next, we added more fabric and a new longer zipper. finally we began to cut the skirt out. Allowing for a generous seam allowance just in case, we laid the bodice on the fabric.

Project Runway Issues to Address

Issue One

Certain issues needed to be addressed. Above all, the teenaged designer is not local. Most importantly, she lived three hours away. For example, a follow up session was unlikely. So the young designer took notes on next steps and important things to remember.

Issue Two

Even though her sewing wasn’t perfect, it was totally acceptable for a beginning highly challenged creator. She had the right idea to finish the curved top edge of the bodice by turning it over. Yet the edges were left off. Ripping out of that work and attaching the bodice lining would solve that problem.

Issue Three

Due to its petite size of the bodice, I suggested that the lining be made of one piece of fabric instead of three; side, front side. We discussed how to sew the three sides and then turn it inside out. The lower edge would have to be trimmed as well. So the plan for the top was completed so that she would know what to do to complete it at home.

Issue Four

Now we turned to the pattern for the skirt . We organized the pattern pieces into groups that we would use.

The pattern came with a wide range of sizes marked on the pattern pieces. We discussed the information on the back of the pattern and how she should use it to determine which size to use. I showed her how she might trim the pattern pieces to the correct size once determined. The pattern proved more expensive than in the past. However, the included instructions were more comprehensive and actually very helpful.

In Conclusion

We were just about at our two hour time limit. Luckily the trip to the store went smoothly. I was able to send them away with a plan to complete the dress on her own. I felt confident that she would be able to do that successfully.

To my thought , the use of fleece as a prom fabric was a bit odd. However, I found out that the young designer had access to a lot of pieces of fleece. So in addition to creating her own design, she was upcycling materials. She accepted a Project Runway challenge!

I can’t wait to see how the Project Runway dress was completed. Furthermore, I expect to see wonderful designs from her in the future.

Consider this One Way to Advance your Art

https://www.bravotv.com/project-runway
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Runway

Consider this One Way to Advance your Art

Consider this one way to advance your art,the art critique. Do you feel tnat you have reached a certain level? Feeling comfortable with your skill level? Having your art work critiqued can be a powerful experience. One needs to be confident enough in themselves and their work to explain their process, inspiration or project clearly. Furthermore,one must be open to listening to suggestions and new ideas.

At first glance the words, art critique sounds like criticize. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The art critique looks for the strengths of a piece and ways in which the artist may improve their piece and/or their technique. It can be a learning process for all involved. Providing guidelines or a structure for participants helps everyone to understand the process.It can be a valuable learning experience for all participants.Most importantly, the art critique should give the artist a way forward . What is the artist’s plan for further development for the future?

There are many online resources for critiques. A critique should be more than just ” I like this” or “I don’t like that.” Probing questions that require deep thinking on the artist’s part about one ‘s choices is more helpful. This is the hard part for participants. Each must be prepared to participate is a meaningful way. Moreover, this can take practice, Repeated opportunities to discuss one’s art work and critique the work of others in this way help.

Furthermore,knowing the art critique process beforehand helps everyone to be able to participate on some level. Ideally, as artists we will internalize the questions so that we will ask ourselves these deep questions while we are in the process of creating our future pieces.

Suggested Norms of a Critique

  1. All participants are familiar with the process before beginning. Ideally they will be able to read the procedure well in advance.
  2. All participants will develop a probing question of interest to them.
  3. All participants will actively join in.
  4. A non threatening environment is essential. Focus on the process not the individual artist.
  5. Practice the procedure many times. With ongoing critiques rotating so that each artist will have their work viewed and discussed.
  6. A wide range of art levels experiences is valued.

A Coaching Organization

Attending a meeting of the Artists Conference Network was a powerful and inspiring experience for me. This national organization has a well developed program and coaching structure. Each artist designs their own plan including timeline. Therein lies the power; the artist is in control of their own path. However, the time committment is substantial. I attended with a friend hoping to start a local group. Unfortunately, a local group wasn’t formed.

Artists Conference Network https://artistconference.com/ outlines the art critique process. The following is from their website.
The Artist Conference is a network of local communities of artists trained in the coaching structure. They coach each other weekly towards their goals and share their creative work at meetings every two to three weeks. The structure is equally effective for amateurs and professionals, and the communities welcome anyone working in any creative field of endeavor, even if you don’t call yourself an “artist”. Check out their website for a group near you.

One Critique

Several years ago I volunteered to get my work critiqued at a regional SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates http://www.saqa.com/ ) meeting. This proved a new experience for me. We met in Oakland, California about 75 miles from my home in the beautiful studio of one of our members. A meeting full of friendly faces and a wide range of skill sets was a perfect spot for the art critique to take place. However, it was a one time event.

Another Critique

Another experience I had with critiques was with a small fiber group I was a member of. It was helpful that we met regularly and were comfortable with each other. We formed our group with the idea of celebrating fiber in many of its wonderful forms. However,our artistic experiences were very different. Our lack of experience in the process of each others’ work hindered our ability to contribute to the art critique on a highly skilled level.

Both of the critiques I participated in would have benefited from a clear format to follow. Repeated practice with the critique process makes for a positive experience for all.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/08/spark-creativity-by-limiting-materials/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/?p=67721
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2024/02/how-to-mentor-like-project-runway/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2024/11/advice-for-artists-join-a-group/

Fiber People, Have you tried this new trick?

Try sparking your creativity by limiting materials. If you are like most fiber people or quilters, you may have lots of boxes or bags filled with random materials. Shake up your creativity by choosing only one box to use. Limit your materials for your next project to that one box or one bag. Make it work! Of course, you can break your own rules if you need to to use a unique fabric or item that will go perfectly in your piece.

Spark Creativity by Limiting Materials

I find having a studio full of materials limiting and stifling at times. Sometimes new productivity and creativity can come from limiting materials. Stuck in a rut? Maybe trying this will help. Long ago a librarian told me that sometimes having less books on a shelf increases book check outs. Spark creativity by limiting materials. Sometimes less is more.

patterned Linen with couched (zigzagged threads) Potential fabrics to use
Fabrics with couched (zigzagged threads) prepared previously but unused

Potential threads and fabrics I might use
I originally planned to use these materials for a small underwater fantasy.

My first plan was to make an underwater fantasy with a Mexican inspired twist. I listened to the materials as they led me in a slightly different direction in my first two pieces. Finally by the third piece I hit my original goal of a seascape with Guatemalan fabric fish. It’s your art. There is no right or wrong, just different.

Geeko Fun, art quilt, 9"x 9" 23 x 23 cm
Geeko Fun, art quilt, 9″x 9″ 23 x 23 cm
Green Gecko, art quilt, 8" x 9" 20 x23cm
Green Gecko, art quilt, 8″ x 9″ 20 x 23cm
Guatemalan Fish, blue underwater seascape art quilt 9" x 9" 23 x 23cm
Guatemalan Fish, blue underwater seascape art quilt 9″ x 9″ 23 x 23 cm

Stuck in a rut? Try this technique to help you see things differently.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/09/consider-this-one-way-to-advance-your-art/
https://www.fabmo.org/

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

Learn more about art quilting at Studio Art Quilt Associates’ website, http://www.saqa.com/

How to Break your Own Art Rules

Do you have rules for yourself when making your art? You make the rules. You can break your own art rules. For a long time I had a rule for myself that once a piece of art was finished, I would leave it alone. I chose to not change or update a piece.

When I started exploring art quilts I didn’t really know what I was doing. As I got better and more confident, I decided to leave my previous work as it was. Could it be improved? Yes. But why not just move on. Oddly enough, while I knew I could do better, some of these early pieces sold.

Well, a decade passed. Now, I have a better sense of myself as an artist. I decided to take another look at certain pieces. I gave myself permission to rework a piece. If I make the rules then I can break the rule. I liked this freedom and lack of guilt. Break your own art rules.

A Prolific Artist

My fellow artists have called me prolific. That also means that I have a lot of work on hand. During the pandemic I took a different view, reusing a former piece in response to the George Floyd murder. I reused a beige,cream and black abstract art quilt (12″ x 14″ 30 x 36 cm) as a background. I appliqued a black male figure with a sparkly golden heart on top of the abstract piece. Break your own art rules.

Honoring Black Men, a black figure on an abstract beige background
Honoring Black Men 2020, 12″ x 14″ 30 x 36 cm $125.

Luckily,this piece was successful. I repeated the process with a cream colored abstract with green accents. This time I added a woman dressed in a skirt and serape for a Mexican theme.

Green and beige abstract art quilt form the backgound for a Mexican woman with a rebozo(shawl).
Green and beige abstract art quilt form the background for a Mexican woman with a rebozo(shawl).
10″ x 12″ 25 x 30cm

Pumpkin pie,this abstract quilt began the background for a Day of the Dead skeleton.

Gees Bend inspired abstract,orange deep red
Pumpkin Pie, 7″ x 8″ 18 x 20 cm
Pumpkin Pie, yellow, orange and brown abstract art quilt reimagined with a skeleton,7" x 8" 18 x 20 cm
Pumpkin Pie reimagined with a skeleton,7″ x 8″ 18 x 20 cm

Breaking a Sewing Rule

I recently broke a sewing rule. I have been sewing since high school which is a long time ago. Somewhere along the way I got it into my head that when hemming a seam I should top stitch it. The stitches would supposedly look better that way. Recently I sewed several large fabric gift bags. First, I folded 1/4 ” fabric from the top and then another 1 1/2″ fold over. To sew this seam down easily, I sewed the seam down on the inside of the bag instead of on the front. However,if there was a difference it was slight.

black and white abstract art quilt
Gridlock I ,black and white abstract art quilt 33″ x 31″ 84 x 79 cm

I cut up Gridlock I, a large black and white abstract piece( 33″ x 31″ 84 x 79 cm)into 4 smaller pieces. They are not all the same size to maintain a detail. However, because it is an abstract the four pieces work well independently. Changing a finished piece is something that I would never have done in the past. I broke my own rule. I come from the traditional bed quilt world. To me, this quilt seemed small compared with a double size bed quilt that I was used to making. However, as wall art it is too big. Many people don’t have a large wall to accommodate such a piece. Changing one’s mind is acceptable. Give yourself permission to do it. Break your own art rules.

What rules do you make for yourself? Maybe you have rules about certain colors or materials you use? Break your own art rules. No one will know or even care. Creativity might even flow!

http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com

https://www.saqa.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/03/how-to-make-art-in-a-less-than-perfect-situation/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/01/why-one-begins-an-art-quilt/

See Unfinished Projects in a New Way

What happens to unfinished quilt projects often called UFOs? See these quilt projects in a new way. Maybe they have mistakes or were not coming together asthe original maker intended. Someone may have passed before being able to finish a piece. Many times they are given away. I find these new opportunities in my quilting guild’s flea market.

Some of my first steps into creating art involved taking someone else’s unfinished projects and rethinking how they could be used. Looking back after a decade, I realise that seeing these quilt projects in a new way helped move my creativity forward. Maybe it can do the same for you.

Traditional tulips in brown, orange, yellow and beige colors
This is a photo of a snapshot I took of this traditional quilt. I found the tulips at a garage sale along with the remaining pieces of fabric. The people were ecstatic that a passionate quilter would finish their mother’s quilt. I used the extra fabric to design and create the sashing and other blocks including the bargello,the stepping stone pieces.

Sorry No Photo

I adopted someone’s squares with colorful 3D stars. I reimagined them as Mexican pinatas. Then I added an iguana to watch the pinata fun.Unfortunately I don’t have any photos of the whimsical piece. Partly because I had no confidence that they were worthwhile. Partly because I completed it before digital cameras made taking photos so easy. However, the quilt did sell at the quilt auction at our annual show.

Unintended Consequences

The adopted blocks were the 4 square blocks and the the two triangle blocks. I added the sashing and the borders. As it is this traditional this baby quilt is on the small size 40″ x 38″ 102 cm x 96 cm. https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/annbmayartquilts/tools/listings/view:table/841741031

Stretch Your Brain

I made this traditional blue and cream baby quilt from discarded half triangle blocks. Before one is aware, your brain stretches to think in a different way.In addition,it frees your mind to consider a new way of looking at the blocks. Train your brain to do things a bit differently. Leave patterns and instructions behind. Seeing quilt projects in a new way exercises the brain.

With some blocks, I discovered that they had been discarded for a reason. Maybe they were not enough of them to do anything with. Sometimes the blocks were not all the same size. Yet I persevered. I continued to use these unfinished quilt projects in a new way to create a new unique quilt. Little did I know that this unknown direction would lead me down a path to see things differently.

Birdhouse Blocks

I found these bird houses many years ago. Someone had put a lot of work into making them. Yet around that time, I moved away from working with traditional blocks. They remained stored away.

Finally, I decided to pair them with an art quilt tree that I had made. The scene seemed a bit empty of birds in spite of being two main habitats for them. Therefore, taking an environmental angle,I named the piece Remember Birds ?

For many years scrub jays and robins made common appearances in my yard. Yet now I am actually overjoyed to see these previously common birds. I am not sure why they are no longer common. We did have a devastating forest fire not too far off. Or was it the many aggressive crows that had moved in?

True Confessions Time

I am not a fan of commercially made patterns. In my sewing days,I had several bad experiences which I blame on the commercial patterns I used. We pay our money and expect them to deliver. I have never used an artist made pattern. Using a pattern is not an option for me. Maybe that makes it is easier for me than for some to take this path towards creativity.

Unknown Paths

Sometimes we start down paths that we don’t even know are taking us somewhere. We are just trying something new. We have no idea of the ultimate affect they will have on our artistic lives. That is what happened to me. I saw beautiful traditional blocks that were put up for adoption at my guild’s flea market. Someone had put a lot of work into these blocks. Saving me time and energy I thought maybe I could use them for one of my quilts.

In Conclusion

Consider seeing unfinished quilt projects in a new way by reusing someone’s blocks . This is something anyone can do where ever they are in their quilting path. You are the boss. You make the choices. Will they all be successful ? Maybe yes, maybe not. But that is how we learn.

https://www.saqa.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/11/following-your-heart/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/04/how-to-be-a-brave-artist/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

New Work in Progress

Sea Grass,a new work in progress,uses green,blue and orange, colors that I use often.Nonetheless, this time I decided to do a variation on a theme. Something different but only slightly. I choose a muted tone for these same colors. Because my work is all about Color!Texture! Movement!, decorative threads came on board too.

Getting Started with the New Work in Progress

Choosing fabrics- I start with more fabric than I expect to use. I chose muted green, orange and blue.
Choosing fabrics- I start with more fabric than I expect to use.

After I decide on the colors, I find decorative threads that compliment the fabrics. That said,decorative threads may match or contrast with the fabrics.

Decorative threads that might work with the chosen shades of color. The threads add texture and movement.
Decorative threads

Fun threads that might work with the chosen shades of color. In addition,the threads add texture and movement.

Interesting threads in shades of cream to peach to brown add contrast and color.
Interesting threads in shades of cream to peach to brown add contrast and color.
Dark teal fabric with light teal nubby decorative thread.
Dark teal fabric with light teal nubby decorative thread

Next, all of the threads are couched(zig zagged) to the fabric. For example, I choose to couch with a matching sewing thread so that the stitches don’t show.

A long narrow piece of fabric with a feathery piece of decorative thread couched on it. This decorative thread is 3D . It adds contrast and movement and color.
A narrow strip of light green fabric with a 3D dark leafy decorative thread.

This decorative thread is 3D. Above all, it works hard to add contrast, movement and color.

Next I place the fabric with the decorative threads on the design wall.
Next I place the fabric with the decorative threads on the design wall.

These next four photos look very similar. However, look closely to the changes. I moved pieces around to balance the colors and details to please the artist’s eye in this new work in progress.

photo 1

In addition,you may notice that I eliminated the brown stripes on the right in the following photo. Similarly,I also removed the dark teal piece in the middle.Removed pieces will be saved for a different project.

Moving fabrics around slightly to please the artist's eye. Sometimes less is more.I eliminated some fabrics with decorative threads.
photo 2 Sometimes less is more.
New Work in Progress
photo 3
This is photo 4

In addition,notice the inclusion of the artist’s signature detail. I sew small pieces of extra fabric together. Then I add them to the piece. As little fabric goes to waste as possible. Plus it adds a little je ne sais quoi to the piece.

This photo shows how I sewed together the fabrics in the adjacent area. New Work in Progress
photo 4 This photo shows how I sewed together the fabrics in the adjacent area.

By sewing small groups of fabric together first, it allows me flexibility in case I run into a problem. It offers me more chances to add fabric to solve a problem of balancing colors.

Finishing the New Work in Progress

The top is completely sewn together.
The top is completely sewn together.

I sew curved line piecing to finish the art quilt and add movement to the quilt top. The vertical lines reflect the movement of the details of sea grass.

I finish the edges with a facing turned to the back. Then I hand sew the facing in place. The following photos are close up detail shots of the finished work.

The finished quilt top Quilting lines add movement to the quilt top.
The finished art quilt, Sea Grass. Quilting lines add movement to the quilt top.

Detail Photos

The following photos show details of the completed piece.

detail of completed piece
detail of completed piece

Learn more about art quilting from SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates), an interenational organization that began in Northern California in 1989. http://www.saqa.com/ https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/an-abstract-art-quilt-sunset-through-the-forest/

See more of my work at my Etsy shop. https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/11/colors-of-the-prism-piece/

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