5 Tips For The Beginning Fabric Artist + Quilter
Hi! And I’m so glad you’re here! In this new blog post I’m going to share 5 of my favorite tips for the beginning sewer + quilter. Whether you’re brand new to fabric art or a seasoned sewer, I hope these tips will be helpful in your creative journey!
Before I get to the good stuff, I’ll share with you that my mixed media textile art is a bit unconventional. As a self taught artist + sewer + quilter, I’ve learned A LOT over the years, and have infused my work with my own unique style. I’ve never been one to do things the way others do.. (in all aspects of life!) and I think that’s been a huge blessing in my artwork.
Here are 5 Tips For the Beginning Fabric Artist
Gather Your Supplies!
The first thing to consider is what kind of sewing do you want to do? Do you want to work on the sewing machine? Or hand stitch? Or maybe a combination of both, as I do. If you don’t already have sewing machine, I use a Bernina ( I’ve been using it for that last many many years!.. and it’s still going strong). It’s basic but does everything I need -which really is just straight stitch and free motion sewing, and occasionally I use the zig zag stitch. But there are many good machines out there. I learned on a vintage Singer!
Next find some fabrics to work with! This may be as simple as using old linens from your home, heading to the thrift shop to find some old cloth, or buying some quilting fabric from one of the many shops that carry them.
Don’t forget the scissors ( very important!), threads, and an iron! Ironing your fabrics while you work makes sewing them SO much easier!
And if you’d like to hand sew, you can find some embroidery thread at your local craft shop.
2. Find the Perfect Spot For Your Studio
Your studio can be as simple as a corner of a kitchen, a dining room table, or as spacious as a space room. I’ve worked in tiny studios as well as huge spaces. And everything in between. If you can find some simple shelving to store your fabric and supplies on, that will help a lot with organization. The most important thing that I’ve found is to find a spot with natural light. That way, you can see colors accurately, and of course see your projects better! It’s also something to consider if you want to photograph your work or process as you’re making it… it always helps to have natural light.
3. Take Plenty of Time to Experiment + Explore the Process
Taking time to just create and see what comes is one of my favorite things as an artist and cannot be underestimated! Not only will you find the materials you like best to work with, you will also begin to develop your signature style.. What’s a signature style? Time for my next tip!
4. Find Your Signature Style
A signature style is how your work feels to others and yourself. It’s really the essence of your art. And it’s how someone might recognize that your art is made by you.. even if your name wasn’t on it. Finding your style can take a while.. don’t rush it.. it will emerge over time and become clear.
For instance, is your work more earthy and organic feeling? Or is it bright and colorful? Or maybe your signature style incorporates different colors, but your process or the materials used define your style. This will come through making LOTS of art!
5. Be Creative With Your Time
I know that sometimes it can feel impossible to find time to create! Between taking care of our children and families ( and ourselves!) , a job that may take up most of your time, and all the other tings that come up unexpectedly in life, finding time to make art can be a challenge. Being a mom of a younger child as well as older ones, I find that I have to be flexible with when I work. Of course if I have deadlines, that isn’t as easy to do. But I try to intertwine my motherhood and making. I love having my kids with me as I work, creating their own art, teaching them that making is a necessary and important part of life.
I hope these 5 tips help you to get started! I’d love to see what you create! You can tag me on Instagram @meghanpauleynespeca or just send me a note at meghanpauleynespeca@gmail.com
Happy Making!
P.S. If you’d like to see more of my textile art you can HERE
xo, Meghan