Tag: upcycling

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/

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

Check out A Volunteer’s Path to Chairman

Holly, Hannah and Jonathan speak with visitors to FABMO

A Volunteer’s Path to Chairman

by Holly Welstein, FabMo’s Board Chairwoman (edited for space)

A Volunteer's Path to Chairman
Holly Welstein, Hannah and Jonathan Cranch welcome visitors.

A Volunteer’s Path to Chairman- How did I start down  a volunteer’s path to chairman?

Recently I attended the annual Volunteer Appreciation BBQ. It went along with FabMo’s 11th official birthday! It was a great chance to socialize with a wonderful group of people on a special occasion. Yet my earliest contact with FabMo happened over 15 years ago. It was way before the nonprofit  was official.

Some Musings of an Accidental Board Chair

My first experience was  responding to a Freecycle post for  promising free designer material. I ended up sitting on Hannah & Jonathan’s living room floor. They  encouraged me to dump out textile treasures from large black plastic  bags.The bags were piled up on their sofa. I could take what I liked. Everything went back in the bags, when I was done.But  oh, be careful and look out for staples.

Needless to say, I was hooked on a volunteer’s path to chairman.

A Volunteer's Path to Chairman, FABMO founder Hannah and Jonathan Cranch
Hannah and Jonathan Cranch, founders of FABMO

Slowly, the FabMo enterprise grew.  My involvement slowly grew along with it.  I helped with simple things like setting up tables, sorting fabric and chatting with newcomers. That led to helping plan our first Maker Faire participation. Later I headed a Boutique committee for six years. That helped this volunteer’s path to chairmanThen I received an invitation to join the Board. So for the past three years I  serviced as the Board Chair.  Whew!!!  I really wanted to do was sew purses with some beautiful fabric!

What I know at this point is that the work we do at FabMo and only happens because individuals step up to do it. So I send a big thank you to every volunteer. What I also know is that much of the behind the scenes work is mysterious to many of you.

How the Board Works

The FabMo Board of Directors invites you to consider whether volunteer service on the Board or a Committee is for you. Could your future include a volunteer’s path to chairman?

From chairing the Board meetings to representing FabMo being on the Board has many interesting aspects.

FabMo is an all volunteer organization. There are no paid staff or Executive Director. That  means the FabMo Board is a working board that acts as an Executive Director when needed. Te board provides organizational leadership and vision and makes policy. We are responsible for financial oversight and staying true to its mission. We want the group to be financially healthy and stable. So that we can continue to do our important work. That is to divert valuable materials away from the landfill and into the hands of people who will use them.

We meet every 5-6 weeks.At times there is a special extra meetings .  In the past year, we have purchased a van. We created a protocol for the van’s use. We adopted a policy for our social media presence.The board worked with the Treasurer to craft a budget.  we began to write charters for our committees.  A quarterly Committee Chairs meeting  encourages  communications within FabMo.  Most of the work  is overseen by committees  but the Board has the final say. Could your future include a volunteer’s path to chairman?

In the Coming Year

This upcoming year the Board will be evaluating our current business and operating models  to consider changes  to support our mission.  In particular, our rent continues to rise.It is crucial that we find new sources of revenue.We need to remain financially healthy going forward. Could your future include a volunteer’s path to chairman?

So who Serves on the FabMo Board of Directors?

 Well in 2019, our 7 members are:  Tina Baumgartner,Estelle Chalfin,Leslie Kern,Zita Macy,Michelle Redel,Ginger Silverman,Holly Welstein. Maybe in 2020, your name will be here!

I welcome the chance to chat with anyone interested in learning more. I can answer any questions you have.  If you want to attend a Board meeting, please let me know.
Warmly,Holly
board@fabmo.org
July 29, 2019

https://www.fabmo.org/

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

It has been great to be part of  this all volunteer organization for about 10 years. I source many of the  materials there that I use in my art quilts. I feel strongly  about their efforts. Ann Baldwin May, art quilter

How to Use Redirected Fabric in Art Quilts

Kelp Dwellers 25″ x 25″ A piece of multicolored blue sheer fabric is a perfect background for this underwater fantasy.

Use Redirected  Fabric in Art Quilts

Redirecting materials inspire.


Use redirected fabric in art quilts to design something new  and inspire yourself to create. I find unique fabrics not like those sold in a regular quilt store among redirected materials.

Discontinued fabric from a decorator’s studio

A sample of linen fabric from a decorator’s studio  becomes the main design element with the addition of zigzagged or couched yarn. The colors; black, white,, and grey attracted me before I saw that this linen actually had greyhound dogs printed on it. My fondness for dogs aside, I didn’t want the dogs to stand out. I  accomplished this by rotating the fabric and couching yarn to it. Next, I cut the fabric into twigs and branches to suggest tree tops. Then, I placed the branches on a sky blue indigo fabric background to complete the art quilt.

Friends’ Suggestions

Although dyeing fabric is a great way to redirect materials, it is a bit too messy for my situation. But many of my fabric friends have done it.  The sheet that the dyed fabrics are wrapped  in to carry home often is colored in an interesting way . Thanks to that warning, I was prepared when I recently took an indigo dyeing workshop. The background fabric for the sky was indeed the bedsheet  that had used to carry my other dyed pieces home.

The Process-


First,I choose the fabric. I liked the way the curved lines of the dogs’s backs created movement on the fabric.

grey and black dogs, Use Redirected Fabric in Art Quilts
Greyhounds on linen

Next,I choose the yarn colors that I wanted to use, grey, green, and black yarn. I couched the yarns with matching threads so that the sewing threads wouldn’t stand out.

black grey and white fabric with green and black yarn ,Use Redirected Fabric in Art Quilts
Black, grey, and white fabric with green and black yarn couched yarn

Next,I continued adding  yarn curving it as I zigzagged(couched) it onto the linen.

More beige, grey, black and white yarn couched onto the fabric

Then,with more yarn, it is more difficult to identify the dogs.

Use Redirected Fabric in Art Quilts
The dogs disappear.

Continuing,I kept adding more yarn and zigzagging it down. For thicker lines, I wrapped 3 pieces of yarn together.

Use Redirected Fabric in Art Quilts
I add more lines of yarn by zigzagging them with matching thread.
Different view of the fabric with threads couched

Ready to cut the Fabric into Branches

Finally, with this fabric, I cut out the tree branches,twigs and sticks. I put the backing fabric flat on the table. Then I added the batting on top.  Then I added indigo dyed fabric for the background. Next, I basted them with a touch of glue. I assembled the tree on top and basted  it.

Use Redirected Fabric in Art Quilts
black and white branches on an indigo died background

Lastly,I covered the finished top with tulle and free motion quilted the layers together. I finished the edges by adding a 2″ facing folding it to the back and hand stitching it. Finally, I sew a fabric sleeve or tube   onto the top back for hanging with a dowel and fishing line.

You may be interested in this previous blog post as well.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/zig-zagging-yarn-to-create-fabric/

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/using-discontinued-fabrics/

The completed piece of  art  is totally  made from redirected materials; linen and backing material from the San Francisco Design Center, redirected yarn from my sister-in-law, redirected tulle from a wedding, and redirected background indigo fabric from a bedsheet. My heart’s desire is complete;making beautiful art from repurposed materials.

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

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/

How One Fabric Inspired Me

Spring Break, 32" x32", $695.

Inspiration from One Fabric

This work in progress shows the steps I take to create this abstract contemporary art quilt. I draw inspiration from one fabric.

Color! Movement! Texture!

Color! Movement! Texture! are my main goals for my abstract art quilts. Color is where I begin. What colors do I want to work with? I found a piece of linen at Fabmo, a nonprofit that redirects materials from the San Francisco Design Center. I really liked the variety of colors and movement in this one piece. This fabric became my inspiration to find other fabrics and textures with the same colors for my abstract piece.

Inspiration from One Fabric

Oddly enough, several years ago four quilter friends and I  were having trouble choosing colors for a donation quilt we wanted to create together. One friend suggested that we find a fabric and choose the colors from that fabric. At the time I couldn’t quite wrap my head around what she was saying. However, when I saw this multicolored linen, I immediately understood what she had been trying to have us do. Sometimes it takes times for inspiration to happen.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/11/mistakes-that-i-have-not-regretted/

Inspiration from One Fabric
1. Inspiration from one piece of commercially producted fabric

Photo 1 Choosing the Fabric

First I choose the fabric I want to work with.  This one piece has so many different colors in it. Those are the colors that I want to work with. This is  when the fun begins. I go through my fabrics to find additional fabrics. I look for shades that are lighter and darker.At this step, I don’t reject much.

Photo 2

I chose these fabric from the stash that I had. Also I found decorative threads and yarns to add to some of  fabrics for interest.

Inspiration from one fabric
2.  Here are the fabrics I chose from my stash.

photo 3 Inspiration from One Fabric

I place small pieces of fabric on my design wall. I move them around before sewing them together. Then I start to sew smaller  pieces together. I make sure that colors, textures and similar pieces are equally balanced around the piece. Does your eye have a place to rest? Are there too many colors in one area? Time to adjust before the whole piece is sewn together.

3. Spring Break

Photo 4 and photo 5

Here is a detail of the smaller pieces already sewn together.

4. A detail of the pieces sewn together
Inspiration from One Fabric
5. Another detail of the pieces sewn together

photo 6

6. Another detail of the pieces sewn together

photo 7

Inspiration from One Fabric
7. Here is the finished quilt, Spring Break.

Inspiration from one fabric helped me create this abstract art quilt. Hopefully, this step by step explanation will inspire you as well.

For more information on couching threads refer to my previous post.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/06/couching-threads…d-creating-fabri/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/07/using-fabrics-saved-for-a-long-time/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/10/step-by-step-instructions/

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

The Ultimate Guide to Memorial Quilts

By: Andrea Funk on July 9th, 2015

How Much Does it Cost to Have a Memory Quilt Made? What is the cost of a Memory Quilt?

MEMORIAL QUILTS  |  HOW MUCH DO T-SHIRT QUILTS COST

First of all,I found this article to be interesting. I am in the process of completing  four Memorial Quilts for a client and her children using their beloved father’s clothing.Ann

memory quilt
Memory quilt made from tee shirts

First,on the Internet memory quilts range in price from $100 to over $1,000. Why such a large price range? However,there are a number of factors that go into the cost of making a quilt. Here are a number of cost factors that go into the pricing of a memory quilt.

Materials

There are 3 basic materials that go into all quilts. There is a quality range for each type of material. The price of your quilt will relate to the quality of  materials used. The higher the quality the higher the cost.  In other words,inexpensive materials create an inexpensive quilt.

Fabric

To help think about fabric, compare it to the thread count of bed sheets. For example,the lower the thread count, the cheaper the fabric. Polyester fabric with a low thread count is inexpensive. 100% cotton with a high thread count is much more expensive. For a high quality fabric for durability of wear and use, cotton should be used. Similarly,the backing and binding of the quilts will need extra fabric.

Batting

Secondly,batting  is used in the middle of a quilt. It comes in a variety of quality levels  from thin 100% polyester to high quality  cotton batting. Polyester batting tears easily, it bunches up and will poke out the back of the quilt.  However,cotton battings are the best choice. Yet,they will cost two to three times more than polyester batting.

Thread

Moreover,all quilts use thread for sewing the blocks together and quilting. On the other hand,there are cheap threads that won’t withstand time and use.Quality threads are truly worth the cost. So,a less expensive  quilt is made with a lower quality thread.

Look here for more information on memory quilts.

http://Memorial Quilt Buyers Guide

Labor

memory quilt
Memory quilt for a little boy

In addition, another cost that is calculated into the price of a quilt is labor. Minimum wage is about $8 an hour. Typically, minimum wage is reserved for entry level and unskilled workers. However,an accomplished quilt makers are not unskilled. Above all they usually, they should have over five years or more of quilt making experience .

Skill

Similarly, it takes skill to make a memory quilt. If it didn’t take any skill or experience, you would make it yourself.  Highly skilled and talented quilters make the nicest memory quilts. Furthermore,this means that their hourly rate will be much higher than minimum wage. If you want to only pay minimum wage to a quilter, expect an entry-level unskilled quilter to attempt making your quilt. If you value your clothing and memories you are putting into your memory quilt, an inexpensive quilt should scare you!

Time

How long does it take to make a memory quilt? In short,this depends on a number of factors including quilt style, complexity and craftsmanship. A low-cost quilt will take less time than a more expensive quilt. However,this means that the low-cost quilt will have a simple design without any complexities.  The workmanship may be questionable.

The Worth a Quilter Places on His or Her Work.

If a quilter underprices their work, they are telling you up front that they do not think that their time and skills are good enough to charge more. Think about what this tells you. If someone does not find value in his or her work, will you?

Style

memory quilt

In short,there are two basic styles of quilts – those that are made in columns and rows and those that are designed by an artist.Our Too Cool puzzle style is a creative work. The number of steps and the amount of time it takes to make each style is vastly different.

Traditional

A traditional style memorial quilt is made from blocks in columns and or rows and the blocks are all one size. This makes the project very easy and involves very little planning and time to layout.

The  Too Cool Style

A memory quilt made with many different sizes and shaped blocks involve a lot of consideration, planning, math and other time consuming steps. This style of quilt will take 10 times or longer than a traditional quilt.

To summarize,these and other considerations are indicators of the quality of a quilt. They also greatly influence the price of the quilt.  For example, someone with great skill and artistry using cheap material might make a good looking quilt. But the quilt still has been made with cheap material that will look cheap and not wear well. Conversely, a quilt made with high quality materials that is poorly made is still a poorly made quilt.  You want a quilt that is made from high quality materials by a skilled and artistic quilter. This quilt will be a family heirloom worthy of the cost.

Look carefully at the cost of memory quilts. Be sure to know what you are paying for. A quilt that costs only $100 is probably going to be a disappointment.

To learn more about having a memory quilt made, please feel free to download our Memorial Quilt Guide. It has information that will help you through the process of having a memorial quilt made.

Memory quilt From mom's clothing
Memorial quilt From mom’ s clothing
memory quilts
group of memory quilts

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

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

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