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 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.
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.