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Sunday, January 31, 2016

My Favorite Book Is - Robbie P - "Steps in Time"

The Art Quilts Around the World  online challenge is "your favorite book".  And this is my finished piece!  Steps in Time by Fred Astaire!
As soon as I heard the challenge, the 1st book that popped up in my mind was 'Steps in Time' the autobiography by Fred Astaire.  I read this book while in high school and it was the 1st biography/autobiography I ever read.  I can still remember it like it was yesterday!  Funny, how some books just make such an impression on you.  It was such a good read!


This is the original cover on the book, which I think was published in '58 or '59.  Our library has a copy which I checked out several years ago to read again!  The Amazon link to  purchase this book, either in print or Kindle, shows a different cover.  I think I saw where it was republished in the '80s.  I like the original cover!

My clock was printed on a piece of fabric then buttonhole stitched via machine after I quilted the background.  Of course,  I added beading for the hands of the clock and for the 'hour' segments.












For the footprints, I traced some little feet onto a piece of freezer paper (centering my clock) then carefully cut each foot out.  Once I quilted the background piece, I ironed the freezer paper down then painted/brushed black paint to create the feet.






I have to say I did enjoy working on this piece, mainly, because it brought back good memories for me.  I have always loved to read and up to that point in high school, I was only reading fiction.  To this day I enjoy reading bio's so much and 'Mr. Astaire' got me started!

15 comments:

  1. Wonderful interpretation. I have not read his autobiography but love every Fred Astaire movie. Folks just don't dance like that anymore. Love your dancing feet.

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    1. Thanks, Marty. You should pick up the book...it's a great read and I did enjoy working on this pice!

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  2. Great quilt and wonderful memories. I love Fred Astaire too, but have never picked up his book. I will now. Thanks! (glad you used the artwork from the original too. good choice!)

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    1. Isn't the book cover just a happy picture! Makes me smile each time I see it! And do pick up the book!

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  3. I used to watch him in all the old movies with my Mum when I was young, man could he dance. Would be an interesting book to read. Love your version of the cover as well, especially the little feet.

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    1. Astaire always seemed like such a classy man and never seemed to be "acting" in his movies!

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  4. I'll have a look for this book in the library. I like your interpretation with the feet and the clock>

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  5. Great quilt, lovely composition.

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  6. I love autobiographies and will have to look for this book. Your interpretation is great! Have to include those famous dancing feet.

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  7. Really like the composition of this quilt,
    very classy, just like the subject himself.
    You have captured the balance, rhythm and class of Mr Astaire perfectly.
    well done!

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  8. I love your quilt - the composition and balance! And I love those little footprints!

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  9. Wonderful! And what a great interpretation of the theme!

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  10. You have chosen well the elements to represent the book title, including the original cover. Even the quilting is indicative of a dance. Love it!

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