PRIGANART   Art Quilt, Art Fashion & Sewing Tutorials              

I had a huge bag of corduroy and heavy cotton pieces and remnants of fabric from pants and jeans that I had cut up with the original purpose of using them to create patchwork bags. I hadn't done anything with them for a long time so I was considering moving the fabrics on to someone else.

As the chill of winter is beginning to be felt, the cozy warmth of my sewing room becomes a haven of creativity. I've been immersed in creating patterns for my Four Seasons Slow Stitch Course, and I’m happy to announce that the first pattern - Purple Winter, Slow Stitch Embroidery - is now available in the stores!

There will be patterns for sale and a stitch library and what I call an element library on the site and on youtube. As the patterns are created I will be adding to the stitch and elements libraries. For the first patterns, the winter slow stitching pieces, there are 2 already in the works, we will be using scrap fabrics in stunning winter colors.

While having a flood of ideas is a blessing, it can also prove frustrating. I often find myself caught between the urge to try new techniques and the need to focus on completing my current projects. The beauty of slow stitching with upcycled fabrics lies in its meditative quality, fostering a deeper connection with my materials and the challenge of the creative journey. Yet, with so many ideas swirling in my mind, maintaining my commitment to my ongoing work can be difficult.

What’s wonderful about slow stitching is that you don’t need a lot of space or fancy tools. With just a few essentials, you can turn any travel experience into a productive and enjoyable one. To make sure I could work efficiently while traveling, I assembled a travel kit that included everything I needed for my slow stitching project. Here’s what went into my travel kit:

The Four Seasons Slow Stitching Course is coming together beautifully, and I am excited to share my journey. With the winter samples and videos behind me, I am diving into the soft and refreshing colors that spring brings.

With a sparkle in her eye, she asked if I could create a sunrise strip rag bag using those vibrant sunrise fabric scraps. I loved the idea and told her that she would help me create it. This wasn’t just a gift; it was a chance for her to learn and engage in the creative process.

This hottest season has sparked my thoughts of bold, bright landscapes that show summer. With that in mind, I have started my first piece in the "Seasons Slow Stitch" series, which I've named "A Mediterranean Summer." This embroidered appliqué landscape piece, crafted in a hoop, will use solid bold colors to capture the spirit of this hot season.

My goal is to create a series of PDF Patterns and Instructional Tutorials that guide others through crafting their own four seasons slow stitching projects. Each tutorial will highlight the unique aspects of the season, offering step-by-step instructions and tips for fabric applique and collage techniques.

Creating beautiful quilts, and for me teaching the techniques is an ejoyable creative journey. Recently, I took on the task of designing a paper pattern for the Wave Sunrise Art Quilt. Many of my students, who know the Wave Landscape Patchwork technique, have requested a paper pattern. They want to replicate the same design while trying out various color combinations - hence the need for a pattern which can be repeated.

A new technique was born, the Wave Landscape Technique became. Since then I have developed 6 different Wave Landscape Techniques and Patterns and there are many more in the works. Some of my ideas work out and some don't so I keep on experimenting.

I have finally completed the Wave Olive Tree of Life. It was a creation in motion. I envision the end result and then have to make my way there. I am not just creating art. I teach and my steps along the way have to be able to repeated by other people.

This time I want to create a wave sunrise pattern. Pieces of paper and measurements that anyone of any skill level will be able to use to create a beautiful wave landscape,

Every time I create a new piece of fabric art, I'm surrounded by a delightful chaos of fabric scraps. Each tiny piece holds a story waiting to be told, a color to be connected, or a design just waiting for its moment to shine. Throwing any of them away feels like a loss, so over the years, I've developed various techniques to transform these remnants into beautiful creations.

The centerpiece of my quilt is the symbolic tree of life, a motif that carries deep significance across many cultures. It represents interconnectedness, growth, and the continuous cycle of life. This theme resonates with me, especially as I work with fabric and thread, materials of creation. My tree of life art quilt draws inspiration from the traditional olive tree, a symbol of peace and resilience in Israeli culture.

Each curve and seam brought the waves to life, transitioning seamlessly from one piece to another, creating a piece of art with fuschia and magenta.

With my fabrics in hand, it was time for design. The bag had to be practical while showcasing the artistic wave landscape I envisioned. I decided on a wave landscape crossbody bag with an adjustable strap for added convenience.

Creating my Olive Green Tree of Life has taught me about the power of waiting, things develop in the artistic process. Often, the most beautiful creations take time to emerge. I encourage fellow quilters and artists to embrace your journey, no matter how long it takes. Your ideas will germinate and flourish, leading to art that is uniquely yours.

Upcycled Fabrics - Endless Shades of Orange - Upcycling means transforming discarded materials into something beautiful and useful. This concept has always resonated with me, as it embodies creativity, sustainability, and resourcefulness. I am challenging myself to see how many different things I can create with the orange fabrics that I am finding.

Something practical this week, summer crumb patchwork placemats. I found some summer crumb pieces and I decided not to store pieces anymore. Rather to create finished items and keep if I need, and gift the rest - Life is too short to hoard.