Betty Ann, Your advice is just what I needed. I loved hearing about how you were in need of your own advice and up it pops. The coincidence was a good thing for me as well.

The best way to start an Art Quilt is to START!!!!! I started with Convergence Quilts (Ricky Tims book--- I knew his Mom and Dad so thought I would buy the book and get them to autograph it) Well best laid plans of mice and Men(or quilters), I got hooked. I have done about 50 or more convergences and given away most of them. But then I was hooked. So now I am on my second Rhapsody, who knows how many caveman style quilts and so many experimental ideas, I have lost count.

Right now I have seven quilts on Alzheimers Art Quilt Initiative. One is in the August auction so if you are interested go and look at it. Search under Ann Rowland for quilts either in the August auction or the Quilts for sale. The one in the August auction is titled "Following the Paths of Love".

Please support AAQI - the research could still save my husband who is in the earliest stages of Alzheimers Disease.

Thanks to all my friends here Hugs, Ann

It appears to have been read by a newbie to the forum. Good advice is just that: good advice.
bettyannseeman wrote:

Thanks to whoever reopened this thread. In January I began a new adventure as a longarm quilter. As I have twenty years experience in the quilting world, I have a technicial skill level that I expect of myself. I am most surley not there yet with my longarm work. Up pops this thread with advice from the five years ago me. It says Produce, Produce, Produce. Okay Quilt Gods I get the message. I will only get better with practice. Baby steps. Thanks 2007 Betty Ann for the good advice. Signed 2012 Betty Ann

I agree that experimenting is a great way to explore Art Quilting. One of the things I love about Art Quilts is that you can mix together so many techniques in a piece.
I have always played with fabrics and thread (embroidery, sewing), as well traditional art (drawing, painting). So art quilts have been an natural for me. I do lean toward fabric painting. I tend to use it on most of my pieces in some way. But I am always looking for new techniques. Quilt University has been very helpful in that way.
Small pieces are a great way to play with different techniques. Have fun and start playing.

It's amazing. Welcome to the forum Anne

eileenkny wrote:

DITTO!!! Whoo Hoo! Cheers!!!

We are so lucky here on TQS that Alex and Ricky invite and embrace so many different quilting genres! From the most traditional all the way to the most "artistic". Thank you, ARJJ!!

Excellent advice.

Anne B.

I agree whole heartedly with the teachers and books mentioned earlier. What I suggest is to learn techniques from all of them by doing small works maybe 5X7 or 8X10. Get as many techniques in your arsenal as you can, then combine two or three or more to create a work that reflects your vision. To me what separates an art quilt from a contemporary quilt is its uniqueness. The phrase "Ummm That's Different!" is often repeated when viewing my work. I love that. An Art Quilt should be like a mirror and reflect its maker. Find a group of fellow quilter who will give constructive critiques, and emotional supporrt. then Produce, Produce, Produce. Have fun on your journey. Betty Ann in HOT Florida

I hope it's okay to mention here that I've signed up for the basic fabric dyeing class at Quilt University. I've also recently taken a class from Robbi Joy Eklow and one from Esterita Austin. I'm just beginning this journey also. I've bought several of the books already mentioned, as well as "Color and Composition for the Creative Quilter" by Katie Pasquini Masopust.
I think online classes here for Star members would be a great idea, don't all of you?

Eileen Keane, mailto:mpkemk@frontiernet.net
http://www.designingquilts.com
Gammill Classic w/IS Turbo(cl)
Maybrook, NY

SouthPorcupine wrote:
Buy the magazine called Quilting Arts

Lynn, I guarantee you can do whatever Libby taught. I've taken workshops with her, and her tips and directions are excellent! She's in my personal "Top Three Favorite Teachers" list. Betcha you can guess who the other two are!

(Edited for typos, although I should probably just think of them as my "trademark".)

And now edited to add:
I'd also recommend A Workshop With Velda Newman (C&T Publishing, 2002) and The Basic Guide to Dyeing & Painting Fabric by Cindy Walter and Jennifer Priestley (Krause Publications, 2002). The first has specific project lessons to build techniques (kind of like Journey of an Art Quilter has). The second, because it covers all sorts of dyeing and painting, seems like a good way to get a feel for the differences and how to get started. I haven't really tried any others on that subject, so I can't compare it.

OMG how could I not mention Libby's book after seeing her this weekend? It was great..........and I think I might actually be able to do some of what she taught! Her book is well done, too.