tree wrapup

Can you imagine twelve different ways of depicting a tree in fabric?  For the last 12 days, that's been our challenge.  We set out to locate 12 quilts that would stimulate new ideas about quilting, and about  realistic vs. abstract representations of objects. Here is our "tree wrapup"...

Here are the links to the original posts:
Top row, L-R: An Evergreen Bias, by Debbie Grifka; O Tannenbaum, by Ricky Tims; A Christmas Tree, by Anna Grossnickle Hines
2nd row, L-R: Ginkgo Christmas Tree, by Ann Fahl; Santa Baby by Molly Shannon, based on a design by Janet Nesbitt; Ode to a Christmas Tree, by Lyn Mann
3rd row, L-R:  Oh Christmas Tree, by Kellie Wulfsohn; Winter Deluxe, by Jane Sassaman; Baubles, by Louise Papa
Bottom row, L-R; Alpine Wonder, by Mary Lou Hallenbeck; Four Seasons, by Laura Blanchard; Sage Country Christmas Tree, by Laura Estes

Ode to a tree in all seasons

Here is a beautiful "Four Seasons" quilt by Laura Blanchard of Plum Tree Quilts.

This 60" x 60" quilt gives us a new appreciation for the color green. We admire the way in which the subtle changes in color in the trees are matched by the movement of color in the garlands, from brown to light green (spring), dark green (summer) and orange (autumn). The leafy garlands provide the crowning touch. The Four Seasons pattern can be obtained at Plum Tree Quilts.

Image credits and links:  The image is shown with the generous permission of Laura Blanchard.  Laura's quilts have appeared in Fabric Trends, Love of Quilting and British Patchwork and Quilting magazines and in Jennifer Chiaverieni's book, Return to Elm Creek. If you love rainbow quilts, take a peek at Arabesque. Her  patterns are also great inspiration for her very popular classes.