Cutting-Edge Art Quilts

A new book written by Mary Kerr, focuses on Art Quilts.  This is a treat for the eye, the color photography is wonderful.  Mary has collected over 50 artists and quilters, she shows their work, and includes statements and other contributions by the artists.

Instead of arranging the book alphabetically by artists, she created six categories.

• Color Play; I'm on page 18-21
• Alternative Fibers
• Threadwork
• Special Techniques
• Designs and Embellishments
• Art Quilts Inspired by Photographs

This makes the book interesting to leaf through. There are 270 color images within the 159 pages that are hardcover bound.  There is something that will appeal to everyone; along with names you will recognize and some that you may not. I love to hear what the maker says about their work, and this book is full of their thoughts and ideas.

It is published by Schiffer Publishing; ISBN: 978-0-7643-4313-1, 34.99.  Give yourself a gift!

Announcing Applique Ann's Way!

Ann's newest booklet, April 2013

At last the booklet on 6 ways to applique has become a reality.  It is based on my full day workshop, but there was never enough time to cover 6 methods during the class.  So I've put them all together in one booklet, 36 pages with a color cover. I began writing it this past summer, and last month it went to the proof reader, my friend Jayne, because she is great at making my directions simpler and clearer.

Oreo is helping to send out the first promotional copies.

 I cover both traditional and untraditional machine methods, so whether you are a beginner or experienced, you will find something helpful here. If you follow this blog, you know I love thread work of all types, applique is just one method of embellishing fused shapes on a quilt top.  I can never restrict myself to just one technique in a quilt, I really like to mix up embroidery and applique.  This booklet only includes applique methods and I've tried to discuss each one in depth, including tips, refinements and problem solving.

Closeup of Summer Sanctuary, quilt by Ann Fahl

The quilt that started it all was Summer Sanctuary. Check out the coleus leaves, they are made with the Florentine Edge Applique technique discussed in the booklet. This will later be the subject of an article for the American Quilter Magazine next fall.

Read more about this booklet on my website.

Give applique a try.

Barb Harms has posted a review. 
A  Bit of Yellow has posted a review.

Ann Fahl

The End is Near

Again, a long awaited show is coming to a conclusion.  Quilts in Color, closes this Sunday March 25.  You still have a couple days to get there.  Here is my "fireplace" photo.  Another View, is included in my book, A Black and White Tale, and is hanging in the parlor of the Anderson Arts Center.

Flamingo Garden, Purple Iris, Smelling the Flowers

Gallery View

Another deadline.  For those of you interested in my Free-Motion Quilting Tutorial, the termination is March 31.  If you'd like to read it go to this link. Thanks to SewCalGal for putting this challenge on the web.

I'm going outside to work in my garden now.

Ann Fahl

Walk Through Ellen's Garden: a winter treat

The other day, a copy of Thread Magic Garden, by Ellen Anne Eddy arrived.  What a beautiful book.

Water Lily Sunset, quilt by Ellen Anne Eddy

When I opened the book and saw the title page and table of contents I was hooked.  Beyond these first pages the entire book is rich with color, detail and texture of her wonderful new work.  Ellen and I think the same way about our flowers and gardens:

"My garden intoxicates me.  The sights and smells, textures 

and sounds are my daily retreat.  Just as I slip into the garden, 

the garden slips into my quilts."

What a lovely thought, I wish we were closer to spring. 

Ellen's work has changed some since her first book, Thread Magic. At least for this new book, her focus is on her garden and the creatures that live there.  Her new quilts are small jewels, each one better than the next.

Snail's Pace, quilt by Ellen Anne Eddy

She is still blending sheer fabrics with her dramatic hand dyed fabrics; and has added commercial lace, trims and loose fibers.  She explains in rich detail how she accomplishes each look.  Ellen includes:

• tips
• dos-and-don'ts
• types of stitches
• color theory
• blending threads and colors
• composition
• creating a visual path
• shading
• angled stitching
• and the list goes on. 

Her approach is very thorough and understandable for anyone wanting to try her free-motion techniques.

Whether you are interested in thread work or not, this book is a visual delight. CandT's book designer did a great job of including large detail shots throughout the book. It makes me drool!

Book details:  full color, 111 pages, 8.5 x 11 inches, $28.95, available as an eBook from CandT Publishers.  The book is now available in quilt shops, from CandT, and from Ellen's website.

Cover of Ellen's new book

Support your local quilt artist.  Ask your local quilt shop to carry the book.  It will soon become a "must have" for everyone interested in thread work.

Ann Fahl, an envious thread artist!