Now that I have made a QAYG from panels, I want to try the narrow strip connector idea of sewing blocks together. I used the fabrics that were leftover from my log cabin to make this small block, about 15x19". Today I will dink around with more blocks to add to this, which will not fight with this, but will somehow be harmonius. eeek.
Here's how a larger quilt could be designed and assembled.
What did I learn from my first QAYG? That a larger quilt than I normally make can be easily quilted and assembled and not show it was done in parts. Pretty fantastic, no?
But of course the question comes up...Will I be needing to make larger quilts any time soon? And do I want to forsake my own style (smaller fused works that can be hung even in a small space) in favor of making more functional pieced quilts?
Here's a quilt I made several years ago. It is about 45" wide by maybe 36" high. It was pretty easy to quilt. Is it fused or pieced? Does it matter?
Hand dyed cottons, machine pieced and quilted in a grid pattern.
If this were bigger, it might not fit on someone's wall, but at 53.5x24.5" it could.
I know it is all doable. I can do a bed quilt, or a larger art quilt, and I can make it by piecing or fusing, but what is it that really makes me want to do one over the other? Bottom line, I am more interested in making art for the wall than anything else. And realistically I want to share my work (while I am alive) with the largest audience I can, so it can't be too large or it gets ridiculously expensive. I know my big big quilts in my closet will be auctioned off to someone after I am gone, and what fun is that?
OK enough navel gazing, I am off to the studio.
Great thoughts. I, too, have been thinking about the use of my creativity. Art for the wall? Usable art for the bed? The QAYG technique is a neat one, as are many others that I can get lost in the fun of trying something new. I like your idea about getting art to many people by keeping it small and affordable. Thanks for the insights.
ReplyDeleteI agree...just keep making the art that makes you (and us) happy!!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I just found an orange lacquered file cabinet in a catalog that I think will work next to the yellow desk and under "Full Sails"!
Amen!!! Up until about a year ago I thought I NEEDED to make full sized quilts to be considered a quilter. What changed my thinking?? Blogs like yours...thank you very much :) I always got bored with making a full sized quilt because I have a short attention span (sad, but true). So, after reading so many "artist" quilter's blogs I decided to go smaller. I'm so much happier with myself and my quilts. It's more fun and I find I can be more creative if I think "smaller". I tried for years to make Traditional quilts but lost my enthusiasm. I started making Contemporary and Modern quilts and I'm enjoying the process more than I ever did making Traditional quilts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your inspiration :)
It's interesting to read your reflections. all things I have thought about form time to time. bottom line though is do what makes you happy. making others happy too with the affordable pieces is good too.
ReplyDeleteNavel Gazing....there's a quilt title! I think people want to know how you make your quilts because you have a "style". Most people can't come up with their own designs and your's flow out endlessly. It doesn't matter if YOU piece or fuse, but someone trying to learn wants to know.
ReplyDeleteI love your designs and color choices. Always a pleasure to look at your blog. Thanks!