Layer and Line

In my last post I shouted out that my 2017 SAQA Benefit Auction piece was included in the very first selection of quilts to be offered -- the week of September 18.  I've no idea how the coordinators of the Auction decide which pieces go into which section; for all I know, the selections are entirely random.

What's not random, however, is the selection of six of the pieces for a "Dream Collection".  I really enjoy seeing what others have curated for their online collections and for the past few years have had fun creating my very own.

This year I've entitled my selection Layer and Line, and have stated my inspiration thus:

For the past several months I've been exploring abstraction and dabbling in surface design -- ideas and techniques that took me by surprise.  This collection is composed of pieces that have drawn me to them by their creators' use of layering (or the appearance thereof) and line in abstract images.

Here they are...in order of the artist, listed alphabetically:

To see larger views of these pieces -- and all the others that will be part of this year's Auction -- just visit the SAQA Benefit Auction site and click on the image to enlarge.

Oh...and you can see other Dream Collections HERE.  Maybe you'll be inspired to make your own!  😊

Let's Face It!

I spent the better part of this a.m. and early afternoon quilting my piece for the "Lines" topic in my EB Master Class.

I knew I wanted to use my walking foot, so first I tuned in to my Craftsy class on the use of said foot, featuring Jacquie Gering.  It was helpful, but I was undecided...so...

Next I auditioned 3 possible threads using 2 different stitches...

Then I added a 4th thread and another stitch idea:

Sample, sample, sample...

The spools are both variegated "King Tut" cotton thread from Superior Threads, while the 'spindle' is a variegated cotton from Oliver Twist threads that I got years ago...when I bought OT embellishment packs etc.  Can't even remember where!

Stitch ideas: straight with walking foot; slightly wavery with walking foot; narrow (very narrow) satin stitch with walking foot...

Look closely to see where they stitching lines take you.

Now it's ready for facing.  Once it's faced, I'll send final photos to EB for her critique (deadline; March 31).

Prairie Spring I -  (WIP) 2015 - 23.5" square

The neat thing is, you can hang it any way you want.  I'll make sure of that when I attach the sleeve.  :-)

Like this:

Prairie Spring I - rotated 90 degrees (WIP)

Or like this;

Prairie Spring I - rotated another 90 degrees (WIP)

Problem?  Despite it's small size and deliberate design elements, someone here in Bed Quilt Central is sure to want it for a crib quilt.

Sigh.

Linking up to WIP Wednesday over at The Needle and Thread Network...Enjoy!

Happy Spring, Happy Quilting!

In my back yard earlier this week...

Tulips peeking through the leaf mulch - south side of the house

My daughter's Edmonton street this morning...

And outside my front window right now, Mother Nature's undecided: "Rain? Or snow? Or maybe a wee bit o' both?"

Ah...but Eastern Canada's had it MUCH worse this week... I feel for my cousins in SW Quebec and New Brunswick...

Meanwhile, though most of today was "SAQA Day" (correspondence etc. on the computer), I managed to take 90 minutes or so to play with "Green Fields" (working title) for EBMC and the "Line Project".  I now have nine blocks mocked up in fabric on my design wall, including hints of purple to honour the humble prairie crocus:

I replaced the too-blue strips with a combination of more yellow-green/spring-green strips and some with hints of lilac/mauve a la crocus...And I'm letting it "percolate" a bit before I commit to sewing 'em together.

While they 'perc', I'm linking up to Nina Marie's Off the Wall Friday...and doing some hand work.

Have a great weekend, eh?