A learning experience:
I participated in a 2019 class taught by Sue Benner, a well-known fiber artist. The theme of the class was fabric fusing. Each project contains a backing, batting and of course a fabric layer. The top layer is created from fabric that has a fusible material adhered to the back. From those manipulated fibers shapes are cut. The shapes are overlapped 1/4” and fused onto a surface. Those steps are then repeated until a finished design has been achieved. Once finished the entire composition is peeled off in one piece and permanently fused to the batting.
My Project:
I used a variety of materials in my composition. Among them you will see hand dyed fabrics, hand stamped squares, and cheese cloth with raveling edges. Even the cheese cloth had a layer of fusible attached to it.
Once the layers had cooled it was time to add the quilting and other finishing touches. I quilted mine with a variegated thread. Using my sewing machine I stitched an all-over square-like pattern that emulated the shapes of my fabrics. I completed my composition with a binding, hanging sleeve and a hand stitched label. My finished fiber art piece measures 13 3/8” x 13 3/8”.
assigned identity:
Before creating the label for my project I needed to select a name. I chose to call it Rectangles and Squares because of the shapes that were used in the assembling of my piece.
a favorite:
I have used this process to create several other items. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to attend Sue’s class and learn her techniques. This process is one my favorite methods to use. Listed below are some of the items that I have made which use the same technique.
- A Brush With Copper, Art Piece # 68
- Cow On A Fence, Art Piece # 69
- Fusion II, Art Piece # 123
- Cow On A Pedestal, Art Piece # 126
thank you!
Before closing let me thank you for showing an interest in my activities. I am grateful for your participation and look forward to your comments.
Best wishes for a wonderful day!
Cindy as always your eye for excellent color palettes and design shows through on this piece – well done!
Well I take that as a huge compliment coming from you! Thank you! ❤️
I do love the technique and movement of this piece. I imagine it took quite a while for you to choose the colors, fabrics and placement of each square and rectangle. They are so lovely together!
Thank you so much. I very much enjoy selecting fabric colors and arranging and rearranging their placement. I especially like to incorporate unusual textures. ❤️
Interesting process. Your art techniques are so varied. Do you feel like there is one method or style that defines your work, or is it an ongoing exploration?
It is an interesting process. I enjoy learning new techniques. The variety helps to keep my fiber art practice fun and exciting. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! ❤️