Art Quilting through the eyes of Alice in Stitches
It's time that quilting emerged from it's humble, utilitarian beginnings and was recognized for the amazing art form that it is! The contemporary quilts seen in juried quilt shows today should be classified as an entirely different art craft than those of days past.
If you are an art quilter, an admirer or a wanna-be art quilter, you'll find some food for thought here. I hope to inspire, encourage and promote quilting as an art form. I'll keep updating as I find great artists, information to share, tips and links.
You can visit my quilt gallery and shop at Alice in Stitches.
Contact me at info@aliceinstitches.com.
Visit our new Alice in Stitches Needlework Amazon Web Store
For your art quilting needs, find it at our new webstore!
Quilting is the heart of our business and we've recently added an Amazon Webstore where we can broaden our offerings to include sewing and quilting machines like Janome, Brother, Singer and more. Visit our new selection at Aliceinstitchesneedlework.com.We know you'll enjoy shopping this new site with it's easy Amazon check out and our great art quilting selection!
Thanks for visiting.
Artistic Inspiration
What feeds your art?
Do you have a hard time finding your inner creativity? I've come to realize that my creativity ebbs and flows to it's own rhythms. I can influence and stir it up at bit by surrounding myself with a rich environment of color, nature and textures.After an absence from my sewing room, a recent trip to the fabric store got my juices flowing. The wonderful possiblities of all the new designs, colors and textures began to focus my energies toward art once again.
It seemed that in a weekend, I have been newly inspired with ideas. Along with the fabric store, a trip to the beach with my camera helped me to see the beautiful lines of nature as building blocks to my next quilt. The color of the sunset has me searching my fabric stash for my intrepretation of the evening in living color!
If you are lucky enough to have a regular quilt show that comes to your town, you are sure to want to try your hand at a new technique. The quilting world has made dramatic strides in the art arena, now creating bold statements in texture and color.
Creativity comes with a good dose of courage, as you venture to try something new. Will people appreciate your efforts? Is it enough for you to create for your own fullfilment or is approval necessary? As you reach and grow in your life as an art quilter, enjoy the process and keep learning.
Beginning the Creative Process
How do you begin your Art Quilt process?
It can be difficult to jump into your new project. The idea may be there, but where do you start? For me, it's generally either with the fabric stash or with a very simple sketch (and I do emphasize simple!)Often as I begin my new quilt, the easiest way for the creative juices to start flowing is to start pulling fabric from my rather extensive stash. As I see the many colors and textures, the idea begins to evolve and take on a life of it's own. Color and fabric are so important to me as a quilter, that it's often all it takes to become fired up and excited to jump it.
I may also bring out all my art quilting books to be further inspired by color and pattern and the creativity of others. While the books are a great jumping off point, be sure make the finished product your own and not a copy!
When I use a sketch, it is simply a basic line sketch for major features that I plan to incorporate. When I begin to build my quilt on my fleece wall, the plan often shifts as the forms take place. The sketch serves as a guide to be sure that I fit the shapes into a planned size piece, but it is highly flexible. So often as you stand back to check on your progress, the piece will look different than the idea you had conceptualized in your mind's eye.
I am not a stiff and rigid quilter. I enjoy the process of creating - I hate drafting mathematical templates! Your creative path will become clear to you as you begin your journey.
For more ideas on the creative process, check out these Art Quilting Books, Software and Patterns.
Above all, enjoy!
Strip Pieced Landscape Quilting
Strip pieced landscape quilting is the art quilting technique with which I am most familiar. The wonderful and subtle watercolor variations that you can achieve in playing with strips kept me creating one after another! When I got started, my landscape quilts were inspired and guided with the help of Joen Wolfrom's wonderful book (now out of print), Landscape Illusions.If you're looking for great quilting ideas, books, art supplies and patterns, visit my online quilt shop at www.aliceinstitches.com .
Strip landscapes could be compared to painting with fabric. You will need a wide array of fabrics in many hues, values, colors and shades. I'm always searching the quilt shops for just the right shade of blue, sand, or sunset peach. With a landscape quilt, less is definitely more! Such as in color - usually the more muted, subtle color will work better for you than the bright, vibrant color. (There are always exceptions, however, such the quilt photo shown!) A faded batik print will be a much better choice then the defined leaf print that screams landscape!
The essential ingredient to an art quilt, whether it be landscape or any other, is to have a fabric wall on which to play. It is essential to have the space to stand back from your project and evaluate your progress. If you are short on space, you may consider looking at your project through a reducing glass for a similar effect.
When I begin a landscape quilt, I generally draw a very simple sketch for placement of any major features such as a river, beach, mountains, etc. I do emphasis that this is VERY basic. It is only a jumping off point from which I begin my quilt. I allow it to take form and evolve away from the original concept as I work.
When thinking about the elements of a landscape quilt, I tend to also go the "less is more" route. Think about a few landscape features that you would like to include - you don't need to replicate a photo or drawing, but rather interpret it into your quilt art. Give yourself artistic license to change the sky color, move a mountain and curve the river!
Mistyfuse Fusible Webbing - Ideal for art quilting
Mistyfuse is an amazing fusible webbing that I have come across in my art quilting journey. It is an extremely sheer, fusible webbing that allows you to create a lasting bond without adding bulk. This is wonderful in the world of art quilting - to be able to add layers without additional bulk!Mistyfuse was developed by Esterita Austin, a wonderful art quilter herself. The product is environmentally friendly, solvent free and recyclable. There is no extra adhesive to gum up your needles. It is suitable to use with a wide variety of fabrics from velvets and cottons, to delicate tulles and silk organzas.
Directions for use of Mistyfuse:
1. Layer your fabric right-side up over a slightly larger piece of Mistyfuse. Place the assembly between sheets of parchment paper or Teflon pressing sheets. Always test parchment for suitability first (silicon-coated parchment such as Reynolds works best). Both sides of Mistyfuse are identical, so you don't need to determine the "right side".
2. Iron lightly to attach the fuse to the fabric surface. Allow to cool, then use a rotary cutter or scissors to trim out your fuse-backed shape.
3. Place or pin the trimmed piece into position on your quilt-top. To permanently fuse the piece down, first cover with parchment paper or a Teflon sheet. Use firm pressure and a hot iron for 5-15 seconds to give the fuse a chance to migrate into the top and bottom fabrics for a strong bond. If your fabric requires a lower temperature, "layer with heat" to build the bond: use multiple lighter pressings with the warm to hot iron. When layering heat, remove the protective top parchment and allow the fabrics to cool slightly between pressings.
To try Mistyfuse, and the companion quilting product, Transdoodle Transfer Paper, please visit Alice in Stitches.
Caryl Bryer Fallert - Art Quilter Exemplified
Flying geese, curving triangles, beautiful feathers and more
Caryl has carved out a style and a unique look at quilting that sets her apart in the world of art quilting. Her brilliant color choices and gorgeous flowing designs create a recognizable trademark look.She is internationally known for her award-winning art quilts, with such honors as being included in the 100 Most Important Quilts of the Twentieth Century, 30 Most Influential Quiltmakers in the World, Bernina Quilt Leadership Award, as well as Best of Show awards in national and international competitions.
Caryl Bryer Fallert is a teacher, has an art studio and workshop in Paducah, Kentucky, and has a full line of quilting workshops on CD and patterns of her wonderful designs.
You can attend her workshops without leaving your home! Caryl Bryer Fallert CD-ROM Workshops and Patterns are available in many different designs - pick your favorite!
Angelina Fiber, Instructions and Supplies
Embellish your quilt with Angelina
Quilt Embellishing with Angelina Fiber
What is Hot Fix Angelina?
Angelina fiber is an amazing, fine and soft material that will bond to itself with a low heat application, to produce a flat, non-woven type fabric. The "Hot Fix" Angelina fibers soften and then bond together.
Angelina fibers have extensive possibilities in the art world - in textile art, embroidery, papermaking, paper mache, modeling, card making and candles. Only your imagination limits the potential of this fiber!
This beautiful substance is light reflective as well as light refractive and when afixed to your quilt will give a luminescent sparkle. You can also blend small amounts of Angelina with yarn to add sparkle and highlights. Small amounts of Angelina goes along way.
When you are looking for Angelina to purchase for your projects, keep in mind that the color you see in the "unfixed" Angelina will change as you apply heat and bond it. Angelina comes in four categories of Iridscent, Holographic, Metalized and Electric. The Iridescent fiber breaks up the white light to reflect various colors back to the viewer. Holographic Angelina uses high-tech color refractive sparks, the metalized Angelina gives off soft Metallic highlights and the Electric has a soft reflection and solid electric colors.
Angelina can be spun, woven, layered, bonded, etc. When bonding the material, you will want to layer it between sheets of parchment paper. The thickness of your bonded piece will depend on how thin you spread the fibers, and how much you use. You will probably want to experiment with the process. You will want to apply a low heat (probably a silk setting) with a gentle motion over the surface (of Angelina sandwiched in parchment).
We carry sampler packs of Angelina Fiber in our store.
Angelina fibers have extensive possibilities in the art world - in textile art, embroidery, papermaking, paper mache, modeling, card making and candles. Only your imagination limits the potential of this fiber!
This beautiful substance is light reflective as well as light refractive and when afixed to your quilt will give a luminescent sparkle. You can also blend small amounts of Angelina with yarn to add sparkle and highlights. Small amounts of Angelina goes along way.
When you are looking for Angelina to purchase for your projects, keep in mind that the color you see in the "unfixed" Angelina will change as you apply heat and bond it. Angelina comes in four categories of Iridscent, Holographic, Metalized and Electric. The Iridescent fiber breaks up the white light to reflect various colors back to the viewer. Holographic Angelina uses high-tech color refractive sparks, the metalized Angelina gives off soft Metallic highlights and the Electric has a soft reflection and solid electric colors.
Angelina can be spun, woven, layered, bonded, etc. When bonding the material, you will want to layer it between sheets of parchment paper. The thickness of your bonded piece will depend on how thin you spread the fibers, and how much you use. You will probably want to experiment with the process. You will want to apply a low heat (probably a silk setting) with a gentle motion over the surface (of Angelina sandwiched in parchment).
We carry sampler packs of Angelina Fiber in our store.
Unique Art Quilting Patterns
Designs from Judy Niemeyer, Bigfork Bay Cotton Co. and more
Do you really want to create an art quilt, but having trouble designing your own? Try a pattern from one of the quilting masters!
Sign up for Alice in Stitches Newsletters and Join me on My Space
Hear about the latest in quilting and needlearts
If you would like to hear about the latest products and any upcoming quilting sales, you can sign up for our Alice in Stitches Newsletters.We'd love to hear from you on My Space. Send us a message and join our friend group.
Thanks for your interest!
Quilt Shows - Judged and Juried
Do you know how your quilt will be judged?
If you are ready to submit your quilting work of art to a quilt show, you'll need to know about the jurying and judging process. There are difference types of quilt shows to which you may submit an entry.A juried show means that you will submit quilt photos to a panel of experts who will then determine which quilts are chosen for display in the show. Wonderful photos, including close-ups and details are necessary to show your work to it's best advantage. A juried show is usually also a judged show, where a panel of experts will evaluate the quilts for ribbons and prizes.
An Open Entry show is open to everyone without pre-judging. A guild show is generally only for current members of the group, but open to the public to view.
If you are entering a juried and judged show you will have a leg up on the competition by following some tips to be sure your quilt is ready to display to the best advantage. Your work will be judged on design, quality of techniques or workmanship and following the specific guidelines in your category.
~ Do all elements of your quilt create a unifying finished product?
~ Are the design elements well proportioned and is the quilt balanced?
~ Is the workmanship of high quality in piecing, applique, quilting, etc.?
~ Does the quilting design enhance your top? An all-over design will sometimes take away from your finished quilt.
~ If you hand quilt, are your stitches evenly spaced and of the same size? Are they small?
~ Does the design reflect an idea or create an innovative interpretation of a traditional pattern?
~ Do your quilt borders hang flat and straight?
~ Does your quilt have a "WOW" factor - of overall appeal, color, design, etc?
~ Did you use difficult or innovative techniques in your design?
~Have you carefully followed all instructions for your entry - specifics for show category, sleeve to specification, labeled, etc?
~ Are your color combinations pleasing ~ your fabrics move well together?
Finally, take care to submit a quilt that is clean and free from wrinkles, pet hair, odor, etc.
Best of luck in your quilting pursuits!
Favorite Quilt Artists and Quilting Sites
Here are my list of artists to aspire to and wonderful art quilting sites and galleries!
- RuthBMcDowell
- Click on the quilt above to enter the site.
- Where to see quilts - Links from the Bryerpatch Studio
- Bryerpatch Studio Links to Where to See Quilts and Textile Art ... Bryerpatch Studio, PO Box 945, Oswego, IL 60543 %u2022 caryl@bryerpatch.com ...
- The Quilt as Art - The Fiber Revolution, a travelling gallery of ...
- Site showing the art quilts of a group of textile artists. The site has an on-line gallery of the artist's work and highlights their upcoming shows in the ...
- Welcome to Art Quilts Online
- Whether you are a collector, an artist, a supplier to the Art Quilt community or simply interested in learning about orginal art, make yourself at home. ...
- Quilt Visions - The Art of the Quilt
- Juried exhibition of quilts celebrating the art of the quilt. It is held in San Diego, California.
- FiberArt Links
- The Quilt As Art. FiberArt Links. Gateways to Quilting Cyberspace: The Association of Pacific Northwest Quilters · Planet Patchwork · Professional Quilter ...
- Joan Colvin Home Page
- The website of Joan Colvin, a fabric artist living on Samish Island in Washington state. Her artistic textile wall-hangings / quilts reflect the natural ...
- Gloria Hansen - quilt artist, writer, designer - Art Quilts
- Gloria Hansen, renowned and award winning quilt artist, shares a gallery of her award-winning arts quilts, computer-generated design ideas, free pattern, ...
- Rita Hutchens - Quilt Artist/Designer/Teacher
- Rita Hutchens, from Sandpoint, ID, shares her life and work as a quilt artist, designer, teacher, and author. Rita's personal web site includes: information ...
Join us on Bonanzle
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Visit us at Alice in Stitches on Bonanzle.
Developing your artistic style or character
What makes you unique in the world of quilting (or art for that matter!)
It can be a difficult journey to find your unique artistic style. We see art around us, we know what we like, but how do we forge a new path uniquely our own?I think the journey begins by working on your craft with a passion, creating what is enjoyable to you, and perfecting your technique. In the process of focusing on the fabrics, techniques and subjects that are most appealing, your own voice will begin to emerge and your body of work will grow.
You may work within particular techniques and colors that become identified with your style, or perhaps your subject matter will reflect your artistic uniqueness. You will probably study other quilt artists. See if you can pick out the qualities that make their quilts stand out as theirs.
Your body of work will evolve and grow over time as you become an accomplished artist and you begin to express your unique artistic statement. Your personality will help to shape your art. Do you take a lighthearted approach to life or do you prefer a serious outlook? Create what you love, and your style will follow.
Art Quilts from the Pacific Northwest Quilt Show 2006
Let's see what art quilters are up to!
Art quilting - in the eye of the beholder.
Alice in Stitches - Store Category Links
Easy reference to your favorite products
Alice in Stitches supplies unique and art-focused quilting, knitting, needlepoint and cross stitch supplies. Below are easy links directly to the category of your interest:
Tutto Sewing Machine Cases and Craft Totes
Quilting Frames and Stands
Quilt Hangers and Clamps
Sewing Tools and Notions
Misty Fuse and Tracing Paper
Quilting Patterns and Books
Electric Quilt Design Software
Collectibles, Gifts, Holidays
Cotton Fabric Yardage
Knitting
Needlepoint and Cross Stitch
I hope you'll find what you're looking for - if not just drop me at line at info@aliceinstitches.com.
Tutto Sewing Machine Cases and Craft Totes
Quilting Frames and Stands
Quilt Hangers and Clamps
Sewing Tools and Notions
Misty Fuse and Tracing Paper
Quilting Patterns and Books
Electric Quilt Design Software
Collectibles, Gifts, Holidays
Cotton Fabric Yardage
Knitting
Needlepoint and Cross Stitch
I hope you'll find what you're looking for - if not just drop me at line at info@aliceinstitches.com.
More Needlework Lens's from Alice in Stitches
Want to hear more about quilting, knitting and the needle arts?
For more information on quilting, knitting and the needlearts, visit the following lens's.Quilting Tips, Shortcuts and Advice. You'll find helpful hints on everything from strip-piecing to setting up you sewing room to rotary cutting.
Alice in Stitches Quilting, Knitting and Needlepoint Ebay Store. Here you'll hear about the latest products in the needle arts world, find some great tips, and inspirational quilt photos.
Art Knitting. A funny look at the weird, wonderful and wacky world of knitting.
Wonderful Fabrics for your Art Quilting on Ebay
Check out our beautiful quilting fabrics available at Alice in Stitches
Art Quilts, Quilts from Around the World, Care of Art Quilts
Art Quilting - A little bit of everything!
More interesting art quilting links, with techniques, care, galleries and more.
Art Quilting and Quilters
Rushbrooke, Rose - How, where, when and why -- fin more...1 point
Online Art Magazine - Live Studio: Art Quilting
Materials I use to make an Art Quilt:. Backing fab more...1 point
Layers of Meaning » Art Quilt
Quiltmaking has historically been an art of confor more...1 point
Art Quilt Network
The Art Quilt Network was founded in 1986 by the i more...1 point
Judith Larzelere - Art Quilts
Judith Larzelere's colorful, abstract art quilts u more...1 point
Contemporary Painting
Painting can be an enormously satisfying job for t more...1 point
Canvas Art Printing
Canvas Art Prints Ready to Hang from £23.99, Your more...1 point
Quilts Patterns from Kiwiquilts NZ
Kiwiquilts provides Quilts Patterns in New Zealand more...1 point
Artist Portfolio - Wendy Feldmann - Faerie & Fantasy Art Quilting
I find myself developing art quilting techniques t more...0 points
CQA HomePage
Washington contemporary quilt artists display thei more...0 points
Ann Fahl's online art quilt studio.
Ann Fahl, prize-winning quilt artist, author of Co more...0 points
Art Quilts in Miniature
These are not doll quilts (another format entirely more...0 points
Canvas Oil Paintings Reproductions
Discover huge collection of cheap modern oil paint more...0 points
Canvas Art
Canvas prints and pop art from your photos. Fast t more...0 points
Ozquilt Network Inc
Australia's organisation for art quilters0 points
Quilts at Jan T's Utopia
Find galleries, tutorials, art quilt galleries0 points
Artful Quilt Design School: part of Jan T's Utopia
Why take classes in quilt/textile art?
To build your more...0 points
Picture Lighting
Picture lighting illuminates artwork of all kinds more...0 points
Janome Embroidery Sewing Machine Review
I would like to introduce you to the Janome Memory more...0 points
Clipping path service
Clipping path service provider's blog is for image more...0 points
Adding fabric texture to your quilt art
Moving beyond cotton
As you broaden your scope as an art quilter, you'll probably begin to think in terms of adding texture to your quilt. Varying your fabrics will add depth, interest and another tactile dimension.
You might add fabrics that are silky and smooth, and combine with a rough, low thread count fabric. Perhaps a nubbly fabric is called for. Add texture to a smooth fabric by layering additional quilting threads, painting or otherwise embellishing the surface.
In creating a landscape, think in terms of a rough craggy rock, a soft gentle meadow and a cool, clear creek. How can you begin to convey these feelings through the use of different textures in your fabric? Begin a collection of fabrics that have an interesting feel. As you tuck these pieces away, you'll build your stash for the next art quilt!
You might add fabrics that are silky and smooth, and combine with a rough, low thread count fabric. Perhaps a nubbly fabric is called for. Add texture to a smooth fabric by layering additional quilting threads, painting or otherwise embellishing the surface.
In creating a landscape, think in terms of a rough craggy rock, a soft gentle meadow and a cool, clear creek. How can you begin to convey these feelings through the use of different textures in your fabric? Begin a collection of fabrics that have an interesting feel. As you tuck these pieces away, you'll build your stash for the next art quilt!
Random Del.icio.us quilting bookmarks
Investigate some new quilting sites
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Transfer photos and objects to fabric
Another dimension for your art quilt
You've probably seen memory quilts using photos that have been transferred to fabric, creating sort of a photo album in a quilt. But how about using copying other items to fabric?
If you can lay it on your scanner, you can copy the item to fabric. Try using leaves, flowers, keys, lace, wallpaper, letters, a painting, poetry and so much more. Look around your environment to find unique objects to bring your quilting another dimension!
If you can lay it on your scanner, you can copy the item to fabric. Try using leaves, flowers, keys, lace, wallpaper, letters, a painting, poetry and so much more. Look around your environment to find unique objects to bring your quilting another dimension!
Helpful Products for your quilting needs
We carry a full selection of quilting products, fabrics and patterns.
Share your favorite art quilting tips
I'd love to hear from you
I'd love an ongoing quilting conversation - feel free to share!
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Chinajoy
Dec 19, 2010 @ 9:39 am | delete
- These are gorgeous...I love the one by Caryl Bryer Fallert in the picture by her name. And to think...I lived twelve years less than forty-five minutes from Paducah and never heard of her quilts. I would have loved to seen one personally.
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brittany23
Aug 25, 2008 @ 1:17 pm | delete
- Very useful information- this would be great in a presentation, on a display stand! http://www.displaystandworld.com.
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dtbs Jul 16, 2008 @ 10:50 am | delete
- interesting lens! thanks for sharing this info! please check mine out at----------------> Kava Kava.
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clefty
Apr 14, 2008 @ 10:12 pm | delete
- I love how lots of your patterns can be used to generate ideas for my stained glass patterns too. I'll come back often, that's for sure.
Cheers from,
http://www.squidoo.com/stainedglassartwork
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ginnie
Mar 1, 2008 @ 4:26 pm | delete
- Great lens...5*! I have 2 handmade quilts given to me as gifts and they are priceless to me. Someday I hope to learn the art of quilting.
Thanks, Gin
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Alice in Stitches began it's online life selling quilting, knitting, needlepoint supplies and more in 2006. We have grown from Ebay to Amazon to... more »
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