The Quilting Arts Idea Book: Inspiration and Techniques for Art Quilting

Denegre, editor of Quilting Arts magazine, called up her contributors to amass ideas for creating art quilts, resulting in a collection chockablock with ideas and inspiration. The Quilting Arts writers who contributed entries share two things, notes Denegre in her introduction: openness to original ideas and a passionate commitment to their craft. Their suggestions will open art quilters to numerous new approaches to such areas as dyeing and painting, mixed media, and hand-stitching. In chapter one, “Make It Colorful,” Jo Fitsell livens up surface design with layered marbling, while later in the chapter Traci Bunkers explains how to create stamps to print one’s own fabric. Chapter two, “Mix It Up,” presents mixed-media quilting techniques with experts including Libby Williamson, who creates tiny art canvases out of used tea bags. In chapter three, “Take a Break!” Leslie Tucker Jenison shows how to use “small collaged bits of cloth, paper, and trim” as easily transportable art projects for travel; similarly, Susan Brubaker Knapp has a denim jacket she embroiders whenever she isn’t wearing it. This lovingly photographed idea book includes clear directions augmented by useful tips to help experienced quilters use their artist’s eye. (Dec.)