Monday, February 08, 2016

Continuing with the Bowl!

I'm happy to share my newest quilt...

Nourished, 31.5 x 34

I created it to enter in SAQA's upcoming exhibition called "Tranquility." I was thinking about the theme and wondering when and why I feel tranquil. I decided it's when I feel full and balanced. Not overwhelmed or overflowing, but that feeling moment when everything is in its place and has some gentle momentum toward growth. 

Plus, I just wanted to make another bowl quilt.

I auditioned several fabrics and compositions.

I am always thinking about contrast. It really is one of the most important considerations in a design that works. I'm not sure I always get it quite right, but I'm always thinking about it.


You may notice that I was making long hassle necklaces for Christmas gifts. See them hanging on the right?

I finally settled on this.


The light teal background fabric needed some surface design. So I created a stamp out of sticky-backed fun foam.



I chose a subtle color for the printing. Almost tone on tone.


Next came lots of hand stitching, including this vine... I really loved changing the thread color with the fabrics.



Here's bigger shot of the vine with additional machine stitching.


Painted and stitched circles.


More painted and stitched circles and all those tiny leaf stamps.


I finished the edges with beautiful top stitching thread from Superior.


You may have seen this studio shot in my recent newsletter.



Nourished will have a partner quilt. It will likely be titled Depleted and be entered in SAQA's Turmoil exhibition. That deadline is another few weeks away. I am enjoying the process of creating two quilts with very similar designs, but trying to generate an entirely different energy.

6 comments:

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

This is beautiful. Love the detailed shot and the information about the process.

The Joyful Quilter said...

Thanks for sharing your process for creating this piece. Your process posts are my favorites!!

Tammi D. said...

Love this one! Thanks for sharing the process. Can't wait to see "Depleted".

Gay Young said...

Another very nice piece, Deborah! Keep it up!!

Leslie Tucker Jenison said...

I always enjoy looking at your work and love reading about your process. Your voice shines through! Thank you for sharing.

Joanne S said...

Ah, the bowl. I never tire of making bowls or chairs. They can be full or empty. they can be soft and cozy or hard and sad. they can welcome or push you away. I loved the fun foam stamp--I'm off the Joann's to buy some foam sheets. Oh, happy day.