The Quilted Garden

I’ve blogged about my exhibit several times, but a solo exhibit is a big event in the life of a professional quilter! I wanted to blog about it one more time. These shows are so much work, that I’d almost prefer to be a part of a group exhibit instead.  This helps to share all the costs involved in making and shipping quilts to and from the show location. Shipping expense is a huge consideration, that 2 or 3 years ago when I agreed to have the show, was not as large a cost. Any of you considering shows now, should think about this cost long and hard!

Back to the show at the La Conner Museum.  I always make a quilt especially for my exhibitions. As you know Coneflower Fiesta is the featured quilt for this one.Why did I choose coneflowers? I’ve done so many coneflower pieces and still have some in mind.

I wanted this one to be large, showy, and have flowers that dance across the width. This carries out the theme from my book on free-motion quilting, Dancing with Thread.  The quilting is spontaneous and adds lots of interest to an otherwise boring sky-like background.  And lastly, it carries out the garden theme for the show: The Quilted Garden.

Background of Coneflower Fiesta in process

I began this project by piecing together blue and green strips to create the background. Most are 6 -10 inches wide. I was tired of making quilts with pieced squares in the background and wanted to create a simple yet striking setting.

Fused top of Coneflower Fiesta. The multi-colored cones are a favorite rainbow commercial fabric.

Eventually one ginkgo leaf and a fallen petal were added before the embroidery was started.  After the top was completed. I marked where the quilted flaming spirals were to be placed by safety pinning paper circles on the top. So if I got carried away with my dancing/quilting, the important space for the spirals would be reserved.

So the show is up, the doors are open, and my quilt is on display. You can check my website for more of the story of its making. Make sure you look at the 3 closeups to view the flowers and spirals. Or better yet, go see the exhibit.

This quilt has become a new favorite of mine.  Thanks for reading.

Ann