Machine Quilting Unlimited - Special Edition - Winter 2011

Outlining fused elements with stitching advances
shapes. To outline a shape, I smoothly guide the
needle around the shape without stitching the
element.
If I have a fabric edge cut with a decorative rotary
cutter blade, I will follow that decorative edge
with echo stitches. This gives me a repetitive
motif on the quilt surface that adds movement
and interest.
Sketching with free-motion
stitches is like drawing on the quilt
with a pencil, especially if you use
thread colors that contrast in hue
or value with the fused shape. I
use sketching to add more detail;
like veins for a leaf or petals on a
flower. If you can free-motion quilt
your name, you can sketch or draw
on your quilt top with thread.
When it’s time to cover a lot of
territory, I use pattern stitches.
There are hundreds of free-motion
pattern designs in the quilt world,
but my favorite for filling in open
expanses of fabric is the MEMEME
design. For this design, simply
make 3 vertical peaks of stitching
(M) then 3 horizontal peaks of
stitching (E). These patterning
stitches fit nicely around fused
shapes, fill in large areas, and have endless variations
when you add tilts, knobs, and waves.
Enclosed stitching begins with sketching a large
shape on the fabric like a leaf or flower. The
interior of the shape is then filled with pattern
or sketching stitches. I make sure I plan an
escape route before filling the shape if I want to
add more quilting outside of the shape.
Whether in a museum, corporate, or personal
collection, each piece of art work I make
remains very near and dear to my heart. Each
is invested with my memories as a little girl,
teenager, mother, and traveling quilt maker.
Each carries my joy in the creative process. For
me, there is nothing finer than making an art
quilt.
Visit Laura’s website: www.artfabrik.com
Above: Pressing Matters
The Chicago School of Fusing
The Chicago School of Fusing is a state of mind, created and maintained
by dedicated fusers Laura Wasilowski, Robbi Joy Eklow, Frieda
Anderson, Melody Johnson, Emily Parson and Annie Lullie to promote
the fine art of fusing fabric. Each member of the ‘faculty’ has a special
talent or position in the organization. Laura is known as the Dean
of Corrections, teaching techniques, etiquette and deportment to all
would-be fusers. Choir leader
Melody leads the Fusettes, offering
such ditties as the school
fight song, Press On Chicago
Fuse. Emily handles the quilt
exhibits, promotion and sales
training. Frieda has the website
expertise as well as acting as a
calming influence on the others.
And Annie—well she was brought
in because of her party skills!
This imaginary school boasts
an imaginary campus as
well. Classes are held in the
Fusitorium building; iron repair
and maintenance is covered in
the Iron Workers United building;
there is also the Flat Iron
Student Services building and a
Rowenta Sports Arena; and they
tell me you can buy your protective steel-toe boots, along with fusing
supplies, at the Hot Stuff Bookstore and Uniform Shop!
If you desire admission to the Chicago School of Fusing, you must
first demonstrate the ability to locate Chicago on a map and to have
had some experience with an iron. Undergraduate applications may be
obtained by contacting the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (any
faculty member) to discover where off-campus classes are held.
Members of the Chicago School of Fusing team use vibrant hand-dyed
fabrics to create bold, dynamic art quilts with themes ranging from a
love of nature to an appreciation of chickens. Check out their various
websites and blogs:
n Laura Wasilowski, www.artfabrik.com
n Melody Johnson, www.wowmelody.com
n Robbi Joy Eklow, www.robbieklow.com
n Frieda Anderson, www.friestyle.com
n Emily Parson, www.emilyquilts.com
n Annie Lullie, www.annelullie.com
Special Edition Winter 2011 | Machine Quilting Unlimited 9