Story of *the quilt*

 

 

If you have been following me you must know by now that I enjoy doing art quilts. Let me tell you the story and technique of my latest *utility* quilt. It took me double the normal effort to fabricate it. Add on the piecing and it took even longer!

I made this quilt for a very special person. The only thing that she wanted on the quilt was the presence of bright  colors. And since I love lettering of course I had to include a personal message.

I wanted to do a no pattern quilt.

 

I got his book more than 10 years ago and I've used it only once ever since. The author makes the lettering based on strips, narrow and wide. No letter is the same. Hmmm, I like that approach.

I started by dyeing pieces of fabric, all the color of the rainbow and a grey fabric for the background.

 

I did not like the very first word I made. I don't know why. Could it have been the blue letters? I took the word and hanged it on my design wall. Then I realized it was the grey fabric. Yes, it's a neutral color but this grey felt unappealing...

So....

 

I went to my garage/wet studio and ice dyed fabric. Then I cut some of this fabric in strips and silkscreened designs with opaque paint. Afterwards I started piecing the colorful letters and my enjoyment grew in the process...

Half way through I ran out of fabric but since I dyed my own, I knew exactly which colors to use. To tell you the truth I didn't even know how big it was going to be.

I combined the lettering with hearts and kisses.

And here are some details combining the silk screened designs:

In some areas I sew simple lines with 12w cotton thread.

The backing fabric it's also an iced dyed fabric combined with leftovers fabrics. I like the back as much as the front so I called it a two sided quilt!

 

I am standing beside the finished quilt. The special person absolutely  loved it. The surprise on her face was priceless and I will keep that happy memory in my heart!

I am linked to : ninamariesayre.blogspot.com Go and visit the work of other artists and get inspired!

*Embrace who you are* Part Two ..the finished quilt

 

If you have been reading my blog you must have noticed when I was working with the theme quilt shown below for a very special person. If not you can read more about it HERE.

This was a very emotional project for me. Although I finished it a few months back I couldn't write about it until now.

While I was working on the quilt top, she reminded me that *pink* was not her favorite color anymore. And since I wanted her to use the quilt and not keep it in a closet I had to start all over again with a different color palette. Time was an issue, so I decided to choose from the fabrics I had at hand.

Every time I finish a project, I cut the leftover pieces into 4 and 5 inch squares and put them in a box. It is from there that I chose the fabric I knew she would like.

Pieces were cut, then mixed and matched and sewn together. Keep in mind that  *I am not a piecer*...so this was a personal challenge for me.

Meanwhile, I dyed and silkscreened the main fabric for the message and the background. I used the book Quilt Talk" by Sam Hunter for the lettering. It was my first experience doing paper piecing and liked it.

 

I played around with the colors and shapes

 

Finally I decided on the arrangement and finished the top.

Last, I gave it to her. She has sent me a picture of the quilt over her bed.



I am pleased that she is using the quilt I made with all my heart. Every time she lays down to rest "on" the message *embrace who you are*, I wish I could tell her the same while holding her in my arms.

Thank you for stopping by!