Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Work Quilt #3 - All Done!

The 3rd "Work Quilt" is now finished...


This one is more minimalist then the previous two.


Just three different shot cottons were used. Two for the quilt top, and one for the patches.

A simple grid pattern was first machine quilted, then overlaid with another hand quilted one.


The patches are all stitched with an x inside of the border... reminiscent of a barn door.


In fact the whole quilt took inspiration from the local farm land... the colors reflect those found in the fields during the late fall and early winter. The stripes represent the various strips of land colored by the different crops. The stitched grids represent the straight, (but not perfectly straight) plowed rows. And the patches reflect the dark red barns that dot the land.


After everything was stitched and quilted and bound, the quilt was then machine washed to bring out all of its texture... that's the best part!


Below is a photo of Work Quilt #1 and Work Quilt #3 happily gracing my living room, and I'm lovin how they look, and the warmth that they add to the room.


But now I have to temporarily say goodbye, and pack them up, (#2 as well) and ship them off... for all three quilts have been invited to partake in a little photo shoot... but that is all I am telling... at least for now!

(Please wish them safe travels and a quick return!)

63 comments:

Audrie said...

Absolutely stunning. It looks so simple at first glance, but all the layered hand quilting is so gorgeous. Beautifully done! Hope they all return to you safe and sound!

Diane J. Evans said...

I love the way you arrange your quilts for photographing -- how very artful! And the pillows on your couch coordinate beautifully with the quilts. A wonderful job!

Diane

9patchnurse said...

Victoria, I really love them! Can't wait to see what the photo shoot is about. I like your explanation of your inspiration. I think I'll challenge myself to find some inspiration. I got some shot cottons for my Bday because I love these quilts so much. I put something together the other day which is pinned and ready to quilt. Do you use invisible thread for your machine quilting? I used browns and blues in my piece. Thank you for showing these quilts.

Molly said...

I just love these quilts. They are just amazing and beautiful works of art!

QuiltyBee said...

Fantastic--I love the combination of machine and hand stitching. Can't wait to find out about the photo shoot!

rosie/the fabric shopper said...

Your explanations of your quilts make me want to try harder to learn to see my surroundings the way you do. Each of your work quilts, I have thought "this is my favorite" and you keep surprising me with another "favorite!" :-)

britt said...

Oh wow. I don't know how you do it! Your work quilts are completely stunning.

Fer said...

Oh my, they're just stunning!

I'm so glad I stumbled across your work on Flickr all that time ago, and I love how it continues to grow and evolve.

Kristin L said...

Safe travels!! #3 is my favorite so far. Seeing teh complete quilt was a bit of a surprise. I don;t know what I was expecting, but that wasn't it. It is so much better! I love it's minimalism.

jacquie said...

how exciting. i love how the shot cottons make this quilt glow. i especially love the minimal feel of this one! safe travels.

Claire - Matching Pegs said...

Congratulations, it looks amazing.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!

And congratulations on... ???

Looking forward to reading about them and seeing them again in the future. :)

Allie said...

Wow. Fabulous. I love the concept and execution! This is superb - they all are! I can't wait to hear the news about the photo shoot!

leigh said...

It is gorgeous!

soggybottomflats said...

Wow, so beautiful! Your work is very inspiring. Warms my heart to view your work. Thank you so much for sharing with us. I can't wait to find out about the photo shoot.

Julia Wood said...

I love your work quilts! What kind of thread do you use for the hand quilting?

pklaw said...

I am amazed at this series of quilts! Each one is unique and yet they fit so well together. They look perfect in your room. I wish them a safe and exciting trip - can't wait to see the photos!

Wacky Woman said...

Gorgeous quilts. I love the big quilting stiches. Can't wait for the next chapter.

wishes, true and kind said...

Your work is inspired and just stunning. Safe travels and a quick return!

Corinnea said...

I can't wait to see how your quilts will be recognized. They are truly beautiful.

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

It's stunning in all its simplicity and quilted details! Safe travel!

Pallas said...

I love everything about this quilt - the colors, composition and the texture the washing gave it. Beautiful!

dutchcomfort said...

Your red barn shot cotton quilt is splendid! I especially love the contrast with work quilt #1.
Safe travels!

amy said...

love the texture! and the color. well done!

Abby and Stephanie said...

The simplicity is what makes them so striking and gorgeous only made more amazing by the quilting. No surprise they've been requested for a photo shoot. I love your originality. There are a few bloggers than make me want to try new things and you're one of them. Thank you.

Michele said...

Love everything about your quilts! The hand quilting adds so much!

Two Dogs and a Quilt said...

Fantastic works of art!

Sujata Shah said...

Victoria,
This quilt looks stunning. I love everything about it from the inspiration to the final stitch!
You are an amazing artist!

Darlene said...

This quilt already has the patina of age. I love it! And the way you combine hand and machine quilting is stunning. You're very talented. I want to know more about the photo shoot, so keep us posted.

patty a. said...

Just beautiful! I especially like the little touches of red in the binding. I admire the speed in which you quilted these!

stephie @ narrative self said...

Oh Wow! Just fantastic. I absolutely love the red in the binding too. I think I'd be smiling like the Cheshire cat if I'd been talented enough to make these! Congratulations!!

Jude said...

Oh i love them!! Fabulous! I wonder if I'll ever be able to make something so wonderful...How long did it take to hand stitch the grid pattern and how do you manage to keep the lines so straight???

shellysquilts said...

Victoria, It is absolutely GORGEOUS! Well done! This has been a terrific series! Happy sewing and hello to Ellie Mae.

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

So worth the wait! Stunning.

Have a safe and fun journey, dear quilts! Soak it all in and enjoy those special moments.

picciolo said...

the photoshoot sounds exciting, they certainly deserve their adventures!
: )

Victoria said...

Thanks so much everyone for the wonderful feedback, I truly appreciate it. The "Work Quilts" have been very cathartic for me, and I am touched that they are being so well received.

To answer question:

9patch, I don't care for invisible thread... It looks to "plastic" to me and even though it's suppose to be invisible, I think it can catch the light and cause a reflection that I find bothersome. (Granted it's been years since I tried it and maybe it has since improved.) I just use regular sewing thread for the machine quilting, generally matching it to the background.

Julia, for the hand quilting I use Sulky's Premium 100% Egyptian Cotton thread, in both the 12 and 30 wt. I also double the thread so I am sewing with 2 strands.

Jude, the whole quilt took about 50 hours, the bulk of it being the hand stitching. As for keeping the line straight, I just eyeball it... but I found myself removing and redoing stitches a lot, trying to keep things straight and centered, which slows me down. I think maybe I should try the painters tape method... might make things easier and quicker!

xo Vic

yahaira said...

gorgeous as always! I love the muted/restrained palette. the little bits of red just pop. reminds me of driving on the highway surrounded by farmland.

beth said...

they're both beautiful!

Carol said...

I absolutely love all of you work quilts especially 2 and 3. Love the simple colors and lines. You have inspired me to try shot cottons. Love your hand stitching!!! Thanks for sharing.

Cheryl Arkison said...

Victoria, you keep topping yourself. This one is definitely my favourite. I think your explanation is what does it for me.
So excited to here about the photo shoot and the associated news...

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

It looks fantastic!

Colleen MacDonald said...

My mouth is hanging open in awe. They're all so beautiful and *relevant* if you know what I mean. I can't wait to hear about their glamorous photoshoot!

Anonymous said...

This is gorgeous. I envy your hand stitching ability-I must try this on my next quilt. This is so minimal and yet so beautiful.
Great job!

Anonymous said...

All of your "work" quilts are absolutely gorgeous! I love your use of machine and hand quilting together, especially in the bold, contrasting colors!

Dorrie said...

Victoria~I love it! And good luck with your endeavor~I'm sure we'll hear more late! Safe travels quilted treasures.

talia said...

that quilt is so gorgeous. i love how it is so simple and so carefully thought out. i've only made one quilt so its inspiring to see yours and makes me want to start another!

the writing about being inspired by the land makes me think of a really gorgeous book called 'Taking Measures Across the American Landscape' -- i think you might like the images if you don't know them already. ( you can look inside the book on amazon.com)

Karen said...

where are they going????????/ It sounds so exciting!!

gunnelsvensson said...

Congratulations to wonderful works Victoria! I really really like them! And yes, it´s gave very good surface with the machinewash! So good luck !!!

XUE said...

Wow Vic ! I don't know which one I like best as I love all 3 ! Can't wait to see them in print !

Anonymous said...

These quilts are just lovely. I saw No 2 and No3 as I came to your blog late. That's the first time I've seen number 1. It's just gorgeous. You are a very talented woman. Well done!

Caterina Giglio said...

gorgeous work!

Wendy said...

So beautiful! Can't believe the double quilting - amazing!

annamaria potamiti said...

Beautiful work- I adore this third one for its colr work- very original, I love the simplicity-'mimimalism' of it- good luck on their travels...-
Annamaria xx

RosaMaría said...

absolutely i'm in love with this! it's just fantastic! amazing job!!

Amy C said...

they look amazing and they work together so well, cant wait to hear about their little journey!?!?
The hand stitching is so incredible.

Carla said...

I'm gone for a few days and you go and finish up these gorgeous quilts!

I bless thee quilts for a safe and secure passage to your destination. Ahmmmmm....

Tonya Ricucci said...

love these quilts. the textures are so appealing. wonderful. exciting about the photo shoot!

Squirrel said...

Gosh, I LOVE LOVE looking at your work. I hope that I have the ability to make quilts like yours some day,

sallgood said...

A friend of mine sent me your way, and I LOVE this quilt- simplicty, meaninig, utility, etc. Just great!

Kay said...

I came here via Jan (Bemused) and I'm in love with your work quilts. They are JUST THE THING. Beautiful beautiful. Thanks for sharing the photos and stories of their making.

Jackie said...

I'm not suprised you had so many comments...its a stunning work. Deceptively simple, tactile and subtle.

Minka said...

This new one is especially lovely.

Amanda Jean said...

just beautiful!!! all 3 of your work quilts are amazing.