Eleven of Sixteen

I’ve been sharing photos of my recently completed art pieces. Last Thursday we took a look at number ten.  Today’s post features the eleventh of sixteen.

So Different

Each of the mini art quilts, in this series, are unique. This one, in particular, is quite different from the rest. Unlike the others this one has a vibrant display of color. Notice the varied shades of purple and the added pops of blue.

Not Just A Border

Surrounding the center panel is a border that serves three purposes:

added color,

interest through piecing and

dimension.

The center panel is wrapped with a perky shade of teal. I chose this color to echo the tiny sections in the center of the quilt. The energy radiating from the border adds a wallop that not only unifies but also engages you.

The Border Construction

Moving on from the border’s color, let’s take a look at the piecing. When adding borders typically the strips of cloth are made from one section of fabric; unless of course the quilt is large enough to require additional piecing.

Given this art quilts small size there would be no need for borders created from multiple sections.

Ignoring standard practices I decided to piece mine. Each is created using random lengths of cloth. The intersections between adjoining fabrics add resting places for your eyes and the opportunity to pause and notice features in greater detail.

Interest Through Quilting

All quilt sandwiches (quilt top, batting and backing) are secured either through a technique known as tying or stitching. I have never been a fan of tying. The simplistic appearance of a tied quilt doesn’t fill my personal desire for texture and interest.

Typically my minimalist art pieces are quilted with simple straight lines. The straight lines provide the required function yet do so in a manner that doesn’t deter from the quilt’s over-all appearance.

For this specimen, rather than stitching numerous parallel lines, I decided to add some angles. The angular lines accentuate the unusually pieced borders. Take a close look.

Did you notice that the stitching extends inward toward the intersection of the border segments and then makes a right angle. Doesn’t that 90 degree angle add even more panache. I think this added touch of class helps to make this mini quilt spectacular. What’s your opinion?

The Evaluation

My goal, at the beginning of each art piece, is to create a work of art that will harmoniously, engage and intrigue its audience. Each of the design elements are carefully chosen. The selection process takes into account the individual design steps as well as the intended conclusion.

In making my final evaluation of this original art piece I would have to say that this project has met and exceeded my expectations. I hope the same is true for you as well.

Quilt Characteristics

• Materials: Fabric top and backing are 100% cotton
• Batting: Warm & Natural
• Dimensions: 9 1/2” L x 5 6/8” W
• Quilting Stitch: Angular lines using variegated threads
• Quilted On: Conventional sewing machine

Want to Meet the Rest of the Family?

Now that you have seen this art piece are you curious about the other quilts in the series? Links to the other pieces are filed under the category Courthouse Steps, Block of the Month. Go ahead and check them out! You won’t be disappointed. While you are at it share with me your thoughts about this art piece as well as the other members of the family.

Thank you for visiting!