You know I'm passionate about my pets; I'm particularly taken at the moment with the newest addition to my menagerie, Clarence.

We often advise artists to practice, practice, practice if they want to improve their machine embroidery skills. But practice doesn't have to make perfect.  In fact, I recently spent time with two artists who embrace imperfections in their machine embroidery designs.

I usually have a variety of quilting designs kicking around in my head at any given time. But often, when I finally get around to actually designing a quilt, I draw a blank. Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by fabric and surface design choices. Other times, I just don't know where to start.

I may have my favorite methods of doing things in my studio, but I'm always open to new ideas, techniques, and tools. I say, if it makes my art experience easier or better, it's worth trying.

It's easy to get down these days, with all the tough times people are having. Especially if you're the one who's having the difficulties. But this is why I think it's so great to be an artist: you have a creative outlet for your woes.

Baby quilting is a wonderful pastime. Baby quilts make great gifts to welcome a little one, and the smaller size makes them a perfect project for the beginning quilter. In our latest free downloadable eBook, Designs for Handmade Baby Quilts: 4 Free Baby Quilt Patterns from Quilting Arts, we offer you contemporary baby quilt patterns and baby quilt ideas that perfect for handmade baby gifts.

No matter what kind of quilts or fiber art you create, fiber and fabric scraps are a fact of life.

Quilt art can come in many forms. From wall hangings and landscape quilts to paper quilts and fiber art that fits in the palm of your hand, quilters' art options are unlimited.