Ann Baldwin May Art Quilts 1001 Center St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Tag: Designing

  • How to Mentor like Project Runway

    A Project Runway Unconventional Materials  Challenge

    The First Conversation

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

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

    The First Assessment

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

    Making Plans

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

    First Steps

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

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

    Next Steps

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

    Project Runway Issues to Address

    Issue One

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

    Issue Two

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

    Issue Three

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

    Issue Four

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

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

    In Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

  • Consider this One Way to Advance your Art

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

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

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

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

    Suggested Norms of a Critique

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

    A Coaching Organization

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

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

    One Critique

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

    Another Critique

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

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

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

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

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

  • Fiber People, Have you tried this new trick?

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

    Spark Creativity by Limiting Materials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

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

  • 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/

  • See Unfinished Projects in a New Way

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

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

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

    Sorry No Photo

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

    Unintended Consequences

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

    Stretch Your Brain

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

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

    Birdhouse Blocks

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

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

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

    True Confessions Time

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

    Unknown Paths

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

    In Conclusion

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

    https://www.saqa.com/

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

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

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

  • 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/

    https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

  • 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/

  • 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

    A box of Aurifil brand threads for free motion quilting and other sewing.
    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/

    https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2025/01/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/

  • How to make a Quilt without a Pattern

    Making a quilt without a pattern may sound easy and appropriate for a beginner. However, it is not. First of all,this post assumes that the person has basic quilting skills and materials. As always,choose 100% cotton for ease of sewing and washing. Use a quilter’s cutting board, quilter’s straight edge and rotary cutter. I prefer to use a generous 1/4″ 1 cm seam when sewing.Whatever seam size you use, be consistent throughout your piece.

    Whimsical wild animal fabric and solids strips
    Whimsical fabric and strips

    Starting Your Patternless Quilt

    1. Choose your colors and fabrics,3 solid colors. Fabrics that read solid from a distance are also fine. Some batiks fit this bill. They add interest close up and seem solid from away. Choose 1-3 fabrics of interest to highlight. This could include animals, checks, dots or a number of items. Plan on a quilt of about 44″ x 35″ 112cm x 89 cm. This is the size of my work table. Adjust for your liking or workspace. Yet, this is a doable size for the first effort.
    2. Next,press and lay out the patterned fabric you want to highlight. Cut 3,5,or 7 pieces of varying lengths and widths. Using leftover pieces works well. Trim to make sure long edges are straight. Place fabric on your work space or design wall in a balanced order.
    Balanced solid and print fabrics laid out on the cutting table before sewing begins
    Balanced solid and print fabrics laid out on the cutting table before sewing begins.

    Planning Before Sewing

    3. Next, cut the strips of solid fabric. The width can vary. I prefer 4-6″ 10-20cm wide. A wider strip gives you more flexibility if you need to trim it later.Lay them on the table or design wall. Adjust to your liking. Add other colored strips to fill in the spaces. Make sure that the colors are equally balanced across the top of your quilt. That said there aren’t too many pieces of one color on one side of the quilt or the other. Does your eye flow smoothly across the quilt top or does your eye get stuck somewhere? I prefer that the eyes flow or move gently across the quilt top. Step back from your piece to observe. Take a break to rest for your eyes. It is amazing what little errors one might see upon return. You don’t need to lie down just do something else and come back later.

    4. Then,begin to sew your pieces together. Finally,add your favorite batting and quilt as you generally choose to do.

    a lap quilt of solid colors , magenta, purple, white and violet
    a lap quilt of solid colors , magenta, purple, white and violet

    Hints to Make a Quilt without a Pattern

    1. When trimming fabric with a design or picture, look at the fabric design before cutting. Pay attention to the fabric’s pattern or animals. Trim to highlight the part of the pattern you want. For example in the wild animal quilt,I highlighted the faces of the animal. On the other hand,I trimmed off the foliage. Take notice and trim fabric from each end rather than cutting from one side only. This extra bit of caution can make a big difference in the look of the final product.
    2. Some printed fabrics have a direction to them. Are all of the pictures facing one way? Or are all the pictures facing all directions? No matter which side it is being viewed from, a face is looking at the viewer. It is your choice if you want all of the pieces ( ie. animal faces)facing one direction or not. We often create a quilt with the designs facing one direction.Yet when it is used a quilt is usually not viewed that way. So don’t worry too much about this.
    3. Have a general idea of where you want certain pieces to be in your quilt. Lay them all out to view before sewing together. Leave them for a few hours or longer to be able to view the pieces with “new eyes”. Are the colors and patterns balanced? Does something catch your eye that shouldn’t? Furthermore, make these changes before the sewing starts.
    4. When piecing the quilt top together, flexibility is necessary. More strips may need to be added. Or at times strips may need to be trimmed. I find that I have more flexibility to make these changes if I sew the top together more or less by sections. For example,sew the upper right corner together. Then move to the upper left corner. Then the lower right corner and the lower left corner. If for some reason another strip or piece of fabric is needed, it is easy to add it this way.

    In Conclusion

    At this point in my career, I do not use quilt patterns. However, I did use patterns for years to quilt and sew. The rare time I do use a pattern is generally a shape that I have made myself. If sewing without a pattern is new for you, I applaud your bravery. It can be a daunting new experience. At times, it can be very scary. Ultimaltely, it is my hope that you will find it as freeing as I do.

    I have several lapquilts on my etsy site made in this way.

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/1194284434/contemporary-modern-lap-quiltbabhttps://www.etsy.com/listing/1194284434/contemporary-modern-lap-quiltbaby

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

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/1208240295/contemporary-modern-lap-quiltbaby

  • 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/

  • How I found Unusual Color Combos in Art

    As an abstract art quilter, I am always looking for unusual color combos. They show themselves to me in the most random of places. Read to learn how I found unusual color combos in art.

    Lingering Fog, 34″ x 34″ 87cm x 87cm

    A previous post discussed the steps for creating a light and dark grey piece contrasting with lime green. I discovered this unusual color combo when I noticed scraps I had tossed on the floor. Serendipitious success. How I found unusual color combos in unusual places.

    How I found unusual color combos in art.

    Recently I found pieces of fabric from different projects that I had thrown together in a bag. I discovered a charming unusual color combo of light purple and a yellow orange.

    Spring Sunset 12" x 12 ", an abstract art quilt of violet,amber,lilac and pale yellow,In Search of Unusual Color Combos
    Spring Sunset 12″ x 12 ” 30cm x 30cm

    Meanwhile, I looked up the name for a yellow orange color. It is called amber. What? I thought amber was a darker color. Surprisingly,it turns out that amber is directly between yellow and orange on the color wheel. As a result,I am now convinced that the color is amber.

    Lilac

    Lilac, a light or medium purple has not always been my favorite color. Growing up it was the springtime purple of choice. Maybe my mother’s dislike for the color influenced me.

    However in these times of COVID I find my choice of colors changing. Previously my mantra of Color! Texture! Movement! usually included bold bright colors. These days the colors of choice are lighter and subtle creating calm and peaceful emotions.

    In Search of Unusual Color Combos,Goldenrod Blush, art quilt of beige,cream and yellows
    Goldenrod Blush,31″ x 32″ 79cm x 81cm 2022

    My focus on incorporating texture and movement remain. For some of the fabrics,I sewed a layer of lace on top of a sturdier fabric. Next, I couched (zigzagged)decorative threads on top. Then I cut the lace into smaller pieces.You may be interested in reading other blogs on how to add more texture to your art quilts.

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

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

    A color coordinated fabric storage area looks appealing. However, it reduces the chance for coming across an unusual color combination.

    Certainly, finding unusual color combinations begins with open eyes and an open mind. Unfortunately there are no easy pathways forward. Ultimately,each artist must take this road on their own.

    Learn more about the international organization for art quilters, Studio Art Quilt Associates. https://www.saqa.com/

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

  • Five Mistakes New Quilters Make

    Just like everyone else new quilters make mistakes. Mistakes are part of the process of becoming a master quilter regardless if you are making art quilts or traditional quilts. Most of us are not proud of our earliest works. Yet, when an artist is accomplished, they make it look easy. The artists have practiced so much that it is hard to imagine that they ever made mistakes. Here is a review of several mistakes new quilters make.

    Mistake #1-Poor Fabric Choices

    Thinking one can make a quilt out of just any piece of fabric that they have. Yes, people make quilts out of used clothes or fabric that they have. But for a successful piece, their choices are based on their knowledge and their experience with that fabric. Plus if there is a problem then an experienced sewer or quilter will have an idea about how to fix the problem.

    There is a reason that commercially available clothing patterns list the types of fabric that would work best. New quilters can stick with 100% cotton for the most success.

    Another Mistake New Quilters Make

    An acquaintance with limited sewing experience wanted to make a baby quilt to give to a friend. She choose to use soft and stretchy fabrics that she had left over from other projects. Soft and stretchy materials are difficult to work with.

    On the other hand, parents are rightly concerned about what will touch their baby’s skin. One hundred per cent cotton fabric is safe and the most comfortable for a baby. On the other hand, soft minky fabric is nice for a backing.

    Mistake #2-Washability and Care of the Quilt

    Cotton fabric that is 100% cotton is easily washed. My inexperienced friend chose a dark multicolored patterned fabric for the baby quilt. Of course,patterns and styles of choice change. However,most new families want a light colored quilt. They are also concerned about washability.The color choices for this baby quilt were dark. In my opinion, the colors didn’t even coordinate well. In addition, most parents would prefer new materials to be used with an infant.

    Mistake #3-Lack of experience with a sewing machine

    In my opinion, the major sewing machine brands are of good quality. Even older and more older machines work well. That said when I bought my Lily Husquavarna over 20 years ago, a particular brand of thread was recommended to use with the machine. Quite by accident, I learned that other brands actually had better results. People swear by their Bernina machines yet I read that they can be fussy about the correct needle being used for the type of project. Learning the quirks of one’s machine is part of the learning process.

    Mistake #4 Lack of Process Planning

    Creating an art piece takes a loose plan. One needs to have an idea of what part needs to be completed before another part. Often an inexperienced art quilter will create a beautiful part without an idea of how to mount or display it. For example, an intricite portrait will be created, Yet,the artist will then not know what they need to do next. How should it be displayed? What fabric would highlight the work?

    Similarly, at the beginning of her art career,a very talented fiber artist would make nature inspired 3D works. She wanted them to be free standing. Yet, she made them without planning for the structure that would allow them to be free standing. As I tried mixed media and assemblage,I remembered that lesson. Consider the final structure first. How will it hang? How will it stand up?

    Mistake #5-Poor Color Choices

    Quite a few years ago, a friend asked me to make a baby quilt for a relative. We went to the fabric store together to choose some fabrics. These are the green and blue fabrics she chose. While each fabric has its merits individually, I would never have chosen them to be the only fabrics in a quilt. As it was an early commission for me, I didn’t feel at the time that I should say anything. However, this poor color choice stayed with me for a long time.Needlessto say, I have developed my artist’s voice over the years. I would definitely express my opinion if this happened again. It pushed me to rethink and validate my experience in choosing colors.

    Two fabrics, blue floral and green
    Two fabrics,blue floral and green

    A friend mentioned to me today that her sister made a quilt for her.They had lots of blocks with hand embroidery added. The friend didn’t really like the quilt. Her sister said she didn’t have to keep it if she didn’t like it. The friend wasn’t sure what to do. She mentioned that her sister’s quilting skills were not so good. The sister mainly made quilts for the family. When I finally saw a photo of the friends’s quilt, I had to admit that it had some charm. Maybe not totally to my friend’s taste but still charming in its own right.

    Nonetheless,this reminded me of the steps that people go through before they attain mastery. Lots of mistakes are made along the pathway to excellence. However, when someone looks at a quilter’s successful piece, the failures are not visible.

    In Conclusion

    My intent is not to criticize or shame someone’s efforts. We all start somewhere. However,I want to acknowledge the effort and experience that goes into the long path towards the mastery of skills. Our passion pushes us to continue to learn from the mistakes that new quilters make.

    https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

    https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/05/reuse-dont-toss/

  • How to Master Free Motion Quilting

    Follow these free motion quilting hacks to help you master free motion quilting. I share the techniques and suggestions that have helped me achieve success. What does one need to get started? Can something be saved for a later date?

    Nature Art Quilts,Make a Fabric Landscape Collage Quilt, tree on a hill with a fence
    Overlook 35″ x 26″ 89 cm x 66cm 2018 Uses the fabric layering technique.


    What do you Need to get Started?

    • a sewing machine that lets you lower or cover the feed dogs
    • a darning foot
    • Aurifil brand 100% cotton thread (found in better quilting stores)

    What can you Put Off for later?

    In my experience, these things that can be left for later. It is a personal choice. I saw quilting gloves mentioned as a necessary item to begin free motion quilting. I personally have never used these.They may be helpful for someone. But they don’t seem esseential to begin.

    Many quilters like myself are draw to charming stipple quilting. On the one hand, stipple quilting is lovely and adds a lot to your quilt. On the other hand, it draws attention to the quilting. For this reason, it isn’t the best for a beginner. Leave stipple quilting until later when you are more skilled. I use another technique that works better for quilters new to free motion quilting. See hack 3.

    Free Motion Quilting Hack -1

    A darning foot is also necessary. If your machine didn’t come with one, they are easy to obtain. Buy one for your brand machine.

    a darning foot

    Free Motion Quilting Hacks-2

    The best thread to use is Aurifil brand thread 50 weight 100% cotton. It comes in a lot of colors. However, it is generally only available in better quilting stores. At first, a spool can seem expensive. However, the thread is very thin. There is a lot of thread on each spool. I once pieced and quilted a complete double size bed using only one spool of this thread. This thread is highly recommended for free motion quilting. It truly will make or break your work. In the beginning, choose a thread color that matches the background. The threads blend in. Irregular lengths of stitches won’t show as much.

    Aurifil thread 50wt
    Aurifil thread 50wt

    Free Motion Quilting Hacks-3

    My preferred method of free motion quilting is to use the fabric layering technique. In the beginning,I was able to practice with satisfactory skills. As a result, I continued practicing. Therefore, leading to the mastery of the skill. My machine is a 20 year old Lily Husquarna. It is not a special machine,just a regular sewing machine.

    To be honest, before I learned this technique, I was ready to give up on learning free motion quilting. I was not having any success. Therefore,I was very frustrated. In short, it is very forgiving as one develops their skill.

    spools of thread for free motion quilting
    I only use Aurifil brand thread for free motion quilting.

    How to do the Fabric Layering Technique

    Basically the fabric layering technique starts on a table. To begin, lay the backing fabric down. Start with a smaller size like 12″-14″ about 30 cm square. Then put the batting on top. Similarly, cover the batting with a background fabric that enhances your scene.Then create a scene with fabric. A landscape is an easy way to start. Cut out pieces of fabric for your scene ie. trees and rocks. Then lay the pieces on the background fabric. Continue until you have made a pleasant scene. Place a tiny dab of glue from a glue stick to keep pieces in place while quilting. Cover with tulle netting. Free motion quilt.

    Free motion quilting allows the quilter to control the movement of the quilt. In order to do this, the quilter must lower the feed dogs on their sewing machine. The feed dogs are on the flat part of the machine. They control the movement of the fabric. Most newer machines have this feature. Mine is twenty years old and it does. If you are unable to lower your feed dogs, cover them. However, I am unfamiliar with this.

    a basket with many colored spools of thread
    Here is my basket of threads. I generally am not fussy about the type of thread I use for most kinds of sewing.

    Fast Feet Slow Hands

    While free motion quilting you should say to yourself, fast feet slow hands. What does this mean? The throttle makes the machine go fast. Your foot usually controlls the trottle. Push the throttle fast but evenly. At the same time, your hands should be moving slowly. Pull the sides of the quilt taut while quilting. Practice moving them at the same rate at an even pace.

    Checking your Stitches

    In the beginning, quilt following the outline of the tree or main object in the scene. Check your stitches by looking on the back of the quilt. Loose or lengthy stitches mean the hands are being moved too quickly. Those stitches need to be taken out.As you get better you can create free form grasses or branches or movement with the sewing threads. Read more about this technique. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/07/fabric-layering-technique/

    Shows With My Work One Fabric Three Art Quilts
    DesertTrees in the Wash, 25″ x 24″ 64 cm x 61 cm 2021
    Another example of the fabric layering technique.

    In Conclusion

    Free motion quilting is another tool to add to your quilting tool box. Yet, there is no easy fix for mastery this technique. Put in the time to practice,you will be rewarded with a higher level of skill. Use the suggestions here to make your path more successful quicker and less frustrating.

    View more Art Quilts

    View some art quilts I made using the fabric layering technique and free motion quilting.

    https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/01/trees-in-art-quilts/

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

    https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/04/birds-in-art-quilts/

    https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/04/marine-life-in-art-quilts/

    https://www.saqa.com/

    https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/08/new-york-art-center-in-tribeca/

    https://saqanorcalnv.com/

  • One Fabric -View Three Unique Art Quilts

    Knots, 15″ x 15″ 38cm x 38cm 2013

    View how One Fabric became Three Unique Art Quilts

    Little did I know that when I chose a fabric that one fabric would become three unique art quilts. The background fabric spoke to me. I liked the dots of different sizes while the peach color drew me in.

    Knots-background fabric

    First of all came Knots. It was one of my first pieces incorporating 3D objects with my art quilts. I added tucks and couched(zigzagged)fuzzy decorative threads to the fabric. Quilting black stitches added extra interest.The fiber piece in the middle is a mat like sample from FABMO as well. I folded it in half. Furthermore,I chose native inspired fabrics to roll up inside of the mat. Finally,a piece of favorite decorative thread with indigeous type details was added in several places. In short,Knots remains a favorite of mine. https://www.fabmo.org/

    Copper Cliffs-smaller pieces used

    SOLD! Copper Cliffs 21″ x 19″ 53cm x 48cm⁸ 2019

    Copper Cliffs is an abstract art quilt. Smaller pieces of the original fabric is visible among the other fabrics. One of my go to techniques to create texture is to couch (zigzag) decorative threads on to fabric. Then I cut the fabric into smaller pieces to use. I used several different fabrics to do that in this piece. I also used curved line piecing to sew the pieces together. Scribble quilting adds movement.

    Desert Trees in the Wash-Tree fabric stands out

    DesertTrees in the Wash, 25″ x 24″
    63cm x 61cm 2021

    Desert Trees in the Wash is a more recent piece. Oddly enoughafter all of these years, the fabric still called to me. Almost all of these fabrics and details are redirected designer samples that I acquired at FABMO. The fabric layering technique starts with the back fabric being place on a table. Then I lay the batting or center fabric on top. Next, I create the desert scene on top. A thin layer of tulle netting covers the entire piece to hold everything in its place. Free motion quilting makes sure that nothing moves.

    One Fabric Three Art Quilts
    A piece of fabric that inspired

    In Conclusion

    These three art quilts use the same fabric in different ways. On the one hand they are each unique. Each one was created without an inkling of the others.Yet, they also represent common aspects of my portfolios. It is only when I look back that I see this. I still like this fabric. I am happy with the outcome of each piece.

    https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/10/seeing-critically/

    https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/

    2022/01/to-frame-or-not-to-frame/

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

  • When Why How to Quilt?

    When Why How to Quilt?

      When Why How to Quilt?

    What is quilting? Quilting can be several things. A basic definition is the sewing together of two or three layers of fabric either for a practical purpose or a solely artistic purpose. What if  a person cuts up fabric and sews it back together to make the top of a bed covering? Yes is the answer.

    Who is a Quilter?

    Are you a quilter if you only sew or piece the top together and then have another person do the quilting? Yes. When I started, I only did that part. I worried that I could not call myself a quilter when I really only pieced the top together.  Another person quilted the three layers, the top, the batting and the back, together. It turns out that I was wrong. Even back then,I was a quilter.

    Acceptance of Many

    The quilting world and the art quilt world both accept  people as quilters whether or not they actually sew the three layers together. Some have the luxury of sending their tops to a  person with a long arm machine or another person to complete that part of the process. Let’s just make sure that they are given credit for their contribution.Words are funny that way, confusing at times and not even close to the reality. No wonder there is so much misunderstanding in the world.

    When Why How to Quilt?
    Poppin’ Back, 23″ x 22″

    How to Complete

    I recently completed two abstract art pieces. Poppin’Back used bright yellows, purples,magentas contrasting with white pieces of fabric. The fabrics were cotton. When it was time to sew  the three layers together, I didn’t stop to think. I forged ahead, quilting the usual way I often do, moving the quilt from side to side to create wavy lines . This creates another level of movement that I adds to the art piece.

    When Why How to Quilt?
    Smilin’ 33″ x 24″

    The Second Piece

    The second piece,Smilin’  was completely made from dipioni silk in bright contrasting colors with curved line piecing.I loved the bright colors and shapes. What would quilting lines add to the stunning colors? I decided that they wouldn’t add much.

    Yet, the 3 layers layers of fabric needed to be attached. Stitching in the Ditch which means quilting in the seams solved the issue for me.  Many art quilters would expertly sew 1/4″ lines to fill spaces. Giving myself permission to do something differently,I listened to what I felt the piece needed. I am happy with the final product.

    Conclusion

    Consider what is quilting brings to an art piece? Does it add an important  element like movement or color to the piece? Is it necessary? Each art piece is unique. It deserves its own consideration on how to quilt it. These are decisions that only the artist can make. It is one of the artistic decisions that the  artists must make. My plan is to pay attention and listen to the art more in the future.

    See more art quilts at the Studio Art Quilt Associates’ website. https://www.saqa.com/

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

    https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/06/abstract-art-in-fabric/

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

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

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