My Quilt- My Rules

A class in freeform fabric art

Instructor- Pamela Allen , Kingston, Canada

The main focus of this workshop is to venture outside the conventional methods of quilt making into an open ended approach to ART MAKING with fabric. Many of the techniques , of course, are familiar to art quilters....piecing, applique ( in this case raw edged applique) and hand embellishing. But the actual techniques used will be the servant of the imagery and concept, rather than the tyrant dictating what is or is not acceptable. No measuring, no matching points, no bias binding, and no squaring up until the end! We therefore will develop a fabric collage by freehand scissor cutting, layering of different fabrics, mixing unlikely combinations of fabrics, exploring three dimensional effects by means of rolled or stuffed fabric...many and ANY other means to achieve an interesting work of art. The class will sandwich the quilt BEFORE proceeding with applique and perhaps before the design is fully realized. Some interesting embellishments ideas will be explored as well Students will therefore be able to complete a spectacular small quilt during the course of the class.

Materials

-Fat quarters or any fabric suitable for backing a small quilt

-A selection of scrap fabrics all types all colours, prints and plains...don't forget recycled clothing, a great source for interesting and varied fabrics!

-Glue stick, spray basting or other spray adhesive(optional). Safety mask

-Selection of embroidery floss...lots of colours! Thread of your choice

-Scissors, beading, embroidery and darning sized needles, thimble, other basic sewing regalia

- batting suitable in size for small quilt.

-Sewing machine ( OPTIONAL). This method can be done quite nicely WITHOUT a machine except for the final quilting)

-Embellishments of all kinds. This means thinking about unlikely but interesting additions such as found objects, manufactured items and hand made items such as copper tooled shapes etc. There is always a way of attaching such items either by drilling small holes or by capturing the shape with floss. Of course more conventional beads, buttons, lace etc is also useful.

Method

We will work small (About fat quarter size) so we can finish our composition during the workshop. Cut batting and spray baste to back fabric.

Select a number of prints and plains that have potential to provide variety, colour harmony and interesting shape possibilities. Arrange your composition and when you are satisfied, adgere all the elements to the background. Remember that this image can be added to or altered during any stage of the develop

Begin hand stitching ( raw edged applique) the various pieces through front and batting avoiding going through to the very back. Reserve the back for the beginning and ending knots of the hand stitching. I use ½ split embroidery floss and either a ladder stitch or zigzag to attach the fabrics. Choose embroidery colours that complement or contrast the fabric .

Continue to add fabric shapes and elements as the composition unfolds. Each new addition may require a reevaluation of where the composition is going. You MAY have to remove some elements as well during the course of it's development. This is to allow the WORK to speak to YOU rather than relentlessly pursuing a pre-existing idea.

You are now ready to machine quilt ....think of designs that complement the image but keep it freehand and whimsical. Embellishments too can move outside the idea of buttons and beads and can be found objects, or manufactured doodads that relate to the image.