Quilting Arts Magazine October/November 2019

DO YOU USE YOUR ART FOR GOOD? Each year, I look forward to the October/November issue of QUILTING ARTS. Not only do the autumn colors of our New England landscape influence the palette of artwork in the magazine (my heart beats a bit faster every time I see burnt umber maple leaves against a pale blue sky); they also usher in the season of kindness and appreciation. Golden fields of grain are harvested and baked into bread; pumpkins dappled with green and orange become a ripe symbol of plenty; the deep purple of an eggplant inspires a charity quilt. The sights, smells, tastes, and colors of autumn are ingrained in our collective consciousness and, quite often, reflected in our quilts. And frequently, those quilts are used for good. Keeping this in…

dyeing fabric for quilts and textile projects does not have to be complicated, and it also doesn’t require a lot of equipment. It’s easy and fun, and once you begin to see the possibilities—the variety, dimension, and brilliance of colors that can be achieved—I think you will be hooked! The possibilities are endless and no two pieces are exactly alike. In addition, if you consistently dye the same fabric, the weight, weave, and texture of the fabrics you create will all be the same, which makes piecing and quilting so much easier. This process is designed to produce shibori-style patterning at right angles across the fabric. This process is best done in a laundry/utility area with a sink or a ‘wet’ studio space. DIRECTIONS 1. Roll the fabric, placed on the diagonal on…

Pole Wrapping: Secure the bottom point of the fabric with a larger rubber band, so the fabric cannot slip off of the pole. Holding the pole steady in one hand, place your other hand on the middle point (over the rubber band), and then twist and scrunch the bottom half of the fabric. Twist consistently in the same direction—away from your body—pushing down as you go. When you have pushed and twisted down to where the middle band is near the end of the pole, reverse the direction of the twisting/pushing motion for the other half of the fabric. Push it tightly down the pole and place a rubber band on the top part of the fabric so everything stays in place. (figure 1) Make 2. Rope Wrapping: Measure the diagonal…

landscapes are one of my favorite sources of inspiration for my art. Beauty is everywhere—I encourage you to take a few moments to view the world around you. Reflect on the colors, shapes, and textures in your neighborhood. I live in northern Wisconsin where millennia ago glaciers dumped huge boulders, carving out today’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Tall timbers dominate rolling hillsides nestled alongside waterways and bog areas. I cannot help being drawn to using inspiration from nature in my artwork. MATERIALS • Inspiration photo (your own or from a copyright-free source)• Wool roving in a color palette from your photo• 13" square white/light craft felt• 12" square batting• 12" square muslin backing• 13" square white/clear tulle or netting• Felting needle tool (These usually have 5–6 barbed needles encased in a holder…

This idiom of mostly unknown origins applies to that heavy downpour that can drench you right through your rain slicker. We’ve had some incredible weather recently—much of it destructive. Our readers responded to the challenge of making an art quilt reflecting this theme with personal stories, heart-wrenching experiences—and a sense of humor regarding the weather. It was hard to choose but we are pleased and proud to present this gallery of our readers’ artwork. “Cats Go First” LYNN KAMOLA AUBURN, WASHINGTON “The challenge phrase is an idiom so I wanted the cats and dogs to blend into the rain. This is the first time I’ve used freehand quilting for anything other than a background meander. It was a learning experience!” “Montana Spring” MARJORIE VANDEREN WHITEFISH, MONTANA “I live in Montana where the weather can change drastically…

In today’s fast-paced world it can be the sweetest relief to sit down with a piece of cloth, needle, and thread—and simply sew. With all the talk of self-care, stitching fits into many of our readers’ lives in this way. A step back from the hustle and bustle, a quiet moment with a small piece of beautiful fiber. Inspired by Liz Kettle’s ‘Stitch Meditations’ (see p. 30), we challenge you to take your own snippet of time and create Stitch Meditations that make your heart sing and your soul calm. Join fellow QUILTING ARTS readers and create a series of three Stitch Meditations based on the theme, “Stitch by Stitch.” Share your pieces with us and we’ll publish a selection of readers’ artwork in the April/May 2020 issue. Rules 1. Create a series…