Thank you so much for all your kind comments on yesterday's post! I'm so excited about the stamps and stencils and I'm delighted to hear that you are too! Now onto today's post….
It's time for our May Book Club! Just as a reminder, each month I choose a crafty book from my bookshelf and create something inspired by the book. I hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
This month I chose The Painted Quilt.
This book was written by a mother and daughter duo: Linda and Laura Kemshall. And though it is a book intended for quilters, there are many no-sew surface design techniques that I think would appeal to art journalers and mixed media artists alike.
When I went through my bookshelf to choose this month's book I was shocked by how many books on fabric surface design I own — and many with the exact same techniques. (This is what comes of buying books and not reading them.) The Painted Quilt wasn't the first book I grabbed from my bookshelf, but after poking through several fabric surface design books, this one actually excited me.
There are nine chapters:
- Introduction: The two ladies talk about why they quilt, share some work, and discuss what to expect from the book.
- Inspired to Design: Linda and Laura are sketchbook enthusiasts. They work out most designs in their paper sketchbooks before moving to fabric. In this chapter they discuss design principles, inspiration, techniques, and more. This is one of the chapters I think would be universally appealing to all artists and crafters.
- What Fabric? What Colour? This is the most technical chapter, and the briefest. From pre-treating fabrics to the basics of dyeing to health & safety, Linda and Laura cover it all.
- Colour Before Quilting: A series of techniques for adding color, shape, and pattern to fabric.
- Colour After Quilting: A series of techniques for adding color after the fabric has been quilted.
- Removing Colour: A series of techniques for removing color both before and after quilting.
- Adding Detail: A fun series of surface design techniques that have some precision involved in them.
- Pictorial and Figurative Images: Printing from your computer, transfers, and painting are all discussed in this chapter.
- What to Do with What you Know: In this final chapter Linda and Laura both share pieces they've made and discuss both their inspiration and the techniques they used. These are not, however, project instructions.
The reason that this book stands out to me is the writing. Most crafty books are heavy on pictures, with some directions of varying quality. The Painted Quilt has both photos and instructions, but more importantly, it is filled with truly interesting text. Philosophically I am very much of the same mind as Linda and Laura in many aspects of their creating. I think they're a bit more scientific about how they approach things — testing, sketching, planning — and I'm more of a "just do it" kind of gal. Nonetheless, there is a meeting of the minds, for me, in the pages of this book. I appreciate how they mix their media — something I'm a strong advocate of.
I'm pretty sure I will end up making a number of projects inspired by this book, but I roped my Mom into modeling the first one:
I mixed painted and quilted fabric I made inspired by The Painted Quilt…
…with commercial black & white fabrics for the sides, strap, and lining.
I'm thrilled and delighted with the finished bag and can hardly wait to wear it around town. Can you believe that gorgeous fabric started out a plain white? It blows my mind.
Though this is a quilting book, remember that there are many other possibilities (like this purse) within its pages.
Have you read The Painted Quilt? What do you think about it?
Thanks for stopping by!
—
P.S. For easy reference all these "Book Club" posts are archived under the "Book Club" logo in the far right column of the blog.
P.P.S. I wore the purse out for the first time on Friday!
(If you follow my Twitter or instagram feeds you'll know that I take a lot of self-portraits in the mirror by the elevator in my apartment building.)
checking the library for this book right after i’m done with this post. thanks for the intro to your stencils and stamps yesterday. very interesting, and want them all. very creative of you. ruth
checking the library for this book right after i’m done with this post. thanks for the intro to your stencils and stamps yesterday. very interesting, and want them all. very creative of you. ruth
checking the library for this book right after i’m done with this post. thanks for the intro to your stencils and stamps yesterday. very interesting, and want them all. very creative of you. ruth
checking the library for this book right after i’m done with this post. thanks for the intro to your stencils and stamps yesterday. very interesting, and want them all. very creative of you. ruth
checking the library for this book right after i’m done with this post. thanks for the intro to your stencils and stamps yesterday. very interesting, and want them all. very creative of you. ruth
forgot to say thank you for all the info you find for us, all the inspiration, all your creativity you put out there for us to feed on. really i hope you know how much you are appreciated. ruth
forgot to say thank you for all the info you find for us, all the inspiration, all your creativity you put out there for us to feed on. really i hope you know how much you are appreciated. ruth
forgot to say thank you for all the info you find for us, all the inspiration, all your creativity you put out there for us to feed on. really i hope you know how much you are appreciated. ruth
forgot to say thank you for all the info you find for us, all the inspiration, all your creativity you put out there for us to feed on. really i hope you know how much you are appreciated. ruth
forgot to say thank you for all the info you find for us, all the inspiration, all your creativity you put out there for us to feed on. really i hope you know how much you are appreciated. ruth
Great bag! Will have to check this book out of the library. Thank you for the inspiration.
Great bag! Will have to check this book out of the library. Thank you for the inspiration.
Great bag! Will have to check this book out of the library. Thank you for the inspiration.
Great bag! Will have to check this book out of the library. Thank you for the inspiration.
Great bag! Will have to check this book out of the library. Thank you for the inspiration.
I haven’t read the book but that bag is awesome!
I haven’t read the book but that bag is awesome!
I haven’t read the book but that bag is awesome!
I haven’t read the book but that bag is awesome!
I haven’t read the book but that bag is awesome!
I don’t know this book but might buy it because I am a “collector” of art books and you made an interesting review of it. The pattern on oyur bag is awesome and I love the shape of it too.
I don’t know this book but might buy it because I am a “collector” of art books and you made an interesting review of it. The pattern on oyur bag is awesome and I love the shape of it too.
I don’t know this book but might buy it because I am a “collector” of art books and you made an interesting review of it. The pattern on oyur bag is awesome and I love the shape of it too.
I don’t know this book but might buy it because I am a “collector” of art books and you made an interesting review of it. The pattern on oyur bag is awesome and I love the shape of it too.
I don’t know this book but might buy it because I am a “collector” of art books and you made an interesting review of it. The pattern on oyur bag is awesome and I love the shape of it too.
I have this book and love it… but seeing it on your blog reminds me that I need to pull it off the shelf! I love your bag and your model!
I have this book and love it… but seeing it on your blog reminds me that I need to pull it off the shelf! I love your bag and your model!
I have this book and love it… but seeing it on your blog reminds me that I need to pull it off the shelf! I love your bag and your model!
I have this book and love it… but seeing it on your blog reminds me that I need to pull it off the shelf! I love your bag and your model!
I have this book and love it… but seeing it on your blog reminds me that I need to pull it off the shelf! I love your bag and your model!
your mom is adorable 🙂 Totally cool bag tfs!
your mom is adorable 🙂 Totally cool bag tfs!
your mom is adorable 🙂 Totally cool bag tfs!
your mom is adorable 🙂 Totally cool bag tfs!
your mom is adorable 🙂 Totally cool bag tfs!
That bag totally rocks…time to get back to my roots…a Clothing & Textile teacher and a quilt instructor…I’m fighting the urge and not sure why 😉
That bag totally rocks…time to get back to my roots…a Clothing & Textile teacher and a quilt instructor…I’m fighting the urge and not sure why 😉
That bag totally rocks…time to get back to my roots…a Clothing & Textile teacher and a quilt instructor…I’m fighting the urge and not sure why 😉
That bag totally rocks…time to get back to my roots…a Clothing & Textile teacher and a quilt instructor…I’m fighting the urge and not sure why 😉
That bag totally rocks…time to get back to my roots…a Clothing & Textile teacher and a quilt instructor…I’m fighting the urge and not sure why 😉
You mom is beautiful modeling your lovely bag! That’s not a book on my shelf, but I’ve got several featuring fabric – thanks for the nudge to pull one out and use it.
You mom is beautiful modeling your lovely bag! That’s not a book on my shelf, but I’ve got several featuring fabric – thanks for the nudge to pull one out and use it.
You mom is beautiful modeling your lovely bag! That’s not a book on my shelf, but I’ve got several featuring fabric – thanks for the nudge to pull one out and use it.
You mom is beautiful modeling your lovely bag! That’s not a book on my shelf, but I’ve got several featuring fabric – thanks for the nudge to pull one out and use it.
You mom is beautiful modeling your lovely bag! That’s not a book on my shelf, but I’ve got several featuring fabric – thanks for the nudge to pull one out and use it.
Bag is fabulous! Your mom should be on the cover of Vogue! Last but not least, I did go right after I commented on your blog and bought all but one set of your stamp/stencil combos. As a result I probably won’t buy this book, but I am kind of inspired to try to make a bag myself. What type of fabric did you start with before you painted, etc. What kind of paint/ink/dye did you use on the fabric? I guess if I bought the book you wouldn’t have to answer my annoying questions, sorry. I did buy your stamps, that’s better right?
Bag is fabulous! Your mom should be on the cover of Vogue! Last but not least, I did go right after I commented on your blog and bought all but one set of your stamp/stencil combos. As a result I probably won’t buy this book, but I am kind of inspired to try to make a bag myself. What type of fabric did you start with before you painted, etc. What kind of paint/ink/dye did you use on the fabric? I guess if I bought the book you wouldn’t have to answer my annoying questions, sorry. I did buy your stamps, that’s better right?
Bag is fabulous! Your mom should be on the cover of Vogue! Last but not least, I did go right after I commented on your blog and bought all but one set of your stamp/stencil combos. As a result I probably won’t buy this book, but I am kind of inspired to try to make a bag myself. What type of fabric did you start with before you painted, etc. What kind of paint/ink/dye did you use on the fabric? I guess if I bought the book you wouldn’t have to answer my annoying questions, sorry. I did buy your stamps, that’s better right?
Bag is fabulous! Your mom should be on the cover of Vogue! Last but not least, I did go right after I commented on your blog and bought all but one set of your stamp/stencil combos. As a result I probably won’t buy this book, but I am kind of inspired to try to make a bag myself. What type of fabric did you start with before you painted, etc. What kind of paint/ink/dye did you use on the fabric? I guess if I bought the book you wouldn’t have to answer my annoying questions, sorry. I did buy your stamps, that’s better right?
Bag is fabulous! Your mom should be on the cover of Vogue! Last but not least, I did go right after I commented on your blog and bought all but one set of your stamp/stencil combos. As a result I probably won’t buy this book, but I am kind of inspired to try to make a bag myself. What type of fabric did you start with before you painted, etc. What kind of paint/ink/dye did you use on the fabric? I guess if I bought the book you wouldn’t have to answer my annoying questions, sorry. I did buy your stamps, that’s better right?
I have owned this book for years. One of my favorites!
I have owned this book for years. One of my favorites!
I have owned this book for years. One of my favorites!
I have owned this book for years. One of my favorites!
I have owned this book for years. One of my favorites!
I have this book and LOVE it. I am glad to see I was not the only one put off by all the testing, drawing, etc. I too am a “just do it Gal” and love the results!
I have this book and LOVE it. I am glad to see I was not the only one put off by all the testing, drawing, etc. I too am a “just do it Gal” and love the results!
I have this book and LOVE it. I am glad to see I was not the only one put off by all the testing, drawing, etc. I too am a “just do it Gal” and love the results!
I have this book and LOVE it. I am glad to see I was not the only one put off by all the testing, drawing, etc. I too am a “just do it Gal” and love the results!
I have this book and LOVE it. I am glad to see I was not the only one put off by all the testing, drawing, etc. I too am a “just do it Gal” and love the results!
julie, your quilted purse is beautiful! 🙂
julie, your quilted purse is beautiful! 🙂
julie, your quilted purse is beautiful! 🙂
julie, your quilted purse is beautiful! 🙂
julie, your quilted purse is beautiful! 🙂
Very cool purse! I do not have any quilting books, as “that’s not my bag, Baby.” BUT, now that I’ve seen YOUR bag, I think this is a book that I need and a medium I’d like to explore. 🙂
Very cool purse! I do not have any quilting books, as “that’s not my bag, Baby.” BUT, now that I’ve seen YOUR bag, I think this is a book that I need and a medium I’d like to explore. 🙂
Very cool purse! I do not have any quilting books, as “that’s not my bag, Baby.” BUT, now that I’ve seen YOUR bag, I think this is a book that I need and a medium I’d like to explore. 🙂
Very cool purse! I do not have any quilting books, as “that’s not my bag, Baby.” BUT, now that I’ve seen YOUR bag, I think this is a book that I need and a medium I’d like to explore. 🙂
Very cool purse! I do not have any quilting books, as “that’s not my bag, Baby.” BUT, now that I’ve seen YOUR bag, I think this is a book that I need and a medium I’d like to explore. 🙂
I have this book and love it. Have read the whole book, but haven’t really tried out the techniques yet. Love the purse you made – very inspiring! Your mom is a great model!! Thanks for having such inspiring posts every day – its my mini-class!!! Wishing you were coming to CREATE in Orange County to teach – I had the best time in your classes in Chicago last year. Tx
I have this book and love it. Have read the whole book, but haven’t really tried out the techniques yet. Love the purse you made – very inspiring! Your mom is a great model!! Thanks for having such inspiring posts every day – its my mini-class!!! Wishing you were coming to CREATE in Orange County to teach – I had the best time in your classes in Chicago last year. Tx
I have this book and love it. Have read the whole book, but haven’t really tried out the techniques yet. Love the purse you made – very inspiring! Your mom is a great model!! Thanks for having such inspiring posts every day – its my mini-class!!! Wishing you were coming to CREATE in Orange County to teach – I had the best time in your classes in Chicago last year. Tx
I have this book and love it. Have read the whole book, but haven’t really tried out the techniques yet. Love the purse you made – very inspiring! Your mom is a great model!! Thanks for having such inspiring posts every day – its my mini-class!!! Wishing you were coming to CREATE in Orange County to teach – I had the best time in your classes in Chicago last year. Tx
I have this book and love it. Have read the whole book, but haven’t really tried out the techniques yet. Love the purse you made – very inspiring! Your mom is a great model!! Thanks for having such inspiring posts every day – its my mini-class!!! Wishing you were coming to CREATE in Orange County to teach – I had the best time in your classes in Chicago last year. Tx
I JUST bought this book at Half Price books! I thought it looked like it had great instructions which I know I need. Thanks for sharing it.
I JUST bought this book at Half Price books! I thought it looked like it had great instructions which I know I need. Thanks for sharing it.
I JUST bought this book at Half Price books! I thought it looked like it had great instructions which I know I need. Thanks for sharing it.
I JUST bought this book at Half Price books! I thought it looked like it had great instructions which I know I need. Thanks for sharing it.
I JUST bought this book at Half Price books! I thought it looked like it had great instructions which I know I need. Thanks for sharing it.
What a great bag! I love, how it turned out. What else can I say? Thanks for the review. That makes three new things on my “I would really like to do this”: review a book, have fun with fabrics and paint, sew a bag.
What a great bag! I love, how it turned out. What else can I say? Thanks for the review. That makes three new things on my “I would really like to do this”: review a book, have fun with fabrics and paint, sew a bag.
What a great bag! I love, how it turned out. What else can I say? Thanks for the review. That makes three new things on my “I would really like to do this”: review a book, have fun with fabrics and paint, sew a bag.
What a great bag! I love, how it turned out. What else can I say? Thanks for the review. That makes three new things on my “I would really like to do this”: review a book, have fun with fabrics and paint, sew a bag.
What a great bag! I love, how it turned out. What else can I say? Thanks for the review. That makes three new things on my “I would really like to do this”: review a book, have fun with fabrics and paint, sew a bag.
oops, I meant a “I would really like to do this”-list
oops, I meant a “I would really like to do this”-list
oops, I meant a “I would really like to do this”-list
oops, I meant a “I would really like to do this”-list
oops, I meant a “I would really like to do this”-list
really like the purse – it is always amazing when you can take a plain piece of fabric or paper and end up with something so unique – Mom is looking pretty sporty
really like the purse – it is always amazing when you can take a plain piece of fabric or paper and end up with something so unique – Mom is looking pretty sporty
really like the purse – it is always amazing when you can take a plain piece of fabric or paper and end up with something so unique – Mom is looking pretty sporty
really like the purse – it is always amazing when you can take a plain piece of fabric or paper and end up with something so unique – Mom is looking pretty sporty
really like the purse – it is always amazing when you can take a plain piece of fabric or paper and end up with something so unique – Mom is looking pretty sporty
I can’t believe that bag started out from a white fabric. I just live all the colors and details.
I can’t believe that bag started out from a white fabric. I just live all the colors and details.
I can’t believe that bag started out from a white fabric. I just live all the colors and details.
I can’t believe that bag started out from a white fabric. I just live all the colors and details.
I can’t believe that bag started out from a white fabric. I just live all the colors and details.