The Origin Of Its Name
“Once in a blue moon” is a well-known idiom. The phrase, which happens every thirty-two months, refers to the occurrence of a second full moon within a calendar month. The idiom was the inspiration for the naming of this art quilt. The project took on a whimsical nature with the addition of an unusual embellishment and fabric strip. A quick glance will reveal the presence of a vertical navy blue section of fabric with the word MOO repeatedly printed on its surface. The color of the fabric as well as the wording inspired me to call my project Once In A Blue Moon Moo.
Original Features
In its original completed state the quilt measured 7 3/4” x 7 3/4” with these identifying features:
- a multi-colored barn with a stylish, wood-grained, teal door
- a teal zipper pull functioning as a door handle
- a chimney fashioned from a single teal fabric scrap
- a grassy base represented by the horizontal fringed, teal fabric strip and
- cleverly applied hand quilting, using both matching and coordinating colors (note: look for the stitches used to represent smoke arising from the chimney).
The Renovation
Early in 2020 I made the decision to reinvent a number of my fiber art pieces. This small art quilt was one of the chosen projects. After removing the facings from all four edges I began the process of retrofitting it for a stretched canvas frame. To the freshly trimmed edges I added two borders. The first is a soft blue and the second a lively print. Both were chosen because they mimicked colors already present. The new borders were quilted with color coordinated threads using simple straight line stitching. The finished 12” x 12” art form sports a fresh new look. See for yourself!
I think the added changes elevated my fiber art piece to a whole new level; a level that resulted in a sale. This composition was SOLD during my solo exhibit at Raven’s Wish Gallery last summer.
Thank You
Thank you for spending that last few minutes reading about my latest adventure. I hope that you found the experience enjoyable. Till our paths cross once again stay safe and healthy!
With warm regards,
I do like the addition of the borders. Congratulations on the sale! Are you planning another show this summer?
Thank you! Maybe late 2021
I love the zipper pull! The black thread little stitching bits is brilliant!
Thank you! That was one of my favorite parts too!
Hi Cindy! It wasn’t a huge major change but it sure changed the look and feel of the piece. Big huge congrats and {{hugs}} for the sale. How exciting! ~smile~ Roseanne
Thank you Roseanne! I think it is fun to see how small changes can make a difference.
I agree – those ‘finishing touches’ made a difference. Congrats on the sale!
🙂
Thank you!