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Who could resist a face like Clarence's? You know I'm passionate about my pets; I'm particularly taken at the moment with the newest addition to my menagerie, Clarence. With those soulful eyes, it's only a matter of time before he becomes the subject of a mini-quilt or two. Isn't...
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Spiderweb Quilt, 55" x 65" When I first became interested in quilting, I spent hours staring at traditional quilt squares trying to figure out how they were pieced. Some, like the log cabin pattern, are pretty obvious. But many block quilt designs present an optical illusion. What looks like...
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'Birdhouse' block quilt by Tina Givens. These days, in the quilting and sewing world it's hip to be square. The popularity of modern patchwork designs means that fiber artists are creating — and clamoring for — contemporary quilt block patterns for quilt designs and other patchwork...
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Helen and I joke around on the "QATV" while tech guru Alan tries to adjust her microphone. Last week, my colleague, friend, and co-conspirator Helen Gregory took over the reins as Editorial Director for Interweave's Quilt, Paper, and Sewing Group. Many of you know Helen from working the...
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Ana's sketchbook collage of color schemes for quilting 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...
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The lighting on this quilt art by Jamie Fingal highlights the stitching and metal elements. As someone who has been looking at quilt art and photos of quilters' art for more than a decade, I can tell you that it's not that easy to get good pictures of fabric and fiber. A wall quilt, even an embellished...
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My frog quilt design started as a digital photo. I've been using digital photos as a basis for my quilt designs for quite some time now. Digital technology has improved so much, too. It's easier than ever to turn a photo into a quilt design, from a basic cotton quilt with a geometric quilting...
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It has been so much fun looking at all the thoughtful and creative postcards Quilting Arts readers have sent to our offices to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Quilting Arts . A huge thank you to everyone who sent one in! Thinking back on all the postcards that have arrived over the past year has me...
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Berlin work needle case, reproduction of a 19th century French pattern. Photo by Joe Coca Do you like to follow a prepared pattern or design for your fiber art or start completely from scratch? Maybe your answer is "a little of both" or "it depends on the project." Our "outside...
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If I had to create a basic lesson plan for how to make a quilt it would be broken down into these three basic steps: Step 1: Design. Step 2: Stitch. Step 3: Finish. Of course a lot more goes on within those essential steps. But if you're new to art quilting or want to know more about these topics...
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We want YOU to submit to one of our publications! Have you ever checked out the submissions page on our website? We have calls for submissions for our publications – and are always thrilled when we get submissions from you. Right now we have a special call out for your MODERN PATCHWORK projects...
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Still life by Cathy Tyler using Wash-Away Appliqué Sheets. 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. A new method may not work on every...
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Swirling machine quilting lines dance around the fish in this quilt by Elin Waterston. We art quilters march to a different drummer and dance to our own tune. If we follow rules at all, we see them more as guidelines, jumping off points for improvisation. No one I know embodies this philosophy more than...
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Embellished quilt by Therese May. 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. And while playing...
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'Mystique' (102" x 102") by Sharon Schamber, featured in the International Quilt Association's 'Quilts: A World of Beauty' competition in 2010. When the leaves start to turn and there's a nip in the air, my thoughts immediately turn to International Quilt Festival/Houston...