Process and Materials

I am constantly alternating the style of forms I work on in the studio.  One day may find me calculating the formula for a new large traditional piece.  The next, working at the sinks dying or bleaching fabrics for a new "series" of small works.  

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As a  composer of music, I would often sit down to write and simply start plunking keys on the piano until the sound was "right".  I find myself as a fiber artist doing the same thing... that is, sorting and layering fabrics and moving along freely until that "right" combination occurs.  In music, I would save loops and listen to them over and over, thinking of ways to add to, subtract from, or otherwise somehow enhance the foundation I started with.  In fiber, I take dozens of photos and then review them whenever the mood to create strikes.  I take notes on my ideas and try to experient in the studio until I am happy with the results.

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My current themes incorporate hand dyed and hand bleached fabrics, vintage and reproduction commercial fabrics handed down to me from various people, and new fabrics of all types and textures.

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I currently use a Janome 1600P-QC as my primary piecing and straight stitch machine.  I also use a Janome DC2015 for applique stitching.  My serger is a Brother 1034D, which I use to finish the edges of smaller pieces.  There are many vintage machines laying around the studio as well,  including Rose's White Dressmaker and a Singer from my mom's sewing room.