Meet Monica Spicker, a dedicated Bluprint student who’s absolutely stunning art quilts caught our eye within the Projects section on Bluprint. After spotting them, we just had to get in touch with her to learn more about her inspiration, and what she hopes to work on next. As it turns out, Monica is an avid outdoors person and loves to hike, ski, and climb. Not only has she has been quilting for about 3 years, but she seemingly effortlessly incorporates her love of nature in her quilts. Beyond that, she’s a real jack-of-all-trades and is skilled in sewing, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. Explore her beautiful projects below and find out what she’s working on next!
When did you first begin quilting?
I have always sewn, knitted, embroidered, etc., but quit doing most of them due to demands of motherhood and job. About 3 1/2 years ago I decided I really wanted to learn how to quilt. I bought a new machine and went online for instructions, bought books, and so on. The rest is history! I love the the craft, and now after retiring about a year ago, I have gotten back into knitting as well.
When did you first begin taking classes on Bluprint?
I started with Angela Walters‘ Machine Quilting Negative Space class in October 2012.
We love your Snowy Meadow quilt, can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for it?
My friend Kyle Funke took a great photo of a snowy meadow. I asked if I could use it as an inspiration for a quilt in Gloria Loughman’s Linear Landscape Quilts course. He has some others I would like to interpret into quilts as well.
Which classes helped you bring it to life?
Gloria’s course, plus Annette Kennedy’s course on Painted Pictoral Quilts taught me the techniques needed to create this quilt. Most of the details and shadows are paint. The fine branches, bushes and pine needles are thread sketched.
Where is your quilt displayed now?
It’s being prepared to go into a quilt show next week. Eventually Kyle will get it though as it was intended as a gift for him.
What sorts of fabrics and colors do you like to use in your art quilts?
Anything really batik, commercials, hand dyes. I also paint some of my fabric.
Any advice for anyone beginning an art quilt?
Don’t be afraid. Try lots of techniques. The Bluprint quilting classes have been a great resource. Also study the art quilts already out there. There are lots of great books, too.
What are you working on now?
I am finishing a bunch of UFO’s, but I am also starting to collect some photos of wildflowers. I am considering doing a series of botanical themes as small art quilts.
What’s your favorite piece to date?
I don’t have a favorite per se, but here are a few that I think came out really well:
Be sure to check out more of Monica’s projects on Bluprint and on her blog.
And let us know, what art quilts are you working on?
stunning