Alison’s process always begins with her imagery. In most cases, she uses her own imagery, and sometimes she will use a client’s photo or will create a digital image by combining several. Once she has it in that form, she prints it onto a specific canvas material. She then cuts it apart. She picks and chooses the elements she wants to keep to use in her final piece and the rest she discards.

Alison’s subject matter is created by layering small pieces of various fabrics. She uses a lot of sheer fabrics to get subtle changes in tone, similar to the way a painter would mix pigments. She then uses her sewing machine to stitch the elements together, using the thread to mimic the textures and details that are found in the original subject. She uses a free-motion stitching technique that allows her full creativity over how she wants the thread to move.

The final result draws from both mediums – the imagery brings the photo realism where it is needed, and the textiles bring life and dimension.