This item was created during a class with Sue Benner. The project began with a fused grouping of multi-colored fabrics. The raw edged fabric shapes were overlapped by at least 1/4” to avoid gaps. The combined composition was stamped using a stencil and copper colored metallic fabric paint.
The manipulated quilt top was then fused to a layer of cotton batting. A fabric backing completes the sandwich. Straight lines of machine stitched quilting were added using a variegated thread. The fiber art piece was finished with a binding, label and hanging sleeve. In its finished form the small fabric art piece measures 12” x 12 1/4”.
A Brush With Copper, Art Piece # 68
The inspiration for naming my project came from the stenciled copper image.
thank you!
Before closing let me thank you for showing an interest in my activities. I am grateful for your participation and look forward to your comments.
“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!
Once In A Blue Moo, Art Piece # 81
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!
Court House Friends Fourteen of Fourteen, Art Piece # 59
The First Change:
So much has changed since this item was originally completed in August, 2018. Early in 2020 I made the decision to reinvent a number of my fiber art pieces. This item was one of the projects chosen. After stripping away the facings and other finishing touches I treated all four edges to a fresh new cut. To their bare edges I added two new borders; the first a sky blue and the second a jazzy multi-colored print. The colors were chosen to compliment those already present. To the new borders I added rows of straight-line machine stitching using color-coordinated thread. The fabric sandwich was then attached to a 12” x 12” stretched canvas frame.
Added Embellishments:
Even though the borders added a striking new appeal, it seemed only natural to add additional embellishments. Smack-dab in the center of the composition is a hand-made, thread-wrapped copper wire bead. (Note: the bead was made by Jimenas Treasures)
Right of Center, Art Piece # 59, Side View
A sprinkling of French knots flank all four sides of the bead. Rows of straight-line hand stitching meander throughout the white, sky blue and jazzy multi-colored border. Each one of these embellishments adds their own vibrant touch.
A New Identity:
Just like my other reinvented art pieces this too had to be given a new identity. Known previously as Court House Friends # 14 of 14, hereafter it shall be called Right Of Center. The name was chosen because the thin strip of pieced fabrics is positioned right of center.
This is how my art piece looked when it was finished.
Right Of Center, Art Piece # 59
Isn’t it amazing how a small remnant of fabric can become the focus of a fiber art piece! How about sharing your thoughts?
