Category: Art Quilts

Art quilts often use traditional quilting techniques to create a wide range of wall art. Art quilts can now be found in museums and galleries along side paintings and other media.

https://www.saqa.com/

About the Quilt Artist

My art quilts are all about the quilt artist  creating abstract, whimsical or impressionistic pieces.  Inspiration comes from the natural world as well as from Mexican and Native American influences. My materials of choice are often redirected fabrics from the San Francisco Design Center and found objects.  Art quilts free me to play with color and texture. My technique, Scribble Quilting allows me to create movement on many of my pieces.

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TWO INSPIRATIONAL ARTISTS

I owe some of my inspiration to two artists from Santa Cruz County, California. Meri Vahl, an award winning art quilter has been recognized nationally for her work. Teacher of the fabric layering technique, she was patient. Understanding that each student brought individual strengths, weaknesses and abilities.  Ellen edith;friend, art quilter, fabric designer and artist extraordinaire made whimsical, personal quilts. Her influence lives on well beyond her life.   I have great appreciation for these two local leaders of the art quilt world.

SAQA (STUDIO ART QUILT ASSOCIATES)

I am proud to be part of an evergrowing group of art quilters.  SAQA started by Yvonne Porcella in Northern California in 1989. It has grown to an international organization.  Art quilters have transformed the quilt into a 21st Century art form. I continue to explore new forms and ways of working with unusual materials on this  journey.

ABOUT THE ARTIST,BIO

I was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. In high school I studied sewing and clothing construction for two years. I continued to sew much of my wardrobe. In 1974,I took my first quilting class at a neighborhood fabric store. Over the years, I continued to sew clothes and make quilts for my family. I stopped counting bed quilts at 300. After teaching 30 years in Watsonville as a bilingual teacher, I retired to spend more time on creating art quilts.

MY FIRST ART QUILT
Homage to a Dancer,45″ x 56″

In 2008, I made my first art quilt, Homage to a Dancer. It reflects  my participation in Los Méxicas,the University of California,Santa Cruz ballet folklórico group.

A STUDIO IN THE ART CENTER

In May of 2016, I opened a studio in the Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center St. Downtown Santa Cruz. I have space to work and display my work. For First Fridays and Open Studios, I fill the lobby with art. In June, 2019  New York Art Center accepted my work into their gallery. 7 Franklin Place, TRIBECA, New York City.

AWARD WINNING ARTIST
Great Blue Heron at Dusk,31″ x 25″

Great Blue Heron at Dusk entered into an art show in 2010. The following year it won a merit award at the Olive Hyde Art Gallery in Fremont,California.
In 2013, Visions of New Mexico won third place in the Neo Membreno Vessels 2013 Show at the Western New Mexico University Museum in Silver City, New Mexico.

How to Choose the Right Thread

Choosing the right thread for your project is important. Discover the brand of thread that works best on your machine. It may vary according to the type of project you are working on. My experience involves sewing clothes,machine piecing and machine quilting. True confessions time-None of my experience involves embroidery or thread painting. So I won’t address them.

THE BEST THREAD FOR FREE MOTION QUILTING

The best thread for free motion quilting is Aurofil 50 wt. This brand is a thin,high quality quilting thread that comes in a wide range of colors. Each spool seems a bit more expensive than other brands. Yet, the thread is thinner so there is more thread per spool. It is strong enough to withstand the pull of the machine during the quilting process. I never break my own rule about free motion quilting with Aurofil thread. Moreover, one less thing to worry about.

Experiment with Color

When I began machine quilting many years ago, the right thread meant I choose colors to match my quilt. As I moved into the art quilt realm, I realized that each person’s eyes blended colors uniquely. I stopped worrying about choosing the perfect matching color. With more flexible of the thread colors, I liked the results. So I no longer worry about matching When I began machine quilting many years ago, I choose colors to match my quilt. As I moved into the art quilt realm, I realized that each person’s eyes blended colors uniquely. I stopped trying to match the right thread color. With more flexible of the thread colors, I liked the results. So I no longer worry about matching the right thread color to the fabric color or even coming close.

Choosing a Brand

When choosing a thread, consider what you will be doing with it. With practice, you will find which thread brand works bit with your machine. One brand of thread was recommended when I bought my machine. So I used it. I thought that the stitches could look better.

Quite by accident, I found other brands that made my stitches look better. I started to use them for piecing. Similarly, several nation brands of thread didn’t perform well on my machine. They are not poor quality threads just not suited well for my machine and the type of sewing I do. Free yourself to experiment to find a brand that creates the good quality look you want. So much for thinking all thread brands are alike.

Using Old Thread

I do not have a problem using old thread. At my guild’s annual flea market, I am drawn to the wooden spools of thread. I gather them like wild mushrooms in the spring. I know that there will be a time that they become rare. Yet I have found these antique threads to be as strong as newer threads. Do not be afraid to use them.

Author/artist in front of her art quilt at show in Sacramento, CA.

Spools with Unusual colors

Find spools of unique colors and shades. Add them to your work . Do not be afraid of their strength or quality. In my decades long sewing career, I only tossed one spool of thread due to poor strength. That’s a darn good record.

Collect a Wide Range of Thread Colors

The shades of colors change more quickly than one would think. Pantene Paints sets the standard for the popular paint colors for each year. This affects the whole world of fabric. Yet, what if the fabric color a quilter needs is out of fashion? This is why developing a stash of thread is important. I suspect it also encouraged some art quilters to begin to use paint as well. But that is another situation i am unfamiliar with as I don’t use paints. Yet, I keep an eye out for unusual thread colors. I have a wide range of color at my fingertips.

As I have gained experience I realize some acquisitions were a bit too hasty. I liked the color and gathered without regard for the content of the thread. The was a bit of a mistake. Opps, save that polester thread for basting or pass it on.

White Thread is Useful too.

I often run out of white thread. Hard to believe, but true. As uninteresting as it seems we do need white thread from time to time. Yet I found I didn’t have any.

A Special Thread

Special types of projects may require special threads. I took a Hawaiian quilting class a long while back. The teacher suggested the use of silk thread. So I bought several different colors. Silk thread is very thin which disappears with the needle turned applique technique used for Hawaiian applique. I completed several Hawaiian blocks over the years. The thin silk thread disappeared wonderfully into the fabric.

Conclusion

I have used a lot of different thread in my sewing lifetime. Some are very specialized while other are more versatile. Experiment with your thread use. There are no right or wrong threads.Of course, the internet has widened who we can ask for help and what their perferences are and why. However, experiment and form your own opinions.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/10/everything-i-know-about-thread-for-quilting/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/09/scale-and-size-is-important-on-fabric/

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/

Weird Questions and Comments

What are people thinking when they ask weird questions and comments? Meeting with the public to share one’s art is always opening one up to an unknown experience. In reality that is part of the fun. Yet, at times it is difficult to know what the people are thinking. This blogpost shares some unusual questions and comments that I have received.

Vacant Lot 43″ x 31″ 109 x79cm

At a recent First Friday Art Tour, I had a large tree art quilt on display Vacant Lot, 43″ x 31″ 109 x 79cm on display. A young woman showed interest in the piece. She explained that she was an artist. She wanted to learn more about the process. I explained the process of creating the piece with the fabric layering technique on a table, creating the scene and then free motion quilting the layers together. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/07/fabric-layering-technique/ Her weird question,Is it was easy to do?

Is that Easy to Do?

Well, anything is easy if one knows how to do it. But it is not easy if one doesn’t know how to sew or quilt. Above all,the free motion quilting technique is the highest level of quilting. It is not done by beginners. Much practice is needed to accomplish mastery. I am not sure exactly how I responded to her weird comment. However, her question stayed with me. I hope my answer advanced her understanding of art quilts in spite of her weird questions, requests and comments.

Another Unusual Request

The month that I moved into my first studio outside of my home in 2016,I received an unusual request. A local gallery was hosting a film festival for a weekend. They needed help with the acoustics. The curator asked if I would hang my quilts on the walls of the gallery during the showing. Furthermore,they insisted I bring just my largest art work. Although I was occupied with the move, I happily hung my largest art quilts.

Is Art Quilting Expensive?

While talking to someone at an art event, they mentioned how expensive art quilting is. The fabric is so expensive. Yes, fabric is expensive. Yet, I disagreed with them since I generally don’t buy fabric. I shared other sources than retail to obtain material. I explained my sources of fabric. My favorite is a local nonprofit gathers high end designer fabrics and makes them available to the public for a donation. Furthermore,my guild has an annual flea market that sells all kinds of material. Fabric is available at yard sales or second hand shops..Sometimes when people find out I use fabric they will gift me fabric. I realise it takes a while to build up a stash of fabric. Yet she seemed open to these ideas. As a public school teacher I definitely did not have a lot of extra funds to spend on gathering store bought fabrics.

Overheard Conversation at an Art Quilters meeting

Fast forward- At a subsequent large gathering for art quilters,I overheard two friends discussing the merits of their new Tesla vehicles. Yes, the meeting took place in Silicon Valley. Still, that conversation caught my attention forcing me to eat my words a bit.

I enjoy meeting and engaging with the public. I listen to them their thoughts and experiences. Their words often stick with me as these did.

http://www.saqa.com/

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/07/unexpected-comments-about-my-art/

Unexpected Comments About my Art

Unexpected comments about my art came from people who originally had no interest in my passion. I understand that everyone is not going to be interested in art quilts. It is a bit of a niche. There are those who love model train displays. I am not one of those people. So I understand when someone is not interested in what I do.Yet, turning someone into a fan can be amazing.

Desert Mountains, 22″x 18″ 56 x 46 cm Mountain landscape art quilt in greens and gold

Turning Someone into a Fan

A recent post of mine about the history of art quilting drew a lengthy and positive response from an unlikely source. I often see this person at the gym. Occasionally we chat. The morning of its publication we were in the locker room at the same time. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/04/what-most-people-dont-know-about-art-quilting/

She said,” I want to thank you for your post explaining about the history of art quilts. I had no idea. You did such a great job of explaining and promoting the art quilt. A family member of mine was a trained artist. My family was into art. But I didn’t know anything about art quilts. Furthermore, I had no interest at all. But your post made me take a look at your art. You certainly have done a lot of work. We talk occasionally but her lengthy conversation surprised me a bit. I had unexpectedly turned someone into a fan.

turning someone into a fan
In the Shadow of the Mountain, 25″ x 20″

An Older Example of Turning Someone into a Fan

I began my art quilt path about 2009 before I retired. Subsequently,I began sharing my upcoming shows with the staff at my school site. A respected teacher that I had worked with for years basically said that she had no interest in hearing about the show I was promoting. I appreciate honesty. I knew to not bother her in the future.

Fast forward ahead several years, I published my website. This person reached out to me with useful suggestions. One of them being that I highlight the artwork on the first page of my website rather than having my biography first. Needlessto say, I heeded her advice.

She also had this comment that I saved for its content and eloquence. “When is a quilt not a quilt? When you do the playful, intuitive, adventurous thing that you do with color, form and texture creating the unique, painting-like quality of your quilt pieces. You turn quilting on its head! “from a colleague

Most importantly,that same person commented at a later date about one of my art quilts that “It dances!” Just the mark I often shoot for. Turning someone into a fan inspires me.

My Own Movie Moment

During the 2023 Silicon Valley Open Studios event, I had a When Harry met Sally movie movement. Not the one in the restaurant with Harry and Sally but the other restaurant scene. The blind date with best friends, Jess and Marie where Marie repeats what Jess had written in a magazine.

While chatting with a visitor to my booth, she mentioned that the best place to view art is at a medical facility. I listened as she explained that she saw the most incredible fabric tree the previous day at Kaiser Permanente in Scotts Valley, California. Kaiser Permanente in Scotts Valley had previously purchased two of my fabric trees several years ago. I said that most likely it was one of my pieces. The lady was so excited to meet the artist of the piece she had loved seeing so recently. She couldn’t resist buying her own tree art quilt. This was the first time anyone had described one of my own pieces back to me. It was so exciting that it felt like my own movie moment.

One of the fun things about showing my work is the comments that people make. “How fun! “How unique! ” “I love your work.” Yet for acquaintainces to take the time to communicate an in depth message about my work is truly special. Turning someone into a fan is even more compelling when their original interest was nonexistent.

http://www.saqa.com/ Learn more at the Studio Art Quilt Associates website, the art quilt professional organization.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/06/interacting-with-the-art-public-i-felt-like-i-was-in-a-movie/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/08/weird-questions-and-comments/

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

Stress Free Curved Line Piecing

I learned stress free piece curved lines from reading a library book. It is that easy to learn. Rarely have I learned any technique from a book. Like many, I prefer to watch someone demonstrate the technique in person. I regularly use this technique to add movement in my abstract art quilts. This technique is not for creating equal curved lines for traditional quilting blocks.

Steps to Practice Curved Line Piecing

Materials needed-100% cotton fabric, rotary cutter, cutting mat, sewing machine, thread, iron and ironing board to press final product

Step 1

Step 1

Choose 2 pieces of cotton fabrics about 4″ x 4″
(10 x10 cm). Printed fabric makes it easy to tell which side is the right side. Solid color fabric ensures success.

Step 2 Notice that the pieces are on top of each other.

Step 2

Place the 2 pieces, right side up, on top of each other. Using a rotary cutter on a cutting mat, cut a simple curved line starting somewhere in the middle of the two pieces. Don’t stress about the shape of the curve or the exact middle. It doesn’t matter.

Step 3

Step 3

Separate the pieces. Take the top right piece and place it next to the bottom left piece. Take the top left piece and fit it next to the bottom right piece. They should fit together like a puzzle pieces.

Step 4

Step 4

To sew, place fabric right sides together. Sew together with a
1/4″( .5)cm seam. The important part-The two pieces need 1/4″ (.5cm)seam when moving through the presser foot. Due to the curve,the length of the fabric pieces won’t line up on all edges. Lift the top piece of fabric to adjust slightly as it moves through the presser foot. Also gently move the bottom piece of fabric if necessary. It sounds more difficult than it is. Press flat. That’s it!!! Repeat with the other 2 pieces of fabric.

Finished and pressed

Step 5

Step 5. Practice,practice, practice. As your skill develops, vary your cutting line to create different curves. I found this technique amazingly forgiving. Incorporate creatively into your art quilt projects.

Taking Curved Line Piecing to the Next Level

Step 6
Step 7

After practicing this technique for a while, I decided that I didn’t always want duplicate pieces for my art quilts. I adjusted the technique to use two pieces of fabric instead of four. I placed the edges of the two pieces face up close together, overlapping the fabric(step 6). The overlapping part is the section where I make the curved cutting line. Place the 2 fabric pieces together like a puzzle piece (step 7).

It is hard to tell but the fabric shown here is about 10″ long.
front of finished curved line piece using two pieces of fabric
back of finished curved line piece using two pieces of fabric

Once you have mastered the basic technique, let the experimenting begin. Lots of room for variation in the shape of the curves. Try different fabrics that are not 100% cotton. It works with them also.

Issues with Curved Line Piecing

Love in the Abstract pink magenta and purple art quilt, 24"x 26" 61 x 66 cm. Curved line piecing adds movement.
Love in the Abstract art quilt, 24″x 26″ 61 x 66 cm. Curved line piecing adds movement. Love in the Abstract added texture with couched threads.

Sometimes quilters can get carried away. If a few curved lines are good then a whole piece of them must be better. At least that is what I thought at one time. This turned out not to be a good idea. The piece would not lie flat. Maybe there were too many small pieces of fabric. The way it looked was also a problem. It was not pleasing to my eye. Lesson learned. Moderation is fine.

Poppin' Back multicolored art quilt, 23" x 22" 58 x 56cm
Poppin’ Back multicolored art quilt, 23″ x 22″ 58 x 56cm

Entering Shows

When one is ready to enter shows, one may find size restrictions. Sometimes it is easy to complete a piece within those limits. Yet,depending on the technique that one uses, it can be difficult.

I use curved line piecing in my abstract art quilts. This technique uses more fabric than just straight line sewing. If I am making a piece for a juried show with a small size restriction,it can be difficult to get the size just right. It is difficult to plan for a particular size especially if the size is on the small side,like 12″ x 12″. One has to take into account the seam allowances at the same time as planning for the fabric of an interesting shape of a curve. Be forewarned!

In spite of the issues that I brought up,I enjoy using this technique to add movement to my art quilts. I hope that you will also add this technique to your toolbox of skills.


Read more here. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/06/yarn-adds-texture-to-an-art-quilt/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/09/scale-and-size-is-important-on-fabric/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/07/new-to-quilting/

http://www.saqa.com/ Learn more about art quilts at the Studio Art Quilt Associates website.

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

Interacting with the Public was like Being in a Movie

I felt like I was in a movie and other observations from the Silicon Valley Open Studios, May 2023. Above all, I always look forward to interacting with the art public. The recent Open Studios in Sunnyvale did not fail me. Here I share the most interesting tidbits.

My Very Own Movie Moment

During the 2023 SVOS event, I had a When Harry Met Sally movie movement. Not the one in the restaurant with Harry and Sally but the other restaurant scene. The blind date with best friends, Jess and Marie where Marie repeats what Jess had written in a magazine. 

The Best Art is in a Medical Facility!

Surprisingly,a visitor to my booth mentioned that the best place to see art is in a medical facility. She continued to explain that she had seen the most wonderful art quilt the previous day at Kaiser in Scotts Valley, CA. She gushingly explained how excited she was to see this piece. Kaiser in Scotts Valley had purchased one of my fabric trees several years ago. I said I think that the art quilt you saw  is one of my pieces. The lady was so excited to meet the artist of the piece she had loved seeing so recently. She couldn’t resist buying her own tree art quilt. This was the first time anyone had described one of my pieces back to me. So much so that interacting with the art public felt like my own movie moment.

During the weekend’s show, two different single men without women asked me if I had been to Paducah. What? Most people, let alone men, don’t know about Paducah, KY. The town of Paducah is synonymous with great quilt making. It is even nicknamed “The Quilt City.” Every year, QuiltWeek Paducah attracts thousands of people.

The Cove 8″ x 8″ 20 x 20 cm

Many times I hear artists say I just finished this piece and now it is sold! Well, that rarely happens to me. My pieces tend to stick around for a few years or more before finding a new home. That changed this weekend. A desert inspired piece, The Cove 8” x 8” 20 x 20 cm made in 2023 did go home with someone else! All in all, interacting with the art public made for a fun weekend.

Learn more about art quilts at http://www.saqa.com/ (Studio Art Quilt Associates)

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/08/how-to-talk-to-the-public-about-your-art/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/07/unexpected-comments-about-my-art/

Try these Solutions to Solve Little Art Quilting Problems

Solving little art quilting problems are different from the fixing bed quilts issues. One does not have to match seams like when making traditional quilts. If I have an error I can just cut it off with my rotary blade rather than ripping out seams. I still use my seam ripper but just not as much. This is not to say that issues don’t come up. They are just different issues. Some of these solutions apply to sewing in general as well as art quilting.

Solve Basic Sewing Problem

Anticipating Issues with Good Habits

Some suggestions to solve little art quilting problems begin with good habits. Of course the best way to fix problems is to anticipate them before they happen. Always make sure your fabric edge is straight. It might look straight but line up the plastic cutting ruler edge anyway. Make sure the fabric edge is straight. Even fabric straight from a shop might not be cut straight. Advice from construction workers, Measure twice to cut once.

Keep your machine free of dust.

Use a pipe cleaner to keep your machine’s mechanism free of dust. Look for holes in the machine for the pipe cleaner to enter safely.Remove dust carefully. Be careful not to disrupt interior settings. Vacuum the interior monthly if you sew a lot. It is amazing how much lint thread may shed. Remove lint from between the grooves of your feed dogs. I have been known to remove the lint with a large pin. A clean machine makes perfect stitches. Once I took my Husquvarna Lily into the shop because the zigzag stitch wasn’t working. The stitch was fine but my machine was full of lint underneath.

Watch your Speed.

Aim to maintain the same speed as you sew. The speed of throttle affects your stitches. Going fast and then slow can create inconsistent stitches. Attempt to keep a steady speed when stitching. Listen to your machine. It will tell you when your speed is changing. Especially on mindless tasks, we tend to daydream and not pay attention to the speed that we are pushing on the pedal or throttle.

Trouble Threading the Needle

If you are having trouble seeing to thread the needle on the machine,here is an easy fix. Get a white piece of paper. Double thickness or paper that is a bit stiff helps. Place it behind the needle and hold it there while threading the needle. The white makes a clearer background to see the needle’s hole. Other tips-Please wear your glasses. Trim the edge of thread before threading. Wet the end of the thread with saliva so the end isn’t frayed. I personally have not had luck with needle threaders. Maybe they will work for you.

Thread Trimming

Did you know that you can use 1 side of the scissors to trim a thread,sort of like a knife. This especially is helpful when the thread is coming out of the fabric.Trim as close as you can to the fabric with just one blade of the scissors. If you trim normally with the 2 points of the scissors coming together, one can accidently snip the fabric. This small nip in the fabric is difficult to fix. Some of us learn things the hard way.

Some Suggestions to Solve Little Art Quilting Problems.

Tucks to the Rescue

Tucks to the rescue. Sometimes a piece of fabric is just a bit too big for where it needs to fit. Yes, you could just cut off a piece of the fabric. But why not try to turn a problem into a solution. Create more texture for your art quilt by making one or more tucks . This may be useful when one is working within a particular size requirement. Tucks can be different sizes. They can be sewn close to the edge of fold or 1/4th inch (1cm) or farther away. Make a tuck or two that runs the whole length of the piece of fabric. I discovered the power of tucks when the slightest bit of extra fabric was too much.

Use the Crease or Fold to your Creative Advantage.

I often repurpose materials. Sometimes a piece of fabric comes with a crease or fold. It can be difficult to remove the crease even after using spray starch. Try this solution. Use the crease or fold to your advantage. Create a tuck or several rows of tucks. Sew the stitching line as close as you can to the edge of the fold. Problem solved. While creating an original art quilt, use the fold to your advantage. A series of folds can be moved to one side or the other to create movement as well as texture.

3 rows of tucks create texture and movement
A series of tucks create texture and movement.
A strip of fabric with a hard to get rid of crease
A strip of fabric with a hard to get rid of crease

Sew a tuck to remove a crease
Sew a tuck to remove a crease

A variation- Sew several lines of folds. Remember the rule of three or odd numbers. You may sew the tucks 1/4″ (1 cm) away from the fold. To create movement and texture, iron the segments of the tucks in different directions.

Lots of tucks, Upwelling. 34" x 30" 86 cm x 76cm

Solve little Art Quilting Problems by Thinking Before you Cut

Sea Canyon Depths, 40" x 17" 102cm x 44cm
Sea Canyon Depths, 40″ x 17″ 102cm x 44cm

Think how can I save time or effort while cutting this fabric. I add a lot of foliage to my nature art quilt pieces. I started out cutting individual pieces. By accident I discovered that while cutting one piece, I could create a second piece that would be a mirror image. Less fabric would be lost. Just don’t cut all of the way through to the far end. Stop at the top of what you are cutting. Turn the fabric around and continue down the other side instead of cutting all of the way to the opposite side. Not difficult do if you stop and think before cutting. Just another way to solve little art quilting problem.

Sea Canyon Depths, 40" x 17" 102cm x 44cm
Sea Canyon Depths, 40″ x 17″ 102cm x 44cm

This technique could create mountains, foliage or another running pattern.

Sea Canyon Depths, 40" x 17" 102cm x 44cm
Sea Canyon Depths, 40″ x 17″ 102cm x 44cm An underwater work in progress

Sometimes experienced quilters forget about all of the little tips that they have learned along the way. I try and point a few hints here that I have learned.These are just a few of different technical problems or creative issues one might encounter.

http://www.saqa.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/04/what-most-people-dont-know-about-art-quilting/

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

What Most People Don’t Know about Art Quilting

What most people don’t know about the roots of art quilting is that they are firmly based in Northern California. Art quilting is one of the newest art genres. SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates), the art quilters professional organization started in San Jose,California. SAQA has grown to be an international organization with over 4000 members. Northern California remains a hotbed for art quilting.

Yvonne Porchella, founder of SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates)
Yvonne Porchella, founder of SAQA wearing her signature checkerboard glasses. Ms. Porchella always included black and white checkerboard patterns in her art.

What many don’t know about the beginnings of art quilts

Yvonne Porcella

In 1989 in San Jose, CA, Yvonne Porcella http://yvonneporcella.net/bio.html invited about 50 art quilters to come together into an organization to promote quilting as an art. This local group became Studio Art Quilt Associates(SAQA). It currently has over 4000 members internationally. I am surprised at how many people including accomplished art quilters from our region are unaware of SAQA’s northern Californian roots of art quilting.

Yvonne Porcella was born and raised in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County,California. (I taught there for thirty years.) Ms.Porcella began her art career fascinated with the colorful costumes of her Croatian background. Her signature detail is a black and white checkerboard fabric she added to many of her pieces. Luckily, I was able to hear her speak at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles. Sadly, she passed soon thereafter in 2016.

What many don’t know about the beginnings of art quilts.

Studio Art Quilt Associates(SAQA)

SAQA promotes art quilts as an art form. The organization has been instrumental in the inclusion of art quilts into many museums and high level galleries. From SAQA’s website,
Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. (SAQA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the art quilt: “a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure.” Our vision is that the art quilt is universally respected as a fine art medium. SAQA’s core values are: excellence, innovation, integrity, and inclusion.
Over the past 30 years, SAQA has grown into a dynamic and active community of over 4,000 artists, curators, collectors, and art professionals located around the world. 
With our exhibitions, resources, publications, and membership opportunities, we seek to increase the public’s appreciation for the art quilt and to support our members in their artistic and professional growth.

SAQA’s success in promoting art quilts has lead to an increased interest in the variety of techniques and styles of art quilting from museums and galleries to the local guild level. SAQA is divided into regions. There are 347 members in our NorthernCa/ Southern Nevada Region. https://saqanorcalnv.com/ However, it must be remembered that there are many more art quilters of all levels than are not SAQA members. Seemingly, the roots of art quilting in northern California have spread worldwide.

San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles

San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles formed in 1977 as the first museum in the United States to focus on quilts and textiles as an art form.Ms. Porcella was a board member of the SJMQT for many years. The meeting room and gallery is named in honor of her support for the museum. One might ask why is this museum in San Jose. Part of the answer is the local support from art quilters in Northern California.

Some Noteworthy Northern California Quilters

Marion Coleman, Castro Valley https://www.arts.gov/news/press-releases/2019/national-endowment-arts-statement-death-nea-national-heritage-fellow-marion-coleman

Therese May, San Jose therese@theresemay.com

Judy Mathieson, Sebastopol http://www.judymathieson.com

Judith Content judithcontent@earthlink.net 

Denise Oyama Miller, Fremont deniseoyamamiller@comcast.net

Alice Beasley, Oakland abeasley@sbcglobal.net

Holly Brachmann, Ukiah hollyweave@sbcglobal.net

Katie Pasquini Masopust, Fortuna http://www.katiepm.com

Joe Cunningham, San Francisco Joe@joethequilter.com

Laura Fogg, Ukiah http://fogwomancreations.com

This is the short subjective list of talented quilt artists living in Northern California.

Extra Special Expertise

Nancy Bavor www.quiltworth.com Los Altos Hills Master’s degree thesis,University of Nebraska, Lincoln-The California Art Quilt Revolution

SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates) is the international professional level art quilt organization. It is open to any one who wants to elevate their expertise from quilters to collectors. Find more information at the website, http://www.saqa.com/. Due to SAQA’s success in promoting quilts as art, many traditional quilt venues include art quilt sections. In addition, local traditional quilt guilds offer classes in art quilts. In this way, art quilts and SAQA are inseparable.

A Little Northern California Humor

I was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. Then I went to UC,Irvine in Orange County, Southern California for my education. There I met my husband and got married. We lived in Orange County for 10 years including beginning my elementary school teaching career in Santa Ana. Before moving to Northern California, my husband and I traveled in Western Europe for a year. Upon our return we moved to Santa Cruz, California where we have lived since 1980. About that time I kept hearing about Silicon Valley. I know my California geography. But where was that? Little did I realize that my hometown and home county had become Silicon Valley in my absence.

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https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/05/try-these-solutions-to-solve-little-art-quilting-problems/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/08/how-to-talk-to-the-public-about-your-art/

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/

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This Artist Begins Work in a Surprising Way.

Why do you begin an art quilt? Each person’s motivation to start an art quilt is different. Many people begin with a photo they want to copy. Others learn a new technique that they want to try out. Most of us are motivated by the fabric. My motivation is a bit different. Many times I decide it is time to use up a particular fabric or material. For instance, I have had the material for too long. Moreover,it is time for it to go. Yes, I realise this sounds a bit wacky.

An abstract art quilt with blues, purples and pops of color. Inspired by having too much blue fabric. 22" x 24" 56 cm x 61cm
City Lights, 22″ x 24″ 56 cm x 61cm

Of course, part of the challenge for myself is to use the fabric in an artistic way. City Lights started because I had a lot of blue cotton fabric I wanted to use. I made it in 2012 at the beginning of my art quilt career. It was juried into the All About the Blues in the ARC Gallery in Chicago.

Beginning an Art Quilt

My attitude of trying to use up fabric frees me up from a certain attachment to fabric. Moreover, I work intuitively. I do not draw or design an image to begin. That is not the way I work. I like to see how the materials fit with one another. Friends call me a prolific artist. Maybe being unfettered to the design process or creative process frees me to create more. I hear people say that I worked so long on a piece that I couldn’t sell it. That is not me. I love my work but I am a bit more detached.

Sea Turtles, Art Quilt

Sea Turtles 35" x 23" 89cm x 58cm underwater seascape with jellies and sea turtles.
Sea Turtles 35″ x 23″ 89cm x 58cm

Surprisingly some of my most successful pieces were made when I decided to use up materials. I had a piece of turquiose blue fabric with metallic dots or bumps on it. I had had it for a awhile. All in all, it seemed like a perfect beginning for the background of an underwater fantasy. That is how Sea Turtles started. What makes a piece successful? Foremost in my opinion, I like the way it turned out. In addition, Sea Turtles sold.

Improvisional Quilting

Improvisional quilting is the term for the way I work. I do minimal planning. I choose one of my portfolios whether nature, Mexican inspired or abstract. Then I choose a color wave of 3-4 colors. Next, I see how different fabrics play together. I eliminate those that don’t really go well together. Finally I sew them together. In a nutshell, that is how I work.

Reducing and Redirecting

Reducing and redirecting fabric is a major motivation for me also. Luckily, I have access to discontinued high end designer fabric samples. These unique fabrics stimulate creativity. However, great art can be made with just about any material. One problem this causes me is that because I want to use up the fabric, my pieces become larger, around 40″ x 60″ 102cm x 150cm. Yet many buyers live in smaller places which may limit sales for a larger piece of art.

Sharing Your Process

When I hear others share their process or way of working I often think “Wow, that is really different from the way I do things.” They sure put a lot of time into planning and the execution of their piece. One process is not better or worse than another one. We all have our own unique way of creating. Drawing and planning is just not the way I work. Of course, time is not an issue when making a precious heirloom for a loved one.

No Art Degree

Furthermore, I have noticed that people with a strong educational experience in art have high expectations for what they should be doing and how they should be doing it. However,I am not fettered by an art degree or even many art classes . I come from the sewing clothes and traditional bed quilt world. I create art with those techniques. Yet, I harbor no preconceived notions about what I should be doing in the art world. I am as surprised as anyone that my work is selling. My motto is work hard and have low expectations. That way everything can only be up from there. Remember, creating is supposed to be fun.

Above all,whatever one’s motivation or inspiration to get started to create is fine. One way is not better than another. Part of art’s job is to take us to a different place, a better place. Relax and don’t sweat the small stuff. What motivates you?

http://www.saqa.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/10/art-quilters-see-fabric-in-a-new-way/

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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/

The Devil is in the Details-Create Fabric Embellishments

I create fabric embellishments to add color,texture and movement to my abstract art quilts. Some are 3D. Couch(zigzag) leftover yarn or decorative threads to create lines. It is fun to try out new ways of adding textile details to my art. Take a closer look at how fabric embellishments with decorative threads or yarn can add texture and interest to an art quilt.

Finding Materials to Create Fabric Embellishments

Several years ago a fiber friend gifted me a huge container of bits and pieces of a wide range of colors and styles of decorative threads or novelty yarns. She knew that I like to add them to my work. Right, she was.

My bin full of different colors and lengths of decorative threads.
My bin full of different colors and lengths of decorative threads to make textile details.

A cards with several different types of decorative or novelty threads like the one below can be purchased. I bought mine at a huge quilt fair. Of course, find shorter bits of yard at thrift shops and garage sales. Regardless of what the threads are called, the point is to add unusual threads or yarn to your pieces. Use embroidery threads, yarn or thicker threads. Double, triple or quadruple the ply to make the threads thicker.Think outside the box and create a new use yourself.

Decorative threads that I often add texture to my art quilts. Variety of thicknesses and colors of threads
Decorative threads that I often add texture to my art quilts.
A card with 6 different types of decorative threads to embellish art quilts.
Another example to the types of threads I embellish my quilts with.

To Begin

To begin, choose 3-4 colors to work with. Pick out other fabrics in those hues or shades.After that, I randomly place the fabric on the design wall. At this point I haven’t decided if I will use all of the fabrics. Will they all go together and make it into the final piece? Stay tuned.

Lavender decorative thread above piece where it is sewn.
Lavender decorative thread above piece where it is sewn.
Pieces of fabric on the design wall
Pieces of fabric on the design wall

For instance,the deep purple fabric has a lighter purple decorative thread couched or zig zagged onto the fabric. Ultimately,I prefer a matching thread color while couching so that the sewing threads are not so visible. But that is an artist’s choice. In the photo on the left, view the purple decorative thread before it is sewn on. Also see the pattern created by multiple strips of ribbon and decorative threads. Cheap thrills!

A Strip of Fabric

Primarily, I start with a strip of fabric about 20″-30″ (51cm -77cm) and couch(zigzgag) the ribbons and decorative threads on the strips. Then I cut the strips into random lengths like the pieces you see. I also choose the cut pieces to be of different widths. You may choose differently.

Fiberous Fabrics Create Fabulous Fabric Embellishments

Furthermore,using fiberous fabrics to create textile details adds interest to your art quilts. Check our decorator shops for their discontinued materials. Find unusual fabrics there. Moreover,they will be thrilled that you will take these discontinued materials off their hands.

small piece of cream fabric with lavender, blue and white decorative threads and ribbons sewn on
small piece of fabric with decorative threads and ribbons sewn on
small pieces of fabric with decorative threads sewn on
small pieces of fabric with decorative threads sewn on
A fiberous type of fabric with decorative threads sewn on. Example of type of decorative thread on the left.
A fiberous type of fabric with decorative threads sewn on for a textile detail. Example of type of decorative thread on the left.
More examples of details on the design wall
More examples of details on the design wall
Several plys of yarn together make a thick line. Decorative threads alternating can too.
For example several plys of yarn together make a thick line. Decorative threads can too.
A fiborous piece with decorative threads sewn on the back
back-A fiborous piece with decorative threads sewn on
A brown fiborous piece with purple decorative threads sewn on
A fiborous piece with decorative threads sewn on-front

After I have completed several details with decorative threads, it is time to start placing pieces on the design wall. See photo below.

Trying out spots on the design wall for fabrics
Trying out spots on the design wall for fabrics
Small pieces of fabric on the design wall ready to be sewn together.
Small pieces of fabric on the design wall ready to be sewn together.

This is how I placed the textile details after moving them around for balance of color. As a result several of the details did not make it into the final piece. That is all right. I will save them for another time. My main intent in this post is to focus on the creation of details. Yet, here is the finished product, Lavender Caramels.

Lavender Caramels completed, 28" x 26" 71 cm x 66cm
Lavender Caramels completed 28″ x 26″ 71 cm x 66cm

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https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/02/add-decorative-threads-for-texture/

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How to Use Small Pieces of Fabric

Quilters create small pieces of fabric or scraps as a normal part of their sewing process. How to effectively use these scraps is a constant issue. I often use fabric 2″-3″ (5-8cm) to create my art. Guild members have gifted me small pieces of fabric, saying “Here, you use small pieces of fabric. Have these.” I didn’t refuse them. I put them to good use.

A little fabric humor- In my fiber group, I was the only art quilter. The other members made different kinds of fiber art. We would meet and share our art and our process. I learned that what seems obvious to quilters is not always so obvious to others. Discussing my process, I asked how do you think I begin? A friend answered,”You start by cutting up a lot of little pieces of fabric.” I had to chuckle. Sewers and quilters know that as we sew and trim, we easily create small pieces that become our scraps. We don’t need to create our own.

Another Use for Small Pieces of Fabric

Above all, quilters will probably always have small pieces left over. Whenever I make a bed quilt or a lap quilt, I like it to be reversible. In that way, I get two quilts for the price of one. Variety and change is good. Use your small pieces as part of the second side. Sew the leftover fabric from the front together and add them to the back fabric. This uses up the fabrics and also adds to the beauty of the quilt.

Many Art Quilt Techniques use Small Pieces.

There is a wide variety of techniques that use small pieces of fabric. Impressionistic art quilts lend themselves easily to the use of small pieces. With a little trimming a small piece of fabric becomes foliage, a rock or a hint of an animal. I have a container to store strips. Another bin is only for small pieces. Several bags are full of pieces larger than 6″. The real trick is to remember to look in those containers when choosing fabrics.

Small Pieces are my Signature Item.

Several years ago I had a commission to make a huge bed quilt 130″x130″ 325cm x 325cm using geometric shapes of solid colors. This is a king size bed with the quilt hanging down the sides to the floor. I was almost finished piecing the top together. But I came up short of a small bit of fabric. I could have bought some more. Yet I really needed only a few very small amount. I had a few small pieces left over so I sewed them together. That was enough fabric to complete the top of the quilt.

Furthermore, I was so pleased with the effect I decided I would repeat the process in the future. I would add them as a feature to my work. Small pieces (about 2” -3″ 5-8cm) sewn together are now a signature part of my abstract art quilts.

Business Cards Use Small Pieces of Fabric

I use small pieces of fabric to create my business cards. My business cards are small handmade art quilts about 3″ x 4″ 8cm x 10cm.Most people would throw out these small fabric and batting scraps. I sew several small pieces of material together. Then I write the basic information on a solid light color piece with a fabric pen. I add batting. I sew the three layers together and zig zag the edges. The extra effort to use materials that normally would be tossed out is important to me. I like that the card is a small art quilt for those who are unfamiliar with the art form. The positive response I receive for such an unique business card also makes it worthwhile. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/12/artful-fabric-business-cards/ /i

A handmade fabric business card. Each one is unique."Use small pieces of fabric"
One of my handmade fabric business cards. Each one is unique.
The other side of my business card with the important information , location, phone number, website and etsy shop."Use small pieces of fabric"
The other side with the important information

Will these techniques make all of your scraps go away? Probably not. But it might be a step in tbe right direction.

I do realize that some might consider some of these scrap reducing suggestions to be a bit time consuming or even wacky. However, I am serious about reducing waste and reusing materials.Yet I can be a bit over the top at times. But as I say, ” It is not illegal, yet.” In addition, the best part is one can choose to do these ideas to use small pieces of fabric or not. Sometimes I give myself permission to toss a piece of fabric.

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https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/08/add-sheer-fabrics-to-create-a-surprise/

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Dogs are family members. Make a memory quilt.

Dogs are family members too. Make a memory quilt for your dog. Charlie, a client ‘s pet dog of 16 1/2 years had just passed. The family approached me to create an abstract piece of wall art in his memory. The beloved dog was groomed every two weeks. Each time he returned home with a colorful bandana tied around his neck. The bandanas could be made into a piece of art to keep his memory alive.

A Lot of Color!

There were about 30 different pieces of fabric bandanas. Holidays and special day themes were common with a wide range of colors. In addition,there were not a lot of solid colors for eyes to rest on. In a busy art quilt, I like to include places for eyes to rest on. The first steps was choosing a pleasant color wave. The client requested a lot of color for the memory quilt for her dog.

Choosing the colors-the most challenging part.

Choosing the colors became the most challenging part. Did I mention that the client and I lived on different coasts? Once the client sent me the bandanas then I could begin to suggest some colors. Phone communication, photos and texts were important. I thought that I heard her say that she wanted as many of the fabrics used as possible. So how could I do that?

Retangular pieces of fabric on the design wall from light to dark. Which to choose?
Retangular pieces of fabric on the design wall from light to dark. Which to choose?

Being Flexible

I started by putting the fabric on my design wall. First, I thought of arranging the fabrics from light to dark. I cut a few pieces of fabric into rectangles. Then, I stopped myself. I shouldn’t spend time cutting out fabric if I wasn’t sure which fabrics would be used. That turned out to be a wise choice. Being flexible is very important.

As it turned out, most of the fabrics did not make it into the final piece. The client realized that the fabrics were too different to fit into a coherent piece. In other words, all of the pieces did not need to be used.

Meanwhile, during this time the clients were downsizing their house. They weren’t sure where the finished piece would be nor its size. As it turned out, the size needed to be 21″ x 19″ (54 cm x 49 cm).

Fun fabric choices ,how to choose?
Fun fabric choices, how to choose?

On the other hand,the size of my commissioned works are usually larger. This smaller size limits the number of fabrics. I usually choose 4-5 fabrics. In addition, I remember the rule of 3 to balance out the fabrics on the top of the quilt. Nonetheless, all turned out well.

Red ,blue and white bandanas from the dog groomers

Red ,blue and white bandanas? More choices.

Red and blue fabrics to choose to use for the art quilt.

Would red and blue fabric work ? I put these bright bandanas together. However, once I said that they were red, white and blue it sounded too patriotic.

Blue and pink fabric to choose from to make the memory quilt.

Would pinks and blue fabric work ?

The Client’s Choice

What finally caught the client’s eye was the bright fabric with many frogs on it!The bright warm colors of the active frogs fit the bill. Those colors guided me to a memory quilt for a dog.

Multicolored fabric with frogs. This fabric guided my final fabric choices.

From there I choose the bandanas that matched the frog fabric. Then I cut rectangles of various sizes, about 2″ x 3″ – 4″( 5cm x 8cm-10cm) and placed them on the design wall. I made sure that the fabrics were balanced. No one fabric was overpowering a side or quadrant. I sewed the pieces together to complete the top.

The fabrics were the stars of the piece so I wanted to minimize the quilting.I lightly quilted stitch in the ditch in the seams. Many clients are drawn to the fabrics of the patchwork. They are not concerned with fancy quilting for a memory quilt for a dog.

Plan Ahead

Ties and bows add texture to the finished piece.

Even though the ties need to go on at the end, one must plan ahead to include them in the beginning. Only the black and white one, made it one to the finished product. That is fine.

Completed dog memory quilt, 22" x 19" 56 cm x 48cm
Completed dog memory quilt, 22″ x 19″ 56 cm x 48 cm
back of dog memory quilt, 22" x 19" 56 cm x 48cm completed with fabric supplied by the client from grooming bandanas.

Here is what the client said about the finished piece.

 “I just wanted to tell you that it’s absolutely beautiful and I will cherish this with all my heart and soul. Thank you so much for such a beautiful job no words can describe what this means to me. Thank you again. ” Susan

https://www.saqa.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/11/memory-quilts-i-have-made/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/10/something-about-memory-quilts/

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

Art Quilters-See Fabric in a New Way

Art Quilters, see fabric in a new way. Above all, creating art is about seeing things in a new way. A class or video frees us to learn new techniques. However,the technique one uses is not the only part that makes the quilt an art quilt. Art quilters often use traditional quilting techniques and others to create something new. In this post, I will focus on seeing fabric, our basic material, in a new way.

Our Sight is Unique.

In reality, one’s sight is unique. No one sees things the same way. Moreover, our perception of colors is individual. In addition, hues change depending on what color is next to it. Furthermore,the amount of light available also affects the way we see colors. Nonetheless,knowing these things frees me to not worry so much about having to find the perfect color. Numerous variables affect the hues and values anyway.

Remember, vision actually takes place in the brain. Connect with what your brain is saying. However,make sure your brain is not sending you negative talk. But truly observe the lines,shapes, and images printed on the fabric. Consider how they could be used and perceived in a unique way.

See Fabric in a New Way

While pondering a piece of fabric,a quilter might start with how one would normally use the fabric. Start there. But then quickly leave that thought behind. Imagine a different way to use the fabric. One that you haven’t done before.

Yet, how do we truly see fabric in a new way? Turn the fabric upside down or sideways. Use the back side of the fabric instead of the front. Furthermore,look at parts of the fabric that can be cut and used differently. Large flowers or other large prints may be cut into smaller pieces to become parts of something else. Make your work impressionistic. Let the viewer decide what they think something is.

See Fabric in a New Way
Rebirth of a Forest

Limit the Line of Vision

Some people find it helpful to limit their line of vision. Use a small empty photo frame or cutout cardboard frame to focus one’s eye.For example,move the frame around on top of the fabric while blocking out the rest. Some find it easier to focus their attention with this simple tool.Use this to choose a part of the fabric that you want to use in a new way.

A Personal Example

Rebirth of a Forest with a coffee bean fabric used as a trunk,29" x 22" 73cm x 56cm
Rebirth of a Forest 29″ x 22″ 73cm x 56cm

May I share a personal example? I had fabric printed with what looked like whole coffee beans to me. Nonetheless,that is what I was reminded of. I couldn’t get that image out of my brain. I tried to see the fabric in a new way. Then I thought that maybe others wouldn’t see coffee beans. It became the trunk of a tree in Rebirth of a Forest after our devastating forest fire. Similarly, practice looking at the fabric in a new way.

Steamy Rainforest,an art quilt, 15" x 15" 38cm x 38cm gold and green with an iguana and blue dragonflies.
Steamy Rainforest,an art quilt, 15″ x 15″ 38cm x 38cm
Mexican Iguana, an art quilt,23" x 21" 58cm x 53cm golden background with an blue and green iguana.
Mexican Iguana, an art quilt,23″ x 21″ 58cm x 53cm

Other Ideas-Reimagine the Fabrics

Start with a fabric that you normally might not use. Maybe choose a so called ugly fabric. How would you make it appear better? For instance, what can you put next to it so that looks more pleasing? If you usually use one fabric style, attempt to use it in a way that you have never have. For example, I recently used Guatemalan fabrics to create the branches and foliage in landscape quilts, Mexican Iguana and Steamy Rainforest. Previously I had used the Guatemalan fabric only as a strip or a block. Furthermore,imagine a different way to use a fabric from what you usually do. Above all any new skill, practice is important. Moreover,practice takes time.

Skies Over Lake Atitlan, 24" x 29" 61 cm x74 cm blocks of Guatemalan fabrics in blues and greens
Skies Over Lake Atitlan, 24″ x 29″ 61 cm x74 cm,an art quilt. This is how I would normally use Guatemalan fabrics.

New Colors

Try colors that you are not comfortable with. Furthermore, a new color combination is a good way to shake patterns up. If this is difficult for you, just change the hues and tones of fabric as a baby step. Practice with a small piece if necessary.

Let the Fabric Help You

How can the fabric help you with something new? We have all tried to find shapes and figures in clouds. Think of it that way. Multicolored batiks and other fabrics can add colors and shapes. What do you see in their fabric patterns? Then cut them out and use them in this new way.

A New Style of Fabric

Choose a different style of fabric from what you usually use.If you usually use stripes, try a batik. Use the fabric for a totally different way. The result will be surprising. Use large Asian flower fabrics as a rock. When cutting or designing a shape, imagine the fabric as material. Ignore the print that normally grabs your eye. Once I chose a fabric based only on the curved lines. It was only later that I saw that the lines were actually greyhounds dogs.

Tree art quilt with the branches made from black,white and grey fabric with greyhounds on it.25" x 23" 64cm x 58cm
Skyward, 25″ x 23″ 64cm x 58cm art quilt made from greyhound dog fabric
Original grey, black and white fabric with greyhound dogs on it. Embellished with couched threads.
Can you see the dogs underneath the couched threads?

Ways to Focus on the Fabric

Notice the lines and shapes of the objects printed on tbe fabric. What do they remind you of? Practice seeing something unique that the manufacturer didn’t plan.The result may be surprising. Reimagine the fabrics to add a new spark to your art quilts.

Focus on the positive space and negative spaces. Positive space is the object itself. Negative space is the space around it that is not the object. Focus on the angles and lines both horizontal and vertical. How can they be highlighted in a new way? Notice the shapes, contours, shadows, and groups of lines of the object rather than the object. This is not easy at first. Give yourself time to practice seeing things differently.

Don’t be Afraid to cut up Fabric.

So often I hear people say that they love the fabric so much that they don’t want to cut it up. Or that they are afraid that cutting the fabric will ruin it. This thought pattern prevents one from trying new things. One must move past these thoughts to create art. Enjoy the fabric for a while but not forever before using.

Bag of Cultural Gems, Mexican inspired Art quilt 29" x 22" 74 cm x 56cm See Fabric in a New Way
Bag of Cultural Gems with Day of the Dead fabric 29″ x 22″ 74 cm x 56cm

True Confession Time

I confess that I had a piece a fabric for a long time without cutting it. A Day of the Dead Mexican skeleton fabric hung on the back of my studio door a long time. Then I cut it up and used it in several art quilts.

Another confession I have to make is I tried making landscape quilts matching the items printed on the fabric to the scene I wanted to make. I searched for rocks printed on fabric. To be honest this gave me a supreme headache. I am not prone to headaches. It was not fun either. I have since chosen to create my own rocks.I use both solid fabric and printed fabrics. However,the printed fabric is not printed with rocks.

Overlook, 35" x 26" 89 cm x 66cm tree art quilt on a hill showing an example of solid fabric rocks.The tree truck is made from a floral piece of linen, couched with yarn.
Overlook, 35″ x 26″ 89 cm x 66cm Notice the of solid fabric rocks. The tree truck is made from a floral piece of linen, couched with yarn.

In Conclusion

Reimagine the fabric to add a new spark to your art quilts. I offer different ideas to use in a wide ranges of techniques and skill level. Some lend themselves to one technique over another. For example, cutting out fabric and adding to a landscape art quilts may be an easy place to start. However, continue exploring. Small changes can have a big affect.

Take baby steps. It can be scary to try something new. Give yourself time to get used to it. Like any new skill, practice is important. Practice takes time. We all get stuck in a rut. It is easy and comfortable to do things the same way that we have always done.

An artist is curious and open to new things. Being creative starts with asking questions? How can I make this better or different? What if I did this a different way? Experiment. Move away from the conventional. Take what you learned in a class and make it your own.Create a point of view and share it with the world. Begin by seeing fabric differently.

I hope that these ideas inspire you. I would love to see what you come up with.

http://www.saqa.com/

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/08/add-sheer-fabrics-to-create-a-surprise/

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

Scale and Size is Important on Fabric.

Who isn’t entralled with the incredible colorful childrens’ prints available? I chose fabric based on the colors or animals I wanted. However, I never paid much attention to scale. As shoppers we buy these fabrics with great plans in mind. Yet when one gets home, it can be difficult to match the fabric with others due to scale issues. The animals on childrens’ prints are often not the right scale or size to go together. Pay attention to scale.

Color or Animal

samples of fabric with prints of varying sizes showing issues of scale. The sea theme and colors are the same but the scale is not.
The sea theme and colors are the same but the scale is not. So much to keep in mind.
Small whales on fabric, the largest is 2" or 5 cm
Small whales, the largest is 2″ or 5 cm

The above piece of fabric with whales never seems to fit with other materials. The “largest” whale is 2 inches long,much too small. It seems strange that a whale would be considered too small.

It bears repeating that we usually we choose fabrics based on the particular animal or color of the fabric. Last on the list or not there at all is the size or scale of the print. The print artist can choose to make a small animal large or a large animal small. To my brain, it is most pleasing if the animals printed on the fabric have a similar size and scale. There are always exceptions of course depending on the quilt style. For example,place a large print in the middle of the quilt to highlight it. Then add smaller prints on the sides.

I Spy Quilts

I Spy Quilts are generally patchwork quilts using many fabrics printed with different everyday objects on them. The game is named for the guessing game, I Spy. One person says I Spy an item. The other person tries to find it quickly. In a variation one person describes an item as a clue to find it. This game is especially fun for a young child developing their language skills and vocabulary. The purpose of an I Spy quilt may be to engage in child’s play. However, paying attention to the scale of the items will make the quilt more attractive between games.

A Recent Donation

Recently someone gave me large donation of children’s fabric. Big hopes and dreams for loved ones that didn’t get made. Maybe the children grew too fast or changed their interests. Maybe life prevented the sewer from completing the project. Seeing so much charming fabric made me realize the importance of scale. It also made me think of the challenges it presents.

samples of fabric with prints of varying sizes showing issues of scale

Quilting with children’s prints is fun. Choosing a color range makes for a more pleasing overall effect. The scale of the animal or object is not the most essential part. However,consider scale for more pleasing artistic endevour. Yet,the affect of scale can not be ignored.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/11/memory-quilts-i-have-made/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/06/stress-free-curved-line-piecing/

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

https://www.etsy.com/listing/874593003/lap-quiltcontemporary

http://www.saqa.com/

How to Choose the Right Thread

Add Sheer Fabrics to Create a Surprise

I often add sheer fabrics as part of my art quilt process. Sheers add a subtle dimension to landscapes and seascapes art quilts. During one show, a visitor actually squealed in delight. He had viewed a piece straight on. However, when he walked away that he saw the reflection of the shiny sheer fabric. He squealed much to his own surprise. The sheer fabric proved subtle, yet very effective. The shape may not be visible when viewing straight on but sometimes it is. It depends on the available light. Quite by accident I discovered the surprise sheer fabrics can bring.

Cinnamon Tree 15" x 45" has peach colored sheer piece of fabric in the background.
Cinnamon Tree 45″ x 15″ 114cm x 38cm

I use small pieces of sheer when creating with my fabric layering technique. The sheer fabric may be used for almost anything. Cut the sheer fabric into any interesting shape imititating a slope of a mountain range, a branch or a cloud. The sky’s the limit depending on the artist’s plan. Some sheers have shiny pieces imbedded in them. This adds extra fun. Cinnamon Tree has sheer leaves,plants, rocks and a peach colored partial background. Maybe the sun is setting or peaking through the clouds.

Subtle Depth in the Background

The use of these sheer fabrics create a subtle depth in the background. Use small pieces to create shadows or who knows what. I like to leave something up to the viewer to decide what they think it is. Each viewer will probably see something different. In Sea Canyon Depths, there are several sheer pieces that may be difficult to see at first glance.

Sea Canyon Depths 40" x 17" , an underwater fantasy with sheer fabric foliage creating depth however not easily seen.
Sea Canyon Depths 40″ x 17″ 102 cm x 44cm
Beginning steps to creating include adding sheer fabrics early in the process. Sheer fabric on background
Beginning steps to creating include adding sheer fabrics early in the process.This is the beginning of Mexican Iguana, an art quilt that will ultimately show a rain forest landscape.
Mexican Iguana a little farther along with some plants and branches added.
Mexican Iguana a little farther along.

Finding Materials

One has to be imaginitive to access materials. Of course one could buy them. But what fun is that? Finding new uses for what some might call trash is part of my process. In addition, using unlikely materials creates unusual pieces of art. Flea markets and garage sales are good places to search. Preferably I choose to gather materials that speak to me. Then later I decide how I will use them. I try the fabrics out with other materials once I am in my studio.

Desert Trees in the Wash 25" x 24" 63cm x 61cm landscape art quilt variegated trees with a peach colored background.
Desert Trees in the Wash 25″ x 24″ 63cm x 61cm
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1195449560/fabric-landscape-collage-artnature-tree

Desert Trees in the Wash

The fabric for the trees in Desert Trees in the Wash came from FABMO.
I embellished the tree fabric with dark stitches to add texture. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/01/discovering-new-stitches/ Notice the peach colored sheer fabric in the background. I slipped in a small piece of a reflective sheer in the center.

Sheer Fabrics from FABMO

The San Francisco Bay Area has many unique things to offer. FABMO.org is one of them for artists and crafters. Every week this nonprofit’s volunteers pickup discontinued materials from the decorators at the SF Design Center. The materials are then made them available to the public to keep them out of the landfill. The sheer fabrics are often slow to be adopted. When I heard this,I started to gather them.I had no idea how I would use them. Slowly they made their way into my art quilts. Would that everyone had this access to a wide variety of sheer fabrics!

You can read more about the fabric layering technique here.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/07/fabric-layering-technique/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/11/how-to-use-small-pieces-of-fabric/

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/04/free-motion-quilting-hacks/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/10/art-quilters-see-fabric-in-a-new-way/

http://www.saqa.com/

An Art Solution Came to Me in a Dream

Has an art solution ever come to you in your dreams? Other artists mention that their ideas or an art solution came to them while asleep. Yet this had never previously happened to me. Until now! I have many small pieces of Mayan woven fabric. In the past I had included these Guatemalan fabrics in my art quilts basically as strips or blocks. Yet,this time I wanted to do something different. The 12″ fabric iguana perched on my design wall ached to be included. I just wasn’t sure what I could do.

Mayan fabrics from Guatemala, bright red and blues
Here are some examples of the Mayan fabrics from Guatemala I have.

An Example

Iguana’s Fiesta is an example of how I would use my Mexican inspired fabrics. Can you see the three pieces of antique huipil dresses in the blocks? One is in the middle of the top row. There are two on each side of the lower blocks. Strips of Mexican inspired fabrics and lace are sewn down the sides. Do you see the iguana watching over the fun? I do have a thing for lizards. They often appear in my art quilts.

Iguana's Fiesta,34" x 30" 86cm x 76cm Brightly colored art quilt in yellow, red and black.
Iguana’s Fiesta,34″ x 30″ 86cm x 76cm

My Semiconscious State

In a dream or at least semiconscious state, it came to me to place the iguana in a tree using the Mayan woven fabrics as branches. I had never used the Mayan fabric as trees or branches before. However, I had used other fabrics in this way many times. So this was an easy transition to make. I liked the effect.

Mexican Iguana,art quilt,23" x21" 58 cm x53cm greens,golds in rainforest scene
Mexican Iguana,art quilt, 23″ x 21″
58 cm x53cm

I like the effect so much I ended up making another one also. Each art quilt figured a colorful iguana in the Mexican rainforest. The medium blue fabric is one of the Mayan fabrics as well. Dragonflies flit through the tree branches in Steamy Rainforest.

Iguana and dragonflies in the Steamy RainForest, 15" x 15" 38cm x 38cm, gold, greense
Steamy RainForest, 15″ x 15″ 38cm x 38cm

My Father’s Advise about Solving a Problem

My father’s advise for solving a problem was to leave it alone. Then come back to it later at a later time. This reduces frustration and anger. Equally it gives a person time to think. I don’t always do this. However, I do like the idea of putting something in the back of your mind for a while. The brain ruminates on issues or topics and comes up with a doable solution over time. That usually works for me. This solution works for which art genre you work in.

What works for you? How do you deal with art issues that come up?

A Word about Names

Mexico is home to a wide range of indigenous people,cultures and languages. These native peoples are my inspiration for many of my art quilts. The Mayan community stretches from southern Mexico to Guatemala. While the fabric was bought in Guatemala. It is difficult to know if the fabric came from Southern Mexico or Guatemala. For better or worse, I tend to use the phrases Mexican inspired and indigenous interchangeably.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/11/mexican-inspired-fabric-collages/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/09/how-sow-bugs-taught-me-how-to-be-persistent/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/10/everything-i-know-about-thread-for-quilting/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/03/mexican-dance-fabric-collages/

http://www.saqa.com/

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

Find a Way to Cheat in Quilting

Finding a way to cheat in quilting is a way of letting the fabric do the heavy lifting.Naturally when I suggest a fabric artist to find a way to cheat, I am not suggesting anything illegal. However, I suggest that the background fabric can help you create your art piece. In addition,let the color and design of the fabric add to the work. Fabric collage art brings together smaller pieces to form a unique work of art. Read about background fabric and fabric collage examples.

A whole cloth with a quilting pattern printed on it known as a cheater cloth.Find a Way to Cheat
A whole cloth with a quiltlike pattern known as a cheater cloth.

Cheater Cloth has been available for a long time.

Unbelievably, cheater cloth has been around for longer than you would think. Surprisingly, it appeared as early as 1850. A cheater cloth is a whole piece of cloth printed with usually with a traditional quilt pattern. In other words, it is a short cut for some who wants to quilt quickly. In this way, a person can quilt without having to sew the fabric pieces together. However, to be clear I am not suggesting that one use one of these traditional creater cloths in their art work.

Detail of a cheater cloth, a whole piece of fabric that is printed to look like a quilt Find a Way to Cheat
A detail of a cheater cloth that looks like it has hand embroidery sewn on it.

Using Background Fabric to Find a Way to Cheat in Quilting.

Furthermore, it is only in this vein that I call myself a “cheater.” Use background fabric to do the heavy lifting in some pieces. Recently, a fellow artist commented that I had used some paint on an art quilt. Yet in reality it was a piece of fabric that looked like I had painted it. At times I will do the jaywalking of cheating. Select a background fabric that aides in forming depth in your art.

Find a Way to Cheat Yet Make it Your Own.

Here is an art quilt with a multicolored whole cloth as the background. Find a Way to Cheat
Here is Beach Tree,2021,an art quilt with a multicolored whole cloth as the background.

Beach Tree, 43″ x 29″ 109 cm x 74cm began with a whole piece of fabric with blended blues and greens. Above all,the multi colored background reminds me of the seashore. Because I live in Surf City, this worked for me. Next,I created a magenta tree on top. Then,I added foliage and leaves to create a tree that is uniquely mine. Indeed,this is the type of cheating that I am suggesting. Use a fabric to enhance your art work. Consequently,add to the design to make it your own. Find a way to cheat in quilting legally.

November Skies,2013, an art quilt of three cranes flying across a blue grey sky. Find a Way to Cheat
November Skies,2013
https://www.etsy.com/listing/509597457/cranes-flyingoriginalfabric-landscape

In November Skies, I cut shades of gray, violet and blue clouds to form the background sky. Rocks and plants fill the foreground. Decorative threads imitate birds flying in the distance. Finally, I cut three flying cranes from an Asian inspired piece of fabric. The birds enhance my work with a bit of elegance that I could not have created on my own. I finished the piece by covering with tulle netting. Then I free motion quilted the whole piece.

Moon Ove Slough, an art quilt of greens and browns
Moon Over Slough,2018
https://www.etsy.com/listing/633472057/fabric-landscape-artbeach-artwall

Moon Over Slough,21″ x 21″ 53 cm x 53cm uses a multicolored fabric for the background to create layers in the landscape. The moon,slough plants and rocks finish the landscape. The impressionistic lines reach out to the viewer. Are they mountains? water? or sand? The viewer becomes involved in making their own mind up about the piece.

Kelp Dwellers, an art quilt of underwater life
Kelp Dwellers,2018

Kelp Dwellers, 25″ x 25″ 63 cm x 63cm started with a discontinued abstract multicolored sheer fabric sample. There is so much diversity of fauna,flora and movement under the water. Any fish that I cut out can probably be found under the water. I call these pieces Underwater Fantasies because accuracy is not the goal. Sheer and reflective fabrics help to create a sense of wonder.

My Background Fabric

detail of Overlook, art quilt of a tree Find a Way to Cheat
detail of Overlook,35″ x 26″ 89 cm x 66cm,2018

Sometimes I cheat with my own work. The sky background is a piece of cloth I dyed in an indigo class. Actually the fabric is the piece that I used to wrap up my work during the process. In this landscape art quilt,Overlook, it worked to create a cloud filled sky as the backdrop to my tree and owl on a hillside.

Adding Little People

The designers of fabric works hard to create interesting designs. There are so many designs to choose from. This is what encourages the public to buy so much fabric. The designs may be of people, birds, or animals. Those of use who are not strong in drawing can cut out a picture from the fabric. Use it in a fabric collage or art quilt. This is a legal way to use someone else’s work.

Here are a couple of whimsical fabric collages that I made at the beginning of my art quilt career. Without the charming fabric of the little people and the bright colors, the effect wouldn’t be the same.

Teaching, the Toughest Job You'll Ever Love , a whimsical, colorful art quilt featuring young children and their interests.
Teaching, the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love 1, 2012

This art quilt,Teaching, the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love 1, 48″ x 43″ 122 cm x 109cm is a fabric collage of brightly colored child friendly fabrics. Some small pieces of fabric are fused on. I added 3D flowers, a golden heart and 3D stars to the quilt top. The lettering is bias tape.

A colorful whimsical art quilt featuring children and their interests.
Teaching, the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love 2, 2013

Furthermore, I had so much fun creating the first piece I decided to create another.This art quilt,Teaching, the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love 2 is a bit smaller, 27″ x 26″ 69cm x 66cm. Yet, I again used fused pieces and 3D objects added the pieced fabric top.

In Conclusion

It is my hope that you will become inspired to try these techniques. They are another skill to add to your toolkit. Creating a unique piece of artwork that could only be yours is the goal.

You may also be interested in reading more.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/04/free-motion-quilting-hacks/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/make-a-fabric-landscape-collage-quilt/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/06/how-to-discover-your-artistic-signature/

http://www.saqa.com/

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

Art Quilters How to Discover Your Artistic Style

Art Quilters, how to discover your artistic signature. Every great artist has a signature style or technique. A signature style is something the artist includes in each piece that identifies the art as uniquely theirs. Without looking at the name, we know who made the piece. Sometimes we can tell the style and time period of the art piece just by looking. Yvonne Porcella, founder of SAQA added black and white checkerboards to many of her pieces. What is a favorite technique or style of yours? What do you readily include in each piece? While my example are my art quilts, the process for recognizing an artistic signature is similar across genres.

How I Found One of my Artistic Styles

small geometric pieces that became an artistic signature
I fell in love with these small geometric pieces.

Art quilters I discovered one of my artistic style quite by accident while working on a very large abstract quilt commission. The piece was almost finished. I needed only a little bit more maybe 6 ” .Yet, there was a only small amount of fabric left. Not worth going to to store for.Nonetheless, I had a bunch of 2 to 3 inch pieces of fabric. I sewed those smaller pieces together.Surprisingly, they formed interesting geometric shapes. At the same time, they saved the day.

Art quilters how to discover your artistic style accidently.

Furthermore,I liked the affect. I started sewing leftover pieces of fabric together to make a bigger piece.Then I added these geometrically shaped pieces to other works of art. Basically I feel like I discovered an iconic signature style for my work. A win-win situation-Making interesting shapes while finding a use for small fabric pieces.

Discover Other Artistic Styles

There are several other techniques that I generally like to use. I found these when I wasn’t looking for them. But I repeated them and now I generally use them. Art quilters discover your artistic style. What techniques or themes do you use often?

Rusty Leaves 29" x 21", 2021 Leaves reaching out of upper border
Rusty Leaves,29″ x 21″, 2021

In my tree quilts, I often make the leaves reach beyond the edges to form an irregular finished edge. When I first did this I tried to create something unusual. It proved very popular with the viewing public. Many people comment on being drawn to it. Sometimes the edges begin about half way up the right and left sides continuing across the top of the art quilt.

Overlook, an landscape art quilt with a tree and red owl is covered with tulle netting, a signature technique.
Overlook is covered with tulle netting, a signature technique.

Fabric Layering Technique

I use the fabric layering technique to create my trees and other Nature art quilts. People have mentioned that they knew it was my quilt because of the technique. I create a scene and cover it with tulle netting before free motion quilting the piece.

Include 3D Fibers on Abstract Art Quilts

Sunset Through the Forest, 34" x 32" 2019 anabstract art quilt in greens and yellows with lots of 3D decorative threads
Sunset Through the Forest, 34″ x 32″ 2019

Abstract art quilts are one of my three portfolios. I like to add texture through the use of 3D fibers and decorative threads sewn on top of fabric. Many times the decorative threads are couched(zigzagged). At times they may not be totally attached to the art quilt. In general I am drawn to 3D genres of art.

Find your Artistic Signature.

Keep creating. Find techniques or materials that you like. Keep using them. Your signature piece will reveal itself to you over time. It will want to be in each piece you make. Pay attention when someone comments that I knew that was your piece without looking at the name. Finding your artistic signature will not be easy. It will take time to develop as your artistic career grows. But it will be worth the effort.

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/03/an-educated-artist/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/07/find-a-way-to-cheat/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/07/how-to-make-a-quilt-without-a-pattern/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/forge-your-own-art-path/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/09/develop-your-art-passion/

https://www.saqa.com/

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