The Story of Quilted Lace

Inspired by an avid recycler friend (Marilyn Sobanski of Rainbow Recycling in Black Mountain, NC) I challenged myself to use every last scrap of fabric at the end of a project. As the pieces got smaller and smaller, the work got more and more fun and interesting, resulting in an improvisational open-work process I call Quilted Lace.

(For other examples of getting the most creativity out of your materials, click on the .pdf article Quilting Til There Ain't Nothin' Left.  Article will open in a new tab.)

The Marilyn Effect--Tiny leftover scraps of fabric were layered, quilted, cut out, edged, stitched together and floated over & outside of background. (27"x24")

The Marilyn Effect II--Many of the fabrics I use come from thrift shops. If you've ever donated colorful cotton clothing to charity, take a good look. You might see an old friend! (30"x28")

The Marilyn Effect II  (Detail)

Quilted Lace--Leftover scraps from The Marilyn Effect circles were combined into open-work quilted lace. (20"x16)

Quilted Lace II--Floated above background, framed. (13"x27")

Autumn Lace--Floated above background, framed. (30"x24")

Quilted Lace III--Suspended in custom wooden frame. (50"x20"x1")

Mobius--Three-dimensional quilted lace fabric sculpture, mounted and framed. (16"x13"x2")

Mobius II--Fabric sculpture, can be mounted and/or framed. (24"x26"x4")

Reversible Clergy Stole--Autumn and Spring sides. (50" from back of neck to bottom edge)

Bamboo Banner (16"x11"x4")

Quilted Lace Circle Vase (10"x5")

Quilted Lace Candle Holders

Butterfly Planter Pal

Quilted Lace Ornaments--or as some have described them, alien alphabet letters.
(approx. 4"x4")

 
Copyright © 2022, Melissa Lewis