The Fabric of Imagination

by Noella Noelophile®

(Photograph courtesy of Rodi Ludlum, and used with permission.)

Colorful, vibrant and engaging–pottery, right?

Well–yes and no.  Fiber artist Rodi Ludlum creates these bowls and vases out of fabric.“I learned about fabric ‘sculpture’ in 2008 from a fellow art quilter who gave me (the now out-of-print book) ‘Fast Fun and Easy Fabric Bowls’ by Linda Johansen,” Rodi emails.  “I loved making them!”

For Rodi, who opened her Etsy store, Rodi’s Rolling Blackout, in 2010, that book was just the beginning.

After reading a second book,  “Fast Fun and Easy Fabric Vases” by the same author, she was off and stitching…

(Photograph courtesy of Rodi Ludlum, and used with permission.)

…with gorgeous results.

“I taught myself from these great guides and over the years have developed my own techniques and patterns,” Rodi continues.

(Photograph courtesy of Rodi Ludlum, and used with permission.)

Her creative style involves incorporating a wide range of materials.

“Most of my fabric comes from quilt shops, but I also repurpose clothing, table linens, upholstery swatches and every kind of scrap donated by quilting friends,” Rodi explains.  “The fun is in combining fabrics in interesting ways.”

(Photograph courtesy of Rodi Ludlum, and used with permission.)

Meeting Rodi at last summer’s Ojai Lavender Festival, we couldn’t help thinking what great Christmas gifts these would make.  But–there’s one additional gift possibility, as well, for the “maker” on your gift list.  (Even, or especially, if that “crafty” person happens to be you!)

Rodi also teaches lessons in her “fabric pottery” technique!   She’s teaching both beginning and advanced fabric bowl techniques this weekend at The Quilters Studio, 1090 Lawrence Drive, south of Lavery Court in Thousand Oaks.  Tomorrow, Saturday, October 17th, is her beginners’ class, with advanced techniques on Sunday, the 18th.  Here’s the link for more information.