India’s Bounty

India proved to be a textile lover’s dream.  I was able to select and use fabrics that were handmade, specific to region and full of symbols and meaning.  Wow!  My explorations into fabric shops only tipped the iceberg (to coin a phrase) of the variety in India as a whole.  Never been to a wedding exhibition?  Try it, your textile horizons expand rapidly!  Of course, the best place for me personally to start was the Crafts Museum. 

Sari Shopping

My time for sewing was limited (given there was just so much else to see & do) so I set a few boundaries for myself to ensure I actually finished something.  Firstly size; I chose to limit the width to no more than 45” (114cm) and let length take care of itself in the design phase - with some guidance from Fibonacci sequencing.  It goes without saying that my only fabric choice was local designs.  As for a theme, colourful saris fascinated me, particularly the pallu (free-flowing sari end) which is a designer’s heaven.  Like the Korean textiles I saw at the Powerhouse, saris are rich in history, specific to area and their designs jam-packed with meaning.  Finally, I wanted to work in a “sort of series” to learn from the design process, so the sari theme met this requirement quite nicely.

During thinking time and those exhaustingly hot July days when the aircon fails and water scarce however, I attended to a few little projects, including the tea leaves I’d brought with me.  When I felt I'd done enough research on saris, I started planning my quilt series; more specifically, designing the first one. 

Meeting a few friends in my street. Not a normal day...

But in the city it was just another normal day...

Life in Delhi was not limited to the four walls of my apartment and I was introduced to the fabulous Seven Cities Group.  This absolutely brilliant concept added immensely to my knowledge of India’s history and appreciation of their “style”.  Not to mention my photo collection.

Luckily, I was also led to a patchwork group made up of expats and locals alike, Garam Masala Quilters.  We met regularly (weekly) and our chief organiser was the indefatigable Anju.  Life was grand!

The GM Quilters not only stitched; some of us travelled as well.
Here we are in Orissa

(In case you were looking for more information on India & my travel adventures, you won't find it here.  That task will be given over to Textile Tourist and as there's so much to pack into these posts, it's going to take a while..  Hope you enjoy your virtual tour!) 

Happy Times

Christmas is upon us; a time for celebration and reflection with family, friends and neighbours.  It is also the start of our long summer holidays.  And don’t we have some fond memories of those times!  As I write though, I remember how exciting 2004 was for us – a new start in many ways.  Given that December is a cool month in some parts of the world (and we’re so not used to that!), we took a trip with a difference… There was certainly no snow involved in this trip! (Read more about our Egypt trip on Textile Tourist.)

Finding colourful local textiles

Watching the sun rise over Mount Sinai

Can you believe it's 10 years ago....

Sadly, recent events in Australia (2014) have highlighted that it can be a stressful time too.  Our thoughts go out to those affected by these events and to the amazing support organisations that work selflessly during these busy, demanding times.

Season’s Greetings to my fellow stitchers and I hope you manage a little one-on-one time with your fabrics and sewing projects.

Full Immersion

Dream  Plan  Draw  Stitch  Write  Stretch

Making a move overseas meant more than just thinking about how I planned to occupy my time - there was lots to do to make it all happen, or at least appear to happen, seamlessly...  

So, if you’re wondering where the previous post was leading, here I was again in 2003, pondering pretty much the same thing.  What did I hope to achieve from my time in India and would any plan I managed to dream up ever hope to cover so many unknowns?  My life was changing in so many ways but from some scant notes I found in my diary it seems I was settled on focusing on these goals (not in any order):

Making a move is never as simple as it seems...

• Exploring options involved in starting a Small Business. (What would I do with myself after the “post-Delhi honeymoon”?)
• Developing a Renovation Plan for our house. (A first in ownership stakes & only recent acquisition in Australia so we were keen to dream.)
• Travelling & really exploring this opportunity. (We had lived overseas before, so culture shock was something we looked forward to with relish!)
• Improving my Photography & Writing Skills. (And later embracing new and advancing digital technologies). 
• Producing Art (smaller & more modern) & Traditional Quilts to record my travel learning journey

The Ivory Tower, Nizamuddin

To achieve this rather large undertaking meant that I had to keep everything simple.  I was hooked on the digital age and therefore rather pleased that my travelling office could all be coordinated through my laptop.  I still needed to manage life at home – albeit from some distance.  Also, we were going to be living in a one-bedder, so I had to pare down my clutter. The usual ponderings – dinner table was doing double duty as sewing table; where would I hide my stash; would I be able to buy quilting necessities etc. etc.  So in general my plan was to:

• Keep a diary. This was too good an opportunity to waste.  Clippings, cuttings photographs, invitations, tickets and all sorts of ephemera would be piled into a box for when that creative moment struck.  In fact, anything that would “round out” my scrapbook.
• Do some research.  India promised a textile hunters dream so I planned to learn as much as I could.  Oh, and collect a few examples along the way…
• Use local fabrics. I was by now totally over the “same again” ranges of quilting fabrics on offer and my career & lifestyle, that I was busy wrapping up, allowed little time to experiment with make-your-own alternatives. Design planning was also in the lap of the gods – who knows what inspiration would come from seeing such a treasure trove of fabrics.
• Travel for inspiration.  And record it!  With a sensory overload outside my front door in Delhi, travelling for more seemed a bit greedy.  But, oh well, someone has to do it!
• Get to know my local community.  It goes without saying that you can’t live in a bubble.  India simply will not let you…

So here’s what I did.  I packed two suitcases and boxed up my best buddy, Bertie Bernina.  The rest I stored at home.  My first suitcase contained a few clothes and the other, essential quilting supplies. No fabric!  I also took a couple of Aussie quilting magazines to give away should I get lucky and find a quilting group.  The one “text” book I chose was “101 Fabulous Rotary-Cut Quilts” by Judy Hopkins & Nancy Martin.  This book is still my favourite source of designs – an ever reliable & accurate source.  I also threw in an unfinished cross-stitch (it was driving me mad) and various bits of my Tea Leaves quilt, all cut out and ready to sew should divine inspiration take longer.  All this pending some engagement with the local quilting community, if it existed!  High hopes indeed!

Despite the best of intentions, constructing quilts became low in my list of priorities – largely because there was so much else to do and see.  Life was constantly hectic yet so rewarding.  Immersion into another culture.  Would I recommend it?  Too right! 

Even the washing in India took on a whole new appeal

Garam Masala in Delhi 2004

Off to India

By early 2004, I was packed and rearing to go – to India!  Before I can post those exciting years up, there’s a fair bit of work I need to do.  So it’s back to the scanner and the reference books for a bit of research.  It may, as they say, be a long time between drinks (well, posts actually!). 

Don’t forget to visit Textile Tourist as I post up interesting textile discoveries along the way of our travelling lives.  Here's a few photos from fabulous and culture rich Turkey.  See you in the Spring!

Roman mosaic floor tiles in Ephesus, Turkey

Goodies for sale in Selcuk

Relax Lah!

Coral Coast: 2004  (Started: 2001)

This is just one of those quilts that I always seem to get all mixed up about.  It is, in a way, partner to Cairo Stars – made about the same time; both star patterns, both turquoise blue and both designs developed from the one star pattern that I found intriguing.  

This time I chose not to ignore the “complex” star design and made up a pattern to get it right.  Having been taught to draft patterns earlier in my quilting life, this one was not so challenging after all.   I pieced it up fairly quickly drawing inspiration from a bold flower pattern.  This was another of my “I‘m really busy but need a quilting fix” quilts.  It turned out rather nicely, all things considered so I was more than happy for it to find a new home with Karen.
 

I have very few details other than having cut it in 2001. It was ready for quilting by September 03 and finished (by both hand & machine) in 2004.  At this stage of my life I was so busy with work and study that quilting took the form of providing me with a moment to relax and focus on something a bit creative. 

I was less attentive to recording detail of my progress although I have to say by the end of 2001 I finally took the step of making a more complete list of my UFO's, which were growing madly, almost of their own accord, in my linen cupboard. 

I might add, a move (a big one with two kids in tow & on my own - the first for some 10 years) to nearby Kenso in April had led to me being a little more thorough in my quilt listing…  Making this list made me aware just how far short I was in recording the quilts I had made (my quilt album having long since been neglected).  I was determined that one New Years resolution would be making this list each end of year - no excuses!  The process is not hard, the quilts get an airing and I get to reminisce about all the fun times, the lovely people I've met along the way and of course the challenges involved in making something artistic.  

Nice feet!  A very quick photo shoot as you can see...

Eighty Stars

Ice Kacang: 2004  (Started: 1999)

Essentially this story is the same as “Soda Pop to Hip Hop”.  Both were made at the same time.  I loved the ease of putting the blocks together. For this one, I chose to make Stars in the Sashing.  (I just love that Hopkins & Martin patterns make cutting and sewing so, so, so easy!)  I also loved the 3D effect of this design and was inspired to look further into transparency and depth using colour. 

I named this quilt after a Malaysian dessert – a favourite refreshing ice snack – that I could never quite resolve whether it was sweet or savoury.  However, it is really tooth-achingly sweet!

Given its vintage qualities, it seemed appropriate to give this quilt to Dad for his 80^th Birthday.  I asked the family at his birthday bash to sign their names (in fabric pen) to mark the occasion.  Pretty sure Mum won’t let him use it though…. 

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 152 x 195cm (60 x 77")
Block Size: 4 ¾” units
Cut in: 1999
Pieced & Basted: Machine 2001
Quilted: Machine 2003
Quilt Type: Personal Choice
Quilt Finished: 2004
Exhibited:  No
Collection: Private
Pattern Name: Stars in the Sashing
Pattern Source: Hopkins & Martin, 1998 p214
Fabrics Purchased: Keepsake Quilting
Fabric Design: 1930’s
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Thin Cotton Batt
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
I just had fun being bold with bold colours, especially the plains, like bubblegum pink & that gakky, mustard colour that went with the 1930’s (Judie Rothermel, Aunt Grace) collections. I must add however that the cotton wadding I used for both these quilts is exceptionally heavy.  I could certainly not have hand quilted through it!  This experience did make me more aware (& more careful) about future choices of batting.

(Well, it will have to be a photo next time I visit.  How it escaped me & my trusty camera makes me wonder but I'm realising how the road to record "history" can be a bit rocky & full of holes - even when it's your own!)

Photos - not the best but at least its a start

Fresh from the 1930's

Soda Pop to Hip Hop: 2004  (Started: 1999)

Looking very sunny on a cloudy day

Somehow life seemed full of work and no play, so during a holiday break in 1999, I “went nuts” cutting up fabrics for two quilts.  I wanted to try a few patterns from Hopkins & Martin’s book, (101 Fabulous Rotary Cut Quilts, 1998 - my favourite pattern source) to use some 1930’s prints I had ordered from the US.  Let me digress...  Everyone was so keen on Keepsake Quilting!  We purchased fabrics quite easily by mail order and had their catalogue included in the box of delights sent back to us!  We would read those catalogues (or dogalogues depending on your bent!) for hours and hours.  I think I still have mine put away for a rainy day…   Fabrics, patterns and clothing – all things on offer were far more exciting than those available at home. 

Back to the quilt!  I chose a lemon background, a bold choice indeed, to go with my 30’s collection for a scrappy but fresh, bouncy look.  I was quite taken with the way the pattern “tricked the eye” into seeing a 3D effect.  I set about rotary cutting, machine piecing and covering my lounge room floor with blocks.  I kept a selection of left-overs for my backing which added a nice finish. Before long, I had a wonderful top, which was relegated to the UFO pile for a while.

A close-up of my sparse quilting.  I've just read
that Kerr & Ringle steam their quilts prior to a
show. Maybe I should have thought of that too! 

As I’ve previously mentioned, after purchasing my Bernina, I went on a bit of a marathon to finish some of my dreaded UFO stockpile.  I purchased a new machine because it worked out cheaper for me to quilt my own rather than send out for long-arm services.  I must admit that I also find great satisfaction in completing the “creative process” by choosing and applying my quilting design.  For this quilt, I wanted to keep the quilting subtle and in straight lines, mostly using the walking foot (showing my nervous beginnings).  This choice however, does allow the colours and patterns to shine, especially the 3D effect of the white pieces, which seem to float above the rest of the quilt when seen from a distance.  Hence my choice of title!

I was inspired by the works of dynamic quilting duo Bill Kerr & Weeks Ringle, and also Melody Crust who use simple shapes and quilting for great effect.  As I look back, I can see the beginnings of the modern quilt movement in their work. 

 

(Weeks Ringle also has her own blog, Craft Nectar, which is worth time exploring.)

Left-overs floating on a Monet inspired backing fabric
(framed by a nice view too!)

Just for the Record:

Quilt Finished Size: 181x 181cm
Block Size: 7 ½” set on point
Cut in: 1999
Pieced & Basted: Machine 2001
Quilted: Machine 2003
Quilt Type: Personal Choice
Quilt Finished: 2004
Exhibited:  Australia Day 2011
Collection: Home# 036
Pattern Name: Churn Dash or Monkey Wrench
Pattern Source: Hopkins & Martin, 1998 p81
Fabrics Purchased: Keepsake Quilting 17/3/99
Fabric Design: 1930’s
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Thin Cotton Batt
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
I needed a quick fix and this was one of those easy “I need to get back into quilting” quilts. I am still fond of simple geometric shapes and quilting that adds personality to a quilt. I often refer to Lee Cleeland’s book, “Quilting Makes the Quilt” 1994. This is a fantastic resource for checking out various patterns; not only patterns but how different a quilt can look if quilted with alternate patterns. If I had my time over with this quilt, I would have been braver, adding a little more quilting.

Scrappy Shoo Fly

Shoo Fly Star: 2004  (Started: 1997)

We made a Shoo Fly Star pattern in a workshop with Joy Dixon (Feb & Mar 97) arranged by the RLI girls.  This one was to be my second pink & grey – perhaps I had so many left-overs from the previous quilt I needed to do something with them.  I only made a sample or two of the blocks (it was a new method for sewing flying geese) as I couldn’t make all the lessons.  Eventually in 1998 I resorted to a pattern in Nancy Martin’s Book “Rotary Roundup” p97 to get on with constructing the top. That book was a real help too as I’ve always found the Hopkins & Martin books very accurate when it comes to instructions eg. rotary cutting measurements.   

This one is made up from two blocks, a shoo fly star and a sawtooth or evening star. Ready for basting in late 2001.  Eventually, I gave it to mum for her spare bed although I’m not sure of the year.  No details confirmed until I next visit…….

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 168x 208cm
Block Size: 8”
Cut in: 1997
Pieced & Basted: Machine 2001
Quilted: Machine 2004
Quilt Type: Workshop
Quilt Finished: 2004
Exhibited:  No
Collection: Private
Pattern Name: Shoo Fly Star
Pattern Source: Joy Dixon
Fabrics Purchased: Colour Collection
Fabric Design: Prints & Plains
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Cotton Batt
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
I was finally beginning to relax a little with the machine quilting technique and although still doing straight lines realised that was ok as long as the design was used effectively, improving on the look of the quilt. (This was before the rage for large quilting machines and at a time when I’d just purchased my new Bernina in 2003 – but more on that later!)  

A  few notes embroidered on the back to help me remember?

An Aside:  I'd quite forgotten that I machine quilted this in Delhi and bought the stripe fabric for the bindings from a tailor's shop in Khan Market.  The funny thing was that they did not believe that I had actually sewn the quilt myself...  They must not have met too many (fastidious) quilters! 

Birds on the Plain

Flock (of Pink & Grey Galahs): 2004  (Started: 1996)

Galah photo from Wiki

I’d been working on an idea since my Tamworth years inspired by those crazy pink & grey galahs which to me typified life on the North West slopes and plains.  I’d even called my idea in advance, “flock” and that has been the cause of a great stumbling block.  I made two quilts in quick succession, both pink & grey, then failed to record their details before giving them away.  Say no more!

This quilt, started 1996, is made from a large collection of pinks and greys (16 so my notes tell me) gathered to one day settle my itch for a “flock” or feather quilt. The initial pattern I chose was from Shortcuts to the Top (p 55), Birds in the Air. Then I found Kansas Troubles (p122) in Rotary Roundup - much more appealing.

My first pink & grey was started with all the relish that a new rotary cutter provides.  I had it ready for batting and backing & basting by late 2001; there was a rush on at the time to clean up the ever-growing UFO box. I was also teaching myself how to machine quilt with the new Bernina (2003), so straight lines were the go on both counts - speed & sanity.  Eventually given to friend, Kath for safe-keeping. 

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 189x 189cm
Block Size: 16”
Cut in: 1996
Pieced & Basted: Machine 2001
Quilted: Machine 2003
Quilt Type: Workshop
Quilt Finished: 2004
Exhibited:  No
Collection: Private 2/6/07
Pattern Name: Kansas Troubles
Pattern Source: Rotary Roundup, Hopkins & Martin
Fabrics Purchased: Colour Collection
Fabric Design: Prints & Plains
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Cotton Batt
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
After a few years of study, I was eager to get back into quilting proper.  I chose a quick pattern with a large size block and a nice scrappy look to get all those pinks & greys I had to form a homogenous whole.  The top was fast, fun to make and satisfied an itch. I still really like the way this quilt turned out.