November 2016 – Lovelli Quilts

Appraising art quilts can be very challenging because the techniques and the materials used in them are constantly changing and evolving. One of the ways that I keep current is to take classes from successful art quilters. I was privileged to take a class from Norma Riehm on fabric layering techniques. She provided us with kits in several different color ways which included everything but our sewing machines. Each quilt was beautiful and despite having the same things in each kit, each of the quilts made during the class looked different.

This was the first time I worked with Angelina fibers, roving, yarn, silk flowers, beads, and crystals–all together in one piece. Norma discussed the sources for her materials and impressed me with her bargain hunting ability! I am sure that I will be checking out garage sales for art supplies once the weather gets warmer.

We started with a typical quilt sandwich and then layered fibers and flowers onto it, finishing with a layer of tulle. The next step was to quilt it. In future works I might try using some wool batting because it has the ability showcase quilting well. I loved adding crystals to the piece with the hot fix crystals and the aid of a pin. Norma then taught us how to bead so that the beads would be shown off to the best advantage and so that they would be securely attached.

The biggest takeaway from the class for me was her attention both to the craftsmanship and to the artistry of each piece.

Thank you Norma!!

I love going to classes because I am always inspired by teachers to stretch myself creatively or technically. At the AQS Des Moines show I was thrilled to be able to take a class with Judy Woodworth on Backfills, the designs which we put around the main quilting motifs. I was amazed to see her work also up in a special exhibit with the show. It is rare to be able to see, in person, how a quilter has grown in their art over many years. Judy is an innovator in so many different techniques–her works include piecing, applique, whole cloth, paint, crystals, embroidery to name just a few. In fact, I was the lucky winner of the above small quilt which was made by Judy for a class sample. Thank you Judy!!

In the class we learned how to form various backfill designs and how to stitch them out. (I won the class sample too, it was my lucky day!) One thing I took away from the class was to not limit myself to the typical backfill–such as pebbles, McTavishing, or stippling. The sky is truly the limit. Judy uses all kinds of designs as backfill–feathers, spiral roses, etc. She also taught us to make a spiral feather flower (for lack of a more succinct name) which I am practicing so it may appear in a quilt soon!! (One of those is mine, can you tell which one?)