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)

The Blues

Whether light or dark, subdued or bright, the color blue is a favorite of many people. Here it serves as the background for my quilt, 24/7, which is all about timekeeping.
As a cool color, blue comes vibrantly alive next to its complementary color: orange. Named Crystal Fire, this quilt illustrates the intensity of using colors that are opposite on the color wheel.
The use of a "sky" blue really adds depth to the center of Fandango.

In Molecular Material, blues and greens are combined in the border octagons. By using a wide variety of shades in two analogous colors, the look remains unified while the variation adds interest.

Seeing Red

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we'll be seeing a lot of red in cards, gifts and decorations. How about our quilts? How often do we use red? I found red in abundance in many of my quilts. At times the amount of red is significant as in the chair in this quilt called Breeze. It's balanced by touches of red on the bed as well as the strong statement of black in the bed posts.

Red is used in Branching Out in a scattered way as flowers strewn across the surface.

In Footloose red is evenly distributed in the border and makes a strong presence on the sheep and those retro PF flyers.

Here the color red is balanced in the corners and center of Heartburst.

Omega-3 is an example of red that is evenly distributed but not in an even number.

At first glance Hope Flourishes doesn't appear to contain any red fabric.

But on closer inspection, the cherry red adds zest to an otherwise subdued color palette.

Why Quilts Matter

There are numerous reasons why quilts matter to me. Quilts are an outlet for creativity, a voice where no words are needed, a tactile expression of care, a link to the past and a peek at the future.

Darra Williamson's most recent post on her website Why Quilts Matter, includes my winning quilts from the Road to California competition. Yeah, I already posted about this earlier but it bears repeating!

(detail of Rare Birds)

Road to California Winners

Check this link for the incredible 2013 Road to California winners. Two of my quilts made the list.

Chromatic Transitions received 1st place Traditional Wall Applique and

Rare Birds received 3rd place Innovative Wall Mixed.

Fabric Plus

Sometimes a quilt needs a little something besides fabric to liven it up. Fabric plus paint is used here. The "lace" is painted through a paper doily.

Fabric plus yarn is illustrated below with a yarn binding.

Fabric plus yarn (a single ply) is couched down for the corn silk in this piece.

Fabric plus beads and a tassel enhance the box perched on the books.

Fabric plus a computer and printer results in the images on fabric shown in this quilt.

Hark!

Hark! Now, there's a word we don't use anymore! It means "listen; pay attention." This carol dates from the early 1700's and reminds me to pay attention to the reason I celebrate Christmas.

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King,
peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies;
with th' angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King!"

Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King!"

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King!"

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Yellow Stuff

Christmas comes in many colors. These yellow ornaments really brighten up my tree.