Friday 21 March 2008

March "TIF" Quilt Finished

This month the theme for Sharon's "Take it Further" Challenge was to pay attention to the tiny details. I had what was probably way too many ideas for this as I love noticing and honouring the small details but in the end I decided to make a small simple quilt that focused on the delicate colours and intricate patterns in some vintage Japanese fabrics that I have been hoarding.

I intended to do a nine patch grid with each tiny square coming from a different piece of fabric but it took all of about three seconds to realise that my collection is of wildly contrasting fabrics which are not particularly attractive when all together. So, I choose my favourite one, which has a lovely pattern in a gorgeous bunch of colours, and cut all nine patches from that. It is simply fused and stitched to another equally gorgeous piece of fabric that has graduated colour. All the quilting (and there isn't much of it as I didn't want to take away from the fabrics) is machine stitched in a gold thread and the binding is made from the same fabric as the patches. Last night I finished the quilt by sewing on a little oriental metal embellishment at the base of the quilt. I was planning in sewing on some oriental coins but the dangling embellishment looked a lot better. The colours in the photo have come a bit bluer than they should have - the quilt is more of a teal shade. The (somewhat blurry) scan below of the quilt is more accurate colour-wise.

I have just realised that two of my three TIF projects have had an oriental flavour - I seem to go in spurts with these sorts of things and working with this fabric has made me think about doing some asian themed stamping too (another thing I haven't done for a while despite having a beautiful collection of asian rubber stamps - geishas, text, flowers, symbols etc). So don't be surprised to see some postcards and ATCs along these lines very soon.

Wishing everyone a wonderful relaxing and creative (in any way!) Easter.

20 comments:

Vicki W said...

It's really nice! Great job!

Penny said...

This worked really well, I love the use of the same material in different ways.

Wavecritter said...

The second photo shows the color true..very vivid and relaxing Quilt design.. I can imagine the stitching is subdued but perfect, Thanks for this one! Incredible ;)

Carinemarie said...

It's very beautiful. I like the way you cut the different fabrics and your quilting. Well done!

Sandy said...

How beautiful it is. SAndy

grace said...

Debbi, your piece looks like a window view into a beautiful Japanese garden. Lovely!
Thanks for the post on my blog as well. I find I'm REALLY enjoying this TIF Challenge.

MaryjoO said...

this is lovely, and the border really great. The colors are so nice, too. I have some Japanese fabrics hibernating ....

artisbliss said...

This is really beautiful. I love Japanese fabrics and papers, too.

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Myra said...

It is beautiful Debi. The embellishment is perfect.

Kate North said...

Another really lovely piece, Debbi.

Danielle D said...

It's really beautiful, Debbi - I love how you've taken different pieces of the same fabric. I wouldn't have thought there were so many possibilities in one piece like that, it's lovely.

Anonymous said...

Really liked the print of the TIF Quilt.

Night Owl Designs said...

Great design Debbi, I love the Oriental colours & pattern :-)

Linda’s Textiles said...

Lovely colours & great use of the fabrics Debbi.

Viola said...

Great work, Debbie! Wonderful colors!

Anonymous said...

Debbi...this is gorgeous. Love that fabric.

p.s. Happy Easter :)

sharon young said...

What a lovely interpretation of this month's challenge. The colours are beautiful and despite the intricate patterns it still manages to have a very peaceful feel about it.
Great work!!

Sue McGettigan said...

Gorgeous quilt Debbi, love those fabrics, and the colours!

Doreen G said...

Absolutely beautiful Debbi