Rebeka Lambert discovered modern improv quilting and a new world opened for her. She uses repurposed fabrics in her art and enjoys adding texture with hand stitching.
How did you get started quilting? Why did you choose that medium?
Though I never observed quilting, I grew up with a Mom and Grandmother who sewed for the home including clothes for me and they both crocheted. Sewing supplies were always around, so I’ve been playing with textiles most of my life.
It wasn’t until I became a mother that I started sewing regularly, both out of necessity and as artistic expression. Somewhere during those early years of motherhood I learned to quilt. When I discovered modern improv quilting a whole new world opened up to me. In 2015 I decided to focus on making art quilts and I haven’t stopped!
What inspires you to create?
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.
Honestly, it’s something I can’t do without. Whether it‘s a quilt, a flower arrangement or a meal for my family I can’t help myself. I love creating things that add beauty to my life.
Do you do series work? How does that affect your approach?
Yes, I do work in series, usually by accident. When I get hooked on an idea, I tend to keep going until I’ve exhausted it. I trust my instinct on when to move on to something new.
What do you do differently? What is your signature that makes your work stand out as yours?
In my mind my work is all over the place, but when I step back I can see a common thread. Familiar shapes and colors emerge without my trying. I also mainly sew by hand. My Ladies art quilts use machine stitching for detail on their bodies while the background is hand quilted.
Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
Everywhere! My phone camera roll is filled with photos of random things – colors, textures, compositions, color combinations. I’m always on the lookout for that next spark of inspiration.
When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?
I’m a little bit of both depending on the project. If I’m making something representational, then I plan, but I also like to improvise. I love the surprise at the end of a project when I don’t plan. It’s all fun to me.
How do you manage your creative time? Do you schedule start and stop times? Or work only when inspired?
I always have multiple projects going at once and make time to sew every day. I mainly sew by hand so most of my projects are portable. I sew everywhere! I have logged many, many hours sewing on the sidelines of soccer games, dance practices and in waiting rooms. On a regular day I wind down in the evening with some stitching on the sofa while watching (mostly listening) a TV show.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
Before I had my 4th child (almost 13 years ago!!!) I had a dedicated room in my home, but now I sew and create where I can, mostly at my kitchen table. I have fabric stored all over my house in various pieces of storage furniture, under my bed, and in storage totes in my attic.
Do you use a sketchbook or journal? How does that help your work develop?
No, I usually start a new project when inspiration strikes. I’ve tried keeping a notebook of ideas in the past, but that tool never stuck.
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
I start new projects frequently and often have many going at once. My art quilts come about pretty quickly while my larger functional quilts take much longer. I’ve often let years go by on projects, especially the larger ones. There are probably at least 5 quilts waiting to be quilted at the moment.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
My current series started by revisiting some of my older pieces from 2020. I wanted to make something kind of small with lots of texture (those 2020 pieces were full of texture). I used an old pillowcase as a starting point, which became the foundation for my composition. I pulled fabrics based on the color scheme of a cute house I passed one day while running an errand, though after completing the piece I realized that the colors I chose were nothing like the inspiration house (haha!).
I collaged the fabrics until I achieved a pleasing composition, sewed it all down, made my “quilt sandwich” incorporating a vintage sheet for the back, then heavily quilted the piece creating the dense texture I was aiming for. I had so much fun making that piece that I made another with a foundation of the same size. I am now 7 pieces in of these collaged art quilts using repurposed fabrics and lots of heavy quilting. I’m not sure how far I’ll keep going with this formula, but it’s working for now. I plan to stretch these over stretcher bars to be hung on the wall.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
I absolutely love when I’m in the flow of a new project, which is usually in the beginning of a composition. They all go through an ugly phase where I question what I’m doing, but I know from experience to keep going.
How has your work changed over time?
The biggest change has been in materials. I’ve always incorporated some repurposed materials, though now that’s pretty much the only thing I use.
Do you enter juried shows? Do you approach your work differently for these venues?
I’ve just started entering juried shows, so I’m still figuring this part out.
Do you critique your own work? What is your process?
I create for myself, so as long as I’m enjoying the process that’s good enough for me. Honestly, the end result isn’t all that important.
Where can people see your work?
I’m most active on Instagram @Rebeka.Lambert and I have a website that is a gallery of my work at RebekaLambert.com
Interview posted May 2024
Browse through more inspiring art quilts on Create Whimsy.