Status Quo or make a change
Are you a status quo person or do you like to make changes? I would have to answer with, “It depends.” Most of the time I welcome change with open arms. There are, however, some things that I like to remain static:
-like my coffee…don’t mess with the strength or flavor
-chocolate…don’t bother giving me anything but extra dark, fair trade chocolate
-my fabric inventory..don’t tell me I have to cut back on fabric purchases
I think you get the picture.
When it comes to moving furniture, my art, my wardrobe or my haircut I’m ready to make a change.
Operation renovation
I’ve been making progress on a project I call Operation Renovation. I initiated the activity earlier this year. Being bored with the “stay at home” quarantine due to Covid 19 I was desperate for something new to occupy my time. After learning about and perfecting the skill of mounting fiber art onto stretched canvas frames I made the decision to utilize that expertise to reinvent a number of the items in my portfolio. This activity would certainly help to fill some of my time.
Ten so far
I am proud to say that I have to-date successfully renovated ten art pieces. The specimen I am sharing today is my eleventh installment. This piece, originally created back in June, 2016, was given the name Flowers, Art Piece # 4. The name was chosen because of the multiple incorporated floral fabrics .
Flowers began with leftover scraps from a former quilt block. Those scraps were also utilized to create a companion to Flowers known as Moo, Art Piece # 9.
the process
After stripping away the facings, hanging sleeve and label I set to work auditioning fabrics for new borders. Chosen were a golden yellow and a lively purple. Both colors bring harmony to the art quilt because of their presence in the original pieced center. These added components incorporate an element of pizazz that breathes new life into this work of art. To add further interest I used coordinating threads to quilt geometric shapes on the golden border and flowing lines on the purple batik.
a new name
With a new wardrobe comes a new name. Rather than keep the previous name of Flowers I decided to give the refurbished art quilt a new identity. Using the numerous diagonal lines seen in the body of the item for inspiration I chose to call the newly redecorated fiber art quilt On the Diagonal I.
the new and improved version
Explaining in detail the numerous changes that were made during the redecorating project can’t begin to hold a candle to a before and after photo. Feast your eyes on the following pictures.


it is finished
The process of renovating On The Diagonal I has officially been declared complete and I am absolutely thrilled with the final outcome. But patting myself on the back and singing my own praises can’t substitute for the opinions shared by my readers. I hope that you will feel inspired to add your thoughts by commenting on this journal post.
thank you!
I look forward to the time we get to spend together through this journal. Thank you for making it a rewarding experience.

About Cindy
The world of art has always brought me joy. From my childhood explorations with chalk and paint to my creations using fabric and thread, I have utilized art as my vehicle to stretch my wings and explore the world around me.
My favorite art form has been given many names; I know it as “free-form” quilting. This direction has taken me on a journey resulting in the formation of more than 200 art pieces. Most of them center strictly around the manipulation of fabric. Some of the later pieces have added elements of hand stitchery. All of them have brought me an immense sense of joy.
I use this blog to share glimpses of my art and the environment in which it is created. Most of my art pieces are available for purchase. You may see a sampling of them at Raven’s Wish Gallery in Janesville, Wisconsin.
My art is periodically on display in a variety of venues. To learn about my current exhibits you may send an email to cindy [at] inastitchquilting [dot] com
Now go and create your own masterpiece. With warm hugs…
Cindy Anderson
Hi Cindy! I love the new and improved version. Not to say I didn’t enjoy the original version, but I think the added borders pull out the colors so nicely. I like to make changes, too, although agree that SOMETIMES the status quo is necessary. ~smile~ Roseanne
Hi Roseanne!
Sometimes it is hard to know when to change things and went to leave them alone. In this case the changes made a wonderful improvement. Thank you so much for sharing your input.
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The piece was lovely before the renovation but it is pretty spectacular after it’s remodel! I like the things you want static and glad you enjoy your coffee, chocolate and fabric 🙂
Awe how kind of you to say! I appreciate your candid response. 🙂
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I guess you are super lucky because my first reply didn’t show up on my blog so I typed a second one. Bonus for you! 🙂
Kinda fun for a change – all this attention! HA!
😊
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Ha ha! A fellow enthusiast!! Nice!
I really like the quilting pattern too…so much so that I chose to use it in other pieces. It adds a level of entertainment that grabs my attention and makes me smile.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! I’m honored!
Cindy, I’m with ya on coffee, chocolate and my fabric stash!
🙂
Your Pandemically induced series of canvas mounted quilt Renovations is quite the project! #11 I find especially interesting as the newly introduced quilting pattern sewn into the new border is more what made it shine for me rather than color choice!
A fellow enthusiast! Awesome!
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. I too am very fond of the new quilting pattern. It makes me smile every time I see it.
Nice when that happens in our work.
🙂