I am about to launch a textile arts program at Jacki Kellum Studios. One of my first projects will be in exploring ways to manipulate fabrics to make new fabrics for creative projects.

Annette Morgan offers some great ideas for creative fabric explorations.

Creating New Fabrics

“Use fabrics from your stash combined with polyester sheers and
stitch to create sumptuous textiles. …

“I hate wasting that last little bit of paint in the paint palette, so I grab
a piece of fabric and paint it. It’s the same with dye. I’ll put a piece of
fabric in a clean jam jar and pour into the jar any left over dye from
a dyeing session. I also take a clean piece of fabric and wipe clean the
plastic cover on the table where I have been dyeing or painting, and this
gives areas of creased patterns. Often these scrap fabrics are just right
for a project. …

Machine Stitching Designs and Techniques

“Free machine embroidery takes a little practice. The best way to start is to find a pen and piece of paper and draw designs onto the paper, without taking the pen off the paper – simple loopy patterns work best. This stimulates your hand/eye co-ordination.

Vermicelli stitch is very popular but not the easiest stitch to use. Try instead to go round and round in circles and loops. When stitching through layers which
are to be burnt, it is best to use a good quality thread, such as the coloured rayon threads and the Madeira metallic threads. I don’t use a special needle, just an ordinary machine sewing needle, usually no. 90.

• Set the stitch length and width to 0 and drop or cover the feed-dogs
(if you don’t know what these are, look in your sewing machine manual under ‘Darning’).
• Stitch at a medium speed – not too fast and not too slow. As you move the fabric you are making the stitches, so the slower you go the larger the stitch, the faster
you go the smaller the stitch.
• This technique does take practice, and practice makes perfect!

Vilene Basics 8

3D Freeshape Appliqué 9
Layer Upon a Quilt 11
Machine stitching designs
and techniques 16
Making a Needle Case 17
Making Cords 18
Making a Vase 19
Trapping Scraps and
using Sheers 21