Creating Texture Archives

Ready to toss? Don’t. Rethink How to Use.

Quilters are famous for reusing fabric in their quilts. Yet, for quilters there are several other ways to reuse and not toss materials. Let me share a few of the ways that I have taken this a bit farther. I am very passionate some might say obsessed about not throwing fabric or other materials away.

Desert Trees in the Wash landscape art quilt — DesertTrees in the Wash, 25″ x 24″ 64 cm x 61cm 2021 Just one example of how I use small bits in my art quilts.

Business Cards

I use bits of batting and fabric to make my business cards. They are like mini art quilts. Some people benefit from a visual example of what an art quilt is. The fabric cards are about 4″ x 4″ 10 cm 10cm.

Therefore,it would be a real challenge to use these small materials for anything else. Each fabric business card is unique. People are thrilled to choose a small piece of art to take with them. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/12/artful-fabric-business-cards/

First, I write out my contact information using a fabric pen on a light colored solid piece of fabric. Next,I sew several small pieces of leftover fabric together. Finally, I make a small quilt sandwich with a small piece of batting inside. Then I stitch the three layers together. Trim and zigzag the edges.

a fabric business card- a work in progress

a fabric business card -a work in progress with batting and backing

Short Pieces of Decorative Threads

Pieces of decorative threads add texture and dimension to my art quilts. They could be birds or twigs in the wind. I prefer to create a more impressionistic view in my landscape art quilts. I leave it up to the viewer to decide whether the small piece is a bird or a leaf blowing in the wind. Reuse, don’t toss.

a bin of decorative threads — A textile friend gave me lots sof small pieces of the decorative threads she had left over from making scarves.

a closer look at some of the decorative threads

a plastic container of yarns and decorative threads I use,reuse don't toss — Here are some other yarns I use.

decorative threads and details I take apart to use their threads — Decorative threads and decor details I take apart to use their threads

Small Pieces of Fabric

Small pieces of fabric become abstract art quilts or fabric landscape collages. I have written several blogs on this topic. Here are links to two.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/02/the-making-of-an-abstract-quilt/

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

Sew Batting Together

Pieces of batting can be sewn together to be used like a larger piece. Make sure the weight of the batting is the same. Cut straight edges. Sew by zigzagging straight edges together. Make sure to create no gaps. Often there is a narrow long piece of batting let over when quilting a large quilt. These are my coveted pieces for this technique. Quilters,Reuse,Don’t Toss

two pieces of equal weighted batting can be sewn together,reuse don't toss — Two pieces of equal weighted batting can be sewn together.

Reusing items in Mixed Media

During the pandemic I turned my attention to mixed media or assemblage. I searched for small yet unusual items. These items would add interest to an art piece. Everything does not need to be a broken piece. Repurposing items also counts. My daughter brought back a small sewing kit from a trip to Europe. She never used it. I found a new use for them.

art in a box with blue tiles and buttons,9" x 6" reuse don't toss — Blue EuropeanThreads, 9″ x 6″ 23 cm x 15 cm

I am not sure if buttons would be considered unusual items. Yet, when I stacked them up with contrasting colors the effect was unusual.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/02/recent-attempts-at-assemblage/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/08/sewing-room-minimalist-assemblage/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/12/artful-fabric-business-cards/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/05/five-mistakes-new-quilters-make/

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

Reuse, don’t toss. Sometimes I have to give myself permission to throw something away. But with some thought, it is easy to consider another way to use something.

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

Desire more texture in your art? Add decorative threads.

an egret in the wetlands,Decorative Threads Add Texture — Wetlands Wanderer,an egret in the wetlands Above all,notice the decorative threads at the bottom of the quilt. 28″ x 27″

Add Decorative Threads for Texture

Above all,decorative threads add texture to art quilts. Furthermore,texture is part of my mantra, Color! Texture! and Movement! Therefore, I take creating, finding and using texture very seriously. Above all for me, it is fun. I get excited about repurposing decorative ribbons and threads in my art quilts. I would like to take this opportunity to share some ideas.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/07/creating-texture-in-art/

Discovering New Materials

My artistic path evolved about the same time I found Fabmo fabric and more https://www.fabmo.org/. Fabmo is a nonprofit that rescues fabric samples and materials from designers to keeping them out of the landfill. In addition,they make them available to the public. The charming decorative three dimensional details call to me. However, I discovered these threads quite by accident. For example,I accidently took some details apart. Most importantly, I discovered lovely threads and ribbons to add texture to my art quilts.

decorative details,Decorative Threads Add Texture — decorative details

Ribbons from disassembled details,Decorative Threads Add Texture — Ribbons from disassembled details

Take Things Apart to find Decorative Threads for Texture

These small details add texture, fiber and interest to art quilts. However,some of the threads are quite long when disassembled. Lots of room for creativity. Make a small detail by twisting and folding longer threads. Decorative threads entered my art pieces. In addition, I use these decorative details to add 3D texture to both my abstract and nature inspired art quilts.

Cinnamon threads abstract art quilt,Decorative Threads Add Texture — Cinnamon Threads, detail from an abstract art quilt detail of 23″ x 20″ art quilt

How Would You Use These Decorative Threads?

Decorative Threads Add Texture,Red detail — Red detail

Beige detail and disassembled red detail,Decorative Threads Add Texture — Beige detail and disassembled red detail

Some Examples of What I Did

In addition,here are a couple of photos of works in progress highlighting deconstructed fibers.

Big egret a work in progress — An egret, a work in progress

fibers in a work in progress,Decorative Threads Add Texture — fibers in a work in progress,

Helpful Hints

Not in the San Francisco Bay area with access to FABMO in Sunnyvale? Find interior decorators in your area. They will be thrilled to pass on their “outdated” details. Moreover,beautiful yarns can be found at garage sales. Leftover pieces of interesting yarns may also be found at yard sales or Goodwill. Decorative threads are available for purchase. Of course, interesting decorative threads are often sold at quilt shows. Does your local quilt guild have a flea market? Lots of good finds there.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope that you will be inspired to try and incorporate more decorative threads into your art quilts. Therefore, please share your successes and advice. Above all, try something new.

These articles may be of interest to you.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/an-abstract-art-quilt-sunset-through-the-forest/

http://fabmo.org

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/12/the-devil-is-in-the-details-textile-details/

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/07/underwater-fantasy-art-quilt-a-work-in-progress/

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/01/creating-movement-in-abstract-art-quilts/

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

How to Create Texture in Art Quilts

Under the Shady Tree detail 2

Creating Texture in Art

Techniques for creating texture on a flat piece objects are subtle. In other posts, I addressed other aspects of my mantra, Color!Texture!Movement! Moreover, adding color or movement creates a bolder statement. Above all,color impacts the viewer first and then movement next. But texture may even go unnoticed. However, now I will share my ideas for creating texture in my art quilts.

Tucks Create Texture

For instance, tucks are small seams sewn on the edge of a fold. Yet, a series of 3-5 tucks create texture. For example, in Upwelling they represent the layers of earth movement. Furthermore,this technique is also helpful to reduce the size of a piece of fabric by just a small amount.

green and teal art quilt with a pop of magenta — Upwelling, 30″ x 34″ Tucks run the width of several pieces to create texture.

Naturally Thick Fabrics

On the other hand,corduroy or other thick fabrics add texture by their nature. Look for fabrics that naturally have an interesting texture like dupioni silk. Unfortunately, these fabrics are often challenging to work with. Most importantly,develop your skills so that you will be able to work with them more easily.

Couching Decorative Threads

In addition,couching (zigzaging)different threads on fabric adds texture. First,I couch threads on long strips. Then I cut the pieces apart to use as fabric. In addition,this is a good way to utilize small pieces of yarn or decorative threads. At the same time,use the same color of thread to emphasize the line aspect of art. in this way,the focus will be on the color of the yarn not the color of stitching thread.

abstract art quilt in golds and light browns,Desert Sands, 16" x 21" 2015 — Desert Sands, 16″ x 21″ 2015

Three Dimensional Objects

Furthermore,add texture with 3D objects. In addition,artistic people may create their own 3D object using fibers. Here I included two fabric figures that I had previously made. Similarly,on the male figure, I added a serape for the Mexican theme. Likewise,embroidery thread hair,jewelry and lace completed the female’s figure.Finally,I added found plastic objects.

a Mexican inspired 3D art quilt — El Senor y La Senora Win Loteria

True Confessions Time

Ultimately,sometimes I am motivated by just using up materials. What items can I add to my art to finish it up? As a result, this random technique led me to a positive ending. I had about 8 designer samples of short threads in different colors wrapped together. Spontaneously I decided to add them to the foot of a tree. Don’t they look like grass? Boy! did this work!

a tree with a fence,fabric art,
Under the Shady Tree, 37" x 25" 2019 — Under the Shady Tree, 37″ x 25″ 2019

decorative threads are used to look like plants growing at the base of the tree — Under the Shady Tree detail 2

Start with Fiber

Fun With Fiber 6, Fiber container holds southwestern fabrics, burlap background — Fun With Fiber 6

Start with fiber. Here I used a redirected folded fiber piece. I added a found Mexican(Aztec inspired) clay head and redirected fabrics. Then I attached it to a highly textured piece of burlap.

In conclusion, the techniques to add texture include tucks, thicker fabrics, couching decorative threads, and adding three dimensional objects. There must be other ways to add texture.
Do you know of any? Please respond with your suggestions. I am open to new ideas.

How to Create Movement in Abstract Art Quilts

These articles may also be of interest to you.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/an-abstract-art-quilt-sunset-through-the-forest/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/06/couching-threads-and-creating-fabri/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/01/couching-zigzag-…-to-art-quilts-2/

How to Improve Your Next Art Quilt

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

Tag: Creating Texture