As a judge for the Utah State Fair I have been privileged to be able to see a huge variety of different kinds of quilts, patterns, designs, hand and machine quilting, and techniques. One category which is always interesting to me is that of “Mixed Media”. This group can contain anything from embroidery, applied trims and beads, small trinkets added for interest, or unusual “fabrics” and materials.
(If you are interested in ever entering a quilt for competition, especially for the State Fair, I will give some information and tips at the bottom of this column.)
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I thought it might be fun to show a few examples of mixed media quilts.
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This is a simple type, with applied ribbons and bows, but would qualify for inclusion.
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This sweet little quilt is another type featuring embroidered panels found when an elderly relative passed away. Cutting them all to a uniform size allowed for a nice arrangement of random designs.
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Another embroidery enhanced quilt trend is the redwork or blackwork patterns.
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A third example of embroidery, this time a technique called Tenerife or Chicken Scratch. I put this one together for an older friend who had held on to these for years, trying to think of a way to use the blocks.
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This adorable baby quilt used pinwheel piecing, appliqué and embroidery.
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Crazy quilts are a traditional type of mixed media handiwork.
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They can be elaborate, with tons of different embroidery, applied ribbons or special features, like awards or prize streamers, or campaign buttons.
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Modern crazy quilts can use wonky shapes and machine embroidery to give interest and a nod to the past.
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Now I have a spectacular mixed media quilt that blew us all away when we judged it at the Fair. This quilt has it all: wool appliqué, incredible embroidery and embellishments. Enjoy!
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When entering the State Fair, in particular, each quilt is designated a specific division or group. The first designation is whether you are Beginner, Advanced, Professional, Youth, Senior or Super Senior (over age 75). Then a category is determined. There is Hand Quilted, Machine Quilted, Hand Pieced, Machine Pieced. Then which group, for instance, Pieced, Holiday, Mixed Media, etc.
The State Fair is not like County Fairs, who give ribbons and prizes to ANY quilt that is deemed worth of a blue, red, or white ribbon. This is called the Danish method of judging. Each item is judged by established criteria and not against the group. At the State Fair the American or Peer system is used and only ONE first, second or third is awarded. In large groups there can also be a fourth or honorable mention given as well. Then the top winners are judged against each other to get Sweepstakes winners and after that ALL of the Home Arts Sweepstakes winners are judged against each other to get Best in Show. The quilt above won Best in Show at the Utah State Fair in 2018. All this is to say that the best chance for any quilt is to put it into as specific a category as possible. There can be 25 quilts in the “Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted by Other” Category, but only one of those can be the 1st place, even if there are 5 or 6 that deserve the prize, which is often the case. It is heartbreaking for the judges, let alone the quilters, when that happens. The different categories are available on the State Fair website, so check out the rules beforehand and get creative with those designations!
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For a special treat for sticking with me to the end, I have another quilt that, while not exactly Mixed Media, delighted several of us in a variety of ways. It was absolutely my favorite, but the other, more “experienced” (OLDER) judges were horrified because they didn’t have the cultural reference to appreciate this piece of art. The work and the original design made it a winner for me.
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Today’s Tip - Creating Mixed Media Quilts
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Creating mixed media quilts allows for a fusion of various artistic techniques and materials, resulting in unique and expressive textile artworks. Here are four tips to consider when making mixed media quilts:
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Experiment with Different Materials: Mixed media quilting opens up a world of possibilities beyond traditional quilting cottons. Explore a diverse range of materials such as fabric scraps, specialty papers, lace, yarn, beads, found objects, and even metal or wood elements. Incorporating a variety of textures and surfaces adds visual interest and dimension to your quilt.
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Layering and Collage Techniques: Embrace layering and collage techniques to build depth and complexity in your mixed media quilt. Experiment with overlapping fabrics and materials, creating interesting juxtapositions and contrasts. Use adhesive techniques such as fusible web, fabric glue, or stitching to secure layers in place. Don't be afraid to tear, cut, or manipulate materials to achieve your desired composition.
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Combine Surface Design Techniques: Incorporate surface design techniques such as painting, printing, stamping, stenciling, or dyeing to add color and pattern to your mixed media quilt. Experiment with different mediums such as fabric paints, acrylics, watercolors, or ink sprays to create unique effects on fabric or other substrates. These techniques can be applied directly to fabric or used to enhance other mixed media elements in your quilt.
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Embrace Experimentation and Play: Mixed media quilting is a creative journey that encourages experimentation and play. Allow yourself the freedom to explore new materials, techniques, and ideas without worrying about perfection. Embrace serendipity and happy accidents as opportunities for artistic discovery. Remember that there are no rules in mixed media quilting—let your imagination soar and create with joy and curiosity.
By embracing experimentation, layering techniques, combining surface design methods, and finding a balance between structure and flexibility, you'll be able to create captivating mixed media quilts that showcase your artistic vision and creativity. Enjoy the process of exploring and pushing the boundaries of traditional quilting to create something truly unique and expressive.
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