In between all the block making that has been going on, I’ve been experimenting with an art quilt idea. It all started with this print fabric I picked up recently. I forgot to note the designer and line, but if you are interested, leave a comment and I’ll get it for you. Anyway, I started with this gathering of fabric.
You’ll see later that I added a few more fabrics in as I went along. I also did a little experimenting with drawing up a sketch to work from.
I almost followed it, but once I got into the project, I just went with what felt right. Another part of the experimenting was taking my time on this piece. I started this back before my Lyra quilt, which was back in April. I worked on it a little, then left it on my design wall while I worked on something else. It gave me time to think about where I wanted to go next, etc.
I had a scrap of linen that I wanted to include in this quilt. My plan was to just add a strip here and there for texture. Then I got the idea to try experimenting with fraying the linen, so I sewed a narrow strip of it between two other fabrics, then frayed it.
While working on this project, my mind kept going back to growing up in South Dakota, with its long prairie views, blue skies, and prairie grasses.
The fraying was pretty fun and easy to do, so I added a couple more in other places. While working on that, I wondered if I could try experimenting with making heads of grain with the linen, so I gave that a try.
That was a little trickier, and they are a bit clumsy, but I decided it added a nice focal point to the quilt. In the oppoite corner, I quilted in some heads of grain for balance.
I used a 28wt thread and am pretty happy with how it turned out. I added them after the other quilting was finished, which was done with 40wt and 50wt threads.
I wanted to try using a branch as a quilt hanger, and I’m not sure if this is the branch yet or not. It will work for now. For the ties, I used the selvedge from the linen fabric because I liked the frayed look. I sewed the ties into the quilt when I added the faced binding.
The finished quilt measures 12-1/2″ x 26-1/2″. I enjoyed making this quilt and experimenting with the different elements, and I’m happy with the final result. Now I need to find wall space to hang this piece.
Wendy
I love this Wendy, and I love the thought you put into it. I’ve seen those South Dakota grasses, and I like that it reminds you of them too. Nice work.
What a fun quilt! I love it.
Love the colors but the frayed linen pieces are my fave! Looks like you’ve been having your usual fun in the sewing room again–nice!
How creative Wendy! I love the frayingn of the linen. Keep up the great work!
I love this Wendy – it should be hanging in a fine arts museum shop! It is even more special by the meaning it has for you and the intentionality (I really hate that word but it fits) of the whole piece. To me it represents your joy and makes me want to take that thought process and apply it to a creation of my own!
You might want to keep that stick away from Wilbs.
Oh, what a fabulous piece. I really love the texture of the frayed linen and am glad you gave this time as you worked on it. I can definitely see the prairie inspiration and I also really love the variation in the direction the strips are oriented in the piece!
Don’t you love it when a fabric experiment works?! This is beautiful, Wendy. I love the color choices inspired by the text print, the narrow curves, and your frayed pieces. Neat!
Hi Wendy, Such a nice quilt. I really like the fabric and the way the quilt came together. Unraveling the linen gives this piece the feel of being out the country. I admire your patience in working on this over a longer period of time. Having on your design board and being able to look at it every day must have been a great way to keep it from getting pushed to the back burner. BTW, I enjoyed reading about your BOMs and seeing them all together.
You just have such a creative brain! This piece is one I could see behind glass along with other pieces hanging in a workplace office or hallway. Very cool!!! BTW love seeing you posting again!
I Love This.
The frayed linen is magical.
You are quick! Or else you just have a lot up your sleeve and surprise it. My smile got wider and wider as I read along; with each new element the quilt really developed and grew into itself and I love it! I love the element of the fringe, and I nodded my head in agreement as you described the waving grain on the prairies. So wonderful, Wendy! Congratulations!!
I feel very lazy…
I am catching up on your posts and you have been incredibly productive (and creative) with traditional block making and them BAM – you throw in an amazing art quilt!!!!
Yes! This does remind me of our fields and prairies back home.
I’m still adjusting to leaving “home” and moving to Minnesota.
I also agree that it should be in an art gallery. ❤️
it is very interesting. Sometimes it is nice to go with something you just think about in your head to be creative
Oh Wendy, that turned out amazing and it looks like it was a joy to make.
Wow. This is a departure from the precisely pieced blocks of your previous posts. Lovely work.
This is really fantastic in every way. But, you know… I like the drawing almost as much! Put that in a frame!
What a fun experiment! Love the experimenting with the linen and the thread painting. Such a fun experiment and great outcome.
What a fabulous improv piece. And the fraying is the ice on the cake!
I love to learn about your process and see it all come together. The linen worked perfectly and I like using a branch as a hanger to complete the organic look.
What a fun experiment. I love it, Wendy!
I love this experiment. The fraying has worked really well and it looks great hung from the branch 🙂
You have really a creative time. To have AC is a plus in these days to stay in a sewing room. It is absolutly adorable. Love that the plan and how it is in the end is different and not a strikt plan you follow. You let the inspiration flow. I love the way of quilting