Saturday, November 30, 2013

ART QUILT DESIGN by SARAH ANN SMITH REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

I was honoured to be asked to review this DVD by my friend Sarah Ann Smith. She has been creating her textile art for many years and I have been amazed at how she has developed her own style over this time.

She wrote a really useful book Threadwork Unraveled a few years ago which is a compendium of everything you need to know about that most essential of quilting notions  - thread! Sarah's passion for threads and stitching shows through in this book and her DVD.

This DVD from Interweave is all about recreating textile work from your own photos using tiny cutout pieces of fabric, paint and threadwork. This is a technique I must admit I have always been in awe of. But it is never too late to learn and Sarah is very honest and generous in giving credit to other teachers who had helped her in this journey.

I think it is wonderful how we can take bits and pieces from others and then develop our own style and Sarah definitely has done this. I learnt many little tricks and tips in this workshop and am really inspired to give it a try. I always think if you learn one thing in a workshop you are ahead so I know I am well ahead now. I love her enthusiasm in even the little things like rotary cutters.

Sarah starts the DVD showing you everything you need to follow her techniques and I will admit it all looked a little daunting at first BUT as she started going through everything I realised that I had it all anyway! There was nothing I needed to rush out and buy - I maybe have to go and raid the kitchen though.

The filming is terrific and whether painting or stitching, there are great close up images to make sure you don't miss anything.

Sarah has made it all look so simple and fun so I will definitely be giving this a try very soon.

Blog Hop Giveaway

For an opportunity to win a digital download of  Art Quilt Design  From Photo to Threadwork, pop over to Sarah Ann Smith’s blog  for her giveaway and include and leave a comment on her blog about why you need this DVD and she will pick a random winner. Entries close on 6th December.

16 comments:

Sarah Ann Smith said...

Thank you so much, Lisa! I've just posted my blogpost linking to you, too. I agree--Interweave did a stellar job in filming and editing the close-ups and still shots in this workshop! And one of my future goals: visit you at home!

Lisa said...

finding you through Sarah's blog! I love your work!

Chriss said...

The DVD looks terrific, I just love information and something that stimulates my brain. Thanks.

Karen Miller/Nautilus-fiberarts.com said...

If the DVD is as enthusiastic and articulate as Sarah is it should be a winner for sure.

Susan said...

I would love to see this DVD, it looks wonderful!

Linda said...

Sarah, I have been reading your comments on the Yahoo Janome 6500/6600 group and appreciate the tips and knowledge you have provided to the group. As a process person I always want to try new things and I think thread painting would be a great way to enhance my recent facination with crayons on fabric. Thanks for sharing your experience!

LCharles in NC said...

I love doing photo quilts and Sara's work is inspiring. I can't wait to work through a project using the DVD.

Unknown said...

I would like to learn more about doing thread work. I will have to check out this DVD.

Val

suzielhammond@gmail.com said...

Learning about Sarah Smith's book and video sure make me want to learn about that!

wlstarn said...

I've been headed in this direction, and it would be great to get some tips from Sarah! I saw part of this presentation in person, but would love to learn more!

Elaine Millar said...

I would seriously love to get a copy of this DVD. It just has to be a winner, given it's author. I need help with thread and stitch work.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great DVD. Have been following Sarah's work on QA for many years. Congrats!

Anonymous said...

What an opportunity to have personal instruction from a leader in this field. Thank you,
Peggy Ellis
Peggy9623@suddenlink.net

Suzanne said...

Although I am a newbie in the quilt world, I am familiar with Sarah's work.I try it all and see what shakes out. Thanks for the offer.

Bethany Garner said...

Thanks for sharing - always great for an author to know that her peers really found the new book or DVD in this case helpful and easy to follow. Your work is proof that you have applied what Sarah has always supported - strong design focus, great color and dynamic stitching. It works! I keep following as you lead.
Bethany

California Fiber artist and composer said...

Thank you for saying that we have all the stuff....the picture of the supplies looked daunting