Firefles and Glowing Beatles

I just finished preparing these nine blocks for applique. I had designed these nine bugs for another quilt, but now I had visions of using them again in a new quilt.  Here they actually represent flowers in a traditional looking wreath applique block.  



Here's the first block, before adding flowers and leaves.

 If I add a red flower applique where the blocks meet, a new design emerges.  I don't know yet;  that empty space may look best with a neat quilting design.  

Now, on to the borders. 

Artist unidentified

I am reading, studying and marveling over this book:  "Quilts:  Masterworks form the American Folk Art Museum". 

A quote from the book's intro:

'Each quilt tells a story about its maker and her community;  seen together, these textiles paint a broad picture of the development of a national character and uncover the hidden history of women's contribution to art.' 

What really struck me looking through these quilts was that many of them are labeled "Artist unidentified." The year can always be estimated based on the design, pattern and fabrics, but isn't it amazing and sad that the quilt maker is not always known.? Some of them date back to the 1700's. 


Just imagine creating a work of art that lives on 300 years later. So,don't forget those labels and documentation I talked about last week!  

And don't forget to support your local library.  I was able to borrow this wonderful book through our wonderful Mercer library.

Applique Arts Group

Another great applique group meeting tonight at Your Arts Program.  The photos speak for themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toots Kellett displays all 13 finished Flower Power blocks;  each one is unique, bright and colorful.

Wendy Osberg designed, appliqued and machine quilted this Loon bag.

 Jane Nicholson dropped by to say Hi and check up on us.

 Liz Sykes is hand appliqueing her original design:  Hot air balloons viewed "from above."

Photo Finish

The sun came out, the wind died down and I  finally caught a photo of the totally finished "Woods and Wildflowers."  I would say though that it needs to be seen close up to catch all the details.  Ahhh, now on to something else.

Finished Circle of Life block close up

 

Label me

Do you label all your quilts when finished?  I didn't always do this, but I do now.  I just finished binding 'Woods and Wildflowers', I attached the hanging sleeve and have sewn on the label pictured.  Even if you never enter a show, you should label your quilts - your name, address, phone number, the quilt title and year completed.  This label is a bit large, but I wanted to be able to SEE it and read it.  I've added the titles of each of the blocks along with all the other required info.  I used EQ's inkjet fabric sheets to make this label. 


Do you photograph all your quilts when finished?  I have always done this and have kept scrapbooks of the photos with the quilt description and special ntoes about each one.

More recent quilts each have their own file since I keep records of shows, awards and patterns I've drafted.