Work Quilt #4 - Finally Finished!

After taking a bit of a break from hand quilting, I finally got back to it, and have now finished "Work Quilt #4".



Whew!



The quilting on this piece, (stitched with Sulky® Blendables) consisted of rows and rows of wandering stitches both horizontal and vertical, which seemed to take FOREVER...



Using fabrics in various blues, greys, and greens, and also incorporating bits that had "flaws", such as that piece with the faded stripe of blue, seen below...



my goal for this quilt was for it to have a "crude" beauty...



trying to create something that although new, would look old, patched and worn...



along with well used and very much loved...



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In other news, last week I received my complimentary DVD copy of Quilting Arts TV 700 series. I read that the series is suppose to be airing sometime around now, but when I checked the QA Station Finder, (a handy link that lets you see if your PBS station carries the show, when it airs, and which episode is playing) it seems that a lot of stations are still showing the 600 series... so I am confused, but truthfully, that's not unusual.

I will be appearing as the first guest on episode 702. (Alas, my PBS does not carry the show.) I was soooo nervous to see how it turned out, as I felt like such a train wreck of a guest... but I must say I was extremely relieved to see what a great editing job the QA TV folks did... they managed to make me appear coherent. Yay! (Pretty impressive since I lost my voice during the taping.)

So, if anyone gets to see it airing on their PBS station, please let me know, as I am curious as to when it is actually showing. HOWEVER, please note... the heavy TV make-up is not part of my normal attire! My kids, (who at 21 and 16 are old enough to know better) apparently went into shock at seeing me with lipstick and blush, causing fits of laughter and finger pointing. Thanks and sigh.

And last, but not least, if your PBS station also is remiss in not airing Quilting Arts TV, and you would like to view the 700 series, it can be ordered here.

Work Quilt #4: Hand Quilted Layer

This past week I resumed work on Work Quilt #4, and I must say it feels good to get back to this baby!


If you remember from my previous Work Quilts, I approach each step as a "layer"...

Layer #1 is always the piecing of the top, and from there the layers can differ in order, but their will always be at least one layer each of machine stitching, (which was the second layer in this piece), hand quilting, (which I am currently working on here and is thus the third layer) and appliqued patches, (which will be the fourth layer of this quilt).

For the hand quilting I am once again using some of those beautiful Sulky® Cotton Blendables that were so generously gifted to me by the folks at Sulky®. Love them!


The plan is to hand quilt two meandering lines, of stitching in each of the rows, (both horizontal and vertical) that were previously created by the machine stitching, (which was done in both straight and zig-zag).


As the colorful lines of hand quilting going from side to side intersect with those going from top to bottom, small squares of various shapes emerge, and I think I will be revisiting some of those little squares in maybe another layer of decorative stitch.

To be continued...
(hopefully soon!)

Work Quilt #4 in Progress

Yay! I have finally gotten around to starting the 4th
Work Quilt in my ongoing series...


While all of the fabric is new, this quilt is definitely inspired by the look of old, patched quilts made from worn-out work clothes.


The first layer consists of blocks that were pieced from randomly sized squares, rectangles and strips of shot cottons, in various shades of blues and grey-greens.

Pink, brown and plum threads are cross woven with the blues and the greens in these fabrics, giving them all a richness and earthiness that makes my heart go pitter--patter! (Look around... nothing in nature is made up of just one solid color... grass is never all green, dirt is never all brown... a faded white barn is really a slew of various shades... That's why I love shot cottons so much.)


Some of the pieces have some reverse applique patches... the one on the left is a quarter circle, inspired by the shape of a front denim pocket. The one on the right is a circle, inspired by a patched hole in the knee of a pair of work pants. Also, check out the faded strip of blue running down the center patch... it was a "flaw" in the cloth, and I think it's perfection!

The 2nd layer consists of machine quilting, using a straight stitch as well as zig-zag stitching. (The machine stitching is meant to symbolize both the stitching one might find in old work clothing as well as paying tribute to machine work that assists us with our labor.)


The next layer, (which I have just started and isn't shown here) consists of hand quilting, (that's to pay tribute to slow, thoughtful labor) and after that most likely there will be a 4th layer consisting of some appliqued patches, (to honor the various stages of life, love, and aging.)

More to follow soon!

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In other news, I am happy to report that my youngest daughter is doing much better. The doctor saw her this morning and finally pronounced her lungs clear! Now, eldest daughter has picked up something similar. As for me I am trying to stay maternal and nurturing, but truthfully I am dodging those hacking coughs as if they were bullets. My "mystery trip" is right around the corner and I am trying my best to stay healthy for the venture! (P.S. The "Work Quilts" are going with me.)