This weeklong celebration of fiber art started in 2020 as a way to celebrate all things fiber art and textiles, to stay connected during a time of isolation, and to stay inspired during our cold and dark Minnesota winters. FAFA has evolved with our changing times, and we now offer in-person and virtual ways to engage with us during the week!
Last year, 800 fiber art flowers were donated to our Flora Borealis community project and winter garden. This year, we want to see YOU in fiber — whether that’s a portrait of yourself or something that represents you.
We invite people of all ages and skill levels to create a self-portrait using your favorite fiber art form or technique, which we’ll piece together into a patchwork quilt installation.
Your portrait can be literal or figurative! How would you describe yourself? What fibers, techniques, and colors best communicate your personality? What brings you joy? What’s important to you? What would you like others to know about you?
Decorate the provided 8.5” cotton fabric square within the 8” inner square outline. If you use your own 8.5” fabric square, be sure to leave a ¼-inch border on each side to create a seam allowance. This will ensure your pieces will fit well when we stitch the squares into quilts.
The “shared pieces” patchwork quilts will be installed and displayed at the Textile Center during our Fiber Art for All festival in February 2025.
Let’s keep the environment in mind! Some of the quilts will be displayed outdoors, adding color and community spirit to Textile Center’s corner of the Prospect Park neighborhood during the wintertime. Because the quilts will be exposed to the elements, please do your best to make sure your portrait doesn’t have loose pieces that may fly away with the wind, and to use natural fibers.
Drop off your completed portrait patch at Textile Center anytime now until February 1, 2025 (the sooner, the better!). Leave your portrait with a team member at the Shop and fill out our quick intake slip.
Interested in helping with the quilt assembly? Sign up for our email list to join stitching sessions throughout the fall and winter.
Need materials? Visit our Textile Center Garage Sale from September 13 – 15 to find highly discounted textile supplies, including yarn, fabric, roving, thread, and more!
