Books are interesting. I have collected expensive photo books for years. I just gave away a gorgeous set of Carolyne Roehm flower arranging and lifestyle books. Now I'm collecting quilt books. For Christmas I received a $200 Amazon gift card from the faculty in the English department where I advise undergraduates. It has paid for several quilt books and other things besides. That was such a perfect and generous gift.
One of the books is this one by Jane Brocket.
Her floral sensibilities and preferences are similar to mine. It makes me happy that all these floral fabrics in my stash can be put to good modern use. The quilt I imitated is one she calls "Hydrangea." So lovely!
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| I collect postcards for bookmarks. This one of Picasso is from the Art Institute in Chicago. |
I wasn't sure I was going to like the fuss of cutting all these squares and precision piecing. After all, I've gone improv, and one of the great things about that is not measuring or worrying about matching seams.
But this quilt was one of the most pleasurable I've ever pieced. Good to know that I still enjoy measuring, cutting, and piecing like this.
The real trick in Jane's design is combining the fabrics in good and interesting ways. I spent a lot of time arranging and rearranging fabric rows on the design board. But wow, what a satisfying process. I used a trick I learned while sewing Olive's quilt, which is that you can combine almost any fabrics if you juxtapose them with at least one color the same.
You're having way too much fun, Ruthie!!! PLEASE DON'T STOP. This is so fun for ME to watch as you continue this quilting journey.
ReplyDeleteYou having fun watching makes it even better, dear Boots. This you know. Thank you for your interest, always!
DeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jane! I appreciate your visit a lot.
DeleteYour bookmarks suggest we will be seeing more Brocket-inspired beauties. And this one is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteDo you have any Cassandra Ellis books? I think you would like her style.
Thank you, Beth! I had not heard of Cassandra Ellis, but I've just browsed her site and book pages, and YOU ARE RIGHT. I do like her style very much. Old stuff, lived in, relaxed and beautiful. Thanks so much for the rec!
DeleteCan't believe I'm just now making my way to your site so I can see more of these amazing pieces of art that you are creating. I can't tell you how many quilts I have from my grandmothers and I wouldn't trade one of them for anything in the world. In my AZ home, NYC apartment, my bedroom at my mom's house...all my beds are layered with these beauties. Give some thought to this...would like to showcase a couple of bloggers/artists to understand where they find their inspiration and I'm intrigued with your postcard collection too! Will be in touch....
ReplyDeleteHello, Robin! Well I appreciate your visit very much. :) How many of your grandmothers made quilts? For me, the idea of a child growing up with a quilt made by a grandma is about as precious as it gets. I imagine it as a grandma feeling first, and then as the child. I really think you are fortunate, and this you know.
DeleteI would be honored and delighted to help in your showcase if you choose to ask me. Thank you.