Karen Fricke Quilts
“My medium is fabric, my method is quilting, and the source of my inspiration is frequently the written word.“
About Me
It may be a poem, a quotation, a prayer. The thoughts and feelings ignited by those words form mental images, which I sketch first on paper, and refine until I am satisfied with the design. The sketch becomes my working pattern, and I employ a wide variety of methods for creating the image in fabric, from traditional piecing and appliqué to raw edge applications. I frequently embellish my quilts with reverse bobbin embroidery and hand beading. I finish all my quilts with hand-guided quilting, using abstract, thematic motifs inspired by the words and images that first caught my attention. I enjoy sharing my interest in art quilts as an instructor and lecturer, and as the author of numerous articles for quilting and sewing magazines.
Latest from the Blog
Next Generation!
I was so excited to receive an email this morning from a mom whose daughter, Julia, found my website (clever girl!) as she looked for resources to share with her library’s summer arts camp. She asked her mom to pass on to me a suggestion for another source that she had located, thinking it would…
Spring is Buzzing!
I’ve got a new article out in the spring edition of Quilting Arts Magazine. It’s called Apiary Appliqué, and in it I explain how to turn a photograph into fiber art. The photograph I used is of a bee, hence the “apiary.” I’ll be doing a presentation on this subject in March, 2025, for the…
Silks and the City
I’m working on a commission of three torah mantles for a synagogue. During the design process for such a commission, I share several swatches of fabric from my stash with the project committee, to try to get an idea of what colors appeal to them. This group fell in love with one of the fabrics, and…
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Karen Fricke Quilts 