Kathy Knapp

“My design process starts with traditional quilting methods and attempts to elevate them to a higher art form. I find inspiration in historical periods of fashion and art ranging from ancient Egyptian, Byzantine, Victorian eras up to vintage 1950’s.
My approach is inherently intuitive, I attempt to capture random thoughts and incorporate them into a cohesive design concept. Once a project has begun, I tend to let the fabric speak to me, guiding me in my execution such that the surface motif forms itself. In addition to a strong sense of color and the incorporation of blending in my work, I enjoy unusual embellishment items and surface design methods.
Use of deconstructed pieces from discarded costume jewelry to create focal points within my designs are a favorite technique of mine. In this way I can transform something unwanted into beauty.”

Kathy Knapp, Gothic Beauty, 2018. Cotton textiles, silk batting, metallic threads, bracelet pieces, bee charm, brass closures, buttons, non-traditional metallic beads, Swarovski crystals, galloon ribbon, and French trim. Excellence in Fibers IV
Kathy Knapp, Gothic Beauty (detail), 2018. Cotton textiles, silk batting, metallic threads, bracelet pieces, bee charm, brass closures, buttons, non-traditional metallic beads, Swarovski crystals, galloon ribbon, and French trim.
Kathy Knapp, Gothic Beauty, 2018. Cotton textiles, silk batting, metallic threads, bracelet pieces, bee charm, brass closures, buttons, non-traditional metallic beads, Swarovski crystals, galloon ribbon, and French trim. Excellence in Fibers IV
Kathy Knapp, Gothic Beauty (detail), 2018. Cotton textiles, silk batting, metallic threads, bracelet pieces, bee charm, brass closures, buttons, non-traditional metallic beads, Swarovski crystals, galloon ribbon, and French trim. Free-motion quilting of interlocked textile squares, traditionally pieced patchwork, fusible applique, hand-beading, and fabric manipulation.
Kathy Knapp, Gothic Beauty, 2018. Excellence in Fibers
Kathy Knapp, Gothic Beauty, 2018. Cotton, silk batting, metallic threads, bracelet pieces, bee charm, brass closures, buttons, non-traditional metallic beads, Swarovski crystals, galloon ribbon, and French trim. Free-motion quilting, pieced patchwork, fusible applique, hand-beading, and fabric manipulation.