Category: fabric art

The genre of fabric art has grown in recent decades. This post will be of interest to art quilters and others who create art using fabric.

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.

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 21^st 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.

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.

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/

How to make Art in a Less than Perfect Situation.

A winter storm is hitting the central coast of California on a day I had planned to create new work. Furthermore,I prefer to choose my colors and fabrics when my studio has natural light comes through the ceiling level windows of my studio. I am ready to go but the natural light is not so bright. By all means,make art in a less than perfect situation

In the Shadow of the Mountain, brown, peach golden art quilt ,
25" x 20" 51 x 64 cm — In the Shadow of the Mountain, art quilt ,
25″ x 20″ 51 x 64 cm

Therefore, I forge ahead. Throwing caution to the wind I begin. I tell myself that I will not finalize anything until the light is brighter. Yet I feel more free to not worry or stress, always a good way to create. This piece is not headed to a museum or even for a show. Just something fun to work on or play with. Be brave. Make art in a less than perfect situation.

The winter storms continued as I gave myself permission to choose colors in a less than perfect situation. In reality things aren’t too bad. I have heat and electricity. I have materials to make art. Motivated? Yes. I am just lacking as much light as I would like. I work in the brightest spot in my studio which happens to be on my ironing board. Throw caution to the wind and choose colors. It might not be what you planned but do your best anyway.

Turn it into a Learning Opportunity.

Most importantly,I notice that some color choices are less forgiving than others. Certain lime greens have to work perfectly with other greens to be included. Certain reds need to play together well also. I could avoid these colors and just play it safe. But what fun would that be? I decide that deep reds will be okay to work with.

On the one hand,some of my favorite pieces are hills with trees. Yet, I had never felt successful doing mountains. This day layers of mountains glide into one another filling the landscape with a variety of bright and muted colors. I don’t work from photographs. To be honest, it took me many years for my inspiration of the mountains surrounding La Quinta, southeast of Palm Springs, California to fall into place. Familar sheers as well Guatemalan woven fabrics filled my comfort zone yet were used in a new way.

Before I knew it I was off, creating layers of mountains criss crossing one another. Continuing to make art in a less than perfect situation propelled me in a new direction. Incorporating sheers for reflecting lights and using my Mayan fabrics in a new way held my interest through several art quilts.

Southwest Mountains,an art quilt with Guatemalan fabrics, 24' x 24" 61 x 61cm — Southwest Mountains, 24′ x 24″ 61 x 61cm

Shiny Mountain, an art quilt using shiny, reflective and Guatemalan fabrics in pink, blue and purple.24" x 24" 61 x 61 cm — Shiny Mountain, 24″ x 24″ 61 x 61 cm

Sometimes working in a less than optimal situation is necessary. This forces one to address new ways to solve solutions. Furthermore, it can become a learning experience. Do not wait until the “perfect” situation arises to create art. Create where ever and whenever you are. The best artists remain resilient.

http://www.saqa.com/ Studiio Art Quilt Associates- International art quilters organization

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/02/how-to-break-your-own-art-rules/

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

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.

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/

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

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.

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

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

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

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

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

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

www.saqa.com/

Everything I Know about Thread for Quilting

Let’s talk about everything I know about thread. Notice I didn’t say everything there is to know about thread.I am not a thread expert. But I have been sewing clothes and quilting for decades.I will be the first to admit that there is a lot that I don’t know about thread. I can not say which type of thread is perfect for which project. Some shiny metallic threads are too fussy to work with for my liking. I might couch them from time to time.A special needle helps if sewing them by machine.

Here is a large a large basket of new and old threads. — a basket of threads

What I Know

Thread colors and fabric colors are like fashion.Styles, shades and hues change often.Greens may always seem available. Yet the shades change. If you want a forest green It may not always be available. This I learned yhe hard way. My preschool daughter wanted a forest green dress when that color was out of style. Currently, tealish or bluish greens are currently popular.

All Brands are Good.

All brands make good quality threads. After 50 years of sewing I have not found thread brands that are not good quality. Individual threads may have different uses. Some may be easier to work with on your particular sewing machine than others.When I bought my Husquarva Lily over 20 years, Guttenberg thread was recommended for use with my machine. I used that thread with mixed success. I kept using Guttenberg because of the recommendation. Yet, while doing donation quilts, I was given some other brands to use. It was amazing to see how much easier this other brand was to use. The stitches looked better also. I learned that some machines work better with some threads. Of course, paying a company for a recommendation is not unheard of. Get to know your machine and what it likes for the type of sewing that you do.

Free Motion Quilting

Aurifil Threads for free motion quilting and other sewing.

For free motion quilting I am very fussy about the thread I use. I find Aurifil brand improves the quality of my work when I am free motion quilting. It can be used for piecing or general sewing. At times it can seem pricey so I try and save it for those particular projects. I will say that there is a lot of thread on the spool because the thread is very thin. So it isn’t as expensive as it seems. Once, I pieced and quilted a king size bed with only one spool of thread.

Old Thread

Don’t be afraid to use old spools of thread. The quality is amazing. The colors unique. If it breaks easily in your machine, save it for hand basting. I acquire old thread whenever possible to maintain a wide range of thread colors. Test the thread to see if it is good. Pull on the thread. Does the thread break easily when you pull on it? Then it is no good. I have bought new spools of thread that failed this test. Build up a resource of thread colors just like a fabric stash.

I avoid polyester threads but sometimes it is not possible. Depending on your project polester may be fine. If you are making an heirloom project, definitely use 100% cotton thread. Yet I have come to the conclusion that most of my projects will last 20-30 years. Polyester thread is fine for those projects. Quilting is supposed to be fun. Not stressing over little details of the quilting police.

Chartreuse Thread?

At a flea market I bought a chartreuse spool of thread. I surprised even my self. Greenish yellow? What was I thinking? It quickly became my favorite thread to quilt with. Chartreuse on black fabric is stunning! Move out of your confort zone.Try unusual or different colors than what you are unaccustomed to using. One never knows how a color will look once sewn or placed on another fabric. It changes. Our eyes also see colors diffferently. Let the fun begin. Try a different and unexpected color of thread for your next quilting project.

All I Know About Thread

As you can see I am not an expert on thread.Yet I do have a few suggestions to make. Don’t be afraid to use old spools of thread. Most of them are perfectly fine. Unless the threads break. Polyester is fine to use for some projects. For family heirlooms I would stick to 100% cotton fabric and thread. Practice helps. Get to know your machine and what works best for the type of sewing that you do. Some unique threads like metallic ones need a special needle. Relax and have fun.

http://www.saqa.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/07/art-solutions-came-to-me-in-a-dream/

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

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/

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/

Is it Important to Frame an Art Quilt?

tree with leaves flowing outside of the frame — Rusty Leaves, 29″ h x 21″ w
73cm x 53 cm

Art quilts are a newer art form. Creating art with fabric is not like creating art with paint. We create our own canvas of sorts with our backing. We finish the edges with stitches.We do not need an additional frame to complete our work. Some quilt artists add a fabric frame but that is different.

Art quilters need to embrace the uniqueness of their art form. Art quilts come in many fabrics,colors and sizes. There are no predetermined sizes like with a canvas. Sometimes quilt artists choose a smaller size to try out a new technique or for a gift.

More importantly, in order to gain acceptance, some quilt artists frame their art. That way it is immediately recognizable as a piece of art similar to a painting. Furthermore, who doesn’t want their work readily accepted by the public. I get that.

Yet, quilt edges are always finished. It is part of the process. Quilt edges are generally finished by several methods. Sew a facing on the front and turn it to the back for hand stitching. Zigzag twice on the edges. Some art quilters prefer attaching a binding like a more traditional quilt.

All artists want their work accepted as art. However, educating the public about art quilts is necessary. Why add a heavy frame? It is redundant and unnecessary. Why do it?

Framing Art Quilts is Different.

Fabric is a unique material to use to create art. It moves and stretches a bit. When I started creating art q;uilts, I thought that they were to lie flat against the wall. Then I visited the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles.https://www.sjquiltmuseum.org/ The incredible quilts on display did not lie flat against the wall. Naturally, I gave up that idea. Art quilters need to embrace the uniqueness of their special materials.

magenta tree with irregular shape on edges — Beach Tree, 34″ x 29″ 86cm x 73cm

11 Reasons Why I Don’t Frame my Art Quilts

The edges are finished. There is usually a facing, binding or the edges are zigzagged twice. Nothing more is needed.

Fabric encourages a different type of artistic expression. Leaves can flow off of the sides. A frame would cover up that expression.

I send my art quilts by rolling them up. They take up less space.

I store my art quilts by rolling them up with the front to the outside to prevent wrinkles. It is amazing how little space they take,

Be forward thinking. Ditching the frame immediately shows movement away from a tradition.

A frame is more heavy and cumbersome. What artistic value does it add to the art quilt? Trying to match styles can be difficult.

In Earthquake Country or Tornado Country, a heavy frame over a bed is not advisable.

I can carry all of my quilts for a solo show under one or two arms. I roll them up together. They are not heavy.

Frames adds extra unnecessary weight whether they are wooden, metal or another material.

When storing an art piece,a frame takes up more space.

A frame is expensive.

I store my quilts rolled up in a closet. A temporary tag pinned to the top allows for fast identification of each individual quilt.

Exceptions to Not Framing

I realize that there may be exceptions. It is possible to frame an art quilt. On the other hand,in some permanent public settings, framing may be preferred. Museums or other public and private organizations may want a consistent look in their presentation of the artwork. Permanent collections do not move often. The situations are different.

In Conclusion

Why add a frame if it is not necessary? Frames are expensive, heavy, and take up more space. On the contrary, they can not be rolled up for easy storage,shipping or carrying. More importantly, some painters are now painting the sides of their canvases so frames will not be necessary for them.

http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com https://www.saqa.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/01/frequently-asked-questions/

What do you Want to Know? Frequently Asked Questions

Using Fabrics Saved for a Long Time

Cactus Dreams,abstract art quilt

Recently someone mentioned to me at my studio that she had some fabric that she had had for a long time. She suggested that she should get rid of it solely for the reason that she hadn’t used it. While we all have our own rules of engagement, that is not one of mine. If I like a fabric I will keep it until I can find a good project for it. In this posting I share examples of using fabrics saved for a long time.

Using Saved Fabrics

As soon that visitor commented on her long saved fabrics, I lead her to see this recently completed piece. I explained that I had had the fabric with wavy yellow, green and turquoise lines for a long time. I could not remember where or when I had gotten it.

Over the years I would try to see if it fit in other quilts. But each time I put it back on the shelf. Often this whimsical fabric didn’t fit the style or mood of the piece or maybe the color wasn’t just right. Here, however, everything works;the colors, the movement, the whimsical style.

random pieces,Using Fabrics Saved for a Long Time — Sunset Through the Forest random pieces

Using Fabrics Saved for a Long Time — Sunset Through the Forest, an art quil

ATLAS in Rose

I recently completed the abstract art quilt, ATLAS in Rose. The rose, reddish rose and gold fabric is a high quality fabric that I had had for a long time. Yet I hadn’t used it. The red and rose colors would not play well with other colors. In spite of that, I kept it. Luckily, I did. Because it went perfectly with this black and white scientifically inspired art quilt. It added color and just the right amount of movement to the art quilt.

rose and gold fabric,Using Fabrics Saved for a Long Time — rose and gold fabric

finished art quiltUsing Fabrics Saved for a Long Time — ATLAS in Rose , finished art quilt

Fabric with Small Boxes

The following red, yellow and green fabric with small boxes is another piece that I liked. I didn’t know how I would use it. But I had to have it. The colors and movement spoke to me. I ended up for saving it for many years. In Cactus Dreams, the colors fit. The geometric boxes mirror the checks in the Guatemalan and in the checkerboard fabrics.

green yellow red with box — fabric with green,yellow,red and boxes

Cactus Dreams,detail ,abstract art quilt — Cactus Dreams,detail,abstract art quilt

In Conclusion

I finished these three art quilts in the past year. Without realizing it, I probably mentioned to the visitor that I had used some saved fabric. Thankfully, I had kept the fabric. Because they worked perfectly!

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

So You Want to Create an Abstract Art Quilt

Sunset Through The Forest

green and golden yellows in this abstract art quilt

Follow these step by step instructions using Sunset Through the Forest,an abstract art quilt as an example to create an abstract art quilt.

Getting Started

Choose Your Colors

First, I prefer to choose a few contrasting colors. Then I search through my materials for fabrics, decorative yarns and threads in those colors. Sometimes I also choose lighter and darker hues of the same colors.

Make Details with Decorative Threads.

Next, it is fun to make shapes with the decorative threads. For this piece I used the decorative threads to make several parallel lines on the fabric. I cut long strips and sewed the decorative threads in long lines.Then I randomly cut the long strips into 3 or other odd number of pieces. Creating texture- done!

green yellow bits,Several different examples of decorative details — Several different examples of decorative details

On the Design Wall

Next, I display the potential finalist fabrics on my design wall. My favorite choices are fabrics with movement and interest. Then, I also make sure that they are places for eyes to rest by including solid colors.

green yellow bits on design wall — Trying out green and yellow bits of fabric randomly placed on the design wall

Balancing Colors

Next, balance out the colors and textured pieces so that they are not all on one side of the piece. Don’t be afraid to take a break to come back to view the work with fresh eyes. A fresh look is always helpful in looking for ways to improve a piece. How will one’s eyes move around the art work? Eliminate fabrics if necessary.

green yellow farther along in putting the pieces together — Balancing the fabrics and colors

Sewing Smaller Pieces Together

Begin to sew small pieces of fabrics together. Then remember to balance colors and fabrics so that they are equally spaced about the piece. Use this advantage of a design wall to view your whole piece.

Sunset Through Forest, art quilt — Small pieces are sewn together

Sewing More Pieces Together

Continue sewing pieces together. Keep checking for balance of fabrics, colors, and textured pieces.

finished top Sunset Through Forest — finished top, Sunset Through the Forest

Finishing

Lastly,I scribble quilt the three layers together to create an added level of movement. Scribble quilting is a technique I named. I use a walking foot to create a flowing quilting line by moving the quilt side to side while quilting. Make sure that the quilting is also balanced and equally fills the space. Then add a facing. Turn to the back and handsew the facing to the back. Name and sign your art!

Sunset Through The Forest ,an art quilt,32"h x 34"w 81cm x 87cm — Sunset Through The Forest, finished art quilt,32″h x 34″w

In Conclusion

These are the steps that I generally follow to create my abstract art quilt pieces. They represent my process at this time. It will probably change over time. Your process is probably unique to you.

Looking for Unusual Fabrics? Find Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics

Visions of New Mexico,3rd place award

Inspiration from Discontinued Designer Fabrics

Above all, I like using discontinued designer fabrics in my art quilts. These materials add texture and movement to my work. Most importantly as a fiber artist, I look for unique materials. Using discontinued fabrics from designers fits the bill.

Just as important is keeping these beautiful materials out of the landfill. Certainly,giving them a new life is important. First,I gather my materials first with no idea in mind as to how I will use them. Then I see which materials play well together.

Finding Discontinued Materials

About ten years ago I started volunteering at Fabmo,(Fabric and more). About the same time,I became more serious about making my fabric art. FABMO is a nonprofit center for redirecting fabrics. For example,dedicated volunteers make weekly trips to the San Francisco Design Center, a decorator hub. These materials are new and ready to be recycled. Furthermore,the public can buy these materials for a donation.http://fabmo.org

Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics

The nonprofit recently moved to a warehouse in a Sunnyvale, California. After that,it was ready to offer selection days for the public. For example, items to choose from include discontinued items, fabric samples and details. The fabric is like none available in local quilt shops and fabric stores. It inspires me to see how the fabrics play with one another. At the same time,the volunteers are dedicated to reduce, reuse, and recycle fabrics. They search for new ideas to use the materials. Then they share these ideas on their newsletter. Check with your local decorators for similar opportunities.

Unique fabrics make Unique Art.

Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics Using Redirected Fabrics and Materials abstract,orange,green — Autumn Comes to the Farm,an art quilt made from redirected fabrics, 20″ x 20″

Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics Using Redirected Fabrics and Materials abstract,gold, deep red,an art quilt — Desert Sands,21″ x 16″

Inspiration from Unusual Fabrics

The next step is to choose from the wide variety of materials that are available. Needlesstosay, the amount of possibilities is a bit overwhelming. Furthermore,the use of silk, linen and synthetics allows me to add texture to my art pieces. These fabrics can be a bit more difficult to work with than cotton. Unlike bed quilts, art quilts as wall art do not have to be washed. In other words, easy care materials like cotton are not mandatory.

Gees Bend inspired abstract,brown, beige, golden,an art quilt made from redirected materials — Rusty Cans in the Wash,16″ x 15″

art quilt black,white, rust — Visions of New Mexico,3rd place award, 31″ x 26″

A Win Win Situation

Finally,I am very inspired by how these redirected materials play together. I really hope that you will search out sources for redirected materials in your area. It will add a spark to your art. It will create a decline in entries to the local landfill. What could be more of a win-win situation?https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/08/adding-color-to-your-art-quilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/11/use-redirected-fabric-in-art-quilts/

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

You can learn more about FABMO here.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/12/the-amazing-story-of-fabmo-how-two-dedicated-people-can-make-a-big-difference/

Favorite Colors? Surprising The Things That Stay With You

Winter Sunset, An abstract art quilt with lavander,pink, and grey colorsthe finished piece

Memories of Favorite Colors

Memories of favorite colors can stay with you throughout a lifetime. As a seven year old, I remember telling the neighbor lady that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. My favorite colors were pink and yellow. I chose them both because I couldn’t decide which one I liked the better.

My goal of becoming an artist faded almost immediately. That idea didn’t resurface until much, much later after a 36 year career as an elementary school teacher. Yet, my memories of my favorite colors remained with me.

Elementary School

For several years while I was in upper elementary school, a ladies choir came to sing for our school. I don’t remember the music but what stuck with me were their dresses. The ladies all wore a solid color shirtdress that was most likely from their own closet. The affect of the variety of colors was intriguing to me. I was starstruck. I kept this memory for such a long time that I made myself a single color dress to wear to work many years later.

Shirt dresses possibly from Villager.

Memories of Favorite Colors,Age 13

My mother loved clothing and dressing nicely. I could always count on her for a lovely outfit for a Christmas gift . For my thirteenth Christmas, she surprised me with several items to mix and match in forest green and light blue. There was a green blouse with light blue flowers, a fluffy Mohair blue sweater,blue pants and a light blue skirt. I was in heaven. Those colors have stayed dormant within me although I haven’t done anything with them. Maybe the time is now right?

fluffy mohair sweater 1960's style,Memories of Favorite Colors — My mohair sweater looked like this only in light blue.

Memories of Favorite Colors -Chocolate Brown and Light Blue

Fast forward ahead to my life as a young wife. My husband and I enjoyed visited model homes to get inspiration for our own space. We were both enamored with a home decorated in dark chocolate brown colors with light blue accents. Again we didn’t act on our interest. But the memory of colors of that model home stayed with us both .

Memories of Colors-Purple

We all must admit that we have been influenced positively and at times negatively by our parents. My mother did not like purple. The purple of the 1960’s was more of a sickly lilac. I share her dislike for that color. It is not a color that blends well with our olive complexion. Here are some beautiful dresses in the color lilac. I must admit it is hard to dislike these stunning examples.

Memories of Favorite Colors, a beautiful lilac dress — lilac dress

lilac dressMemories of Favorite Colors — lilac dress

Other Shades of Purple

Much later a wider variety of purples became popular. Shades of purple that constrast well with many colors are a natural choice for my art. Here are some examples.

purple black ,white medium blue abstract art quilt — Splendid Fairy Wren, 30″ h x 25″ w

3D art quilt with girl and cacti Mexican inspired — Under the Palapa, 27″ x 21″

Gees Bend inspired art quilt in light purple and grey — Shore to Sky E, 10″ x 10″

purple, pink and red art quilt inspired by Valentine's Day — Love in the Abstract, an abstract art quilt in purples and pinks,24″ x 26″

Winter Sunset, An abstract art quilt with lavander,pink, and grey colors,the finished piece

Conclusion

These are some of my memories of favorite colors that have stayed with me for many years. Thank you for letting me share. I assume that others also have fond memories of shades from their childhood and beyond. Do you have any color favorites of your own.? Feel free to share them here.

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

Want to Be More Creative?

American Democracy,2019 3D details are visible.

Are you curious about how to become more creative? Have you ever thought how creativity works? Is someone born with it? Is it a developed skill? Or is it magic? I personally feel that it is a bit of all of those things. But for the most part, creativity is based on a lot of practice, making mistakes and hard work.

Becoming More Creative

They must be a Genius.

I am not very musically inclined. Upon hearing a complicated piece of music, I would wonder how did someone create that? I would have no idea how the piece was put together. I assumed that the artist created the piece all at once. Therefore, they had to be some kind of a genius to be so special and creative.

Creativity is not a Fixed Entity.

More recently after creating many original art quilts, I have a clearer idea of how creativity works. Creativity is not a fixed entity. It must be nurtured and developed. The musicians might be very talented but probably they worked a long time on a particular piece working bit by bit. Maybe even different people contributed different parts. Ever notice that some people write the music and others write the words? People have strengths in different areas.Their genius takes years of practice.

Making Choices

When beginning an art quilt, first I decide what type of quilt I will make. Will it be an abstract, a nature piece or a Mexican inspired fabric collage? Then I begin to choose the colors based on the fabrics and materials that I have. It helps me to have a vague idea of where I am going. But I keep it flexible in case,I want to change things. Sometimes I start by making a lot of really interesting parts to be focal points. It could be a fabric doll, couched decorative threads or ribbons or 3D textural piece.

Plan something. Then Work to make it Better.

For an abstract art quilt, I begin by choosing a three color palette before adding light and dark hues. It is best to have an idea of what I am going to use these special details or parts for so that the colors I choose will work with the project. But there have been instances when these details haven’t worked as first intended. So were put aside and saved for another piece.

After choosing the colors, I take my first steps of laying the pieces on my design wall. Then I ponder, what I could do to make it better. How can I make it more artful or interesting? How can I add texture or movement to the piece? This is an ongoing process. I make those adjustments and continue on.

Fresh Eyes

Taking a break. Coming back to look again with fresh eyes is helpful and necessary. It is amazing how our eyes can fail to see things. Even when trying to look for errors and they are right in front of our face.

In Conclusion

After making over 400 art quilts, I have a clearer idea of how creativity works for me. Time in the studio working to create art is a must. I am motivated by the way different materials work together. Themes or colors may be the same but rarely do my pieces look similar. Serendipity does occur and should be embraced when it happens.

Art Quilts at New York Art

Sand Between My Toes

Ann Baldwin May Art Quilts proudly announces that the following abstract art quilts are now on display on the website of New York Art; Beach Umbrellas, Sand Between My Toes, and Sunlit Boulders. They will be displayed in the future in the New York Art Gallery, 7 Franklin Place , TriBeCa, New York,10013.

https://newyorkart.com/search?q=ann+baldwin+may

https://newyorkart.com/

Turquoise, yellow , and green fabrics in this bright art quiltArt Quilts at New York Art — Beach Umbrellas, 37″ x37″ 2016

Brown, green and cream colors of fabric in this art quilt,Art Quilts at New York Art — Sunlit Boulders
31″ x28″ 2016

Light colored fabrics with a pop of gold and blue in this art quilt,Art Quilts at New York Art — Sand Between My Toes 30″ x 25″ 2015

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/02/visual-arts-network-santa-cruz-county/

How to make an Abstract Art Quilt with Sunset Through the Forest as as an example.

How to Get Started

choose Your colors

Make details with decorative threads.

Next, it is fun to make patterns with the decorative threads. For this piece I used the decorative threads to make several parallel lines on the fabric. I cut long strips and sewed the decorative threads in long lines.Then I randomly cut the long strips into 3 or other odd number of pieces. Creating texture- done!

green yellow bits — Several different examples of decorative details