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| Thread work spotted in a library book |
The end of March is the deadline for the first of 10 quilt challenges. Kiwi Summer was the theme for this one, and there was as size criteria and a time frame. Each quilt is 12"x 12" finished work completed over a two month time frame. We have been inspired by the
12 x 12 Challenge which later published their work in a book. There are ten participants in our group so over the next two years we will each produce ten quilts, all taking a turn to submit the theme.
Kiwi Summer was relatively easy fit for me, and immediately called to mind a sea theme. My inspiration was East Island, of East Cape. We visited the Cape in the heat of January, and took shelter in a small patch of shade at the base of the lighthouse after climbing 700 steps. From this vantage point we overlooked an azure blue sea surrounding the Island, the original site of the first East Cape Lighthouse.
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| Gathering ideas |
Turning to the challenge of the quilt I began with a slightly abstract idea of the sea and the Island and knew I wanted to print an image onto fabric.
Sea colours were easily gathered, and I recalled my favourite pair of aquamarine coloured togs when I was 16!
This post won't be a reveal as our group of ten is committed to an exhibition of the entire body of work, and we have agreed not to share the individual works online in the meantime.
I can however record some learning so far.
:: Fabric shrinks when quilted.
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| Work In Progress |
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| Couching Inspiration |
:: Making a start is the key; an abstract idea facilitates this and makes it easy to start cutting the fabric when there is not a particularly clear end point in mind
:: Mixed fabrics are more difficult to quilt and press than using all cotton.
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| Quilting with my Walking Foot |
:: Couching is fun, and adds texture, but a couching foot is on the wish list.
:: The 12x12 size is perfect for novice quilter in terms of composition, slightly more challenging for the finishing!
