Difference: David Taylor and Susan Carolson's Technique??

[Lynn K.]

If you've seen both work, what would be the major differences? It seems pretty similar. Is it just the difference in the artist's eye? Or is the methodology different?

[Margo C.]

One major difference is in technique. Every tiny piece of fabric in David's quilts have turned edges stitched together with hand appliqué.

Susan Carlson's collages are scraps of raw-edge fabric glued to a base and covered with tulle to hold them together.

[Lynn K.]

Aha! Yes, I know David does turned edge, but didn't know Susan's was raw edged. Thanks.

[Frank F.]

I took part in class where David Taylor taught his method. He definitely hand appliques every piece, then uses quilting to add definition. He gets kind of "testy" when people assume his appliques are constructed using fused raw edge techniques. His class was good, by the way.

[Frank F.]

I have great closeups of several of David's quilts, which would show the difference, but can not post without permission. When you look at edges of his pieces they are turned under applique. He does not need to fuse, nor use blanket stitch or zigzag to tie pieces down. The turned under applique provides a more natural look to edges of his subjects, while his quilting is then used to "define" the flow of the body features of the subject (the curves of petals, hills and valleys of a body, fur, feathers,etc.) I hope this makes sense.

[Eileen K.]

I went to a lecture David gave a couple of years ago at FIT in New York City. He had his helpers carry his quilts throughout the audience so I got to see them "up close and personal". I absolutely fell in love with his technique! I'd love to take a class with him sometime <sigh>