Quilting Arts Workshop Previews

Mixed-media Medley: Explore the Possibilities with Jenn Mason

Helen Gregory — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:04:31 GMT

Join artist, author, designer, and teacher Jenn Mason for a trip through the enticing world of mixed-media art. The journey begins with a show-and-tell of the multitude of surfaces that can be used as a base for a mixed-media art piece—from simple paper to canvas boards and three-dimensional found objects. Next, consideration is given to the tools and techniques used to cover these surfaces (everything from simply sealing the surface to glazes, paint, stamping, and collage), followed by options for distressing surfaces. Then, enjoy an enlightening discussion of all the different types of embellishments that can be included in mixed-media art pieces (from fabric and paper to found objects and even new, store-bought items). Finally, learn numerous techniques for attaching embellishments to your artwork. The Workshop concludes with a gallery of mixed-media projects.

For more information about this Workshop, click here.

Layer by Layer with Beryl Taylor

Helen Gregory — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:01:20 GMT

Join Beryl Taylor, author of Mixed-media Explorations, and special guest Pokey Bolton for an up-close look at a variety of mixed-media techniques. Beryl’s artwork may appear intimidating, but when you learn her methods, you’ll discover they’re fun and easily mastered—not daunting whatsoever! Learn how to make “fabric paper” with everyday materials, including napkins and candy wrappers, and embellish it to create decorative, layered artwork. Experiment with stenciling using metallic paints and modeling paste on commercially printed and silk fabrics. Learn tricks and tips, such as Beryl’s strategy for preparing free-motion motifs in a most-efficient manner, and how to transfer a design using your sewing machine. Finally, who said you can’t incorporate metal into your work? Learn to draw on it, color it, punch out shapes, cut it, and then machine stitch it to your fabric. Throughout the DVD, you’ll see samples of Beryl’s artwork, including additional finished pieces at the end.

For more information about this Workshop, click here.

Texture Transformation: Stitch, Alter, Recycle with Natalya Aikens

Helen Gregory — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:49:12 GMT

Do you yearn to add unique texture to your fiber art? Do you want to incorporate recycled materials into your repertoire? Would you like to learn basic Photoshop® skills to alter photos for inclusion in your art? In this DVD, Natalya shares numerous simple but effective techniques that can be used to transform your artwork. First, consideration is given to a wealth of unique materials available for use in artwork. Then discover how hand stitching can enhance free-motion machine work, and see Natalya demo her approach to free-motion stitching. Next, Natalya provides an overview of some basic Photoshop skills as she shares her approach to altering photos with this software. And finally, discover what wonderful visual texture can be added to your art after the stitch and altered photos, with the application of paints, oil sticks, watercolor pens and pencils, and more.

For more information about this Workshop, click here.

Master Machine Quilting: Free-motion Stitching and Thread Sketching with Susan Brubaker Knapp

Helen Gregory — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:42:54 GMT

Susan teaches you the basics of free-motion machine stitching, including thread work to enhance the surface and quilting to hold the layers together beautifully. Find out what materials you’ll need and how to get started. Beginners and intermediates—and those who have been too terrified to try until now—will find inspiration and answers, as well as lots of tips, techniques, and practical information to improve their machine stitching. Stitchers of all levels will benefit from Susan’s thorough approach—from her careful consideration of materials and preparation (including advice on how to chill out), to the differentiation between thread sketching and machine quilting. Learn the benefits and purpose for each of these methods, and find plenty of inspiration through Susan’s artful examples.

For more information about this Workshop, click here.

Art Quilt Design: Strategies for Success with Carol Taylor

Helen Gregory — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:27:23 GMT

Learn how to work with textured fabrics of all kinds to create wall hangings—while balancing color, size, and value to make your design flow smoothly from light to dark, as in so many of Carol’s award-winning quilts. Fused assembly makes the process fast and easy and gives you hands-on practice at placing your values in the proper order. After a quick introduction, Carol teaches her technique via a small sample “Arc-i-texture” project. Learn the secrets of couching to enhance your piece, and discover how to create Carol’s trademark “perfect” concentric couched circles. Delve even deeper into the design process with a close look at how to incorporate value. And finally, learn Carol’s finishing technique using facings rather than bindings, plus a creative approach to sleeves. Carol’s simple techniques yield striking results.

For more information about this Workshop, click here.

Creating Vivid Mixed-Media Fabric

Pokey — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:53:37 GMT

Discover how to create expressive and fun mixed-media fabric with a variety of supplies and techniques. Using everything from acrylic paint, layering, messy color, handmade stencils, handwriting, household tools, paint pens, colorful fabric spray, and so much more. We will explore all kinds of basic techniques that involve paint, color, and texture. Learn ways to alter the surface of fabric, paper, and recycled items, and transform them into one-of-a-kind mixed-media fabric to use in sewing and craft projects.

For more information on how to download or purchase this DVD, click here.

Surface Design Sampler

Pokey — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:43:25 GMT

Can't choose which surface design technique you most want to learn? Try a little taste of each! Play along with Lyric as you learn to carve a stamp from a vinyl eraser, cut a stencil from freezer paper, and print with found objects. Learn some of the properties of the various textile paints available. Try out some improvisational screen printing, add some glitz and glamour with foil, and finish it up with a quick and easy photocopy transfer.

For more information on this workshop and how to purchase, visit here.

Making Faces Preview

Pokey — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:31:20 GMT

Learn several techniques to create dramatic fabric portraits for your art quilts. This workshop is suitable for both beginners and advanced quilters. Discover how to manipulate your photos with computer software to easily fashion portraits of your loved ones with fused appliqué. Then learn how to use a photo to draw faces on fabric with colored pencils, pens, fabric paints, or inks. Extra bonus: basic lessons on how to draw faces freehand.

For more information on how to purchase or download this video, click here.

Using Shibori to Mimic Pieced and Appliquéd Shapes

Pokey — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:27:13 GMT

This workshop teaches the basics of itajime or clamped shape resist. We will explore the possibilities for combining this shibori technique, fiber reactive dyes, discharge methods, and commercial fabrics. The workshop discusses dyeing and discharging with clamped resists, as well moving back and forth between these processes. The goal of this process is to craft fabrics whose patterning is reminiscent of pieced or appliquéd shapes.

For more information on this page, visit here.

Drawn to Pen and Ink: Imagery for Art Quilts

Pokey — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:22:56 GMT

Think you can't draw? Following these easy steps you can turn your own images into drawings on fabric and make any project truly personal. This Workshop will show you how to create your own designs from images and includes simple pen and ink technique, painting on fabric, and all the ideas you'll need to create your own projects. You can add your own drawings, or one of the Catherine's, to quilts, bags, and anything you create with fabric!

For more information on purchasing this Workshop, visit this page.

Stitch Imagery: From Photo to Fabric Fun

Pokey — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:48:24 GMT

Create whimsical fabric paintings from your own photos; no skill required. Turn a snapshot into a quick watercolor collage, then print it on fabric with Bubble Jet Set® and your inkjet printer.

Learn how to add interest with bleach discharge, ripped layers, stamping, and foiling. Pump up the juicy color with textile paints and oil pastels. Add the magic touch with free-motion thread sketching, and your stitched image is ready for use in quilts, purses, pillows or other mixed-media projects. No experience necessary!

Print, Collage, Quilt

Pokey — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:41:51 GMT

Learn how to use thickened dyes with printing techniques to create wholecloth quilt tops. Further explorations using collage and inspired machine-quilting techniques will help you see your surface-designed works-or-art through to completion. Plan, print, and sew with Melanie Testa.

To learn more on how to purchase this workshop, more information can be found here.

Free-Motion Illustrations for Art Quilts

Pokey — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:45:07 GMT

Use your scraps and favorite fabrics to create a detailed illustration with free-motion stitching and embellishment. Tina Givens, illustrator and fabric designer, shows you an easy patchwork technique to create strikingly detailed scenes and illustrations.

For more information visit http://www.interweavestore.com/store/p/1930-Free-Motion-Illustrations-for-Art-Quilts-DVD-.aspx

Mixed-Media Painted Fabric

Pokey — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:41:46 GMT

Using textile paints, gel medium, and decorative printed images, create a fun, versatile fabric that can be used to make tote bags, fabric bowls, vessels, sculptural objects, or book cloth for making handmade and altered books.

For more information visit http://www.interweavestore.com/store/p/2588-Mixed-Media-Painted-Fabric-DVD-.aspx

Collage Lace Scarves

Pokey — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:38:52 GMT

Learn to make a colorful, fiber-ful scarf - great for gifts and the fabric can be cut for use in other projects. Working on a base of water-soluble stabilizer, we'll create a lovely fiber collage. A grid of stitching is added to hold the fibers in place, then the stabilizer is washed away.

For more information visit http://www.interweavestore.com/store/p/2583-Collage-Lace-Scarves-DVD-.aspx