Textiles

Opening this assortment of textiles, is an appliquéd, stitched ceremonial wedding canopy or “Chuppah,”created by Gina for her daughter Julie’s, wedding ceremony.

The next small quilts, from a collection called “Kids Art on Quilts,” are quilts averaging 20” x 22” in size, crafted from kid’s pencil drawings and paintings.

Figurative and animal quilts and masks, are appliquéd and stitched. Appliqué is a technique similar to collage; though more commonly used to refer to a process that uses fabric and thread as opposed to paper. Using thread and a sewing machine I “draw” on cloth and do hand stitching.  

Hand or machine stitched crazy quilts, made from remnants of silk, cotton and blends, are studies exploring shapes, textures, and colors. Shibori,  a Japanese technique of folding, stitching, crumpling and shaping was used to create some of the fabric designs before dipping the cloth into an indigo dye bath. Recently, I began making packs out of fabrics I have dyed or purchased. They are great for applying heat for pain in the face, like eye strain, back pain, menstrual cramps strained muscles and so forth. The packs are filled with rice and come unscented or scented (such as with lavender). Heat very briefly, like 30 SECONDS, in your microwave and presto: a cozy warm pack can be placed on the body. Please see pictures below. Several years ago, I set out on a journey to Maine to help design of half built house on a lake. Equipped with my sewing machine, gorgeous antique fabrics from Finland and Japan and a little imagination, I, as the owners of the house said: “made the half built house a home, ” and added curtains and drapes to the house. It was amazing living in the woods for three months, all alone with no internet, TV or distractions but nature. Here are some pictures. Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss a design project or study with me on Zoom.