I distill a textile artwork down to its bare minimum – the thread, the lone fiber – by constructing three dimensional sculptures composed only of thread, created on my domestic sewing machine. There are intriguing possibilities for composition, just as in my art quilt body of work, which is primarily about the landscape. The surface also lends itself to varieties of texture, and details such as large voids or embellishments.

Complicated pieces require some initial experimentation with cardstock paper. When I'm satisfied with the design, I draw the pieces onto wash-away stabilizer with a Sharpie marker. My sewing machine is set for free-motion stitching: feed dogs down, embroidery foot. The stitch "length" is set by how quickly I move my hands and press on the foot pedal. The area should not be completely filled in with stitching; some stabilizer will still be seen between threads. Wash out stabilizer with lukewarm water and let the pieces air dry. Then butt the edges of each component together and free-motion stitch to join. The joins may have to be hand stitched if the piece cannot fit under the sewing machine. Additional shaping and embellishments may be done at this stage.