Learn Something about Memory Quilts

Yellow and Green Memory Quilt, 56" x 51" lap quilt

Something about Memory Quilts

Black and Red Memory Quilt, 56″ x 51″ 142cm x 129cm

At one time, I mentioned to someone that I had a commission to make a memory quilt. That person asked me,”Wasn’t it weird to make a quilt out of a dead person’s clothing? Didn’t that creep you out? Cutting up a dead person’s clothes?” I had never thought of that. Why would that be creepy? However, I continued to think about the comment. The question focussed on the dead part while I focussed on the fabric part.

back of Black and White Memory Quilt, 51″ x 56″ 129 cm x 142cm

Focussing on the Fabric Part

Sewing involves cutting up fabric and piecing it together to make clothes or other items. Something that I had done since I was a teenager. When learning to sew clothes, mistakes are common. The seam ripper is a sewist’s or quilter’s best friend. Just like stopping is part of driving. Ripping out mistakes is part of sewing.

Repairing Clothes

In addition,sewing often involves repairing clothing. Obviously, repairing clothing means that the item has already been used. It is not such a huge step to cut up worn clothing to create something new. The creation is the important part not the living status of the person. Sewists see things differently. All kinds of divergent views add to the conversation.

Yellow and Green Memory Quilt, 56″ x 51″
142 cm x 129cm lap quilt

Incredible fabric details

Notice details of pockets and inset of blue with seersucker from the inside of the jacket

Often the memory quilts that I have made are from men’s clothing. Don’t even consider the fast clothing market. Some of the men’s jackets are works of art. One jacket(see photo above) made in East Asia came with piping and beautiful sewing details on the inside of the jacket. Monograms are common. The fabric for the shirts is of the highest quality. Think high thread count!! These materials also stand up well to the rigors of washing. They are incredible fabric that one would not find in a regular fabric store. Don’t miss such an opportunity to repurpose such great materials.

Why Memory Quilts?

So why make memory quilts? Repurposing fabric or items is foremost for me. Could the clothing be donated? Yes. Will the donated clothing all be put to good use? I don’t know for sure. Sometimes it isn’t. If the clothing doesn’t sell, it is shredded for insulation or something else.

back of Green and Yellow Memory Quilt,56″ x 51″ 142cm x 129 cm
lap quilt

The Joy of Memories

What could be more special that cuddly up in a quilt that contains small pieces of fond memories that one has for a loved one? “Oh, I remember that shirt. My dad wore that almost everyday!” “Junior loved those shorts! He wouldn’t ever take them off.” What could be better than a useful, memorable yet beautiful piece?

Making a Memory Quilt

The memory quilts highlighted here are from a recent commission. I completed two reversible lap quilts from a man’s clothing that the widow gave me.

Several shirts to choose from
more shirts
Silk ties

This client brought me a large plastic bin filled with shirts and pants along with a few silk ties. She wanted two quilts to be made. She also requested that certain fabrics be included in both quilts. I took notes on that so that I would remember. As a repeat customer she was familiar with my abstract style. The client looked forward to see what I would create.

Step 1 Choosing the Colors that Go together.

A Work in Progress

After making sure that the clothing is clean and smells fresh, the first step is to decide which colors go together. As stunning as red can be, red does not play well with other colors. I chose to pair the red with the black and white. The husband’s taste made choosing the colors of the second quilt fairly easy, yellow, cream and light green. The tropical shirts added just the right flair and action.

Step 2 Interesting Details
artist made details

Many pieces of clothing have interesting details that I like to incorporate or highlight. Boring buttons pop with the addition of bright threads. Labels and tags add interest too. Pockets are a wonderful surprise as well. Sometimes I use the the labels or tags as is or I may have to cut them and add them to another piece of fabric. It is important to have the 3 D details all on the top of the quilt and not on the backside. When it comes to quilting the three layers together, it will be easier to quilt avoiding hitting buttons.

button details, waistband, and silk ties
Using Fusible Web

Once cut apart, most of the clothing is ready to use. Silk ties and thin fabrics need to have fusible web ironed on to the back of the fabric. This prevents the fabric from stretching and aides in ease of sewing. This step is essential for the beauty of the piece and the ability to easily sew the fabrics together. It is not difficult or expensive except for the time involved.

a pocket and a label
Button details and label
Step 3 Designing on a Design Wall

These memory quilts are similar to my abstract art quilts.except that I use larger pieces of fabric. I place the details and unique items on the design wall first making sure that they are more or less where I want them. Then I add other fabrics rather randomly. I move the pieces around so that the colors and details are balanced. I sew pieces together and keep checking that the colors and patterns are not all in the same area.

Keeping items balanced.
Balancing out colors and patterns
Step 4 Complete the quilt.

When I am happy with the way that the top looks,I sew all of the pieces together. Then the top is finished. I baste the quilt sandwich; top, batting and back together. Then quilt the three layers together. I keep my quilting simple to let the fabrics shine. That is the part that is most important to the client. Similarly,after I spend time designing simple quilting also keeps the price down.

In conclusion

After sewing clothes, quilts and art quilts for decades,I continue to be impressed with the quality and durability of fabric and cloth. The fast clothing market aside, there is no reason to not recycle clothing into some other form. Memory lap quilts are a perfect fit for this redirection. Whether art quilts or memory quilts, redirecting fabrics and materials is my main focus.

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/08/memorial-quilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/02/memory-quilt-a-work-in-progress/

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

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

How to Choose Between Hard or Soft Art Materials

Paddling Along, 10" x 3.5"
Art Materials: Hard or Soft, art in a box with cement tiles and green glass tiles
Green Sphere 9″ x 7″

               Art   Materials:  Hard or Soft

An acquaintance  who follows my work on Instagram recently commented on the progress of my work into hard materials. The comment stopped me in my tracks. What? It made me think. For me, moving into assemblage was something that I had been doing for a while at a very slow pace. Assemblage is a 3D collage generally of diverse found objects.Yes, fabric art quilts are soft and generaly 3D materials are hard. Yet, I hadn’t thought about it that way.

3D Found Materials

As an art quilter I had often added 3D found objects to my work. Whimsical toy soldiers, artificial flowers, pieces of jewelry are just a few examples. Seeing it from another’s view made me take a second look at what I was doing. Larger tile pieces would be too heavy to work with.As a result, I had chosen quarter inch tiles and other objects mainly due to their size and color.

Inspiration

I draw inspiration from the materials and how they play together. I gather materials without thinking about how I will use them. This process applies to  the hard or soft art materials that I work with.  My sources are redirected sample designer materials. If the small slate-like samples had not been available, I wouldn’t have searched for them. On the other hand, I wouldn’t have even known that they existed.

Materials Front and Center

In the past, I  have spent time looking for the perfect piece of fabric for a project. It was frustrating and time consuming. Moreover, the results were often disappointing. I discovered that my imagined perfect fabric didn’t always perform as perfectly as I had expected. Working with what is in front of me proved more creative, artistic and satisfying.

On the other hand, a shopping situation with distractions galore overwhelms me.  With the materials front and center, I can quickly see that the scale or color either did or didn’t work. This proves more fun anyway even allowing serendippity to happen. Materials,however, fabulous don’t always work for  every project. Save them for another  project.

Tower in City 9″ x 7″

Color! Texture! Movement!

My mantra is Color! Texture! Movement! That is what I want the viewer to take away from my art quilts. Changing to hard materials didn’t fundamentally change that for me.  I do admit it might look differently from the outside or to a viewer on a tiny screen.

The whole concept of choosing hard or soft art materials did not cross my mind. Even though some materials are obviously heavier and harder than others. I selected the background wallpaper to build action and  color into the piece. Slight variations of colors in the pieces of concrete flow.  Variations of  width of the materials add depth.

Scale

The size of the project and time involved encouraged me to widen my artistic scope. Scale followed quickly. One cannot make smaller items without being aware of scale. True confessions time- I wanted some projects with a lower price point. Even small quilts involve time consuming hand work. Yet,smaller doesn’t always mean less time involved in the creation. Depending on the materials at hand,working with a smaller scale can negatively affect the time spend on designing.

People see Things Differently

I appreciate getting insight into how others view my work. The hard and soft comment opened my mind. Some comments from people I take more seriously than others.A comment from an experienced quilt artist would catch my atttention. However, I generally ignore some  comments.  A gentleman once commented that a piece reminded him of a particular place. I listened and even googled that location.Yet, that place had  not been  my inspiration. While  I was willing to listen,  I was not too concerned.  People see things differently. They bring their own experiences to how they view a piece.

Start at the End, Sometimes

Some of my fiber artist friends are extremely  talented. One in particular would use unusual found objects to create incredibly engaging art pieces. Yet when she was finished she didn’t know how to hang or best display her large 3D work. So I decided that I would consider how to display the work before I got started.  With these assemblage pieces I attached a hook first.Then I continued designing the piece. Working backwards is new process for me.

Art Materials: Hard or Soft
Cityscape, 9″ x 7″

A Unifying Look

Early in my creative process I acquired twelve identical wooden boxes of varying pale colors. That was a good start for me. Usually I never consider how a piece will look next to another piece. This gave me a chance to unify my look. Some assemblage pieces can be hung and some can sit on a shelf or table.

So I start with a frame or wooden box. Then I add a hook to hang it on. Next,I search for wall paper that complements the box color . With luck it adds texture. Because I am new to this process, I want to know where I will end  before I permanently attaching the paper. This may change as I gain more experience. The viewer doesn’t know what the artist began with and how they might have added or subtracted from what was there.

Art Materials: Hard or Soft
What Do You See? 12″ x 7″

Metal or Wood

Assemblage artists generally  choose materials from wood and metal. Personally my preference is wood. Metal just doesn’t speak to me in the same way. In the class I took I learned how to use an electric drill to make holes in metal or other objects. I still have  my childhood skates that attached to my saddle shoes.  I would love to use them in a piece.  Several times I have tried to see what might work with the skates with no success. As much as I love them, I will save them for a later date.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, it is not about the   materials  being hard or soft. It is the color, texture and movement of the surface that inspires this artist to create something new and hopefully exciting. How will you push yourself to try something new? Do your materials inspire you to move to your next level?https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/03/beginning-steps-to-creating/

These pieces of assemblage are available at my etsy shop.

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

You may be interested in reading more about assemblage.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/05/paper-as-art-material/

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/01/first-steps-towards-assemblage/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/videos-of-art-quilts/art-quilt-video-2-continues/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/09/art-in-a-box-assemblage/

A New Art Direction for My Art-Follow my Path

Green and Orange Grid, 6" x 24"

Paper As Art Material

paper as art material

Paper as an art material is a new use for me. I usually cut fabric. A while ago, a visitor watching me cutting a tree out of fabric,  he commented that it reminded him of a friend who does paper collages. While collecting materials for my new direction, mixed media assemblage, I acquired some used frames. I didn’t pay attention that some frames had glass and some didn’t. Yet, I soon realized glass doesn’t work with 3 D objects. So paper collage it was.

A New Art Direction using Paper

paper as art material

Paper Collage

I hadn’t really used paper as art material in my recent history.Yet, I found the process very similar to what I had done with my fabric layering techniques.Although I  cut fabric instead of paper, it was the same process.  The larger pieces go down first. Then I add the smaller pieces.I  like using a long thin skewer or similar tool to gently move small pieces carefully.

Because this process was new to me, I made a sample. I photographed it to remember. Afterwards,I took it apart and began gluing. First, I glued the largest pieces. Then  I added the smaller pieces. My go-to tool is a large pin to add glue under small spaces. It is the easiest tool I have found to glue in tiny globs.

My Motivation

Recently I have been trying some new assemblage techniques.  I needed  to make smaller pieces that would take less time to make and sell at a lower price point. The plan was to use items that I already had in my home and studio. Interesting pieces of discontinued wallpaper came my way and inspired me to use the paper as art material.

paper as art material

Using a Frame

I  began with a frame or wooden box. Oddly enough for an artist,I had never used frames before. My art quilts are finished with a facing on the edges. There is  no need of a frame. Probably the normal way of making art is to create something and then get it framed.

However,I worked the opposite way. I found a gently used frame or a shallow box. The art was based on what I had that would fit inside.I  matched the colors of the frame.  Style,size,scale and color guided me.

A  Surprise

Working with new materials I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. A piece of plastic inside a frame had words on it that I wanted to remove. I figured that it was a decal. I laid it down and poured vinegar on it.    After 30 minutes, the decal could easly be removed with a bit of rubbing.  However, the rest of the liquid had disappeared. Where did it go? It was not on the drainboard. The liquid seeped into the plastic lining. I had to dry it several times as I turned it on its side and the liquid came out. Just a bit of an unexpected surprise!

Reusing and Reducing materials

Reusing and reducing materials is a  great motivation for me. These materials were new to me. Wood, fabric,redirected tile samples and paper speak to me more that metal or plastic. I have used some small metal items. The paper I used was discontinued wallpaper samples.

paper as art material
Grasslands, 5″ x 4″

An Independent Study -A New Art Direction using Paper

In my college years, I completed several independent studies. The process was a familiar one to me. The self directed student chooses a topic or project. They dive into finding information or trying new techniques. The student finishes by creating a new project. As I was creating different assemblage with the found items,I realized that I had basically created  an independent study for myself. No classroom credit awarded of course.

In Conclusion

It is such a joy and welcome distraction for me in these times of the pandemic to find this next direction for my art. This new direction is totally unexpected. My creative juices have been replenished.

More reading that you may find interesting.https://www.annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/01/first-steps-towards-assemblage/

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

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

Soar with the Birds in These Art Quilts

Pelican in the Mist
Birds in Art Quilts,Nesting Pelican 28" x 20" 71cm x 51cm bird hidden in bushes
Nesting Pelican 28″ x 20″
71cm x 51cm

    Birds in Art Quilts

Birds fill our world with color, sound and movement. One of my favorite places to be is outside, the natural habital for birds.True confessions time-Drawing is not one of my best skills. However,I can copy an outline of a bird. So  that is how I often incorporate birds into my art quilts. At this point in my life, I am working with my strengths.

Big Brown Owl,14 " x 15"  36cm x 38cm on a pieced golden background
Big Brown Owl,14 ” x 15″ 36cm x 38cm

Shelter in Place Art

Westlake Coot, Big Brown Owl and Westside Egret  were created during the first Shelter in Place. I only had limited materials with me,a large  bag with small squares. Created the background first, before I considered what would do on the top. Fabric is my first  motivation. How will the fabrics play together? Many times the subject matter, comes later. What subject would work with this background?  Birds against a sky was my first thought. Size and scale required a smaller scene. Why do a whole body of an egret when a neck supplies the viewer with enough information?

Westlake Coot,Birds in Art Quilts,black bird on blue background 14" x 15", 36cm x 38cm $120.
Westlake Coot, 14″ x 15″, 36cm x 38cm $120.
Birds in Art Quilts, head of egret on blue background Westside Egret, 15" x 16" 38cm x 40cm
Westside Egret, 15″ x 16″ 38cm x 40cm
Birds flying across the moon in the blue night sky. Night Migration,20" x 24" 51cm x 61cm
Night Migration,20″ x 24″ 51cm x 61cm

Never miss an opportunity to add texture.

A bird’s habitat is full of texture, trees, grasses and underbrush. Threads and found materials lend themselves well to creating an impressionistic view of an avian’s favorite place to be.

Snowy Egret,34" x 24",86 cm x 61cm white egret in the brush
Snowy Egret,34″ x 24″
86 cm x 61cm

Break Your Own Rules

Pelican in the Mist and Nesting Pelican break my rule for just doing bird outlines.   Looking at the light and dark stripes of redirected  piece of fabric reminded me of feathers. I cut the fabric and used the same fabric to make the wings,legs and the body of a pelican. An artist never knows where inspiration will come from. Take a chance.Sometimes things just work.

Pelican in the Mist,25" x 23", 64cm x 66cm pelican flapping wings
Pelican in the Mist,25″ x 23″ 64cm x 66cm

Water Fowl and Coastal Birds

Inspiration often comes from one’s locale. I live on the Central Coast of California. The second largest wetlands in the state, Elkhorn Slough  is not far away. Westlake Park with a spring fed pond is  adjacent to the local elementary school.

Staying close to home is what we all did this year. Be inspired by where you are.

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

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

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

Learn more about the fabric layering technique-

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

Scared to try Something New? Follow my Recent Attempts at Assemblage

Piece made in class ,2018

Recent Attempts at Assemblage

Recent attempts at assemblage came about from my interest in  fiber and 3D objects.  Sometimes it can be scary to try a new direction. Moving in a new direction is something that I generally do very slowly.The assemblage art form utilizes found objects that appeal to my deep sensibility for using redirected or upcycled materials. I had been adding 3D found objects to my art quilts since the beginning of my art career. The time came for me to further my skills by taking a class on assemblage. If I can try something new, so can you.

Under the Beautiful Redwoods-2018

Back in the Fall of 2018, I participated in an assemblage class taught by local artist, Janet Silverglate. The day long class met at her house outside under the beautiful redwoods of Felton, California. She introduced us to many new materials and skills. She was generous with both of them. Practicing with an electric drill was a new experience for me. The class learned the importance of working backwards on each piece. Figuring out how to hang or display the piece was one of the first necessary decisions to be made.

The Piece I made in Class

This is the piece that I made. I contributed the fiber background and the metal rim. Janet graciously offered the other  parts including the green paper, and large button on the top. She also helped with the process of adjoining all pieces together that I was having trouble accomplishing. While I am pleased with the finished product, I recognize  that I had a lot of help.

Brown and green circles on fiber background
Piece made in class,2018

I thoroughly enjoyed the day completing my first assemblage piece. As with many beginners, I was in awe of the teacher’s skill and proficiency. She had a large room full of materials that she had gathered. I could relate to that process. I also gather materials without considering their future use.  However, due to a lack of extra space,I  wanted to restrict myself to the materials that I already had. I couldn’t imagine gathering materials for assemblage projects as well as a wide variety of materials for art quilts. Luckily, my inheritance supplied me with a variety of interesting items I could use.

Several Recent Attempts at Assemblage

I took  a long while before I felt the creative juices flowing to try something on my own. Maybe the shelter in place helped in that regard. My thoughts were also that a successful piece begins with an interesting framework or support system. I  was waiting to find a worthy object.

My husband supplied me with a wooden drawer from a small piece of furniture of his mother’s. The drawer was from some sort  of a sewing unit. It had a wooden tray that originally was used to store thread and small items. I turned the tray on its side.

Making Decisions

My inheritance included many sewing items. I found the idea of covering the edges with fabric measuring tape appealing. First, I added screw in hooks to the top for hanging. Then  I glued the fabric measuring tape to the sides.  Here are some of my other first choices.  I moved the buttons around. Eliminating some of the sewing items creates a more general audience appeal.

Trying out ideas with lots of sewing items,spools yarn, small plastic animals for fun
Trying out ideas with lots of sewing items
Highlighting the measuring tape glued on the side.
Highlighting the measuring tape glued on the side.

Trying Different Things

Numerous attempts were  made before settling on this final arrangement.  I had many empty wooden spools that I wanted to use. Yet, previously I had noticed the lack of color in other people’s empty spool projects.   I preferred the addition of some thread color. Luckily, my mother and mother-in-law had left me many sizes and choices of colors. Whimsical animals add fun as well as color!

Wooden Spool Assemblage,2020, spools some empty and some still with thread
Wooden Spool Assemblage,2020

Another Recent Attempts at Assemblage-A Wooden Spool Wreath

For a long time I looked  for inspiration on what I could do with my empty  wooden spools. I did have a lot of them. Finally I saw a unique wreath that inspired me to try to make a wreath using them. I happily found red beads to alternate for a holiday look. The framework is a fiber paper plate holder. It is turned upside down so that it will lay flat against the wall. I  found a metal clip with a circular ring that I had. It attaches like a clothes pin. How easy was that!

Recent Attempts at Assemblage,Wooden Spool Wreath,2020  burlap bow
Wooden Spool Wreath,2020

How to String the Spools

I bought several sizes of  small width dowels to see which size would fit best. I chose the smallest one possible, less than 1/4″ wide to string the spoons and beads on. At first I tried to have all lengths equal. But I broke a dowel so I had to make do. I think that the different lengths are actually an improvement. Mistakes can be good. The tiniest dab of glue  holds each bead and spool in place on the dowel. I repurposed a burlap bow I had received on a recent gift. How serendipitious was that! The finished product hangs in my studio window.

Black Lives Still Matter

Recent Attempts at Assemblage,Black Lives Matter Decoration,2020 red,white and blue ribbons
Black Lives Matter Decoration,2020

What would 2020 be without a sincere homage to Black Lives Matter! I made several similar pieces using patriotic red,white and blue ribbons. On the white part of the ribbons, I wrote A Violation Should Not Be A Death Sentence and Black Lives Matter. It has been obvious to  me for years now that black people were shot and killed rather than just arrested or ticketed for a violation. Now another  variation piece has Equal Rights For All written on the ribbons.

Recent Attempts at Assemblage,Indigenous Inspirations, 2020 a fiber pape plate hold with red beads and feathers
Indigenous Inspirations, 2020

In conclusion, this year of Shelter in Place gave me the time to set aside any fears that I may have had about trying something new. Recent attempts at asssemblage helped me develop my new portfolio. Thanks for letting me share them with you.

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

Check out Janet’s work.
https://www.janetsilverglate.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/01/first-steps-towards-assemblage/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/art-quilt-galleries/assemblage-3d-collage/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/03/beginning-steps-to-creating/

Ready to Try Something New? First Steps Towards Assemblage

Aboriginal black and white assemblage 18 " x 14"

First Steps Towards Assemblage

First steps towards assemblage occurred before I was even aware that I was moving in that direction. Assemblage is a newer art form of putting different items together in a new and unusual way. That is to say that with a new focus on recycling and redirecting art takes on new forms.

In addition, it can take on many different forms including metal, paper and fiber. Materials are often found objects. Furthermore,they can either being used as found or taken apart to highlight intricate usually unseen pieces.

First Steps -Ready to try Something New?

Aboriginal b/w assemblage,First Steps Towards Assemblage
Aboriginal,black and white assemblage 18 ” x 14″    2013

In 2013, I completed my first  3D collage piece. For example,some black and white objects called to me. At first, a figure I had made using decorative details   were arranged  on a redirected piece of fiber. Above all if we consider aboriginal to mean the first, maybe the title is prophetic.

Mexican Inspired Fiber Assemblage

Later in 2018, more redirected fiber directed me to make some Mexican inspired fiber assemblage pieces. Here is my Fun with Fiber series.The sizes are generally smaller than 15″ wide. First of all one must consider how to hang the piece before  continuing with the design process.Moreover,you may recognize small decorative details, fabrics and found objects in these pieces.

Native Sunset With Cats, sold
First Steps Towards Assemblage
Bracelet of Beaded Friends
Fun with Fiber,First Steps Towards Assemblage
Fun with Fiber 5
Memories of the Hunt
Worry Dolls

These pieces are smaller and come together faster than an art quilt. They allow me to create these small works of art quicker. They fill a niche for those interested in my art yet with less funds.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/663557452/fabric-with-toothshaped-beadsfiber-art

In Conclusion

Assemblage or 3D collages can be made with many redirected materials. Find a new use instead of tossing it.https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/11/mexican-inspired-fabric-collages/

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

Check out these One of a Kind Artful Fabric Business Cards

fabric business cards, about 3″ x 4″

Artful Fabric Business Cards

My Artful Fabric Business Cards reflect my art quilt business. Business cards generally give basic information about a business; location, phone number and email .  Yet, I take my business cards a step further. They are small art quilts. For people who do not know what an art quilt is,the business card gives them an actual example to choose and take with them.

Reducing Waste

Reducing waste is a major motivation for me. My cards are made of fabric that most people would throw away. I use a fabric pen to write on a plain piece of fabric. The batting inside has no other use either. I also found that as my business grew my info changed. Because I hadn’t printed out my cards, I was able to adjust easily without wasting paper.

Artful Fabric Business Cards
I started with this info on one side.
Artful Fabric Business Cards
Later I needed to add more information as my business changed.

Each card is unique. Most people enjoy choosing their favorite colors or patterns. My cards are a committment statement about my work.

Making the Cards

People often say ,”Doesn’t it take a lot of time to make the cards?” I use the assembly line approach to production. First, I write the info about 20 times on white or plain fabric. Then, maybe at a different time, I sew small pieces of left over fabric together. At another time, I baste the three layers together with a glue stick. Followed by sewing two curvy lines, horizontally across the pieces. Zigzagging the edges comes last. I generally find that there are times when I don’t feel top notch or I need a break from creating. Those times are when I turn to making my fabric cards. So it is not as if I am taking productive time away from actual work.

Artful Fabric Business Cards

My First Fabric Cards

I made my first cards when I was still working full time. I tried different things and learned from people’s responses. When I shared my card with a coworker, she actually shrieked. That was a surprising response. But I took it as a yes, I was on the right path! My first attempts were to make each card extremely special, like a real art quilt. I soon learned that that was not really necessary. People were thrilled with a simpler more random piece. So I simplified my process.

Starting Out

I admit that these cards to require more effort than a paper printed card. It was my decision to give them away. Yet, another early experience made me make adjustments. At a gallery show I was in, a woman proudly came up to me and shared that she had taken four of my cards and used them as coasters. I was such a newbie I didn’t know how to respond.

Now I would say, the first one is free. The others are $10. Because of that experience,I found a finer tip fabric pen that would let me write smaller. I reduced the size of my cards also  so that they were closer to 3 or 4 inches rather than 5 inches.

Another benefit was that I could easily  change the information on my cards. When I moved my studio downtown,I made new cards with the address on it. Later I decided to add my phone number. These changes would have been costly and wasteful if I had used paper business cards.

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

In conclusion, fabric business cards do take longer to make. However, I make them with fabric and batting that many would throw way. They allow me to reuse and reduce while making a memorable art quilt.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/11/decorative-mouse-pads/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/03/why-i-love-my-unique-business-cards/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/05/do-you-believe-serendipity-brings-joy/

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

Honor a Loved One with a Quilt

a memory quilt made from women's clothing and 3D items,Honor a Loved One with a Quilt

Memory Quilts I Have Made

Memory quilts I have made have been made out of clothing or special items. Honor a Loved One with a Quilt is a special  memory quilt. It could be clothes from a younger time in a person’s life or the clothes of a loved one that has passed. Quilts are a great way to keep someone’s memory alive. It can be a bed quilt, a lap quilt or an piece of wall art. Memorial quilts also honor a commitment to reuse, reduce and recycle items.

A memory quilt is as unique as the loved one being honored. The client can offer input and information. They can even help in the design process if they do so.

Distance is not a limitation. Clients have sent me fabric and  items to use. Photos track the progress and keep the client in the loop. Upon completion, I simply sent the completed project to them.

Wall Art

This client’s grandmother’s items became a piece of wall art. The client and I agreed to eliminate certain fabrics that  did not fit into the color scheme. Luckily, there was a wide range of materials to choose from. We collaborated a bit in the beginning but then she let me have free range to create an artful memory quilt.  We started with her house dresses, other clothing jewelry and some 3D objects.

dresses,Honor a Loved One with a Quilt
Part of memory quilt made from a man's clothes,Honor a Loved One with a Quilt
Part of memory quilt made from a man’s clothes

Lap Quilts

Reversible lap quilts increase the enjoyment of a quilt by double. We all need a change of scenery from time to time. By flipping over the quilt, a whole new quilt appears. These two lap quilts(front and back) were made from a loved one’s shirts and pants. The pockets are completely usable to store something inside.

front, blue commission quilt
front, blue commission quilt

back of blue commission, Fabric from ties add an accent.
back of blue commission, Fabric from ties add an accent.
front,Beachy Commission made from tropical shirts and pants
front,Beachy Commission

back Beachy Commission
back Beachy Commission

To learn more about my prices see my Commissions and Memory Quilt page.

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/02/memory-quilt-a-work-in-progress/

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/09/scale-and-size-is-important-on-fabric/https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/01/

dogs-are-family-members-make-a-memory-quilt/

To learn more 

https://www.toocooltshirtquilts.com/blog/author/andrea-funk

So You Want to Create an Abstract Art Quilt

Sunset Through The Forest
green and golden yellows in this abstract art quilt

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

Getting Started

 Choose Your Colors

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

Make Details with Decorative Threads.

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

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

On the Design Wall

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

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

Balancing Colors

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

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

Sewing Smaller Pieces Together

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

Sunset Through Forest, art quilt
Small pieces are sewn together

Sewing More Pieces Together

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

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

Finishing

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

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

In Conclusion

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

Read more in these other articles.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/12/new-work-in-progress/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/03/mostly-black-and-white-art/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/04/wacky-fun-quilting/

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

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

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

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

Looking for Unusual Fabrics? Find Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics

Visions of New Mexico,3rd place award

Inspiration from Discontinued Designer Fabrics

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

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

Finding Discontinued Materials

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

Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics

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

Unique fabrics make Unique Art.

 Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics Using Redirected Fabrics and Materials abstract,orange,green
Autumn Comes to the Farm,an art quilt made from redirected fabrics, 20″ x 20″
 Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics Using Redirected Fabrics and Materials abstract,gold, deep red,an art quilt
Desert Sands,21″ x 16″

Inspiration from Unusual Fabrics

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

Gees Bend inspired abstract,brown, beige, golden,an art quilt made from redirected materials
Rusty Cans in the Wash,16″ x 15″
art quilt black,white, rust
Visions of New Mexico,3rd place award, 31″ x 26″

A Win Win Situation

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

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

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

You can learn more about FABMO here.

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

Want an Heirloom?Make a Memory Quilt.

Memory Quilt finished art quilt

Memory Quilt-Step by Step

Above all,a memory quilt is a quilt made out of a person’s clothing as a way of honoring their memory. After seeing my art work, a client contacted me to make an art quilt as a way to keep the memory of  her grandmother alive.For example,follow as I show the step by step the process of making a memory quilt of the client’s grandmother’s clothes and articles.

At our First Meeting

At our first meeting, the woman shared information about her grandmother’s life that she especially wanted to be included in the memory quilt. In addition,she brought artifacts to illustrate her life. The artifacts included buttons, artificial flowers, a paper card notice, lace and several dresses and clothing . Together step by step, we decided on the colors.  We both agreed on the pink, green, and blue palette. I was able to use some dark blue from the orange and blue housedress.

Personal details

Furthermore,the wide range of details, artificial flowers, momentos, jewelry,clothing gave me a lot to choose from. Subsequently,I was also able to include buttons, lace from hems and the safety pins that had been hidden inside the clothing. Luckily, the client said that she would trust my artistic choices to arrange or eliminate as necessary. After that the work on the Memory Quilt-step by step began.

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

choosing fabrics for a memory quilt a work in progress Memory Quilt-A work in progress
Step 1. Choosing fabrics and details for a memory quilt
dresses for a memory quilt a work in progress,Memory Quilt-A work in progress
Step 2. dresses for a memory quilt
earrings for a memory quilt a work in progress,Memory Quilt-A work in progress
Step 3. Earrings add a very personal touch.

To Begin-Memory Quilt-Step by Step

First I cut  out parts of the fabric from the dresses. Based on my experience and the approximate size of the finished piece, I knew that  I didn’t need to take apart all of the seams. In other words, there would be plenty of fabric. Therefore, I cut pieces of about 10” -20” square. I heat fused interfacing on to the back of the polyester to reduce stretching and to aide sewing. Then I was able to cut out a variety of interesting geometric shapes in dark navy blue from an eliminated orange dress. Finally,I noticed that the back side of the fabric was a lovely medium blue so I decided to use both sides of the fabric. The pieces were smaller about 3” each.

Using the  Design Wall to create the Memory Quilt-step by step

Using the design wall, I pinned the fabric up to begin to try out fabrics for work in progress of the memory quilt.

Memory Quilt,Memory Quilt-A work in progress
Trying out fabrics for a memory quilt on the design wall

I created this accent from zippers I took out of the clothes. The safety pins are decorative. Be brave and use interesting objects that one might not usually think of using  for a memory quilt.

zipper detail
Step 4 Create zipper accent

Next, I added the details to get an idea about where they should go.

Moving around fabrics and details a work in progress
Step 5 Moving around fabrics and details

Then,I began to sew pieces together.

Memory Art Quilt, I sew many pieces together
Step6 Trying out places

I continued to sew pieces together and change their place for balance of color.

The various pieces are ready to sew together.
Step7 ready to sew together

Finally, all of the pieces found their special spot.Next, the top was sewn together. Then,the backing and batting are added. Lastly I quilt  the three layers together. In this case,the focus is on the materials and details. Therefore, the quilting took a back seat and did not stand out.

Memory Quiltfinished art quilt
Step 8 Memory Quilt finished art quilt




Read more in these articles on Memory Quilts.

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

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/commissions-and-memory-quilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/08/memory-quilts/

https://www.toocooltshirtquilts.com/blog/memory-quilt-ideas

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

How to Create Texture in Art Quilts

Under the Shady Tree detail 2

      Creating Texture in Art

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

Tucks Create Texture

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

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

Naturally Thick Fabrics

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

Couching Decorative Threads

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

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

Three Dimensional Objects

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

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

True Confessions Time

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

a tree with a fence,fabric art,
Under the Shady Tree, 37" x 25" 2019
Under the Shady Tree, 37″ x 25″ 2019
decorative threads are used to look like plants growing at the base of the tree
Under the Shady Tree detail 2

Start with Fiber

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

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

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

These articles  may also be of interest to you.

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

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

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

Why Does One Make Art?

Why Does One Make Art?

Greys,pinks and purple fabric in this abstract inspired by a winter sunset,Why One Makes Art
Winter Sunset 23″ h x 22″ 2018
Burlap and Silk 24" x 23"   2015,Shades of gold, brown, and white fabric transparent,rough, silky and shinyWhy One Makes Art
Burlap and Silk 24″ x 23″ 2015
yellow orange and white fabrics mix with  textured netting Why One Makes Art
Cheddar and Triscuits,30″ x 28″ 2015

I find Cheddar and Triscuits a perfect name for this art quilt.Cheddar is the name of the color used in. The cheddar and white traditional quilting blocks contrast with several types of redirected high end fabric from the San Francisco Design Center. Fiberous netting and decorative threads and synthetic raffia add texture. I couched other decorative threads and rickrack on a strip of fabric. Then I cut them into smaller pieces to add where needed.

Circuit Board  15" x 14" 2015, greens and oranges in this abstract art quilt. The fabrics looked like a circuit board.
Circuit Board 15″ x 14″ 2015

When I first saw the fabric with the dashes on it, I immediately thought of a computer circuit board.  I added many redirected fabrics in this piece. Decorative threads couched on a long strip of fabric and then sliced into pieces add interest. Pulling in colors similar to the fabric with dashes was fun. It was done without much thought but with much necessity.

 

Brown and blue layered fabric pieces create  stratification. Adorned with bone beads.
The Quarry 21″ x 31″ 2015

The Quarry uses found materials,beads and the color,brown that I usually avoid. Someone created fabric with a process of marbling paper in several colors, black, blue and reflective blue and pink. The stratification formed by these fabrics was a new idea to me. Bone beads added a 3D effect as if they were layered under the ground and just peeking out of a cliff.

 

In Conclusion

Playing with the contrast of fabrics or your chosen materials lets you create something unexpected. An outlier can suggest a new direction or technique to follow in the future. It is up to the artist to make that decision. Or maybe the success of the project that will make the decision for the artist. Make your art like your life depended on it! Because it does!

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/12/how-to-break-your-own-art-rules/

For more information, on creating abstract art quilts read these posts.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/05/work-in-progress-winter-sky-sunset/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/10/a-work-in-progress-sunlit-boulders/

The Amazing Story of FabMo Reuses

Fabmo reuses fabric and materials.

Posted on October 13, 2017 by ANYTexture

https://www.anytexture.com/2017/10/the-amazing-story-of-fabmo-how-two-dedicated-people-can-help-the-world/

Several Years Ago

Exactly two years ago I came home with a small stash of beautiful upholstery fabric samples. Little did I know how quickly and profoundly these textiles would change my life! Today I want to tell the amazing story of FabMo, the non-profit organization where I acquired those samples. It is also  the inspiring story of how two people can make a difference, its two co-founders, Hannah and Jonathan Cranch. Fabmo reuses fabric and materials.

founders of FABMO
Hannah and Jonathan Cranch
Holly, Hannah and Jonathan speak with visitors to FABMO
Holly Welstein, Hannah and Jonathan Cranch speak with visitors to FABMO

How It All Started for two people to make a difference

A couple of decades ago Hannah and Jonathan Cranch were ordinary people going about their own business. Hannah taught art in Palo Alto primary schools, while Jonathan was a general contractor. They occasionally enjoyed attending seasonal open houses at the Design Center in San Francisco, seeing what was new in the design world. They both enjoyed the refreshments, browsing the beautiful displays and chatting with the salespeople

You are Throwing What Away? Fabmo reuses fabric and materials.

One day, during one such visit, they saw a man toss a big trash bag into the dumpster. The bag tore open, spilling out a bunch of gorgeous fabrics. It turned out that in preparation for the open houses, the showrooms had to make room for newly released fabrics, which meant getting rid of all the discontinued textiles. These exquisite, expensive designer fabrics, which were displayed but never used, were thus headed for the landfill.

Fabmo reuses fabric and materials for an art teacher.

Hannah, as an art teacher, knew her fellow teachers would salivate over such a treasure, so she began the quest to save these resources. She visited showrooms and spoke with key people, asking for some fabrics, and they gradually agreed to give her some. Each time, she returned home with a bag or two full of lustrous samples, which she distributed to Palo Alto teachers.

As she gradually built relationships, the amount of material she acquired began to grow. Soon, she and Jonathan started supplying five school districts, and passed some fabrics on to the Children’s Theater, as well. Fabmo reuses fabric and materials.

When Things Got More Serious

Hannah later learned that someone named Steve was visiting the showrooms every Monday to collect discontinued fabric samples, which were then picked up by a charitable organization run by a group of nuns. One day the charity did not come by to pick up, and so showroom workers asked Hannah, who was fortuitously at the Design Center at that moment, whether she wanted the fabrics. She certainly did! As it turned out, the charity never came back, and Hannah began a weekly pickup from then on. With the sudden increase in quantity, the picture changed dramatically. However, Fabmo still reuses fabric and materials.

Selection at Johnathan and Hannah's house
Selection at Johnathan and Hannah’s house
Selection at their home
Selection at their home

At essentially the same time, in summer 2007, Palo Alto schools closed for the summer. Hannah and Jonathan were unable to distribute the growing amounts of fabrics they were collecting. They published notices on Freecycle, Craigslist and other online venues, and began compiling an email list of interested people. Soon after, they set up five tables in their living room, filled them up with materials, and invited these interested fabric-lovers to come over and pick whatever they wanted. Before long this became a recurring event.

Fabmo reuses fabric and materials at selection events.

Originally, Hannah and Jonathan distributed the materials they gathered. They were the ones deciding what resources to give each school/theater. Once they allowed people to come over to their house and pick on their own, however, they could no longer think of it as “distribution.” They decided to call these “selection events” instead, since patrons got to choose their own treasures.

Running out of Room at their house

At first, their living-room events lasted two days. As the amount of fabrics kept growing, they were extended to three. Soon, the living room wasn’t big enough for everything. Hannah and Jonathan set up yet more tables in their family room.

But the rescued samples kept accumulating. In no time they filled one spare bedroom, then another, until all the bedrooms in the house were full of textiles and other materials. Hannah and Jonathan began holding regular selection events, timing them to open up a guest room as needed.

Fabmo reuses fabric and materials with a growing mailing list.

Their email list, initially limited to about thirty people, kept growing. Before long, some one hundred and seventy people came by every month. Some were hesitant to enter a private house. Others, however, came regularly. Some of the latter offered to help pay for the gas for Hannah’s collection trips to SF, so Hannah and Jonathan put up a donation box to help finance their drives. Then someone offered to help take care of welcoming guests. One day, when Hannah, who was also co-owner of a catering business, was too busy with an event, Jonathan took that woman up on her offer. From then on the Cranches relied more and more on volunteers to help them with the many tasks of gathering, sorting and distributing. They started documenting who came to their house, and, in order to limit crowding, began setting appointments.

How FabMo Was Born

In 2009, after years of making fabrics available from their private house, Jonathan learned that their home insurance would not cover such large gatherings. Although the Cranches distributed everything for free, the insurance considered what they were doing as a business. So they found a small shared space in Palo Alto where they could hold Selection Events, but which had very little room for storage.

Six months later they moved to a bigger warehouse on Old Middlefield Road. Later they added another warehouse.

Selection-at-Old-Middlefield-Way2
Selection at Old Middlefield Way

That same year FabMo was born as a public benefit corporation, and in 2010 was granted 501(c)(3) status. FabMo was now officially a non-profit organization! The name FabMo is short for Fabrics and More, as by then the Cranches rescued many different materials. In addition to fabrics, they also saved wallpapers, trims, tiles, leather, carpets and so on.

Another location at Bella Vista
Another location at Bella Vista

Continual expansion

Since then, FabMo’s activities have continued to expand. Nine years ago, a regular attendee suggested creating an event for people to showcase items they created with FabMo materials, so as to inspire others. That’s how the Holiday Boutique came about. In 2015 FabMo moved into their current location in Mountain View. They regularly hold monthly three-day Selection Events, as well as 8-10 Special Sales a year. Most recently, FABMO has moved one town over to Sunnyvale, California.

In 2014 FabMo started holding regular events in Santa Cruz as well, with an active volunteer and consumer base there. They also hold Selection Events in Vallejo, as well as in different Bay Area Tech Shops. FabMo has a regular presence in at least four fairs every year (MakersFaire, San Mateo County Fair, and two Earth Day Fairs).

FabMo Now

These days, FabMo rescues more than 70 tons of materials every year from Design Centers in San Francisco and San Jose, and from other miscellaneous sources. They make these amazing resources available to creative souls all over the Bay Area and beyond. More than 8,500 people are signed up to their mailing list, with about 300 coming to collect treasures during each Selection Event. Hannah and Jonathan continue to be very involved with the organization relying on an active Board, a growing family of several hundred volunteers, and textile aficionados, who, like themselves, appreciate the creative and environmental impact of this amazing endeavor. People come from Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, Michigan and beyond to attend, determining their own schedule based on FabMo’s.

FabMo’s dedication

To this day, FabMo distributes fabrics for a suggested donation. It trusts patrons to give what they can to help keep the project running. Costs of maintaining such a business in the Bay Area are sky-high, as are utilities and fuel. Teachers still receive many of the materials for free. FabMo only sells Special Sale materials, but even then for low prices.

serendippity

Hannah and Jonathan didn’t plan any of this. They simply couldn’t stand to see fabulous textiles thrown away and wasted, and before they knew it, FabMo had appeared. What started as a small project of love run by two individuals, turned into a collaborative effort of a creative, eco-friendly community, a family of sorts. But it still remains a not-for-profit project of love.

FabMo’s dedication continues to keep tons of precious resources out of the landfill. It also progressively builds an entire community of like-minded people who care about the environment. Likewise, it encourages the creativity of numerous others. The Cranches certainly changed my life, re-sparking my own long-suppressed creativity.

Now, people from all over the United States are starting to ask how to establish similar organizations. The Cranches even received a few inquiries from overseas. Imagine how many resources could be rescued if every community had a FabMo! Imagine all the creative things people could come up with!

To learn more about FabMo or sign up to their mailing list check out their web page: http://www.fabmo.org/fabmo/Home.htlmYou can also like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FabMo.

You can learn how one quilt artist uses FABMO materials for her art.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/using-redirected-fabrics-and-materials/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/10/a-volunteers-path-to-chairman/

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