improv art

Ragged Edges, Art Piece # 83 Renovation

Ragged Edges, AP 83 Ready For Renovation
| Cindy Anderson

operation renovation:

Many years ago I created a number of small fiber art pieces, all of which were framed with facings or a binding. Early in 2020 I made the decision to remove those finishing touches from a number of my projects. My intention was to modify them to make each suitable for mounting on a stretched canvas frame. This specimen was one of the candidates.

Ragged Edges, AP 83 Ready For Renovation
Ragged Edges, Art Piece # 83, Ready For Renovation

two new borders:

In its new and improved state, the small quilt went from 5 3/4” x 8 3/4” to 11” x 14”. Two borders were added to facilitate the increase in size. Border number one is a lime green cotton. Surrounding that fabric is a lively, multi-colored border. The second border has some of the same colors as in the original design.

machine quilting:

The original version of the small composition contained a combination of hand and machine quilting. Before mounting the new and improved fiber art piece on canvas I embellished the added borders with machine stitching. To the lime green border I added two rows of straight stitching using a variegated thread. The multi-colored cotton fabric has a continuous line of stitching that marches back and forth across the entire border using the same thread as was used in the first.

don’t fix it:

When this item was originally created I named it Ragged Edges. I chose to give the small art piece that identity because of the stacked fabric squares; all of them have raw edges. Even though the renovation added a huge splash of color the focus of the fiber art piece was still the same. There is a famous saying that says, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” So I didn’t fix it.

This is how my new and improved project looks now.

Ragged Edges, AP 83
Ragged Edges, Art Piece # 83

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!

Once In A Blue Moo, Art Piece 81 Renovation

Once In A Blue Moo, AP 81
| Cindy Anderson
Once In A Blue Moo, AP 81
Once In A Blue Moo, Art Piece # 81

The Origin Of Its Name

“Once in a blue moon” is a well-known idiom. The phrase, which happens every thirty-two months, refers to the occurrence of a second full moon within a calendar month. The idiom was the inspiration for the naming of this art quilt. The project took on a whimsical nature with the addition of an unusual embellishment and fabric strip. A quick glance will reveal the presence of a vertical navy blue section of fabric with the word MOO repeatedly printed on its surface. The color of the fabric as well as the wording inspired me to call my project Once In A Blue Moon Moo.

Original Features

In its original completed state the quilt measured 7 3/4” x 7 3/4” with these identifying features:

  • a multi-colored barn with a stylish, wood-grained, teal door
  • a teal zipper pull functioning as a door handle
  • a chimney fashioned from a single teal fabric scrap
  • a grassy base represented by the horizontal fringed, teal fabric strip and
  • cleverly applied hand quilting, using both matching and coordinating colors (note: look for the stitches used to represent smoke arising from the chimney).

The Renovation

Early in 2020 I made the decision to reinvent a number of my fiber art pieces. This small art quilt was one of the chosen projects. After removing the facings from all four edges I began the process of retrofitting it for a stretched canvas frame. To the freshly trimmed edges I added two borders. The first is a soft blue and the second a lively print. Both were chosen because they mimicked colors already present. The new borders were quilted with color coordinated threads using simple straight line stitching. The finished 12” x 12” art form sports a fresh new look. See for yourself!

Once In A Blue Moo, AP 81
Once In A Blue Moo, Art Piece # 81

I think the added changes elevated my fiber art piece to a whole new level; a level that resulted in a sale. This composition was SOLD during my solo exhibit at Raven’s Wish Gallery last summer.

Thank You

Thank you for spending that last few minutes reading about my latest adventure. I hope that you found the experience enjoyable. Till our paths cross once again stay safe and healthy!

With warm regards,

Right Of Center, Art Piece # 59

Court House Friends 14 of 14, AP 59
| Cindy Anderson

Court House Friends 14 of 14, AP 59
Court House Friends Fourteen of Fourteen, Art Piece # 59

The First Change:

So much has changed since this item was originally completed in August, 2018. Early in 2020 I made the decision to reinvent a number of my fiber art pieces. This item was one of the projects chosen. After stripping away the facings and other finishing touches I treated all four edges to a fresh new cut. To their bare edges I added two new borders; the first a sky blue and the second a jazzy multi-colored print. The colors were chosen to compliment those already present. To the new borders I added rows of straight-line machine stitching using color-coordinated thread. The fabric sandwich was then attached to a 12” x 12” stretched canvas frame.

Added Embellishments:

Even though the borders added a striking new appeal, it seemed only natural to add additional embellishments. Smack-dab in the center of the composition is a hand-made, thread-wrapped copper wire bead. (Note: the bead was made by Jimenas Treasures)

Right Of Center, Side View,AP 59
Right of Center, Art Piece # 59, Side View

A sprinkling of French knots flank all four sides of the bead. Rows of straight-line hand stitching meander throughout the white, sky blue and jazzy multi-colored border. Each one of these embellishments adds their own vibrant touch.

A New Identity:

Just like my other reinvented art pieces this too had to be given a new identity. Known previously as Court House Friends # 14 of 14, hereafter it shall be called Right Of Center. The name was chosen because the thin strip of pieced fabrics is positioned right of center.

This is how my art piece looked when it was finished.

Right Of Center, AP 59
Right Of Center, Art Piece # 59

Isn’t it amazing how a small remnant of fabric can become the focus of a fiber art piece! How about sharing your thoughts?

 

Thank You:

Thank you for being here!

Cindy Anderson

Fiber Art By Cindy Anderson