Bears in the Wild

Arcadia, Maine: 2011

Inspired after my efforts with the New York Quilt (it was quite the feverish high!), I quickly took up another stack of memento fabrics I’d purchased in Bar Harbor ME whilst on a trip through the Arcadia National Park (7/9/10).  This trip has special memories.  I was on walking sticks having landed heavily on (and badly twisted) my ankle a few days prior.  We’d also just ducked out of the way of Hurricane Earl and rather more pleasurably, eaten lots of freshly cooked lobsters. 

Despite being walking (just) wounded, I was determined, like a moth to a flame, to get into Fabricate if only to buy myself some quilting magazines.  To aid recovery, I assured Cap'n Doubtful.  In this lovely shop, I discovered some delightful fabrics that shouted “Maine” and I knew they would make up into a wonderful travel memento. 

Back home, I set about selecting a pattern of squares.  Based on my previous success with Kaffe Fassett’s designs, I found an energetic pattern made up of 6 squares.  (Jewel Squares, Kaffe Fasset “Patchwork”, 1997 p.138).  I fussy cut the squares to showcase the best of each design and then pinned them the next day at my regular Randwick meeting.  From there, it didn’t take too long to sew them up into a nice small-ish wall hanging.

Quilting design of waves, wind & mist

Back pieced to use up left-overs

I never did see any bears or even get moose-d but sought solace at Fabricate, 52 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor ME.  It all worked out for the best. The Cap’n would never have shared his cabin well with a bear for a guest… 

(Please note again, this is not an exact replica of Jewel Squares, I simply used the pattern piece sizes to construct my own arrangement of squares.)


And one for the photo album too.
Northeast Harbor, Maine

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 114 x 168cm
Block Sizes: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12 inch
Cut in: 15 Apr 2011
Pieced & Basted: 2011
Quilted: Machine 2011
Quilt Type: Modern
Quilt Finished: 2011
Exhibited: Australia Day, 2013
Collection: Home#0 54
Pattern Name: Jewel Squares p138
Pattern Source: Kaffe Fassett, “Patchwork”, 1997
Fabrics Purchased: Fabricate, Bar Harbor ME
Fabric Design: Local Animals & Fall Foliage
Fabric Style: Travel Memento
Materials Type: Printed Cottons
Wadding Type: Cotton
Backing: Pieced using left-over remnants
. 

Yellow for Sun Gods

Indian Sari Series #3: 2011  (Started: 2004)
Konark’s Chariot

Lesson for photographers: lighting from behind doesn't work in this instance!

I’m not sure there’s a lot more to say about this one, number three, but oh my, that’s some interesting yellow to work with.  Very sadhu (holy man)!  I fussy cut a stripped ikat to add detail to the stars and used quite a collection of fabrics.  Lastly, rather than feature one large piece, I added two borders, offset, by that strong blue. 

Ah yes, there’s still more fabric waiting to be made up to add to this series.  One day, one day…..

(The Konark Sun Temple, a 13^th c Hindu temple, takes the form of a huge chariot for the Sun God, Surya.  It symbolises the passage of time: seven horses pull the chariot on 12 pairs of wheels.  Located in Orissa.  It is spectacular!)

Machine washed & clothes-line wonky

Just for the Record: 

Quilt Finished Size: 115 x 164cm
Block Sizes: various
Cut in: 2004
Pieced & Basted: Machine Pieced 2004; Basted 2005
Quilted: Machine 2011
Quilt Type: Own Design
Quilt Finished: Jan 2011
Exhibited: Australia Day, 2011
Collection: Home# 044
Pattern Name: Army Star, p35*
Pattern Source: Own Design
Fabrics Purchased: India 2004
Fabric Design: Ikat
Fabric Style: Handwoven Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Cotton Batt
Backing: Cottons_Indian dress fabrics

*101 Fabulous Rotary-Cut Quilts” by Judy Hopkins & Nancy Martin

Delectable Mountains

Indian Sari Series #2: 2011  (Started: 2004)
Sun Temples in the Heat Haze

Australia Day Exhibition 2011

As always, once you actually start something it doesn’t take long to want to make another.  This time I chose “Delectable Mountains” as my basic pieced panel along with a substantial and oh-so-very interesting piece of ikat fabric to make up this quilt.  Again, I was inspired by the fabrics and considered how best to use them without losing their character.  Finally, I settled on making up an interesting sari pallu design. That brings together my interests in traditional clothing, textiles and pieced designs.

To add to the effect, I pieced up a backing making do with leftovers and “interesting” bits – all purchased at Nehru Place, of course!  Needless to say, it was all machined, including the quilting.  I added a few cowrie shells for good measure.

Backing with machine quilting showing - just!

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 112 x 160cm
Block Sizes: various
Cut in: 2004
Pieced & Basted: Machine Pieced 2004; Basted 2005
Quilted: Machine 2011
Quilt Type: Own Design
Quilt Finished: 2011
Exhibited: Australia Day, 2011
Collection: Home# 043
Block Name: Delectable Mountains, p71*
Pattern Source: Own Design
Fabrics Purchased: India 2004
Fabric Design: Ikats
Fabric Style: Handwoven Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Cotton Batt
Backing: Cottons; Indian dress fabrics

*101 Fabulous Rotary-Cut Quilts” by Judy Hopkins & Nancy Martin

(This piece looks a bit wonky as it had just
been washed but I think it better represents colour.)