Design-The Sky is the Limit!

When we think of designing a piece, some people may think that they need to have a degree in Fine Arts! Let me be the first to tell you, "NO! you do not". All you need is imagination, and if you are a fellow quilter or fabric artist, then you already have enough imagination to go around. Just look at all of the incomplete projects that we all have in our studios or sewing rooms.

Designs can take shape in the form of different themes, appliques, or shapes of the projects themselves. As I stated in my previous blog, do not limit yourself! Use different appliques, this is a great time to experiment if you are not familiar with utilizing applique in your work. This is a time to find your voice on a smaller scale.

When using applique I have a true fondness for my Fabi machine by Sizzix. I can create many fantastic designs.

Many of the mug rugs we find out there on the world wide web are very whimsical, which I find as great inspiration.

But if whimsy is not your thing try to minimalize the quilts that you may already create.

Another idea that you may like! Use the blocks that you are not going to use in a quilt. They would work perfectly as a mug rug!

Also, let's not forget the scrap that we have collected. Just spend an afternoon playing around and see what you come up with...

Next week: Layering and binding

Fabric-Not Your Mother's Stash!

I must admit, I do have a fabric fetish! Or what some may call an addiction...I will accept any one of those labels. When I walk into a fabric store or see something online that I want, I get excited! I know that I am not the only person out there suffering from this condition. It is like my heart starts racing and I begin to sweat! It's a beautiful thing. 

There is no limit to the choices that we have as sewing enthusiasts and artists. There are plain fabrics, Batiks, patterned fabrics, custom fabrics (my favorite), and designer fabrics. They also come in different  surface types:

* Cotton-the most popular with quilters and crafters

* wool

* satin

* polyester

* blends

The list goes on and on...

I never limit myself to a specific type, because in my art I like to incorporate many different types of fabrics to enhance the piece. I have found this type of inclusion adds depth and personality to my mudrugs; it makes them more interesting. 

IN OTHER WORDS! DO NOT JUST USE STANDARD COTTON!!

Also, one of my most favorite thing to do when it comes to fabric is creating my own textiles. There are some websites out there that you can upload a photograph of your creation and they will send you your creation in fhe form of fabric by the yard, fat quarter, or sample. I have tried a couple of them out there an I personally prefer Spoonflower. You are able to create your fabric utilzing photos or artwork.

You can find my work at: www.spoonflower.com/profiles/txd123330

Back to fabric choices...

I would suggest that you play with different colors and fabrics. Try mixing them!

You can not go wrong! And you may create something kind of funky and new!

Just make sure that the fabrics are washable, because we must remember that these are mud rugs and they are made to be used daily. So, they may get drinks spilt on them and will need to be able to be washed multiple times.

NEXT WEEK: Designs!

An obsession or a lifestyle?

Under normal everyday circumstances, I would have never thought that I would become entranced, no a better word is obsessed with these so called "mugrugs". I must confess that I am a fabric artist who loves to quilt as well as create works of art from fabric and thread. But, there is something about creating these "mini" works of art that has truely intrigued me!

They can easily represent you as an artist or they can be customized to represent friends, family, and customers.

Next Blog:

Fabric and all of the possibilities!!