Thursday, September 24, 2015

Improv piecing, Hand quilting in running stitch..

Citrus Rose #1, 42" x 36", Hand quilting in running stitch.
Back of Citrus Rose #1, hand quilting.

Citrus Rose #2, 32" x 20", pieced top.


 Yesterday I wanted to put together an art quilt so I challenged myself to 'limits for patchwork' as in Sherri Lynn Wood's book, The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters, chapter 1 Quilt Scores. 
Deciding to limit myself to using left over blocks from my quilt Citrus Rose #1 and the left over scraps from that quilt, I began arranging and sewing. I used a 'wonky' log cabin style for the blocks and three borders. Borders give great definition to a quilt. I'm happy with the outcome of Citrus Rose #2. The idea of using a score, a basic frame work of some sort is challenging in a good way.

I've added more hand quilting to Citrus Rose #1, using 3 strands of embroidery thread in the colors of the quilt fabric. When I designed Citrus Rose #1 I was inspired by a piece of Middle Eastern fabric being used as a bed cover. It was a deep purple with shots of bright color woven all through it. 'That is brilliant', I thought, I have to make my own version. So  I used 'Broken Bars' blocks, putting them together in rows and sewing together the rows. That's my current 'Improv' adventure.
Linking up with 'Ad Hoc Improv Quilters .

It's fall already, fall colors, pumpkin pies, cooler weather to look forward to. It's a wonderful time of the year! Happy Fall to you!



12 comments:

Magpie's Mumblings said...

and happy Fall to you too! Pumpkin pie - already had one and am looking forward to more in the very near future. It's amazing how wonderful running stitch looks - there's nothing plain about that stitch when you see it like this!

Janie said...

Pumpkin pie already! So good. Today I made a blueberry pie to celebrate fall.

Kaja said...

The quilting on Citrus Rose I looks great! I love the look you get with lots of running stitch. It is interesting to see the same fabrics revisited in Citrus Rose II - I especially like the way you have used the deepest red in this one.

Pamela said...

You are so creative! I always like seeing what you are working on.

Janie said...

Thank you, Kaja. I'm drawn to variations on a theme.

Janie said...

Thank you, Pamela your blue hexi quilt is beautiful and will be fabulous with your hand quilting, http://hokkaidokudasai.blogspot.com/ .

Ann said...

Janie, these are both lovely. I think I'm becoming a Pink Lady; pink and cream are becoming such an attraction to me. I love your bright running embroidery. You, Stephie, and Kaja are so talented with your handwork. Thanks for linking up with AHIQ.

Lisa J. said...

I love the hand quilting on this piece. It's gorgeous.

audrey said...

Love your stitching! It adds a wonderful texture!

Lara B. said...

Hi Janie! You sure kicked that up more than a few notches! Citrus Rose 1 and Rose 2 both look gorgeous with your colorful hand quilting a bars of bright colors!

Cathy said...

Love how you've done the hand quilting.

Karen said...

I especially love the border print.....beautiful, happy and vibrant work as always Janie.