This quiltlet is a memory quilt of some of the trips (other places) I have been fortunate enough to go on this year. The central picture is an art photo by Gerhard Hillman of "naturesfaceart" http://www.naturesface.com.au/, that he printed onto silk. I bought a huge pile of these small works of art at his market stall in Cairns in November. I discussed with him turning these into quilts, and also bought a length of fabric printed in his unique imagery.
The surrounding pale fabrics I eco - dyed during a work / family trip to the Northern Territory in September. During the day I would collect leaf fall (with permission), and, at night, prepare the dye bundles in vinegar as per India Flint's instructions in her luscious book "Eco-dying". Each piece of silk fabric is thus a reminder and reflection of a particular days journey through Darwin, Kakadu, Litchfield Park or Alice Springs. Best souvenirs I have ever brought back from a trip! These pieces are actually the less successful - I am going to make a different quilt with the more vibrant pieces.
The basic quilt construction and free-motion quilting technique was inspired by an article by Jenny Bowker in Machine Quilting Unlimited - an artist deservedly recognised for her fabulous quilts depicting life in "Other places". She suggested using the pattern of a printed piece of fabric, such as a floral, as the basis of a free-motion quilting design and then extending this into a plain surround.
The botanical diagram is torn from my old favourite "Web of Life" textbook (paper). The leaves are from cheap artificial flowers. I am claiming them as plastic, although I am not sure exactly what they are made of - certainly not silk, but something synthetic. The spine and stem were definitely plastic, anyway.
The trip to Kakadu in particular inspired the title of the quiltlet - one of the most amazing places I have ever experienced.
7 comments:
Very involved and magnificently put together. Beautiful work, thanks for sharing.
wv = extra !~!~!
I do love all the elements used here Kathryn. And the fact that they take YOU to so many wonderfully remembered experiences and places. The over all effect and sewing/drawing is so so pleasing to look at. The machine sewn leaves link up nicely to the "real synthetic leaves".
Thanks for all the info given too.
Hi Kathryn, I love your piece and all the different places your inspirations came from. The Eco-dyeing idea is a such a great way to commemorate your travels.
Another splendid quilt from you Kathryn. Good use of paper and plastic. I am enjoying the stories of everyones travels/life. Have that book on eco-dyeing, must try some this year, I certainly have enough plant life close at hand.
Beautiful Quilt,
Thanks for using one of my images in your creative process...looks great. The world of textiles has opened my eyes to another creative world i didnt know existed until recently
kind regards gerhard
A beautiful piece. I love how the quilting extends from the plastic leaves. Is it quilted with metallic threads? I have never had any luck using them!
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