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Who is Carla Lopez, 

and why does this web site exist? 

My official discipline is in fine art as expressed though the mediums of  painting and printmaking.  I attended the

  San Francisco Art Institute.  Additionally, I was trained in dance at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance and the Joffery School of Ballet. 

 Being the granddaughter of a European trained Master Tailor, on my mother's side (that's him to the left, and a custom clothier on my father's side; (that's her on the right) and having a  father who was, for a time, a sewing machine mechanic,  interest in sewing  machines and the art of sewing is deeply imbedded in my being.  I always have looked in wonder at the creations made possible with a sewing machine and thread. 

 In that spirit, I've created this site. 

Although I've sewn virtually all my life, making things like costumes and stage sets, it wasn't until I saw a copy of Robbie Fanning's The Complete Book of Machine Embroidery  my eyes opened to the fact that sewing could be used to make ART,  as well as functional & decorative things.  Since that time I've become committed to explore, develop and encourage sewing as a serious art form.

Hopefully, I'll be able to shed some light on the world of sewing through the history and exploration of the tools, and study of the works of other artists. 

Some of my contributions can be seen in various issues of Threads, The Creative Machine Newsletter,  The Needlecrafter's Computer Companion by Judy Heim, Software Directory for Fiber Artists by Lois Larson,  The Complete Book of Machine Quilting.   I also teach classes as a visiting artist at the San Francisco Art Institute, and have special classes in my studio Wildflower Sewing Studio in Alameda, CA.

I use very low tech hand sewing,  my feet on a treadle, arm & hand on hand cranks, and the latest computer interface machines.  I stuff, pleat, compress, punch holes,  draw threads and cover fabric with threads.  I also drape and dress brides and driftwood with luxurious fabric.

Me

All parts of this website are copyright 1995, 2002  by Carla Lopez 

 No part may be reproduced in any form without written permission.