Artfabrik

Seduced by an IPad Cover

2012-01-30T04:55:00.000-06:00

Digital sketch made with the Art Studio app on the IPad

Like many of you I've been seduced and charmed by the IPad. It houses my favorite app, Art Studio, and let's me surf at the touch of a finger tip. So why not give it a sweet place to live?

Seedpods #2 was printed in repeat using Spoonflower's custom fabric printing service.

Hence a new IPad cover made using a sweet template and instructions from Clover and Nancy Zieman of Nancy's Notions. The outside cover fabric is an image of my quilt, Seedpods #2 (above), that I had printed in repeat using the Spoonflower custom fabric printing service. Inside is a green batik fabric.

For someone who can not read or follow directions without changing course, this was a very easy project. The well written directions for E-Tablet and Paper Tablet Keepers have great illustrations to match. (Watch a helpful Youtube video that Nancy's made on how the tablets are made.) The construction of the IPad cover goes quickly and you can easily alter the design if you like.

Which I did.

Here are the changes I made:
First I painted the elastic for the corners to hold down the IPad. My reason? We had a snow storm and I could not go to the store to get the black elastic and I kinda like this blue-green version anyway!

A stylus keeper was necessary too to hold my handy-dandy BoxWave stylus in place using another painted strip of elastic. I just stitched it to the top of the inside cover.

Instead of using elastic on the base of the cover, I chose to make little triangles to hold hold the Ipad in place.

A fused binding with decorative machine stitches was really fast to do.

My favorite innovation in the design? Adding a small pocket to the inside to hold papers. (I used the flap template for this.)

This is Frieda Anderson's version of the paper keeper. Just beautiful!

There are several other versions of how to make an Ipad cover or tablet keeper (like Frieda's above) available on Nancy's blog. You'll be amazed at what people did. After you visit her blog link, you want to leave a comment on her blog. The generous people at Clover have provided 3 prizes for a February 1 giveaway!

Guest Artist: For the Birds.....Kinda

2012-01-29T05:06:00.001-06:00

Lisa's quilt from my Fowl Play class at Quilting by the Waterfront in Duluth is delightful! From the design, to the stitching, to the border, she did such a great job. What I like best about this quilt is that it tells a story. It engages you and draws you into the picture.

Thank you Lisa for sharing your work with us!

Not Sure About This Stuff

2012-01-28T04:55:00.004-06:00

Life on the Roaring Fork

You know what it's like when you are a fiber person. Anything that has the potential of becoming fiber art has appeal. From the lint in your dryer to the shirt on your husband's back, you see it all as a potential piece of art work.

Hand painted by my little hands.

I'm not sure what to do with this fibrous stuff, painted Lutradur, but it is now the property of our lucky winner from yesterday, Susan. You can see her blog at Suztats. Congratulations Susan. Let us know what you do with it!

Free on Friday: Mystery Stuff

2012-01-27T05:07:00.001-06:00

Hand painted by my little hands.

Can you guess what this is? It's called Lutradur. Lutradur is a non-woven textile that is sort of transparent, doesn't fray when cut, and can be painted like these sheets above.
So what do you do with it? I don't know, but it could be yours! Leave a comment today and you could be the lucky winner.

What's All the Fuss About?

2012-01-26T04:51:00.002-06:00

Each student designs their own colorful leaf.

My Colorful Leaves class is complete here at Quilting in the Desert and the students made beautiful work! You know a class is a success when no one sets off the fire alarms when cleaning the irons and nothing catches on fire.

Kay's Bouquets #11 is an example of what we make in class.

Today we take on Stitch after Fusing where we avoid stabbing the teacher with needles and conking each in the head as we reach for thimbles on the floor. Will the fun never end!

Want to Be a Hot Fuser in a Warm Climate?

2012-01-25T04:54:00.000-06:00

What I don't miss about Chicago.

So much has happened since we last talked. My Quilting in the Desert classes go swimmingly. There are still openings in the Four Little Landscapes and Stitch After Fusing here at Quilting in the Desert this week. Please join me!

Enjoyment of the warm weather in Phoenix is only tempered with the dread of the trip back north. (Chicago is a lovely city, but Phoenix in January is primo!)

Orange House

But let's look at the sunny side! You'll soon find me teaching a week-long class in Texas at Quilting Adventures in early March. Then early April we travel to the Hudson River Valley Art Workshops for another chance to share a class with a group of quilters who will soon be my friends.

Abstract Shuffle

That's what I like about my job.You always meet like minded people who enjoy what you enjoy and are open to learning new things. I bet everyone of us has found a good friend through quilting.

Follow These Rules When Using Decorative Blades

2012-01-24T04:55:00.011-06:00

Feeling adventurous? Want to add a decorative line to your fabric but have a fear of decorative rotary cutter blades? Calm down. I'm here to help.

Olfa decorative blades (45 mm) will fit either brand of rotary cutter handle.

Here are a few rules to give you confidence when using decorative rotary cutter blades:

The best decorative rotary cutter blades I have found are made by Olfa. They are very sharp so be careful!
You can use Olfa brand blades with most standard 45 mm rotary cutter handles.
To replace the blade, take out the straight blade. To save your sanity, keep all the parts in order as you remove the blade so you can reassemble everything. (Olfa has a really good video on changing the blade. Go this page on their site and look for view our blade change demo video here)
Look at the decorative blade.Most decorative blades have their brand etched or printed on one side. Place the decorative blade with the words out or away from the handle.
Add the washer to the other side of the handle and tighten the screw. The blade should roll easily but not wobble when cutting.
Flip your cutting mat over and cut on the wrong side of the mat. Decorative blades can mess up your grid lines.
Place your fabric glue side up on the mat before cutting so the fabric doesn't tack to the mat and fray when you remove it.
You may have to apply more pressure when using a decorative blade, they don't cut as easily as straight blades.
Do not run your blade up against a ruler. The blade will chip the ruler and it will dull the blade.
To cut a straight line, place the ruler on the fabric and score the fabric by running your fingernail along the edge of the ruler. Slide the ruler aside to brace the fabric, then cut along the scored line.

Small World 9" x 7" using both scallop and pinking blade.

I hope this helps you in your next adventure in fusing. Decorative blades add a wonderful embellished edge to your fabric. One word of warning however. If you cut every edge with a decorative blade, your quilt may vibrate and cause a seizure.

You Are Going to Love This Edgy Stuff

2012-01-23T04:47:00.005-06:00

Wave blade.

Have you tried decorative rotary cutter blades on your fused fabrics? Decorative rotary cutter blades add a nice embellished edge to fabric. My favorite brand is Olfa. Dectorative rotary cutter blades are a fast way to dress up your quilt and add more interest and whimsy to the piece.

Pinking blade.

They come in a variety of shapes like wave, pinking, and scallop. If you can't find them at your fabric shop, try the scrap booking sections of your hobby shop. The Olfa brand 45 mm blades fit most rotary cutter handles and are really sharp!

Scallop blade.

My favorite blade shape is the scallop. It cuts both convex and concave shapes. It's like getting two for the price of one!

Tomorrow I'll give you a few rules on how to use decorative blades. These rules were developed after years of doing things wrong so they must be right!

Have You Cleaned Up Yet?

2012-01-22T04:52:00.000-06:00

Do you find blobs of jelly on your quilts? Coffee stains on your fabric? Do you wash your hands before you stitch? Are you a Sanitary Sewer?

We at the Society of Clean Stitchers (SOCS) are concerned about the health and well being of your quilts and urge you to wash your hands before you stitch!

Be a Sanitary Sewer. Your quilt will thank you.

Our Free on Friday Winner

2012-01-21T08:28:00.000-06:00

Colorado Cactus. (I'm sure they have cactus in Arizona too.)

It may be snowy here in the Chicagoland area but my sights are on Quilting in the Desert which starts on Monday in Phoenix. As I teach others how to create fused art quilts in a warm, sunny climate, I shall think of you.

Colorado Moon. (Colorado is near Arizona.)

Thank you everyone for stopping by the blog yesterday and entering to win a long lost bundle of thread. And for giving your opinion on our cousin Vinny. Seems Vinny is not very appreciated.

Our lucky winner for the bundle of forgotten thread is Tonya! (See her blog at http://tonyassewingroom.blogspot.com). With any luck we'll find even more treasures for you next week for Free on Fridays!

Free on Fridays: A Relative Surprise

2012-01-20T04:44:00.011-06:00

Ever find a "surprise" in your sewing studio? Something that appears out of nowhere like a long lost relative in need of cash? Lucky for you this surprise is not my cousin Vinny but a skein of size 8 thread.

Discovered in a quiet corner of my workshop, this thread skein is a super sized 100 yards! It was dyed before the recession (when thread skeins were bigger) and is vintage 1995. This very large skein of thread is looking for good home (just like my cousin Vinny). If you leave a comment on the blog today, it could be yours! And so can Vinny!

My Serial Quilting Buddies

2012-01-19T05:09:00.001-06:00

I know what you are thinking. What do these chicken have to do with quilting? Like many of you chickens are my inspiration, my muse, and the back up singers for the quilt, Chicken Music.

Chicken Music

Did you ever have a chicken phase? For a long time chickens were the theme of many of my quilts. They became so familiar, I could free-cut a chicken in any pose: nesting, dancing, singing. Making chicken quilt after chicken quilt is called "working in a series".

Alas, my chicken themed quilts are now a thing of the past. You could say they have gone home to roost.

Have You a Hardy Fusing Soul?

2012-01-18T04:51:00.001-06:00

Classes are finishing up here in sunny California. I had a delightful time at the Quilter's Studio shop. The wild women of Extreme Quilting are.....wild. And am please to announce that the Conejo Valley Quilters survived my Colorful Leaves class!

Today the brave South Bay Quilters endure the 4 Little Landscapes workshop. Can they handle the color, the fun, the freedom of fusing? You know, it takes a hardy soul to be a fuser.

If you're feeling hardy and want to get out of winter weather like me, please join me next week at Quilting in the Desert in Phoenix. Think of attending a class as a matter of survival. You're sick of winter and bored and the only way to survive is to create something fun! It takes a hardy soul to be a fuser. Are you hardy enough to endure the fun?

How to Count when Fusing

2012-01-17T04:44:00.000-06:00

One of the first steps in fusing fabric is to apply the glue to the fabric for 5-7 seconds with a hot, dry iron. Seems simple, right? But I have discovered that in different regions of the country, people count at a different pace. So 5 seconds in Alabama is not 5 seconds in New York City.

Therefore I have implemented the Chicago School of Fusing Method of Counting!

First, pretend you are Lawrence Welk. You are conducting the orchestra in a polka. The beat goes: 1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3. (Do NOT include the North Dakota "anda" between the numbers.)
Count out loud. If you do this rhythm 4 times correctly, a total of 6 seconds will pass.
Now draw a straight line on the non-glue side of the fusible web.
Place the glue side onto the fabric.
Place the hot (cotton setting) iron on the right side of the line.
Begin the polka. Repeat after me: 1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3.
Glide the iron across the line so you end up with the line on the right side of the iron by your last 1,2,3.
There! Not only do you have the correct speed for fusing but you can dance as well.

Have You Earned Your Diploma?

2012-01-16T05:10:00.001-06:00

Chicago School of Fusing Student Housing

Are you a graduate of the Chicago School of Fusing? Are you lacking proof of your graduation? Need to update your resume? Now you can print out your own diploma and proudly display it on your sewing room wall. Just follow this link to get your graduation diploma today!

To learn more about the history of your alma mater, check out the Chicago School of Fusing page. Press On!

Guest Artist: Can You Guess How This is Made?

2012-01-15T04:56:00.002-06:00

Welsh Green Dragon by Dale

It always surprises me how people use my hand-dyed threads. And this is a good example of that WOW! factor. This stunning dragon (who has just eaten a jalapeno pepper) is made by Dale Drake. Can you guess how she made this?

Dale created her Welsh Green Dragon as a gift for her grand-daughter who is a fan of Harry Potter. She used Green Grass, Really Red, and Sunflower colorways in a size 8 pearl cotton thread. Dale is a tatter and has been know to teach the mysterious art of tatting too. The dragon, designed by Pam Palmer, is mounted to a piece of black fabric and framed. Thank you Dale for sharing your beautiful art with us!

What Not to Do

2012-01-14T04:59:00.010-06:00

In my haste to get out of town before a Chicago January really kicks in, I have made a few.....mistakes. Placing a fused fabric glue-side-up on a quilt and then fusing it to the iron instead is not uncommon. (See Gunk Protection for what I should have done.)

But this will make you cry. It seems when I put a bundle of soaking threads in the washer to spin out the water I actually ran the thread through a rinse cycle and agitated it into snarls. There are 3 different bundles I have ruined. This is what my nightmares look like. Please promise me you will never do this.

Video with Accuquilt

2012-01-13T04:47:00.000-06:00

While at the International Quilt Festival last fall, I was in the Accuquilt booth demonstrating the use of my new die, Kay's Bouquets. True, I spent most of the time playing with the die and forgetting that I was supposed to engage customers. But it's so darn enthralling!

I hope you enjoy this video of me and Accuquilt Lee talking and cutting it up. (Is it just me? Or does my mouth move and the words arrive later?)

Threa-u-cation Thursday: Calling All Digitabulists!

2012-01-12T04:51:00.004-06:00

I have a friend who delights in antique shops and seeks out oddities. Fortunately, she is a generous friend and has gifted me with this funny little thimble.

Now I'm a big fan of thimbles and am never without one when I stitch. But this one is very unusual. For all you digitabulists out there, do you know what the sliding mechanism on the top of this thimble is for? Do you know what this thimble is called?

What I've Left Behind

2012-01-11T04:51:00.004-06:00

My bags are packed for my first teaching tour of 2012. This is the same ratty luggage that trekked with me to several countries and states in 2011. Surely they look as old as I feel.

But suddenly, as I place the last yard of fabric in an over weight suitcase, I cheer up. Soon I'll be with a group of creative quilters. And I get to leave this pile of ironing behind! See you all soon!

How to Tuesday: Learning from Your Students

2012-01-10T05:07:00.001-06:00

Student work from a Garden of Eden class.

It's time for me to pack my bags and leave on another exciting teaching trip to sunnier climes. My stay at home was refreshing (and fattening) but I'm anxious to travel again and see you, my people.

One of the things I most enjoy about teaching is what I learn from my students. Here are a few tips I've picked up from those brave enough to enter my classroom and live to tell the tale:

Use dryer sheets to clean your iron.
Use size 4 embroidery needles with a size 8 embroidery thread.
The best place to hide your fabric stash from your husband is at a friend's house.
Irons can catch on fire.
Always bring Band-Aids to class.

Who knows what gems I'll pick up from you this year? Hope to see you on the road at one of my teaching or vending venues!

Guest Artist: An Expert Quilter and Dancer Too!

2012-01-08T04:59:00.000-06:00

Recently, I sent out this thread order to the famous Libby Lehman. You probably know her as an outstanding quilt maker who travels the world teaching machine quilting with unusual threads. She is an expert! But I know her as woman who will dance the polka at the drop of a hat.

Flying Colors by Libby Lehman

In this this wonderful quilt called Flying Colors, Libby uses my Size 3 hand-dyed threads couched to the surface. Couching is one of the many techniques Libby teaches in her classes along with how to work with those tricky threads that try to trick you.

Flying Colors (detail) by Libby Lehman

Libby and I have formed a mutual admiration society. I love her work and she loves my threads. We also enjoy a good polka once in a while! Ya, sure ya betcha!

No More Coffee, Thank You

2012-01-07T04:52:00.000-06:00

Me on caffeine. Or a sweater wearing me.

Thank you for joining me in an effort to de-decaffeinate myself. The lucky winner of our first Free on Friday skein of hand-dyed Size 8 pearl cotton thread in the Cafe au Lait colorway is: Lynn the Alamosa Quilter. Congratulations Lynn!

But I have a little treat for the rest of you as well. If you visit this page on my web site, you see the needle and thread chart for matching embroidery needles with thread sizes. But there is also a PDF you can click on and print. It is a PDF of embroidery stitch diagrams.
Happy stitching!

Free on Friday: Watch Out for that Over-caffeinated Dyer!

2012-01-06T05:14:00.005-06:00

We are in full swing here at the Artfabrik dye studio. (Also known as the family laundry room.) My hand-dyed fabric and thread inventories must be replenished before leaving on my next teaching gig to sunny California!

But in my enthusiasm for dyeing it seems I've made a little error. Too much Size 8 Thread has been dyed in the Cafe au Lait colorway. Let's just chalk this error up to a little too much......caffeine.

My mistake is your gain! Please leave a comment today and a lucky caffeine lover will receive a skein of Cafe au Lait in the Size 8 colorway.

Thread-u-cation Thursday: A Needle and Thread Refresher

2012-01-05T04:49:00.017-06:00

Betty's Bloomers #21 11" x 11"

As you may have guessed, one of my favorite pastimes is adding hand embroidery to my fused art quilts. If you need a means to escape from your everyday woes, try hand stitchery. Your woes will fade away like a nasty rash after ointment is applied.

But like any treatment for woes, you must begin with the right tools. Here a quick refresher on the needles and threads for your hand stitching needs.

Embroidery Needles

Matching the correct embroidery needle with your embroidery thread makes stitching a pleasure. Here's a handy chart to help you pair your long eyed embroidery needle with pearl cotton thread.

Embroidery Threads

Pearl cotton thread is my choice for hand-dyeing as well as for hand embroidery. With a slight sheen, this thread has the strength to hold up well when repeatedly drawn through fabric as a single strand. It also comes in a variety of sizes: Sizes 3, 5, 8, and 12 being my favorites.

Couching a Size 3 thread with a Size 8 thread

Size 3 pearl cotton thread is very thick making it difficult to stitch through your typical quilting fabric. But lay it on the surface of that same fabric, couching it into place, and it yields bold line and texture. Use a Size 1 embroidery needle with the Size 3 thread.

Size 5 thread using a Blanket Stitch on wool.

Size 5 pearl cotton thread requires a size 3 embroidery needle. Size 5 thread is traditionally used as embellishment for crazy quilts. For fusers, stitching through 1 or 2 layers of fused fabric is about the max with this size thread. Couching is always an option with size 5 thread. And, like the thicker Size 3 thread, Size 5 will glide through wool and felt with ease.

Size 8 thread using a size 4 embroidery needle.

Size 8 pearl cotton thread is my go-to thread for embroidery on fused art quilts. It shows up well, stitches easily, and lends it's self readily to all those details you can't make with fabric. A size 4 embroidery needle is the perfect size for Size 8 thread although you can use a Size 3 needle as well.

Size 12 thread is for those of you with a delicate touch.

Size 12 pearl cotton thread makes a finer line when stitching. Using a Size 5 embroidery needle, this thin thread works great on small fused elements and quickly stitches through layers of fused fabric. When I really want to escape my woes, I load up Size 12 thread.

I hope this helps you with your stitching needs. May your woes recede just like that nasty rash.

How My Largess is Growing

2012-01-04T04:50:00.001-06:00

You are about to benefit from my largess. In December a lot of fabric was dyed in the Artfabrik studio (also know as the basement laundry room). It's a messy job but someone has to do it.

Yum! Color!

Now all that fabric is washed, ironed and labeled. And in celebration of the new year, every yard of Artfabrik fabric is on sale for $20.12 per yard. This only happen once a year folks. Then I'm back to my old ways.

How to Tuesdays: Fixing a Lifeless Design

2012-01-03T04:51:00.009-06:00

Have you ever made a quilt design that is just plain boring? Through the miracle of fuse-tacking I'd like to show you how to fix a lifeless quilt like this one above.

When constructing a fused art quilt, always use a technique called fuse-tacking. Fuse-tacking is applying only 5 seconds of heat from the iron to a fabric element. (Too much heat for too long will kill the glue.) Aside from not burning the glue into the fabric, there is another benefit to fuse-tacking. Fuse-tacking gives you the option of removing fused elements and changing your design. Because they are not really fused fast into place, fabrics can be lifted off the surface.

To fix my lifeless design, I tried a little trick. By picking up the fuse-tacked grasses and stones in the design I was able to slip a bias cut tree trunk into the scene. With the tree in place there is now a sense of scale, a focal point, and my design is ready to stitch. I was able to change the design of the quilt all because of the technique of fuse-tacking. Now, don't you feel better?

What's Wrong Here?

2012-01-02T04:52:00.003-06:00

Here's another quilt in need of design therapy. It measures about 14" wide by 12" high and was created during my artist in residence time at Art Quilt Tahoe. It's time to add the batting and hand stitch the design. But there is something wrong here.

How would you fix it? Can you guess what it needs? I'll show you my solution tomorrow for the first 2012 episode of How to Tuesdays. Each Tuesday in 2012, I'd like to give you free tutorials on creating fused art quilts and other practical but useless advice. You've been warned!

Why Bother with Resolutions for a New Year?

2012-01-01T04:56:00.001-06:00

Mille Fiore by Laura Wasilowski

Have you made your New Year's Resolutions? I have and here is the list. (Please do not remind me of them in July.) Like most people, my resolutions are made to keep order in life. And like most people, ciaos is right around the corner.

I hereby resolve to:

Make more artwork! Why? Because making art feels good. It gives me a sense of well being, joy, and happiness. Making art is good for your soul.
Keep my accounting up to date. (This never happens but I persist in keeping it on my resolution list.)
Be less stubborn. (I don't want to talk about it.)

Care to share you resolutions with me? I promise I won't remind you of them in July.

Want to See Some Tiling with Nancy Z?

2011-12-31T05:06:00.002-06:00

So I'm drifting through the Internet the other day in my zombie like surfing mode when what do I come across? It's a YouTube video of Nancy Zieman and I talking about Tiling.

Tiling is a method of overlapping fused symmetric fabric shapes onto each other in a tile like fashion. You can build textured and patterned collages in this way with square, circle, or even leaf shapes like these above. (The leaves are cut with an AccuQuilt fabric cutter and die.)

The video is not only educational but I'm wearing my favorite shirt. Sadly the shirt has passed on to shirt heaven. I miss that shirt.

Can You Cut This Fabric?

2011-12-30T04:59:00.000-06:00

One of the phrases heard most often in my classroom is, "I can't cut into this hand-dyed fabric. It's too precious!"

Please, don't worry. We're always making more. Why deny yourself the pleasure of working with beautiful fabric?

But, alas, I am a hypocrite. There is a stack of hand-dyed fabric in my studio that is never on the market, is never touched and is never cut. It is too precious!

But today I did it! I pulled out my precious stack of fabric and sliced off sections for a new quilt. It was scary but it also energized me. Cutting the fabric released me from a cloth prison of my own making. It gave me the freedom to create something new with beautiful fabric.

Are you a fabric hoarder? Are you a prisoner of the cloth? Maybe it's time to give yourself permission to use your best and favorite fabric. They'll always make more!

Stitch-a-thon Day 4: A Fit of Decorative Bliss

2011-12-29T05:01:00.001-06:00

As we bring our Stitch-a-thon Marathon to an end, our attention turns to the tablecloth. Stitching the edges of the tablecloth with a Blanket Stitch gives it a nice finish like the decorative edge on a real tablecloth. (And I'm about reality here.) The Tangerine colorway in the Size 8 thread lets me repeat the colors used in the leaves.

And speaking of repetition, the Degas Blue size 12 thread is used in a row of Cross Stitches across the tablecloth dots. Lends a rather festive air, don't you think?

And as long as we are feeling festive, add French Knots to the dots. These dots on dots plus dots around the edge of the composition really decorate the piece nicely.

And here is the final quilt. With a little machine quilting around the edge it will be complete and ready for display. Thanks for joining be in my Stitch-a-thon! We'll have more to see in the new year!

Stitch-a-thon Day 3: Degas Blue Saves the Day!

2011-12-28T05:06:00.006-06:00

It's Day 3 of adding hand stitchery to a fused art quilt. And today we attack the basket! One of our most versatile, yet humble, stitches, the Stem Stitch, is used around the basket edge. This outlines the basket and give it a nice neat finish. By using the heavier Size 8 perle cotton thread (in the Sunflowers colorway) we repeat the colors found in the flowers, border and basket fabrics. It's always good to repeat colors to give artwork a cohesive feel.

The basket rim could use a decorative element to help set it aside from the rest of the basket. Enter French Knots and Straight Stitches added across the rim. This Degas Blue thread in Size 12 is just the right shade of blue to go with the salmon, gold, and green in the basket.

The doily beneath the basket can also be decorated. Using the Size 12 thread in the famous Pickle Juice colorway, a modified Blanket Stitch is added around the scalloped edge of the doily.

And why not French Knots and Straight Stitches in our Degas Blue thread to add some spark to the doily. My, aren't we a handsome doily!

With all this addition of Degas Blue to the basket and doily, the flowers are looking a little plain. Adding Degas Blue to the flowers will help the viewer's eye travel around the piece seeking out the next occurrence of blue thread and shift interest back to the flowers. A Zig Zag Stitch across the flower top accomplishes this. Now I feel much better. Please visit me tomorrow as we finish up our hand stitchery!

Stitch-a-thon Day 2: Got Your Anthers Handy?

2011-12-27T05:06:00.006-06:00

Welcome back to Day 2 of hand stitching a fused art quilt. Now, not to get all botanical on you, but we are about to stitch those things sticking out of the flowers, the filaments and the anthers. Using a Size 12 cotton thread in the Sunflowers colorway, add Straight Stitches across the filaments. A healthy French Knot on the tip, or anther, looks like a big dollop of pollen. If you were a bee, you'd be dancing! (Thanks Gene for all this filament/anther info!)

Our next step is to stitch the leaves. Without stitching the leaves are plain as toast without jelly. They have no definition. But slap a Fly Stitch on a leaf and suddenly it changes from featureless to dynamic! In this version of the Fly Stitch, you are adding Fly Stitches in a line to create the veins for the leaves.

The Size 12 thread in the Tangerine colorway works for the leaves and is also used to outline the stems of the flowers with a.... Stem Stitch. Tangerine is in keeping with the flower color and contrasts nicely with the green of the leaves. There's more to show you tomorrow. Until then, practice your bee dance!

Stitch-a-thon Day 1: In the Beginning

2011-12-26T05:14:00.004-06:00

In this series of posts, I'd like to show you the process of adding hand stitchery to a fused art quilt. We'll go from start to finish using this quilt. (You may remember it from the How to Make an Improvised Art Quilt series. You can see how it was made here.) This quilt is our subject, our muse, our inspiration, our reason to live! In short.... what we're stitching.

Our quilt is ready to stitch because we have followed the 10 Commandments of Hand Stitching a Fused Art Quilt. (If you're not into commandments think of them as "suggestions".) It is steam set to the batting and we'll stitch only through the batting and top layers of the quilt.

Always begin your stitching on the focal point of the quilt, in this case, the flowers. If you begin stitching a lot in a remote corner of the quilt, the focal point loses importance and a great deal of stitchery will be needed to balance the composition. Here, you see I've started with the Stem Stitch to outline the flower.

The thread is a Size 12 in the Pickle Juice colorway and a size 5 embroidery needle is used. The Stem stitches are placed right next to the silk flower on the blue background fabric. A few Straight Stitches are used in the flower opening and later at the base of the flower.

French Knots across the rim of the flower add some much needed texture. Each of the 3 flowers is done in turn. Please return tomorrow where we answer the question: Are those your anthers or are just happy to be stitching?

A Surprise for One Lucky Quilter

2011-12-25T05:25:00.009-06:00

Housing Department #20 was a big surprise!

Isn't it fun to be part of a conspiracy? (And I don't mean one of those involving aliens from outer space.) This conspiracy started last July after my lecture at the Knoxville show. It has to do with my friend, Julia, her many sisters, a flummoxed husband, and this quilt above, Housing Department #20. Read all about it here on Julia's blog.

Merry Christmas!

It's a Gift!

2011-12-24T05:10:00.000-06:00

'Tis the season for singing as loud as you can! And for giving gifts to those you love. No matter what holiday you celebrate this season, I'd like to give you a gift.

It's you, dear readers, that keep me posting my stories, photos, and goofy stuff. Thank you for returning to my blog again and again. So, during this season of giving, here are 8 free patterns for you to play with. Feel free to pass the gift on to your friends. And Happy Holidays!

Why This Quilt Candidate Won This Election

2011-12-23T04:56:00.001-06:00

Quilt Candidate #1

Thank you so much for your input regarding which background fabric to use to frame my little composition above. Sadly, this yellow background did not win. Not enough support in the "primary". (Get it?!)

Quilt Candidate #2

Of the several framing fabric candidates to choose from, this one was also set aside. The patterning of the batik fabric is too strong and pulls interest from the quilt. Also, it was disqualified because one person voted for it twice.

Quilt Candidate #3

Quilt Candidate #3 was very popular because of it's complimentary color. I really tried to make this one work. But when your framing fabric looks like a snow storm, then the story of the quilt changes from a Spring Day to a Return of Winter Day. (We call this "flip flopping.") The purple batik changed the tone or feel of a piece too much for me.

Quilt Candidate #4

The intense green of this batik fabric really said Spring to me. But again, the surface pattern overwhelmed the design. And, as in any election, too much noise is bad.

Quilt Candidate #5

And here is our winner, Quilt Candidate #5. Again, I have the advantage of seeing these background fabrics in person not through an image on the web. This fabric was chosen because it give the quilt a fresh, Spring-like look. The surface pattern is subtle and the color repeats the light greens in the composition. This candidate also won the support of more color and pattern with the blue squares and pink dots around the edge.

Thank you so much for your advice, suggestions, and votes. The voters may have spoken but let's face it, I'm a quilt dictator!

Which Quilt Candidate Do You Support?

2011-12-22T05:03:00.003-06:00

Quilt Candidate #1

Last month I made several small quilt tops at Art Quilt Tahoe. The little quilt composition you see here was created on release paper. Our next step is to remove the composition from the paper and audition it on different framing fabrics like the yellow fabric above.

Quilt Candidate #2

We have several framing fabric candidates to choose from. (Although I call them candidates, thankfully, they have no political affiliation.) But I would like you to vote for one.

Quilt Candidate #3

The color of the framing fabric can really change a composition. It brings out different colors. It changes the tone or feel of a piece.

Quilt Candidate #4

All of these framing fabric candidates are batiks. The patterning of a batik fabric also affects the look of the quilt. Surface patterns may enhance or overwhelm the design.

Quilt Candidate #5

I have the advantage of seeing these background fabrics in person, but which background fabric would you choose to frame this composition? Which candidate do you wish to represent your composition? State you framing colors! Join the party and vote today!

5 Reasons to Go to Quilting in the Desert

2011-12-21T05:09:00.006-06:00

What you could make in the Fowl Play class.

So you're thinking to yourself, why should I go to Quilting in the Desert? Can't I just quilt on the tundra like everyone else?

What you could make in the Colorful Leaves class.

No. You do not want to quilt on the tundra.

What you could make in the Tools of the Trade class.

Here's why you need to go to Quilting in the Desert in Phoenix AZ January 22- 27, 2012.

It's warm there. I'm no meteorologist but having just frozen my tootsies off shoveling snow, I guarantee Phoenix will be warmer than Illinois in January.
You can take a great class with a classy instructor like moi! I have 5 workshops including Tools of the Trade, Colorful Leaves, Four Little Landscapes, Stitch after Fusing, and Fowl Play.
No matter what class you sign up for, you will find a friend in that classroom. Or bring your own friend and make even more.
You'll learn more about creating a fused art quilt than anyone else in the world!
It's warm there.

Come join me! It will be fun to hang out at Quilting in the Desert in Phoenix in January!

A Secret about My Past

2011-12-20T04:54:00.000-06:00

Stamping in the Sun

There is a new book out from Interweave Press called The Best of Quilting Arts edited by Pokey Bolton. It celebrates 10 years of Quilting Arts Magazine by presenting the "very best articles" from the magazine. And yippee! I'm in it!

Stamping in the Forest

Apparently this book is "your ultimate resource for art quilt techniques and inspiration." With that in mind, check out my article, Carve Stampum on page 57. It describes how I hand carved stamps from Saftety Kut and used them with textile paints to stamp fabric for my quilts like those above.

Here's an example of the many stamps carved from Safety Kut that clutter my shelves. At one time I was an addicted stamp carver. But that's all behind me now. Now that I've discovered a different, less messy, addiction..... hand stitching. And now you know about my secret past.

Stitch Therapy: 5 Reasons to Stitch

2011-12-19T04:45:00.017-06:00

When I received my degree in Stitchology (with a minor in Thread-u-cation) I thought, what will I do with this degree? And, who in the heck gets a degree in Stitchology?

Before stitching. Not so interesting.

But then I remembered the many benefits of hand stitching:

1. You get to sit down.

2. You get to make daring thread color choices that may appear rash but are oh, so satisfying.

3. You can stitch while watching TV and look at your artwork during the scary parts.

4. You can look productive when really all you are doing is playing around.

5. You will be admired by all who like the idea of going from flat to fabulous.

After stitching. Way more interesting!

Hand sewing is one of our oldest crafts. It's in your bones people! Doing hand work frees your mind to wander and gives you a feeling of accomplishment because you are making a thing of beauty. We need beautiful things in our life! So listen to you Stitchologist, stitch something today!

(This free Stitch Therapy session was brought to you by the Artfabrik Stitchers. Stitch on!)

Guest Artist: Doing Something Scary Well

2011-12-18T04:59:00.002-06:00

Our featured artist today is Michele Scott author of the new book Bobbin Quiltin' and Fusin' Fun from AQS. This is a great book for those of you interested in trying that scary thing called bobbin quilting. Yikes!

In bobbin quilting you flip the quilt over and stitch on the back of the quilt so the bobbin threads appear on the face of the quilt. Using decorative threads and yarns, Michele gives you directions for 11 fused quilt projects in her book.

Shoot for the Stars by Michele Scott

She is a brave woman! And she is a kind woman. Why? Because Michele recommends my threads in her book saying they are "By far, my absolute favorite thread of all time." Thanks Michele and best wishes for your brand new book!

Stitch Therapy: Why Gotta Have It

2011-12-17T05:02:00.000-06:00

Hello, it's your Stitchologist calling! This is your daily wellness check. Have you stitched something today? Trust me, stitching will make you feel better. The repetitive motion of pulling a needle with thread through fabric soothes the soul.

And there's another reason to add hand embroidery stitches on your quilt top. It will take it from flat to fabulous. Add a few French Knots or Scattered Seed Stitches and suddenly the world has more dimension, colors are brighter, birds sing and your checkbook balances.

Have you stitched something lately? I'd love to see it. Send photos!

Do You Need a Little Stitch Therapy?

2011-12-15T04:52:00.003-06:00

Feeling a little flat? A little blah? Like you've been run over by a steam roller on a cloudy day after a bland breakfast of oatmeal and bad coffee?

Feeling so bored that you are even boring your boring self?

Then have I got a deal for you!

Add some dimension to your life! With a few hand embroidery stitches, you can take your art from flat to fabulous. I guarantee that adding stitchery to your art work will enrich your life and make the world a better place too. (I should know. I have a degree in Stitchology, the combined science of stitching and psychology.)

Here you see the difference hand stitchery makes on a small quilt. It brings the quilt to life! Now don't you feel refreshed? As your Stitchologist, I recommend you get out there and stitch something today. Take 3 stitches and call me in the morning.

How to Clean Up Your Work Area

2011-12-14T05:03:00.003-06:00

As you may have guessed, I am a total Neat Freak. And if you guessed this, you would be wrong. Cause I am neither neat nor tidy nor clean when I sew. There are fabric and thread clippings everywhere!

But I do have a cleaning tip for you. Use batting. With a small square of batting next to your sewing machine just drop thread snips onto the batting. Or swipe up your work area with the batting when done. No doubt my Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval is in the mail.

And here's another use for batting. Make a small ball and throw it to your cat. My cats would go nuts over a ball of batting. Not sure why. Who knows what's going on in the brain of a cat!

Using a Happy Accident

2011-12-13T05:12:00.001-06:00

While cutting some flowers using the Kay's Bouquets die from Accuquilt, I made a happy accidental discovery. If you place an already cut shape (like the flower shape above) back on the die, you can cut it again making even more shapes.Oh joy!

By placing the flower shape on the flower die just so, you can run it through the die cutter once more to make this shape. (Sort of looks like someone took a bite out of a blue cookie.)

Make a second cut from the big blue shape and you end up with 2 smaller shapes. My cookie shape is getting eaten away!

As I munch my way around the original flower shape a third time, cookies and a hot cup of tea are sounding really good.

After the fourth cut of the flower / cookie shape I take a much needed break and have a real, non-blue cookie.

This is how the smaller blue shapes are used in a current landscape quilt I'm working on. Do they resemble grape hyacinths to you? Or are you thinking of cookies too?

What Makes This a Happy Accident

2011-12-12T05:14:00.001-06:00

So, I'm cutting up a bunch of flowers for the give-away on the Artfabrik website and using my handy dandy Baby Go! Cutter with my new Kay's Bouquet die. It's a regular day, same ol', same ol'.

Then, what to my wondering eyes does appear but a new use for the cutter! I accidentally dropped one of the flowers on the flower die and it gets cut again. (See that crescent shape cut from the flower above?) This happy accident shows that you can use the die cutters to re-cut or modify shapes you've already cut! It's a miracle!

Tomorrow I'll show how I'm using this in my next quilt. I can hardly wait!

Guest Artist: She Started It All!

2011-12-11T05:02:00.007-06:00

Meet my friend Janet. Janet is a lot of fun. Janet is a quilter. See her lovely quilt behind her? Janet is the reason I'm a quilter too.

A quilt made with Janet in mind called Filling Janet's Shoes (on exhibit).

When I first met my neighbor, Janet, it was friendship at first sight. We become good friends and she introduced me to the world of quilting. We went to quilt shows and programs and exhibits. Like your quilt friends, Janet opened my eyes to a whole new wonderful world! She started it all! Thanks Janet!

Filming with Nancy Zieman and a Doughnut

2011-12-08T04:53:00.000-06:00

In the wee hours of the morning last Saturday, Frieda and I traveled to Madison WI. What, you ask, could get me out of bed that early in the morning? We traveled to Madison to film a pledge drive with Nancy Zieman for Wisconsin Public Television.

Me with Frieda and Nancy Zieman

We were invited to appear live during breaks between the airing of our show, Art Quilts- Fusible Collage Workshop on Sewing with Nancy. The fundraising breaks are pretty fast and furious. You have to talk fast and look cute all at the same time. Not an easy task!

People that joined Wisconsin Public Television during our promo time received a copy of our new DVD and a companion book to go with it called..... Art Quilts- Fusible Collage Workshop. (Frieda's project is the little barn quilt on the cover and mine is the basket of flowers.) All in all it was a great experience despite the early hour. And I got a free doughnut!

Can a Cabbage Inspire You?

2011-12-07T04:51:00.002-06:00

Is it me, or is that one lovely cabbage? Image growing from a tiny seed into to something as beautiful and complex as this. The squiggly lines and irregular spiral captivate me! I am mesmerized by a cabbage!

Cabbage. Made in my salad days.

If you keep your eyes open, you can find inspiration in surprising places. Does a good leafy vegetable inspire you? Does that odd piece of fabric capture your attention? Or the colors of an ad in a magazine? Look out for inspiration. It's everywhere!

Why It's Good to Be Alert

2011-12-06T05:07:00.001-06:00

Forest Home from Fanciful Stitches, Colorful Quilts

Every once in a while Google alerts me that my name has been mentioned somewhere on the web. This is called a Google Alert by those Google people and can be quite alarming! (You'll be relieved to know that so far my name has not been mentioned in any police reports.)

The other day this alert turned up. It's a review of my book, Fanciful Stitches, Colorful Quilts, by Shasta. And it's very well done. Thank you Shasta for the book review. May you live long and prosper!

Being Part of All That Jazz

2011-12-05T05:01:00.003-06:00

Good news! My quilt Orchards, Fields, and Streams will be part of the All That Jazz! exhibit curated by Ricky Tims. The exhibit is at the Road to California show, January 19 -22, 2012.

This quilt depicts a view of farmland from above while flying in a very small airplane. Although I was scared witless by being in that very small airplane, I did enjoy the beauty beneath the wings. If you look closely, you'll see that the quilt is based on a traditional quilt format. Can you guess which one?

Guest Artist: A Humorous Approach

2011-12-04T05:20:00.001-06:00

Tree of Life by Pam

This delightful quilt is made by Pam, our guest artist today. The fabric in the background was a free sample she received for placing an order on the Artfabrik site a few months back. She mentioned to me that after purchasing my book and DVD she has "learned so much from your detailed directions and humorous approach to teaching."

Pretty Me by Pam

Thank you Pam. It is true. Humor is very important in quilting cause so much can go dreadfully wrong. Thanks for sharing your work with us!

You Really Helped Me Out!

2011-12-03T05:03:00.003-06:00

I want to thank you all for your comments on this quilt top above. Once in a while you need feedback from other artists to know if you are going in the right direction (or in my case, down a blue path). Looking at the image now, I'm sure about one thing many of you mentioned.

There needs to be a smaller element in the sky. Something like birds flying south to a warmer climate than Illinois in December (not that I'm complaining!) When I start the stitching process, a few Fly Stitches like these will be placed in the sky. Lucky birds!

Gene also suggested putting a cat in the window. Sorry, no can do. Cats at my house are too busy waiting for their next meal to sit on a window sill.

Does This Bug You?

2011-12-02T05:07:00.001-06:00

There is something about this quilt top that really bugs me. It has been sitting in my studio for a year and I just can not add a stitch to it. What is this design lacking?

The sky is way too vacant. It looks like the residents are abandoned on the lone prairie without a soul in site.The sun is beating down on them and the air conditioning is out. They are down to their last ice cube.

So I added some trees. There, I feel better. How about you?

Is It Too Soon to Long for Summer?

2011-12-01T04:47:00.008-06:00

I am so looking forward to this! As we enter the dismal days of winter, summer is already calling my name. "Laura," it says, "Don't you miss me already?"

Yes, confound it! That is why I'm longing for the Madeline Island School of the Arts where my workshop Translating Ideas into Fabrics takes place June 4 - 8, 2012.

The facilities and setting are wonderful on Madeline Island. It's an island plopped in Lake Superior and surrounded by the Apostle Islands (which are known for their sea caves, beaches, lighthouses and quilt teachers hungry for summer).

Join me! We shall shed the shackles of winter together!

My Secret About This New Magazine

2011-11-30T04:59:00.001-06:00

Speaking of magazines, have you seen this new magazine called IQ International Quilts? The premiere issue was released at the recent International Quilt Festival in Houston. It is packed full of photos and articles on quilt makers from around the world.

The exquisite cover quilt is by Yoko Sekita from Japan. Inside is a gallery of her work and that of Sally Scott (South Africa), and Parisian artists, Edyth Raymond and Gabriel Paquet. The tour of international quilting continues with colorful images from Australia, the UK, and the Hoffman facility in Bali.(Great photos!)

Quiet Morning designed on an IPad

Included in this premiere issue is my article: Design Your Next Quilt with an IPad. It shows you how to use your IPad as a digital sketchbook and how to convert your drawings into fabric. I must confess. I've only done this once and it was for this article. Don't tell anyone!

Quiet Morning sketch used as the pattern.

Deb Roberts is the editor of the new magazine, travel host, and she's been all over the map. The quilting reports from each corner of the globe prove that this love of fabric and stitching is an international obsession!

Why I'm Positive about the Negative

2011-11-29T05:10:00.003-06:00

Have you seen the new American Quilter Magazine (January 2012 edition)? Next time you take a break from you crazy holiday shopping schedule, please check out Page 50. My article, The Positive of the Negative, shows you how I went about making this simple little quilt above.

This quilt idea was a rare stroke of genius (sort of like a dim light bulb coming on). Why not use a leaf die from Accuquilt to make both the positive leaf shapes and the negative leaf shapes for quilt designs?

Sprouts #2

It's such a thrill to discover the many uses of negative shapes like those in the border around Sprouts #2. Using both the positive and negative cuts from a die cutter is now my favorite use of die cut fabrics!

I know I didn't invent it but, let's all pretend I did.

How to Make an Improvised Art Quilt Day 8: Inner Stuff

2011-11-28T04:51:00.081-06:00

The quilt composition improvised from my fused fabric scraps is complete and it's time for the fun part, adding fine details with hand stitchery! But first.....

It's not glamorous but someone has to do it. We have to make the inner stuff, the batting and Timtex that give you something to stitch into and that will hold the quilt into shape. We'll do this with a Wrapped Binding. (You can find more precise directions here, Wrapped Binding Directions.) The first step in making a Wrapped Binding is to measure the quilt top. Stack the Timtex and batting (scrim side to Timtex) and cut them about 1 1/2" smaller on each edge than the quilt top. Then cut off and additional 1/2 around each edge in a wavy manner.

After the batting and Timtex are cut the same size and shape, open them up and mark at a corner where they match up. This is very important! Do this for your sanity.

Now center the batting onto the back side of the quilt. The background fabric is about 1" larger than the batting on each edge. Remember this batik background fabric has fusible web all over it. (Set the Timtex aside. After all the hand embroidery is done through the batting layer, then you'll put the Timtex behind the batting.)

So be careful! Flip the quilt top and batting over and slip release paper underneath. The release paper is there to keep you from fusing the quilt top to the ironing surface.

Using a dry pressing cloth, steam set the quilt top to the batting for 10 seconds in each spot. Glide the iron, don't place it or you will have iron shapes all over your quilt. (Ask me how I know.)

Now that we've steam set the glue the fun part begins! Hand stitchery!

How to Make an Improvised Art Quilt: Day 7...Bordering

2011-11-27T04:46:00.004-06:00

Now comes the moment of truth. The composition improvised from fused fabric scraps is complete but really needs a border. Why? Because I've run the design right up the the edges of the background fabric. A border will frame the quilt and add formality. And much like an empty room, give the composition more room to breath.

The question is what fabric should I use. Should it be strips of fabric like this? By strip fusing them they would overlap the composition about 1/4" around each side of the quilt making a striped border.

Or should I cut the composition with a decorative blade and drop it onto a piece of batik fabric like this?

The batik fabric wins out! It has many of the colors in the composition but does not overpower the piece like the strip fused border above. It frames the piece, making it the star. As, I center and fuse tack it into place on the fused background fabric, I'm happy to report that I do like this improvised art piece.

And because I like it so much, I'll be happy to add hand stitching! But first comes a few more steps of drudgery. Stay tuned for more tomorrow!

How to Make an Improvised Art Quilt: Day 6...Details

2011-11-26T04:47:00.001-06:00

It's time to add those fine details to the composition improvised from my fused silk fabric scraps. Details like these bias cut antlers protruding from the heads of the flowers are added. (Note sure if "antlers" is the correct botanical name.) The antlers are lightly fuse-tacked into place because the jury is still out, do I like them? If not, they are easily removed.

Again, the leaves entering the flower pot look like a mush of green. I must be patient. Hand embroidery will give them more definition.

A few irresistible dots are added to the tablecloth. There is nothing like a dot to make your day! And beneath the tablecloth narrow jagged strips are fused into place. Do you recognize them? They are the cut-aways from the edges of the leaves. Nothing goes to waste!

The composition is complete and tomorrow the border selection process begins. With any luck, our ordeal will soon end!

Hot Make an Improvised Art Qult: Day 5...Inspiration!

2011-11-25T04:58:00.024-06:00

Inspiration strikes! As the creation of my improvised art quilt made from fused fabric scraps continues, I make even more .... fused fabric scraps. That's where the narrow strips of salmon/pink fabric come from that are placed above each trumpet flower. Those strips are the cut-aways from the trumpet flowers.

After cutting the strips to size and fusing them into place above each flower, the creation of leaves begins. Each leaf, large or small, is free-cut from that same green silk fabric found in the pot and stems. (My bag o'scraps runneth over with green silk fabric.)

Tiny leaves are placed on the quilt top using a pair of tweezers. Tweezers have saved many a fumbling moment when handling small pieces of fabric. It's like having robot hands without the whirring sound.

The release paper has been removed from the rim of the pot so larger leaves can be tucked under the rim and fused-tacked into place. The addition of that decorative strip of salmon/pink along the rim of the pot really helps define the shape. And even though the leaves look sort of ill defined, I know hand stitchery can help them.

Please return tomorrow to see more improvisation in the studio!

How to Make an Improvised Art Quilt: Day 4...Artful Manners

2011-11-24T04:47:00.019-06:00

You'll be relieved to know that the next steps for creating the improvised quilt design from my fused silk scraps have fallen into place. After free-cutting 3 trumpet flowers, they are arranged on the background fabric in an artful manner. (An artful manner means positioning them at different heights and at different angles for an eye-catching effect.) Note the artfully placed green dots under the flowers to make artful flower bases.

The dainty doily is slipped under the pot as it is finally positioned on the red table. The flowers, table, doily, and pot are fuse-tacked into place.

But wait! Before fusing the pot down completely, a piece of release paper is place just under the rim. That way stems and leaves can go under the rim of the pot when they are added.

Feeling lazy, I use the same green fabric found in the flower pot and cut narrow bias stems for the flowers. The fabric is placed glue-side-up when cutting on the mat. This way the glue on fabric doesn't tack to the mat and stretch the glue on the narrow strips.

It finally occurs to me that the pot needs a real rim in a color that will contrast with the stems and leaves. So a gold rim with a decorative cut pink fabric is added to the top of the pot.

Attaching a stem to the flower base dot, the stem is fused and curved down to the pot rim. The stem is sniped to size and tucked under the rim of the pot.

Now doesn't that feel good to be all tucked in? Stay tuned for more adventures in fusing tomorrow when we do more tucking! And for us in the US, Happy Thanksgiving!

How to Make an Improvised Art Quilt: Day 3...Discoveries

2011-11-23T05:04:00.006-06:00

It's taken 3 days, but finally a plan has emerged. The vessel sitting the the table is now officially identified as a "flower pot". (For a while I considered turning it upside down and making it into a hat but clearer minds prevailed.) Note that the pot isn't fused into place on the pastel background fabric yet. Things may change and I must be free to reposition my pot!

Returning to my bag o'scraps, I discover salmon colored silk shapes along with a precisely cut crescent shape. This scallop edged crescent is an extra flower cut from the Kay's Bouquet Accuquilt die used in my IQF class kits in Houston. (Proving that there is life after Houston.)

Using my favorite sharp scissors, I free-cut a trumpet shaped flower to go along with the die cut flower. Should I use the die cut silk flower and combine it with free-cut trumpet flower?

No! Lets make it a doily! Or, as we call it at my house, an antimacassar. Stay tuned for tomorrow's episode of creating an improvised art quilt. Or as we call it at my house, play time!

How to Make an Improvised Art Quilt: Day 2...Clueless

2011-11-22T05:03:00.010-06:00

Making an art quilt from my vast collection of fused fabric scraps is quit exciting! The results are unknown and the maker remains ....clueless. But after auditioning several colors, this fabric is chosen as a base or background for the quilt design.

The light valued gradation of green, blue, and violet seemed the perfect foil for that seductive red silk fabric, a fabric with a lovely curve.

Being ever alert, I notice that some of the silk scraps chosen for the project are already cut on the bias. The light bulb turns on and I cut bias strips from these gold and green silks.

Turns out that bias cut strips are perfect for weaving because they don't fray.( Fraying is the bane of the fuser!) The bias strips are woven into a collage and fused together on release paper. After it cools, the collage is peeled off and free-cut into this shape.

Now I know what I'm making! It's a basket or pot that is holding something. And the red curved fabric is a table! Stay tuned for even more exciting revelations tomorrow where the maker finally gets a clue.

How to Make an Improvised Art Quilt: Day 1....Seduced!

2011-11-21T05:02:00.005-06:00

As with most of my art making, the design of a new quilt begins with scraps of fused fabric. It's always a mystery when I start a quilt in this way. How large will it be, what colors and shapes will it contain? And most importantly will I like the results?

Today begins a week-long series of posts showing you the evolution of a piece of artwork. These fused silk fabric scraps from previous projects are the "starter dough", the puzzle parts that I must fit together. They were chosen for their shape and color and because they seduced me with their silky sheen. Those naughty fabrics!

The large red shape above suggests a horizon line or a division of space. The slope of that curve is most attractive! This fabric is the trigger, the beginning of the quilt design.

I hope you enjoy this series about making an improvised art quilt. You are welcome to follow along and make your own version of the project. And maybe together we'll discover just what the heck we're doing!

Guest Artists: Wavy and Happy and a Warning!

2011-11-20T05:02:00.000-06:00

Crown by Beth

We have 3 guest artists today with really wonderful stuff ! This crown by Beth of MN was made with Susan Cleveland's prairie points technique, Artfabrik hand dyed fabrics, and my embroidery threads. She said the hand stitchery was inspired by my new book Fanciful Stitches, Colorful Quilts. Not sure what inspired the crown design. Unless Beth is a member of the royal family!

by Donaleen

My friend, Donaleen is going gang busters! Here is an image of one of her early flower quilts. She has many more flower and chicken quilts planned. Donaleen begins by picking out the fabrics, fusing them, and free-cutting shapes. The best part about this technique for her, she says, is that she can move the cut shapes around to form her composition unlike in drawing.

Quilt by Karen

And here is a delightful quilt from Karen, who took my Garden of Eden class in Duluth at Quilting by the Waterfront. The grass is one piece of fabric that she free-cut into a grassy hill. Notice how she let the fabric do the work by using the gradation of the green to blue/green fabric. Students start with the same colors but soon design their own quilts that reflect their personalities. Looks like Karen is very free and happy!

What will this become? Stay tuned for Monday's blog!

Beginning tomorrow, I'd like to show you how free and happy I am too! I'll show you how I go about making an art quilt from start to finish. You can follow along and make your own version of the same quilt if you like.

Warning: there is no pattern, only free-cutting of shapes.

See you then!

Why the Big Plan Needs an Extra Me

2011-11-19T05:00:00.012-06:00

Maybe you've heard about my Big Plan to show you a project from start to finish beginning Monday. The Plan is to give you instructions on how to make a little quilt and why certain design decisions are made.

Sounds like a great idea! Except for this fact:
You have to be organized to do this. It means thinking ahead and being prepared with fabrics, tools, and time. It also means taking photos as you go. Taking photos with one hand while holding a camera in the other.

Acrobatics with scissors.

Acrobatics with scissors is hard. But this is the really hard part:
You know how as you create art work, you lose track of time and go into the "zone"? When you are in the "zone" it's hard to remember to take photos and document the process of creating the art work.
What I need is 2 Laura's, one to make the art and one to take the photos.

Wish us luck!

Why There's No Place Like Home

2011-11-18T06:10:00.001-06:00

Returning to your studio is like walking into a room full of friends. It's a grand reunion! (Here you see 2 of my over-weight traveling companions conferring on just where to hide for the next two months while I'm home. I suggest a dark closet far from baggage claim.)

There is that pile of fabric waiting to be touched, that needle and thread hoping for a stitch or two. And your sewing machine ready and able to please you.

The only neat space in the studio that is fit to show.

Until mid-January I will be a studio rat. That means a respite from teaching, traveling, and loading suitcases into cars. It means a span of time to create.

A space cleared for fusing.

And starting Monday, I'll walk you through one of the projects I'm working on. Maybe it will give you some ideas too. It's so great to be in the studio again. Can't wait to get started!

This is Why I Love Quilting

2011-11-17T04:58:00.003-06:00

Caryl Fallert Mary Aldine, and me.

People often ask if I like what I do. Sure, I say, except for the arduous schlepping of bags, being a traveling quilt teacher is a great job!

Susan Brubaker Knapp, me, and Jane Sassaman

What do you like most about what you do? That's easy, I say.

Frieda Anderson and Pam Holland

I like the people I meet when I travel and teach and vend. They are interesting people with interesting lives who happen to share the same interesting profession.

Hollis Chatelain a gifted hula-hooper.

Some are especially gifted at what they do.

Karen Kay Buckley, me, and Mary Sorenson

And all are are good people that are fun to be with. They are why I love quilting.

Do You Need a Quilting Adventure?

2011-11-15T04:58:00.003-06:00

Meet my friend, Debby, from Quilting Adventures. I'll be teaching for them in March of next year and can hardly wait! I mean who wouldn't want to be with a group of quilters in a beautiful setting? And getting out of cold Illinois in March for a Texas trip sounds ideal to me!

Come join me at Quilting Adventures for my class Translating ideas into Fabric where we answer the question: "What the heck am I doing and how do I do it?"

What Science and Art Have in Common

2011-11-14T05:03:00.001-06:00

Tulip Queen of the Night by Emily Parson

Years ago the Chicago School of Fusing faculty had an exhibit at the Fermilab Gallery near Batavia, IL. My friend, Emily Parson, engaged a resident particle physicist in conversation. The man explained the mission of Fermilab: to smash atoms and study the minute particles that result. After his lengthy explanation Emily said: "Oh, so it's like....science."

If you'd like to learn more about science and see some quilts too, please stop in and visit our show Stitched Together: Art and Science at the Fermilab Gallery. Work by members of the Illinois and Wisconsin region of SAQA and my local guild, PAQA, will be on display through January 20, 2012. The opening is this Friday, Nov. 18, 5-7 PM. Please stop in a see me at the opening!

Celebrating Art and that Mean Streak in All of Us

2011-11-12T04:55:00.001-06:00

It's been a fast week of art making here at Art Quilt Tahoe. It was so great to visit with friends, acquire new friends, and make art work in a beautiful setting.

As Artist in Residence it was a wonderful opportunity to relax and make small art work like this little composition born from my bags of fused scraps.

The compositions are all packed and ready to travel back home where I'll steam set them to batting, add hand stitchery, and bind them.

And then there was this little gem. Driving Miss Daisy....Away where a sweet, innocent daisy is driven from the garden by evil, ugly weeds! It represents the evil in all of us (or at least that mean streak that I happen to carry around with me.)

Made with my fellow open studio cohorts, Charlene and Leah (above), Miss Daisy was entered in an evening quilt challenge. Although it didn't win the contest, we did win the stale cupcake award for "Most Fun Making a Group Quilt".

A Sticky Situation with My Muse

2011-11-11T04:53:00.002-06:00

Inspired by the beautiful pine trees here at Art Quilt Tahoe, I decided to create a quilt based upon the huge pine cones found beneath the trees. These pine cones are the size of a football and harken back to the age of dinosaurs and tar pits. (Not that I remember those days, but you get the idea.)

Here is my muse, carefully posed on my fusing table. Like a still life painter, the shapes are analyzed and the cutting of fabric begins. It will be a blue pine cone!

Happily cutting out blue fabric and fusing it to a red background, I notice movement on the pine cone. Soon little flying things emerge into the warmth of the room in search of a dinosaur or tar pit.

Hastily snapping up the pine cone, I race outside and return it to nature. It's then I discover sap on the cutting table, my tools, and hands.

So, let this be a lesson to you. Next time you want to follow your muse, make sure it's not a sappy one.

Triggering Your Next Design

2011-11-10T04:49:00.004-06:00

It's a well know fact that if you can't think of a thing to make, you should pull out your bag of fused fabric scraps. Somewhere in that bag is a design trigger. Here you see my design trigger or inspiration for my next quilt design. It is the negative of a piece of fabric cut with an Accuquilt die cutter. This particular die yields 25 dots measuring 3/4" and a great holey negative.

It's hard to create work when you are staring down a rectangle of color. But give me a fabric that has an odd shape and imagination takes over. Free-cutting a fabric that already has a shape gives you the freedom to play and improvise.

At some point you let the fabric shapes from your scrap bag take over and tell you what you are making. No need to pre-design anything or constrict yourself in anyway. Let the fabric shapes do the work. Here's one of the first pieces I made as Artist in Residence at Art Quilt Tahoe.

Jane Dunnewold, Jane's mom, Sue Cavanaugh, Valerie Goodwin, Sue Benner, me, Libby Lehman, Velda Newman, and Rosalie Dace.

And here is my reward, an evening meal with faculty members. There are cheerful stories and friendly chat and maybe a bawdy joke or two. I'll never tell!

Work Place Distractions for an AIR

2011-11-09T04:48:00.002-06:00

The days are crisp here at Art Quilt Tahoe as my stint as Artist in Residence (AIR) continues. Attendees were not the only ones caught off guard by the snowy, cold weather. These roses look a little stunned and amazed too. But the sun is shining today and joy is in the air!

It's really hard to work when you are surrounded by so much beauty. Major distractions are views of the clear waters of Lake Tahoe, snow capped mountains, and pine trees decked out with huge pine cones.

And then there are other distractions. Here's Libby Lehman and her class on a field trip. (You'll be happy to know that her attempts to kidnap me failed.)

Here is my work space. As I fuse yards of fabric for my evening class called Random Acts of Fusing, please note the well organized set up. This can't last.

How to Work with Mysterious Color Chips

2011-11-08T04:55:00.019-06:00

Packing for a week of play at Art Quilt Tahoe was really simple. Just dump all my tubs of fused fabric scraps into plastic bags and stuff them in my luggage. Note how neatly the color chips are divided into colorways. This was done about 50 years ago while still young and nimble.

Here is an example of how fused color chips can be assembled. Improvising as you go, just overlap the edges and fuse sets of collages together on release paper. Then pull it off the release paper and make something charming. Or at least colorful.

Who knows what will become of these fabric scraps I'm playing with this week. Will new quilt tops emerge? Will A brilliant idea strike me while playing with the scraps? Or will the high altitude render me artless? Stay tuned!

Being AIR in Tahoe

2011-11-07T05:54:00.001-06:00

It is day 1 here at Art Quilt Tahoe and my job as Artist in Residence (AIR) begins. As AIR I get to float around and be arty and play with fabric. Who could ask for anything more?

Here you see the design I made for the annual T-Shirt at Art Quilt Tahoe. It's actually an image of my quilt that is then printed on black shirts. Very fancy schmancy stuff!

Guest Artists: Iron Maidens Complete Their Quest

2011-11-06T04:46:00.003-06:00

Cathryn's Out of the Box

You may recall that I've had a recent bout of teaching in various parts of the country. And I'm happy to report that my students have completed their work! This is a great victory for these graduates of the Chicago School of Fusing also know as Iron Maidens. Here you see Cathryn's lovely piece from the Fowl Play class in Duluth called Out of the Box.

And here we have a sweet quilt by Dorothy who took my class at PIQF in Santa Clara, CA. Please note the axe to the right of the composition. Dorothy told a very poignant story about her pet chickens in class. And you'll be happy to know they all live happily ever after.

Thanks Cathryn and Dorothy for sharing your terrific work with us! Go Team!

Are You Waiting for That Asteroid to Strike?

2011-11-05T05:04:00.001-05:00

Here is a second set of new quilts premiering in our booth (#1015) in Houston. It's a little gallery of little quilts by a little woman who lives in a little house.

When making these quilts I enter into the "creative zone". This is a zone in my mind reserved for art making, day dreaming, and driving. In the creative zone, an asteroid could land in my backyard unheard.

These 3 quilts are from the My House series. A series based on actual places I have lived. Don't worry, not once have I had an asteroid land in the back yard.

Yet.

See Some New Artwork and Bloomers

2011-11-04T05:01:00.001-05:00

I'm happy to report that our Artfabrik booth space has grown (like my waist line) from a single at Market to a double at Festival. We now have all our hand-dyed fabric and threads out as well as a gallery of new artwork to see.

In the past few months I completed about 15 new pieces and held them for their premier at this show. Seeing them all grouped together is a real thrill!

They range in size from the small like Illinois Trees above (8" x 8").

To the large like Betty's Bloomers #28 (15" x 17"). Want to see how large Betty's Bloomers really are? Then please stop in at our booth, #1015. We're talking huge!

Who's Getting Lucky in Houston!

2011-11-03T04:49:00.017-05:00

Sorry, I can remember the name of this quilt.

The International Quilt Festival is up and running! Our booth looks spiffy and there is a whole wall devoted to small quilts for sale, including this one. See those sweet flowers? They are made with my Kay's Bouquet die and the AccuQuilt GO! cutter. The die is in their Whimsical Designer Series. I'm not sure if "whimsical" refers to the designer of the die or the design the die makes.

The wholecloth background fabric for this quilt is actually hand-printed with hand-carved stamps. On the April 23, 2012 episode (#1009) of The Quilt Show with Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson, I'll show you how I carved the stamps and printed the fabric. No doubt it shall be a memorable episode.

Pre-fused and pre-cut Kay's Bouquet flowers for my students.

The Kay's Bouquets die also came in handy for cutting out kits for my students. Today in the Silk Flake Flower class, each student will receive a set of pre-cut silk flowers. Those lucky sons-of-a-gun!

2011-11-02T05:19:00.014-05:00

Artfabrik and me.

If you encounter a giant paintbrush at the International Quilt Festival you know you've found the Masters: Art Quilts II exhibit.

It's a great honor to be part of the Masters: Art Quilts Volume II book. When asked to submit 1 quilt for a traveling exhibit based upon the book, I immediately chose the paintbrush (also known as Artfabrik). It represents my ties to the world of surface design, quilting, and art.

But mostly it celebrates color. We all love color!

Goofing Off in the Teachers' Lounge

2011-11-01T04:59:00.006-05:00

As teachers at the International Quilt Festival, Frieda and I check in with the Education Department. The lovely Barbara greets us. Ever alert, I note there is a bowl of candy on her desk.

Me, Frieda, Kim and Shelly

We also see Kim who is in charge but is so friendly you'd think he was just some nice guy that hangs around the education room. We also get to meet other teachers that are at the show like Shelly Stokes from Cedar Canyon Textiles in Minnesota.

I was disappoint to find out that Shelly does not have a Minnesota accent so I couldn't practice my second language, Minnesotan. One must keep up their language skills.

Is There a Quilter's Migration Pattern?

2011-10-31T04:55:00.021-05:00

On the last day of the International Quilt Market I spent an hour in the Accuquilt booth showing off my new die for the GO! cutters, Kay's Bouquets. As I demonstrated the die, I got a little caught up in arranging and rearranging the cut shapes. It was so much fun!

Eventually they had to drag me out of the booth.

Here's the friendly Accuquilt crew that had to drag me away from the booth. Apparently other people are supposed to demo the cutter too.

It's so nice to be part of this quilt community in Houston. Like the little birds in Birdhouse Garden, we gather once a year to visit, share new ideas, and discuss migration routes.

Sadly, we have to say goodbye today and close the Market booth down. Happily, we will open an expanded version of the Artfabrik booth on Wednesday when Festival begins. Hope your migration route brings you here!

We Should Have a Little Chat

2011-10-30T04:50:00.003-05:00

Shy and retiring types, Ricky Tims and me.

It is opening day at the International Quilt Market in Houston and the excitement is a little too much for us shy and retiring types. Like the Oscars of the quilt industry, everyone is here. From publishers like C&T to AccuQuilt die cutters, to The Quilt Show folks and every fabric company you can think of, we have all gathered in honor of the quilt.

The best part is visiting with friends you see but once a year.

The worst part is standing all day long cause you are visiting with friends you see but once a year.

Our little nesting bird has the right idea. She cuddles in her warm nest and watches the moon rise.

And she is thinking, "Some popcorn would be nice. Where can I get some popcorn."

If you have popcorn and are attending Market in Houston, please stop by our booth #1015. There you'll see my new pattern for Nesting Bird and we can talk about our sore feet together.

Surviving the Big Booth Set Up with a Tea Bird

2011-10-29T04:52:00.001-05:00

Do you know this building? It's where every quilter wants to be right now. It's the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston TX and the location of the huge International Quilt Market. Fortunately, they haven't moved the building on us so Frieda and I were able to find it yesterday and begin the big booth set up.

Here is Frieda happily contemplating opening our shipped boxes and silently fretting that she forgot something. She did. The cutter to open the boxes.

Hours later. Here I am happily contemplating dinner and a chair. You'll be relieved to know we found the box cutter.

Another quilt pattern being introduced at Market is Tea Bird, a combination of two wonders of the world, tea and birds. Tea Bird is like getting two amazing things for the price of one. What a deal!

Here's our little Tea Bird contemplating tea. It's a Zen like moment captured in quilt time.

Have I Lost My Dignity? Bird and Dragonfly

2011-10-28T04:54:00.004-05:00

Today as I raced through the back yard chasing squirrels from our newly planted tulip bulbs, I had this moment of self-awareness:

Running wildly, shouting, and flapping your arms is not very dignified.

Why can't I be more refined and poised like the little bird above? She is so serene and contemplative. Bet she doesn't chase squirrels and rile the neighborhood dogs.

You'll be able to see this paragon of poise, Bird and Dragonfly, in our booth #1015 at the Houston Market and Festival. I shall be the noisy one running through the aisles.

What I Forgot to Pack: Flying Home

2011-10-27T04:47:00.001-05:00

The name of this new quilt pattern that will be premiering at Houston Market is Flying Home. As you may have guessed it is about my love/hate relationship with airports. So much of my time is spent at O'Hare Airport that I now know the woman who tags my bags by name (Mary). We discuss traffic, restaurants, and quilting while my bags top out at 50 pounds each.

As our little bird dashes for home you see that eager look in her eyes. If she had ruby slippers she would be saying, "There's no place like home." But, of course, she forgot to pack her ruby slippers and has to fly coach instead.

What's for Lunch? Bird and Ladybug

2011-10-26T04:49:00.002-05:00

If I can steel myself for another airplane ride, I'll be leaving for Houston soon. At the International Quilt Market Frieda and I will be introducing new patterns and I thought you'd like a preview. Here is the first of my six bird patterns, Bird and Ladybug.

With a set of Pistil Stitches for a hair-do, the little blue bird looks affectionately at the Ladybug. Or is she just hungry?

Want to See the Village People?

2011-10-25T05:13:00.008-05:00

This week is filled with anticipation for the International Quilt Festival in Houston. Frieda and I leave this Friday for Quilt Market and later, Festival. One of the first things I'll check out when there is the Tactile Architecture exhibit (above). There you'll find this Artist Village with houses made by 17 different artists.

Hat House

If you see a round house with a peculiar roof in Tactile Architecture, that's mine! Not sure who would live in such a house. But through the miracle of Velcro, Hat House actually comes apart and folds flat for shipping. Giving new meaning to the term..... mobile home.

Guest Artist: From Way Up North

2011-10-24T05:02:00.003-05:00

Garden of Eden by Norma

It was great fun teaching at Quilting on the Waterfront in Duluth MN. Not only was I able to speak my native tongue (Minnesotan) but I met some wonderful people. Above you see a quilt by one of those wonderful people, Norma.

Norma made this in the Garden of Eden class and managed to get it stitched and bound too. Isn't it stupendous! Thanks Norma for sharing your work with us.

Can She Bake an Apple Pie?

2011-10-22T05:01:00.007-05:00

Eve strolling through the garden of Eden. Apple pie anyone?

The second day of Quilting on the Waterfront is complete and I'm happy to report that the Duluth quilters are really talented! In fact, after seeing what my students made in the Garden of Eden class, I am convinced that I should retire. When your students create such beautiful art that you become insanely jealous, it's time to move on.

Maybe I'll take up a hobby instead, like........ baking.

Nah! Like that's going to happen! This is the only apple pie I've made in the last 30 years. I bet Eve didn't bake any apple pies in the Garden of Eden either. She'd say, "Bake your own apple pies Adam. Can't you see I'm trying to deal with this snake!"

Where the Quilters are Strong and the Quilts Good Looking

2011-10-21T05:13:00.001-05:00

Through the miracle of flight, I have arrived here in Duluth MN for the Quilting on the Waterfront workshops hosted by Helen Smith Stone. The Fowl Play: Birds with No Egrets class is complete and my students made wonderful designs! It's always good to be with fun people.

The barge outside my hotel room on Lake Superior in Duluth.

I like Duluth. It has the clear, cool waters of Lake Superior lapping at it's shore and hardy, brave people who face it every day. Really hardy people. If you've every been there you know there are no wimps in Duluth.

Guest Artist: From Sketch to Color

2011-10-20T05:09:00.006-05:00

Isn't this great! Tom, from my Zen Doodle Quilts, sent me this image of a quilt design that he came up with during class in North Carolina at the Cabarrus Guild.

One of the difficulties that I have in translating a sketch or design into fabric is that you have to take it from it's black and white state to color. Adding color changes the entire feel of the design. This can be a real stumbling block, especially if you are in love with the black and white sketch. In Tom's case, he was very successful. Thanks for sharing your work with us Tom!

It's That Time of Year, Beware!

2011-10-19T04:08:00.013-05:00

Driving down the highway is such a thrill this time of year. Hugh flocks of birds are sweeping through the sky, separating into new groups, and swooping together again.

As the leaves on the trees change and the birds migrate my attention also swoops from one car window to the another. Beware! I am one distracted driver.

Guest Artists: Look at These Winners!

2011-10-18T04:42:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to 2 members of the North Augusta Quilt Guild who started their quilts in my workshops and won ribbons! Sandie won a first place ribbon for art quilts/amateur. Started in my Tiny Homes class, she first build several fused collages and then went on to add lots of stitchery to the surface and a great border. Wow!

Beth Brown was in my Garden of Eden class where we first free cut flower shapes then make a background and add bias-fused stems and leaves. Notice the wonderful stitching. She received an Honorable Mention for this doozie of a design.

It stirs my heart to see them win ribbons. I am so very proud!

My Lovely Assistant is Evaluated

2011-10-17T05:07:00.001-05:00

It's been an eye-opening experience traveling with my lovely assistant across the country. And, as her employer, it's my duty to assess her performance and give the necessary feedback.

On one hand she provides me with endless entertainment value. She cackles on key and pecks a mighty mean xylophone.

On the other hand she is a complete dolt.

Perhaps as an employee she needs a little more.......seasoning. I'm thinking a little salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic with a touch of lemon juice.

My Lovely Assistant Gets into Fusing

2011-10-16T05:05:00.001-05:00

After day 3 here at PIQF, my class, Tiny Homes, is complete. Expectations were high for students to produce stunning work. And they did! It is said that Californian quilters have a keen sense of design, color, and frivolity. My kind of people!

Regretfully, it has become clear to me that my lovely assistant is not my kind of people. Again she has proven to be an idiot. At one point in class she managed to trap herself between fusible web and fabric. Only quick thinking on my part saved her from being fused flat between fabric and glue thus saving her from becoming a..... grilled chicken sandwich.