The Stitchin’ Post Team calls the March Alchemy of Fabric “Jean’s Greens” because we all know how much she loves green! Last week, Valori made a photo collage inspired by “Jean’s Greens” (the whole image is at the bottom of the page). As an artist, I like to create collages to help inspire me in the artistic process. Sometimes I do this at the beginning, sometimes in the middle, and sometimes near the end of the process depending on the needs of the project. I like to create collages to see patterns in the images or to find differences in what I have versus what I have curated with the images.
The patterns that I look for in a collage are always a few of the Elements of Design: Color, Line, and Texture. When looking at this collage, the color green is overwhelmingly present but if you take a closer look there are other pops of color that are so rich and vibrant. The rich Cobalt Blue is used very little but has a great effect visually because it helps the eye move across the entire piece. There are also touches of Fire Truck Red, Magenta, Yellow, and Peru Brown. These all break up the green and create a full profile. When selecting fabrics to assist the “Jean’s Greens” fabric pack, consider adding pops of color just like Val did with this collage.
The second Element of Design that I notice is Line. This collage has a great mix of both straight lines and curvy “organic” lines. I find this is important to take into consideration because mixes of curvy and straight lines help the eye rest and to not look “Too Busy”. Something I noticed about the fabrics for March were that all but one fabric were curvy lines or circles, the abundance of straight lines in this collage might direct me to choose a pattern with straight seams rather than a lot of curvy or wandering seams. Or perhaps I would choose a supplement fabric to balance the curves. Balance is art.
Look at the very top right photo in the collage and imagine how that would feel if you could reach out and touch it. That is Texture, which could also inspire your next project. This is important with fabric whether the project is a cozy bed quilt or an art quilt because the texture (or surface feel) will change how the piece is interpreted. Think back to that top right photo and how could you achieve that texture on the flat cotton fabric in the March pack? Perhaps some embroidery, beading, paint could create that effect.
Any time I am stuck, collage is what helps me to move forward. Hopefully, this discussion with us will aid you in your Alchemy Journey this year! If you so desire, you could print out some green photos (even the ones above) and create an inspiration collage in an Art Journal. Perhaps this process will help you with projects in the future!
For more information about the Elements of Design, here is a great article!
Happy Creating!
~Katie
Our intention for creating the "Alchemy of Fabric" club is to provide the spark... the catalyst... the inspiration... for a project that your color palette is built upon. We have a monthly tutorial of insights on each fabric chosen. We have also included 10 other recommended fabrics to expand from the core fabrics and further guide your choices.
We are excited to share this educational opportunity as a study in color and fabric as well as build your artist palette of fabrics. As you practice designing your project from many different designers and collections our hope is to facilitate greater confidence and empowerment in your creative pursuits..
At the Stitchin' Post were are committed to creativity and inspiration and we are now embarking on a journey opening to new options together as the "Alchemy of Fabric" unfolds each month. Please share with us what the spark has ignited in you using the hashtag "#AlchemyofFabric" on your preferred social media platform, so others can be inspired by your work! You can also search #AlchemyofFabric to see what others have done, and to gain your own inspiration.
Thank you Jackie for your kind words! We would love to see what you do in your collage journal and how it impacts your quilting! If you share them on social media, please use #SewMuchInspiration and/or tag us so we can find it!
Posted by: The Stitchin' Post | March 23, 2017 at 10:06 AM
Thank you for such a wonderful read. I have learned so much. I am going to start a collage journal. I think it should help me with my quilting.
Posted by: Jackie Gross | March 21, 2017 at 06:28 AM