Wednesday, April 27, 2011

FANCIFUL STITCHES, COLORFUL QUILTS by Laura Wasilowski

  fancifulstitchescover

 

You may know Laura as the “Dean of Corrections” of the Chicago School of Fusing.  She's been writing books and teaching for many decades and her bright colored quilts are always eye-catching. I've been following her work in shows for a long time.

Her new book is a beautiful little project book of wonderful, whimsical scenes that are typical of her joyous style.   Houses are all askew, tree trunks are curved and the birdhouse has paned windows!  All the projects are easy, fun and colorful...basically you just cut and fuse the pieces to a background and then the magic starts.


Here are photos showing the difference between fusing alone and with 'Fanciful Stitches' added.  WOW! What a change to the piece by adding a few choice stitches in certain areas.

  01_01.niceneighborhood01_02.niceneighborhood

Laura takes you step-by-step in each project to show you what stitches to add and where. There is a chapter showing how to do basic hand embroidery stitches and which threads and needles to use. Beginners to advanced stitchers can make one of these creations.

For me, whenever there is hand stitching on a quilt, my eye tends to follow and trace the lines. It draws you in and keeps your interest. I don't know why but perhaps it's the irregularity of the stitches? Perhaps it's my attention to anything done by hand? 

I think I will try one of these projects in the near future. They are great little works to bring when you are flying, waiting for doctors or relaxing on a sunny balcony.

Here are my questions for Laura for this blog tour...

What got you started in textile art?
As a girl in Colorado, I joined a 4-H club and learned to sew. This led to a job in the costume department of my college where I then learned to dye fabric. My first exposure to textiles as an art form was a trip with my neighbor, Janet Dye, to an exhibit of Amish Quilts at the Terra Museum in Chicago. It was then that I realized that the fabrics I was dyeing could be turned into creating this thing called an "art quilt."

Who was the biggest influence in your art?
There is no one person. My family has given me the freedom to be myself and friends like Melody Johnson and Frieda Anderson have given me artistic support. I admire and study the work of Degas and Bonnard. My teachers from the 4-H ladies to Renie Breskin Adams have changed my life. Also, I am an avid admirer of those who illustrate children's books. My collection of picture books grows constantly!

What would you like to try next/what direction is your work is going?
For years I've wanted to work with fused felt and stitchery. The felt is in the studio and ready to go and the potential is overwhelming!

What's the best advice you have for new quilters?
Play and practice with the fabric. Give yourself the freedom to make bad stuff and enjoy the learning process.

WIN A COPY OF FANCIFUL STITCHES, COLORFUL QUILTS!!
Just comment below for a chance to win.  For a second chance to win/sign up on my website and put "Laura sent me" in the comments. On May 5 we'll pick one winner at random. We can only mail to U.S. address (apologies to our foreign friends!)

40 comments:

  1. WOW! This is great news, I can't wait to see Laura's felt projects. I'm reposting this to my felt club right now :)
    This is a very cool blog, hard to believe, I hadn't heard of Dragonthreads so I am glad you have email newsletter so I can stay updated.
    raodhomequilting@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. This book looks awesome! I would love to learn from Laura! Thanks for the chance to win this book!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I LOVE Laura's work and I would LOVE to win this book! Thank you for offering it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What an exciting book this looks to be! Would love a chance to add it to my reference library!~~~Lisa Marie Dragan

    ReplyDelete
  5. This book thing is like a scavenger hunt! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. My first introduction to fusing was from the best - Laura herself. I would love to stitch along with Laura too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. thanks for participating in this extravaganza celebrating Laura's new book. I'd love to win a copy.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Took a class from Laura several years ago ... it was the most fun. I wanna get back some of that fun so throw me into the pot. thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I admire Laura and her creative talents.
    Would love to win a copy of her book!
    Hugs
    Gerry

    ReplyDelete
  10. Gosh I love the looks of the this book! What a fun blog hop too - learning lots!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Laura sent me!
    i love the joyous colors and shapes she employs that don't take themselves too seriously!
    thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I would love to win a copy of Laura's book. It will be a great inspiration to add more applique and embroidery to my art quilts.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've had a great time visiting all these blogs the last two weeks. Hope I win a copy of the book too!

    ReplyDelete
  14. These quilts look like so much fun to make! I would LOVE to win a copy of the book.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow, even more pictures here that make the book more enticing!
    Thanks,
    Heather
    Heather at obscure.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. This book look so exciting! I would love to win it!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I hadn't seen the bird and the leaves one, such fun projects.

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for the chance to win Laura's book, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am subscribed to your newsletter. Laura sent me.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I followed along Laura's introduction to her book and know would enjoy winning / using it. Her style suits my learning curve. Thanks for the opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Laura sent me. I subscribe to your e-newsletter.

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a difference the stitching makes to the design you showed! I would love to have a copy of this book! I took a class with Laura at the QSC Spring Meeting(Quilters of South Carolina) last year. My email address is: kalfarwig at bellsouth dot com

    Kristin

    ReplyDelete
  23. oops...my email address is kalfarwig at bellsouth dot net (NOT dot com!!)
    kristin

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am subscribed to your newsletter. Laura sent me.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love adding hand stitching to quilts. I think it's great that big chunky stitching is "in" right now because that's what I love to do.

    ReplyDelete
  26. lovely book; love her approach to applique and stitching; her book looks very inspirational.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I would love to win this book.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I've been following the tour and would love to win the book!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Signed up for the Newsletter...Laura sent me!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I'd love to have a copy of this book to add to my library.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Laura Sent Me, also. This book really give me some inspiration. Actually been using Laura's method on wallhangings for a couple of years and this wil be a great addition to the technique files!
    Thanks for the chance to win her book!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I would love to add Laura's new book to keep her other books company. Thanks for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Laura sent me! and i'm so glad she did.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Laura's work is just darling !

    ReplyDelete
  35. I too love the hand stitching and think it adds to the liveliness and movement of her quilts. ~ Karen

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a wonderful book...I love it and I want to win it! Laura did a great job on this one. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a wonderful opportunity, and a great book! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Looks like a great book and I would be honored to win!

    ReplyDelete

ShareThis

 
]