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Buying Fiber Art Quilts To Hang On Walls

By Sally Delacruz


A quilt basically consists of two layers of fabric with a central core of batting or wadding. Fiber art quilts retain some of the qualities of traditional versions, usually consisting of layers of fabric stitched together but the similarity often ends there. Some quilters producing these items reinterpret or adapt traditional themes in new ways but many depart altogether from tradition, regarding a quilt much like a canvas on which they can express their creativity.

In the 1960s and 1970s traditional quilt making was popular but before long quilters began to stretch the possibilities presented by the vast array fabrics, threads and techniques available to them. Traditional rules regarding quilting were ignored and a new form of expression came into being.

There pieces are intended to take their place alongside other forms of art displayed in houses and galleries. They are not bed coverings any more. Artists often have all sorts of ways of handling the fiber they use. They tear, stamp, dye and paint until they are satisfied with the result. Colors, textures and shapes are used in arresting new ways.

The techniques used to create these pieces are vary from embroidery, weaving and collage to knitting and crochet. Traditionally, stitching was the means of holding the layers of the quilt together. However, stitching is now used to add another whole element, contributing to the design and the texture. Artists experiment constantly with new techniques and materials, playing with color, combining shapes and developing textures.

Many of these artists receive their inspiration from nature. Some autumn leaves, a sunset, a walk on the beach and many other simple aspects of nature can be interpreted in such a piece. The variety of styles is vast, from representational to abstract and impressionistic. A simple idea or a concept can be a catalyst for a design.

A quilt as an artwork can be finished using various different techniques. Some are finished with binding and some with or without borders. Installing such a piece on a wall is very important as it has to be done in such a way as to cause no damage to the artwork. Too much pressure on the fabric, uneven hanging or slippage has to be avoided.

The pricing of such items varies considerably. The length of time taken to complete the piece, from conception and design through to the finished article, is probably the most important factor. The square footage of a piece is another factor taken into consideration as well as the price of the materials used. The artist might even get involved with actually hanging the quilt for the customer, providing the hanging materials which adds to the price.

These artists often say that until they became involved in this type of quilting, they had not found their true form of expression. Their passion is seen in their work, giving each piece its aesthetically pleasing quality. The deep rich colors, satisfying forms and variations in texture give this form of expression a unique appeal.




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