Soul Stitches Handmade Quilts, Wall Hangings and Ethnic Dolls

Ethnic & Contemporary Hand-Crafted Quilts, Wall Hangings and Dolls

Artwork is self expression through creativity and originality and displayed in many forms. As a teen, I designed elegant garments such as a woolen ensemble, with a full length coat and matching skirt. The pursuit began when I realized that fabric art is an outlet offering many avenues. In the vast realm of art there are numerous channels, however, my predominant focus is directed to texture, line and color from a perspective of contemporary and ethnic influence.

My preferences are related to many cultures and ethnicities with varied shapes, emphasis on color and coordination and centering a subject through static placement or movement. Quilting became my outlet but some of the traditional patterns lacked appeal and I needed to "get out of the box". Math and matching points were tedious and I was attracted to a " no precision" technique, hence, the contemporary flair began and I was free to "move out" with these extraordinary ideas. Through exploration of my skills, techniques, creativity and experiences my work reflects who I am.......a beginning, growth ,stretching, the person I've become and my future goals.

Combining fabrics, textures and colors, specifically using both dyed and printed cloth begins a fabric arts project. The designs maybe pieced by traditional quilting techniques but the contemporary expression comes thru color, texture, line and embellishment. Fabric choices vary from imports via Africa and Panama, hand-dyed, painted, printed, photocopied and reversing sides of fabric to add dimension. My favorite materials are cotton, synthetic, silks and woolens in different forms i.e. tulle, roving. In designing emphasizing value and contrast are essential in making a contemporary composition really work.

I used many construction methods to develop uniqueness in designs, placement of shapes, pin weaving and raw edge appliqué. Embellishment is the key to the individuality of each work. The use of bias trim, appliqué, thread painting, and beading with glass, wooden, antique and imported beads (African and Chinese) add the final touches quilted art work. Quilts are both machine stitched and handcrafted. These options contribute to "jazzing up" a project.

All dolls are made from cloth with separate body parts and speak of a multicultural style in both body color and attire. The construction is handcrafted with striking poses. Dressing these cuties, selecting jewelry, sculpting the faces and adding make-up are changes that make them original.

Designing wall hangings and quilts permits composite art work in a concise area, with a wide range of materials and often based on a theme i.e. Southwestern, Asian, African. They make perfect decor` items and sometimes foster the inspiration to redecorate a room.