By the way, someone recently asked me what a "work quilt" is. In case you are wondering too, it's just a name that I have given this new series. It seemed fitting as I am being influenced by the work of old utilitarian quilts, antique patched and mended textiles and from the rural countryside surrounding me.... all of those influences share a very basic honesty, no frills mentality that is resonating very deeply within me these days.
Speaking of winter farm land... check out these super wooly sheep...
Hubby found them grazing on a nearby hill along a road we seldom travel... he knew I'd adore them... and I do.
(Note to self... drive down that road more often!)
I've also started a new blog, Worn and Weathered where I can post pictures of the old, and sometimes seemingly abandoned structures around me, such as the one above... a place to record the visuals that are strongly pulling at my heartstrings and offering me a lot of soulful inspiration.
One more local shot to share... Passed by this farm the other day with the greatest Purple Martin birdhouses that I have ever seen... I get such a kick out of the three different sizes... economy, standard and luxury.
And last but not least... My Silly BooDilly Etsy art shop is temporarily closed while I create new work. Hope to be restocking by March. In order to focus more fully on my stitched work, I have also decided to shut my BooDilly Etsy fabric shop... anyone interested in purchasing my fabric can now do so directly from Spoonflower and do it at Spoonflower prices! This is a much better deal then I could have offered and I think it's a win win deal!
29 comments:
I absolutely love the colours on this one! And I love how the colours of each work quilt differ from the next. Can't wait to see it finished!
Great new Work Quilt in progress!!
I adore the inspirational place you live in! But... even living in a big city provides for inspiration. You need an eye for it, but it’s there!
Oh I agree! I lived in the city for many years and personally found a lot of inspiration in both the architecture and in the small back alley streets. Lots of hidden gems everywhere if you take the time to look!
These quilts are so inspiring. Off to check out your new/old inspirations.
Beautiful quilt! I've been wanting to do some hand quilting on my quilts. That's one of my goals this year to expand my "quiltmaking horizons." I can't wait to see this when it's finished.
I love these colors, too. They are subduded, but still happy.
Your quilts are beautiful! I only just came across your blog. I love it.
Love the photos! (Especially those SHEEP!) Love the new quilt! And I'll definitely keep my eye on your new blog too. I agree -- in both rural and urban settings, there's such beauty in those old structures and finishes.
I love these work quilts SO much - can't wait to see this one! The pics are great!
So many beautiful photos! And yes, those sheep are VERY woolly!!
The new work quilt is wonderful, I love the earthy tones. Makes me wish I had time to quilt as well as knit and sew clothes. ;)
PS. todays word verification is 'beaut' - how fitting!
I like the fact that you are doing a work quilt series. I think that this will be a wonderful quilt too. The photos that you are taking of the buildings are just to die for. Near where my mother in law lives in PA, there are many Amish homes with the Purple Martin Birdhouses. I am always in awe of them when I drive by. They look like little hotels.
I love your new quilt in progress and the sheep! And you've started a new blog? Wow you have been a busy little bee! I'm off to check it out now :)
Look the look of that quilt...the mix of machine quilting and big stitch are perfect!
you seem to be surrounded by the most glorious views/structures/buildings. You are very lucky!
Thanks for the sneak peak of your next work quilt. It looks beautiful already! And it's wonderful to get to see the photos that inspire you; being able to find the beauty in your surroundings is such a gift.
Beautiful new quilt, love those colours- in their earthiness they seem very suited to a 'work quilt'-
I checked out the other blog too- lovely-I can see why these structures would inspire you in your work-
Annamaria xx
Of course I love this one, too! And the inspiration pictures are wonderful.
Work quilt #3 looks wonderful. I can't wait to see the whole piece.
I absolutely love the way you've put together those ochre colours - gorgeous. I wonder also, whether the hand stitching you're doing is actually quilting the fabric (alongside the machine quilting), or whether it's an embellishment? I am so impressed with your work, you're an inspiration!
Just to say, those sheep look like summer clouds and made me smile on this grey and wet winter's day here in the south west of the UK :) Thank you!
Beautiful work, as always. I'm really looking forward to following your new blog. I have a soft spot for all things old and withering. How keen of you to tell their story in pictures.
Thanks everyone :0)
Stephie, to answer your question, The hand stitching is most definitely quilting, (as it goes through all three layers... top, batting and backing) but I am also utilizing it as a way to add an extra layer of interest and embellishment.... that's why I am making the stitches a bit bigger then traditional English/American quilt stitching. Mine might be a bit more like the stitches found on some quilts from India.
Hi Vic, I think I clicked away my comment before typing the word verification (bummer!) so here I am again! I have wondered about the term "Work Quilts" too. I just thought it was another professional term that quilters used so now I know it's a Vird (an original Vic-word). Happy weekend to those fluffy sheep & you too!
i have a feeling this one is going to have a 'scrubbed' earth kind of feel...the colors remind me of the fields here after they've had a chance to regrow a bit and then yield to the cool temps of winter. can't wait to see the whole thing.
I love this series of quilts...they resonate in color and theme.
Just had a look at your quilts and I was blown away. Not only are the colour combinations awesome but the hand stitching makes them works of art. May I ask what kind of thread you use?
Anna, For the hand stitching I use Sulky 100% egyptian Cotton thread in both the 12 and 30 wt. (What ever I have on hand). I also double the thread over when I sew, hiding the knots under and inside the back of the quilt.
HI there! I am just "new" to hand quilting, so I just wanted to ask you a question. The pink in the picture, that you hand quilted, is it with regular thread, or do you use something else? I love how it stands out!
Beautiful quilt and oh so cute new dog! Congrats!
Heather, welcome to quilting!
For the hand quilting, I use Sulky's 100% Egyptian cotton thread in both the 12 and 30 wt. I also double the thread over so that I am sewing with two strands. My choice of threads is just my personal preference, and I think most quilters use either hand quilting thread or a perle cotton. There's no definite right or wrong, so try different threads out and use whatever feels best to you!
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