As we prepared the August/September issue of Quilting Arts Magazine, we asked readers to share their ideas for reusing and recycling.

 

Like a lot of fiber artists Dot Carter from the U.K., recycles sweaters by felting them. In this picture, she shows how she uses every part of the sweater (or other recycled piece of clothing) she can, to great effect!

 
"I make bags from wool jumpers [sweaters] that I first wash on 'hot' to shrink/felt. Then I use all the bits to make them into bags. I also use shirts, dresses, indeed any item that I like the fabric of. I make use of the collars, cuffs, pockets, buttons, etc."

Look for more great fiber art recycling ideas in our "Go Green!" issue of Quilting Arts Magazine, due on newsstands August 1. In it you'll find articles on dyeing with rust and indigo, repurposing and reusing fibers and found objects, and features on art and artists with environmental themes.

 

Want more Quilting Arts now? Check out our Online Extra articles from the current issue here.

If you like to cut fibers up and put them back together in a new way, take a look at Canvas Remix, Techniques for Creating Mixed-Media Accessories by Alisa Burke.

 

In this great how-to book, Alisa first shows how to paint, stamp, stencil, and transfer images onto canvas to create interesting visual and tactile textures. Then she shows how to stitch the canvas into a wide variety of projects, including earrings, totes, dolls, cards, books, wall hangings, placemats, ornaments, and more. She even shows how to make artful objects out of the leftover scraps.

Readers will not only enjoy the processes and projects Canvas Remix offers, but will be inspired to use these techniques on paper and other kinds of fibers and fabric as well.

Do you like to stitch, make prints, and mix up your art with handmade charms? Then you'll want to check out our newest Quilting Arts Workshop DVDs.

 

Rayna Gillman brings out your inner child with gelatin printing techniques in Printing From Your Pantry - Gelatin Monoprinting.

Ruth Rae shows you how to create Soulful Doors, a mixed-media piece that combines techniques for fabric and paper altering, dyeing, stamping, burning, and hand embellishing as well as resin charms, papers, and basic wirework.

 

And, Jamie Fingal shows you easy and satisfying techniques for making a small Whimsical House Quilt with a wool felt base and no binding!

 

These QA Workshops on DVD allow you to take each class at your own pace, stopping, starting, and freeze-framing at will. It's like having your own private instructor.

Shop all our Quilting Arts Workshop DVDs now.