This TBT takes readers back to the original post I wrote in December 2015. I know, I’ve thrownback to this post plenty of times, but that’s because the idea of “working in drafts” comes back again and again as I’ve worked with students throughout the years. It’s so relevant that I’m writing a new second post on drafts for this week’s regular post on Saturday. After seven and a half years I’ve developed new ways of describing how I work in drafts, which I will share.
In the meantime, if you haven’t reviewed the original post below for awhile (or even read it at all), now would be a good time to do that. Followup is in just two days.
The great advantage to fabric collage is its flexibility: the ability to make adjustments right up until the moment you decide the collage is complete. This flexibility makes it possible to work the way I work and the way I suggest my students work: in drafts.
I typically work in three drafts—like three stages of editing. The first draft is the get something down stage (see detail photo of my bird Kiiora, above). The second draft is the “fix it up” stage. Finally there’s the third draft, the “fine tooth comb” stage, where every little detail is examined before finishing the quilt (finished detail of Kiiora below).
I began to work this way naturally as I developed my method of fabric collage. But the writer Anne Lamott really gave me a framework to understand it and a way to describe it to other people. Although her book “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” (scroll down to “Inspiration”) is written for writers and is focused on the art of writing, Lamott’s way of working is perfectly adaptable to other art forms, such as fabric collage.
“Bird by Bird”: How I Use a Book on Writing to Teach Fabric Collage
May 2023 Live Online Class
You are invited to join me via Zoom for a 5-Day Live Online Fabric Collage Class. This class is for all levels of fabric collage proficiency, from beginner to advanced.
Subject matter is animal subjects—furred, feathered, or scaled—pets, exotic animals, birds, insects, sea life, sea slugs, whatever type of animal appeals to you.
• Five-Day Live Online Fabric Collage Class—Animals Only
May 29-June 2, 2023
Class size: 12 max—all levels
2 Spots Remaining (as of May 9)
Price: $995 per student
Register and pay here:
https://susancarlson.com/product/may-2023-live-online-fabric-collage-class-with-susan-carlson-animals-only/
I have included an update of the number of spots available and will do my best to keep it updated as it changes. If you find on the registration page that the class has sold out and would like to be placed on a waitlist, please email Tom ([email protected]). Thank you.
Included: Forty-five minute private pre-class coaching session to prepare you for Day One of class.
Required Class Fee: $169 for the Fabric Collage Master Class—an online resource “manual” to refer to before, during, and after class—yours for life ($199 regular price; contact tom@tomallenbooks for coupon code for discount. This fee is waived if you already own the Master Class)
Hardware and Software Requirements: Computer, tablet, or other larger-screen device; reliable internet; ability to photograph and send images of collage in progress (a cellphone is recommended); Zoom meeting software (free to download)
See link below for more information.
https://susancarlson.com/2022/10/29/upcoming-fabric-collage-learning-opportunities-with-susan-carlson/
Fabric Collage Master Class
For instructions on the entire fabric collage process, you can purchase the Susan Carlson Fabric Collage Online Master Class Manual. Using video, photos, and text I take you from soup to nuts, beginning to end in creating your own fabric collage masterpiece.
Susan Carlson Fabric Collage: Spiral eWorkshop
Wondering if fabric collage is for you? This eWorkshop is intended for beginners in fabric collage. The spiral project is simple, low stress, but still teaches the basic techniques of fabric collage. It also serves as a handy refresher course for those with more experience.
Susan Carlson Fabric Collage: Sea Turtle eWorkshop
Learn fabric collage with Susan Carlson. Each step is clearly written, illustrated with photos, and demonstrated with video. Learn with a Sea Turtle then launch into any fabric collage project you wish.
Serendipity Quilts for Sale
$29.95 plus shipping. Full color throughout. Four complete projects, start to finish, of increasing complexity. Learn fabric collage with this book.