Debbie Babin » textile art

Hand Stitching with Kimono Silk

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:15:43 +0000

I have been busy working on a new project that is made with silk fabric from vintage kimonos.

This image shows is the current status and I am happy to report that it is almost finished. I only have a bit more stitching to do.

In the beginning this piece looked totally different. Read the details of the evolution on my other blog ZEN CLOTH

In three posts:

Hand Piecing Kimono Silks

Silk Transformation

Successful Transformation

My Current Online Course is Delightful

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:25:11 +0000

My online course Textile Art with Pizzazz! is currently running and is totally delightful! I have six highly motivated people attending and they are working like little beaver (artists). Usually the biggest challenge with teaching online has nothing to do with teaching at all. Instead the challenge is to encourage people to interact by posting their progress and showing images of their work. This time around everyone is participating with enthusiasm and joy. I consider this a true success.

The course will be offered again April 1st. You may sign up now. All of the details can be found on the ON LINE COURSES page.

The pictures below are good examples of the kind of work that is produced in assigned exercises. The exercises are fun and prepare for the main design which is called Flora Rosa. The circles are from the color temperature exercise in Lesson 1. The other three show results from a second exercise which incorporates several techniques of applique. Even though some formal techniques are included, people are encouraged to adapt the designs and draw upon their own personal style.

A complete description of this course.

Jump Starting Creativity

admin — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:19:16 +0000

Playing around with fabric is the best way for me to jump start my creativity. I always feel like first part of January represents a new white canvas, clean slate and/or fresh start. I agonize over the impending holidays because I know I must put things away and tidy up my studio as I know I will be doing other things. This has pluses and minuses. On the plus side it is always good to tidy up and see the surface of my big work table uncluttered. The drawback is starting up again. The engine is cold and takes a few attempts to get it started. This phase is not pleasant and can span over longer unpredictable time than I wish. This is also a dangerous time because I can easily start to doubt myself.

The scenario goes a bit like this: a question and answer period with mostly questions. I start looking in bins, pulling random things out to examine. Mostly things that are incomplete. Several will spark interest but can soon lead to dead ends. After all, those things were put away for a reason, they usually had problems that I couldn’t resolve. I put them away thinking that some day I will have new ideas and will lead to new great solutions! But, alas, this isn’t always the case. With my engine sputtering, I trudge along a bumpy road trying to find a new path to new scenery that will provide “aha” moments. The various turns and road blocks are hit and miss. Usually after a week or so, I stumble onto an open path that is totally revealing. Finally, a new vision and reassurance that I haven’t lost “it” after all. This is a brief window of optimism that is like being on a little ledge on a steep rock climb. Staying there for a while to gather your wits and catch your breath before resuming; then looking up to consider the remaining distance. After having rested on this ledge and gathering enough resolve I am prepared to resume my climb.

That is where I am today.

I have this on going struggle with control. Finding a way to let go and allowing the creativity talk to me instead of the other way around is my challenge. I fight with determination to conquer the fabric, paint, yarn and all the other things scattered all over my (previously clean) work table. The frustration builds and I finally relinquish while asking myself: Why do I put myself through this agony? When will the break through come? Self doubt is culmination which leads to defeat. I walk away, feeling totally down, turn out the lights and go to bed.

The next day upon entering the studio, the lights go on and my eyes see the remnants of the calamity left untouched; however, this time I see things completely different! Wow! I didn’t see that contrast, composition, color transition yesterday. How did I miss it? And, off I go. Completely immersed and over the hump; back in business. The roller coaster car has gone up and over that first steep incline and now swooping down plunging into the depths of creativity. You will not being seeing me for a while, I am enjoying the ride!

Here are the results of my first productive studio session which lasted about three days. Some are still in progress.

size 4x5"

size 3 1/4 x 5"

This piece needed a focal point. I added a keystone shape made from another piece. That piece was made by layering several fabrics (some synthetic), stitching them together and then melting with a heat gun.

size 5x6"

size 4 x 5.5"

size 2.5 x 4"

size 4 x 5.5"

size 9 x 10"

This piece is done. I like it. The colors are much more intense in reality.

New Online class venue

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:00:36 +0000

I have decided to offer online classes here on this website starting January 2010. I will offer scheduled classes but also something new: independent study. The same classes will be available the only difference is all of the lessons can be downloaded all at once and utilized at your convenience. I have observed while conducting an online class that many people often do not utilize the forum. Personally, I think this is a shame as participation there will enhance the lessons tremendously. So, for those who prefer to work in private and not be bound to a set online schedule, this is for you!

Let me know what you think about this. I love feedback!

Welcome to my new website

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:22:43 +0000

I have created this new website. Now everything is in one spot! This is wonderful. There is tweaking to be done but that is probably an ongoing thing anyway.

Please take a look around. There are multiple pages.

The home page will escort you through the remaining pages. Other than this blog there extra pages that combine specific topics.

Please do not hesitate to give input, report something that isn’t clearly explained or something you would like to know more about.

I am excited to launch this new format and embrace all of the new things that will develop from it.

Stay tuned, more news coming soon regarding: On line classes to be offered here in the near future

Think "outside" the

admin — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 14:07:00 +0000

Take out Box class has concluded on Joggles.com. The class was joyful! New ideas came forth!

Jane R. had three cleaver ideas: Her lantern version is lined with shiny gold fabric. I love this idea!
Her traditional version is delightful.

Her third version is for a friend with cats. She plans to fill it with cat nip goodies.

This class is available in October on my yahoo site.
Four Lessons, $45

For details contact me: contact me

My yahoo site: Studio Quilts Goldilocks and Friends is open to all who are interested in learning and communicating about Textile Art. We share the passion for art in general but focus on fiber as our primary medium.

Textile Art with Pizzazz! opens July 16th!

admin — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:26:00 +0000

The opportunity to learn A LOT about creating textile art is available STARTING WEDNESDAY.
Go to: www.joggles.com to sign up
Information is available for all of the classes offered on Joggles.

This class is an in depth study. The text for the six lessons is virtually a book! In fact, I am considering publication. Many people who have taken the class have commented about the abundance of information.

Please contact me for more information.

This image shows the center section of Flora Rosa Key Lime.

(See a students’ comments in my previous post below.)