Critters in Quilts

Consider adding critters to your next quilt. In 24/7, a very large quilt, some very small bugs add interest to the center of the compasses.

This hummingbird enjoys a colorful treat.

Break the rules. Only in a whimsical quilt can a bird have a pet cat.

Sometimes realism will convey your vision. Here the lifecycle of a monarch is depicted as caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly.

Adding a small living creature to your quilt can really make the whole thing come alive.

One Small Step

Don't have the time or ambition right now for a large project? Maybe you just want to dabble in something small this summer. I always like to have a quilting project ready to pick up when I need a quilting fix.

Small projects are perfect for experimenting with a technique without committing to a full size quilt. Some years ago I attended a lecture/trunk show by Colleen Wise and purchased her book Casting Shadows. This 19" x 14" wall hanging was a quick way to try out her pieced shadow blocks and a twisted yarn border.

This next piece is just 11" x 9." I was able to practice some lettering with a lightbox.

Keep it small and simple this summer.

Happy Birthday, America

Wishing all my American friends a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

Here's to the RED

WHITE

and BLUE

Yellow Stuff

In appreciation of yellow flowers . . . Enjoy.

Vertical Gardens

While on a recent vacation in North Carolina we enjoyed these examples of vertical garden art on the exterior of the Belk Store in Aberdeen.

Here's a closer look . . .

and an even closer look . . .

Well established succulent plants are displayed vertically in a box frame. These have a watering hose around the perimeter.



They look like small quilts!

When White is Right

Very few of my quilts incorporate true bright white. 24/7 is one of them. This detail image shows how a striking pure white background creates a sharp contrast for the hands of the clock (5:00 o'clock).
Sometimes white conveys a realistic concept such as the puffy white cloud in this close up of Good Morning.
Just a touch of white makes eyes come alive as shown in this whimsical sheep in my quilt, Footloose. Always add a bright white highlight in the iris of eyes.

A Touch of Black

Sometimes all it takes is a touch of black to sharpen a design. In Midwest Gold, a single ply of black yarn is couched around the yield sign and between the two background fabrics to clearly separate and define the lines.

Black tulle creates the tractor's windshield. Black text stands out distinctly against the light background. The decorative machine stitch around the tires uses black thread.

Celebration uses a black background to make the foreground pop out.

Black thread blends into the black background. I like the effect but achieving it was challenging. Black on black is hard on the eyes.

Bits of black are scattered evenly across The World. The hemisphere circles use black fabric. All text is done in black Pigma pen.

Some of the quilting is done in black thread (facial features of the sun).

Ann Fahl's Latest Booklet

Applique Ann's Way, Ann Fahl's newly available booklet, is a clearly written and illustrated reference on multiple ways to cover the raw edges of applique designs.
All my applique is raw edge fused. Other than an occasional foray into satin stitch I finish the edges with what Ann refers to as "Open Zigzag Applique." I guess I've got that down pat. But wait, there's more! How about all the other interesting methods Ann describes like "Decorative Stitch" (who doesn't like decorative?) and "Messy Stitch" (I'm pretty sure I can achieve this).

Then there's step-by-step instructions for the gorgeous "Florentine Edge" treatment (pictured on the leaves below). Wow, it's stunning! I really need to branch out and try something new.
Summer Sanctuary (Ann Fahl) close up

Applique Ann's Way is 36 pages packed with tips and tricks Ann has learned to help her create award-winning applique quilts. One sentence in the booklet really says it all: This is how it is done. As a master at applique, Ann will show and tell you how it is done. For more on Ann's work and to order the booklet, visit Ann's website.

(photos courtesy Ann Fahl)

Celebration

Celebration: The act of observing a day or an event with ceremonies. Easter (just around the corner) is a celebration I sometimes refer to as the Superbowl of Christianity; the day of Christ's final victory over death. For me it's real, personal and the reason for my hope in this life and the next. So, time to celebrate!

This colorful, lively quilt looks like a party.
In this detail image of Celebration, note how the curved quilting lines continue the effect of movement. The lines were accurately marked with washable pen and easily quilted with the walking foot.

These angular quilting lines enhance the central radial motif.

Happy quilting and Happy Easter!

Juicy Orange

Crystal Fire is a strong visual example of contrasting colors: orange and blue, yellow and purple.
The predominant color in this bold little quilt is orange. (detail of Crystal Fire)

Orange and yellow are two colors often used to create a glow as seen here in Tropical Radiance.

In this compass clock, orange provides a strong support for the dark blue hands indicating 5 o'clock. (detail of 24/7)

In the upper left corner, the dark blue quilting around the perimeter of the orange "X" helps the color stand out more distinctly against the background.

Here again blue and orange make a happy marriage. Opposite really do attract.

The Color Purple

Though opposites on the color wheel, purple and yellow complement and enhance each other. A Matter of Perspective is a predominately purple and yellow quilt.
Blue and burgundy work with purple to round out an analagous trio, while yellow is mixed with gold and orange.

Purple is positioned in Hybrid between it's parent colors of blue and red.

Purple thread creates an orchid outline in the background (upper right).

In Arms of Love, repetition of the large purple applique shapes are somewhat balanced with a smattering of purple squares in the border.

Red and gold in fabric and thread give definition and contrast to several shades of purple fabric in these feathers.

Greenies

Plant life in our world is filled with the color green. How many tints and shades of green fabrics do you have in your stash?
Some greens are warm and subtle. (detail of Buttons on Board)
Other greens are bright and crisp. (detail of Molecular Material)

Bright green fabric can make a bold statement. (detail of The Gathering)

At other times it takes just a hint of screaming green to liven things up. (detail of Faith Rings)