Meet a Fabulous Fiber Artist: Rachel Clark

Rachel Clark is an amazing fiber artist who combines quilting techniques with garment sewing.

We're back with another amazing and inspiring fiber artist! If there ever was an artist who could inspire you to just “do you,” it’s Rachel Clark.

Rachel Clark’s one-of-a-kind wearable quilt pieces are some of the most colorful, intricate, and personal examples of fiber art I’ve ever seen. Rachel Clark is a quilter, but she’s also a fashion designer, storyteller, and a highly-quotable sage who has as much wisdom as she has creativity. I can’t wait to introduce you to her… in blog form.

Before jumping straight into Clark's story, make sure you check out our other fab fiber artists:  

Rachel Clark is an amazing fiber artist who combines quilting techniques with garment sewing. | Suzy Quilts https://suzyquilts.com/meet-a-fabulous-fiber-artist-rachel-clark

Photo Cred: scvqa.org

Raised by Strong Women

"I just think that everybody has a story. How you tell your story is important… it defines who you are, and also leaves a footprint… where you’re coming from, and hopefully where you’re going."
- Rachel Clark

The story of Rachel’s life, and the people who encouraged her to pursue sewing, is not an path without hardships. She grew up in the segregated south as the child, grandchild, and great-grandchild of seasoned sewists.

Clark was raised by strong, creative women who led by example, showing her that even though a department store may not allow you try on an outfit because of the color of your skin, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a good look at those clothes and then go home and sew them yourself. And that's exactly what the women in her life would do!

Rachel Clark is an amazing fiber artist who combines quilting techniques with garment sewing.

Photo cred: Patchwork Nation

Because of all of the seamstresses in her life, Rachel said she didn’t have to find who she was – she already knew. She was a fiber artist by birth.

Finding Her Voice

Rachel’s life as a quilter didn’t fully blossom until she got married to her husband, Gary, and moved from New Orleans, Louisiana to Watsonville, California in the early 1970s. After this long-distance move, she found herself without community for the first time. 

Clark discovered that even though she wasn’t very good at approaching people and striking up conversations, she was very good at designing clothing that could serve as an excellent conversation piece. (Which is a great quilt festival hack – always wear something handmade!)

Clark loved both dressmaking and quilting, and didn't feel the need to choose between the two. She explored the possibility of combining them to make unique clothes with quilting techniques. People were interested in her clothes, and in turn, interested in her. She used clothing to “invite people into [her] orbit.”

Rachel Clark is an amazing fiber artist who combines quilting techniques with garment sewing.

Photo cred: rdkc.com

Finding Beauty in Loss

After years of marriage and raising a son, Rachel's husband died unexpectedly, leaving her depressed and lost. Hearing her talk about this on her Patchwork Nation episode is heartbreaking. But then, in almost the same breath, she picks herself up and shares a conversation she had with herself and a decision she made to be a survivor.

"We have survived slavery. We have survived The Depression. We have survived the loss of husbands and children, and you are going to lie in your bed and whine about what has happened to you? Life goes on. You get up, and you move on."

Rachel Clark is an amazing fiber artist who combines quilting techniques with garment sewing.

Photo cred: Patchwork Nation

Now, let me just interject here that I have gotten very good at whining over the years. It could be listed pretty high up on my resume if I thought it would impress anyone. To hear Rachel Clark make such a matter-of-fact, bold statement...well,  I better cut out my complaining (for a while. I'm still so good at it!)

After that turning point, Clark decided to pursue some of her life goals with new vigor and passion. One of those goals was to teach sewing around the country. A planned 3-year stint turned into a 25-year tenure that still continues today, as Rachel Clark inspires others to express their thoughts, feelings, and even their struggles through fiber art. 

The Art of Rachel Clark

Clark's work is full of excitement, color and an eclectic use of materials and prints. She uses her interest in quilting, color, and high fashion to create unforgettable wearable quilts that explore themes from politics to farming. She uses anywhere from 5 to 175 different fabrics in any given piece, often waiting for years to finish a project until she finds just the right fabric. 

Rachel Clark is an amazing fiber artist who combines quilting techniques with garment sewing.

Photo Cred: scvqa.org

Clark likes to teach her students to create art that depicts “your truth.” All of Rachel’s pieces are highly personal works of art that have helped her find her voice, and share her values with those around her. After her husband died, some people told her that she should go back to school and “get a real job,” but she trusted herself, and decided to dive even deeper into her craft, and she coaches other artists to do the same.

Rachel Clark is an amazing fiber artist who combines quilting techniques with garment sewing.

Photo Cred: scvqa.org

What's Rachel Clark Doing Now?

Rachel Clark continues to teach sewing while creating her own whimsical wearable art pieces. She has toured nation-wide with her one-woman fashion shows, and has been featured in many magazines like Threads, and “The Quilting Quarterly” on HGTV’s Simply Quilts.

She now has her own pattern line, RDKC Patterns, which includes patterns for coats, vests, and wall quilts. She has also published a booklet on wearable art techniques.

Rachel Clark is an amazing fiber artist who combines quilting techniques with garment sewing.

Photo cred: rdkc.com

Have you taken a class or been inspired by Rachel Clark? Let us know in the comments!

43 thoughts on “Meet a Fabulous Fiber Artist: Rachel Clark

  1. Paula Collins says:

    I attribute Rachel Clark for starting me on an incredible journey of sewing wearable art. I sewed with the idea that you bought the pattern, fabric and notions to make each garment. Never had I purchased fabric just because I loved it, with no plan in mind. I took a class from Rachel and it changed my world. I will be soon presenting, for the first time, a fashion show of my own of wearable art garments to a group of local women. Thank you Rachel.

  2. Mary D says:

    I have been following the works of Rachel Clark for some time. I love her very colorful and eclectic pieces and hope someday to meet her in person. She is an inspiration and her works speak loudly to me.

  3. Sara Kelly says:

    I consider myself to be a very lucky chick for having met and learned from Rachel. I’ve even contributed some very small blocks to her “house coat” and to her collection of interesting bits for future creations. She is truly an inspiration.

  4. Debra says:

    I had never heard of Rachel Clark before, but boy did this post make an impression! I am off to find out more and perhaps try my hand at this type of quilting. Thank you for bringing this inspirational woman into my world!

  5. Jennifer says:

    Rachel needed some serious yardwork done. My husband is a landscape arborist. I met Rachel at church and adored her work and longed for one of her creations. I was willing to pay the going price! As it turned out my hubby traded work for my fabulous original Rachel Clark creation. It’s called ‘Jenny’s Blues’ and everytime I were it I feel special and blessed!

  6. Kathryn Dietrich says:

    We have been extremely lucky to have Rachel Clark teach at our Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. I only took her classes once but it inspired me to make about 20 beautiful bags as gifts. I’m determined to take another class and make a coat!

  7. Robinette says:

    She is an excellent teacher. She encourages to keep trying and not give up’ I love taking classes from Rachel Clark!! I very beautiful person!😘😍

  8. Wendy Freier says:

    I have loved Rachel’s work for years. She has a great use of color and different fabrics. She has several patterns that work well with all types of fabric.

  9. Marjorie Diggs Freeman says:

    Rachel, you have come a loooong way, girl. I am so happy for you and the recognition that you are receiving for your well deserved artistry and ability to teach and encourage countless people. I am proud to be in that number. Carry on. Keep shining. See you in December. CONGRATULATIONS!!

  10. Stephanie says:

    Thank you for bringing Rachel Clark to my notice. she is amazing. I LOVE her work and look forward to exploring and hearing more about her. I would love to make myself a coat of many colors and patterns. WOW ….

  11. JoAnn Janjigian says:

    I remember seeing her jackets/vests/coats years ago at QBL. In fact I wore one in a fashion show. But what I remember most about her (beyond her beautiful clothing) is her collection of bakelite bracelets, which I started collecting after that.

  12. Denine says:

    Rachel is an amazing person first, and also an amazing artist. She has inspired me for 20 years and I’ve taken several of her classes. If you follow her on Facebook you can also see the abundance of her creativity and projects as she is working on them. She challenges me to take my garments in different directions and inspires me like no one else.

  13. JAN STURTEVANT says:

    It’s so fun to see my friend Rachel on your site! I took my first class from her in the late ’80s–oh my that’s a long time ago. She is an inspiration!

  14. Patty Cramer says:

    There are no words to describe the talent of Rachel Clark. I’m so blessed to be in her circle of friends. Each moment is either an inspiration, moment of laughter, moment of just wow or maybe even cresting something!! If you haven’t gotten her to come and entertain your Guild or Group – do so!!! She will not disappoint you!!! One amazing talented artist!! 🙂

  15. Asake says:

    I took a class with Rachel Clark in Lancaster, PA 25 years ago. I found her to be a fun, patient and a highly skilled teacher. We laughed as much as we sewed. I fell in love with her work and have been following her every since.

  16. Norma Schlager says:

    Several years ago Rachael lectured and gave workshops for my guild. I hosted her at my home for three days. She was a hoot, so full of energy and fun. I had a dinner party for her on her last night and a good time was had my all. I did attend her workshop and I learned a lot from her.

  17. Willa Fuller says:

    I had Rachel come to.my guild and I was thrilled that she did not want to stay in a hotel because I kidnapped her to my home. What a blast. She christened my coffee pot because I dont drink coffee! What an adventure!

  18. Catherine says:

    I just watched Rachel Clark on Quilting Arts tv show. I was so impressed with her ingenious “whatnot wallet” that I had to look her up and the search took me to your article. What an amazing talented woman.

  19. Sherry says:

    I lived on the Monterey Peninsula for 21 years and had the opportunity to see Rachel Clark’s work in person – truly amazing work by an amazing lady! Thanks for sharing her story!

  20. Marty says:

    I met Rachel years ago in Fairbanks, AK when she taught classes for the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. She an amazing woman, and amazing artist, an amazing fiber artist, and an amazing teacher. She has deeps roots with a few quilting friends in Fairbanks where I lived for 40 years, tho I only started quilting in 1987.

    Fairbanks, Alaska, and Alaska, has and have some incredibly inspirational quilters. We always laughed that the long winter days/nights gave us the desire for vibrant colors for our quilts, and we share generously in classes. Our quilt guild, the Cabin Fever Quilters Guild has brought up for 30 years, almost all the international and national quilters. I feel blessed to have been inspired and taught by all of them.

    Thank you for sharing this story on Rachel, she’s an amazing soul.

  21. Gwen says:

    I first saw Rachel and her works on an episode of Quilting Arts TV where she showcased a few of her fabrics and quilts, then another episode on wearable arts. I was blown away by her talents. I have more than a few African inspired fabrics that I refuse to cut up, but I think I can showcase larger sections of fabrics using her designs. Thank you Rachel for your inspiration.

  22. Jimmie Dell Knighten says:

    I met Miss Clark at the IQF in 1999 She was so gracious with information and allowing us to model her many beautiful jackets. My favorite was the watermelon jacket Her beautiful personality is reflected in her work. Just fell in love with her. She is truly an inspiration.

  23. Catherine says:

    I am absolutely awed by the beauty and uniqueness of Rachel Clark’s wearable art! After discovering her on Pinterest, I was amazed that I could actually purchase patterns and attempt to make a Rachel Clark inspired coat for myself! Months later, unsure of how to begin, I reached out to ask for help. To my absolute delight, Rachel actually called me back! She has been not only amazing in her ability to teach me visual skills over the PHONE, but also despite her fame and recognition, to put me totally at ease despite my inexperience. I’m humbled and full of joy because of this very gifted woman.

  24. crystine cooper says:

    Her body of work is so beautiful. I learned to sew at 9 yrs. of age. I am now 70 and have arthritis an can no longer sew. I would love to have a coat made and have many remnants of material that can be used. I would like to know if Ms. Clarkes sews for others ?

  25. Rachel Clark says:

    I have just come across this. I am awed and humbled by the lovely words many of you have shared. I feel honored to have so many of you as friends. I will add I have learned much from my students. I appreciate so many quilters that I have met, and some have become long-time friends. I am blessed beyond measure.

  26. brendalynne1 says:

    After seeing an episode with Susan Brubaker Knapp once more I decided not to wait another minute to do a search for Rachel Clark. Thank you for this posting. I must say I was hoping Mrs. Clark had a blog I could follow. THANK YOU

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