Let me present:
String Theory
From the very start of this quilt I was inspired. The base fabric, a batik, has lots of visual texture. In making this quilt, I wanted to add to that texture. I also wanted to add more color to intensify the visual impact of the quilt. I also happen to love bright bold colors.
As I worked on this quilt I noticed a flow begin to develop. Areas were stitched, not in a planned order, but rather as inspiration came. I let the quilt “tell me” what it wanted rather than trying to plan everything out. Symbols that have personal meaning, such as the spiral, were incorporated into the design. There are a lot of organic shapes that emerged as the quilt took form.
Various areas were filled with hand stitches but also some machine stitches. In places, threads were woven through other stitches. Much like our lives, the combination, working together added strength to the whole.
I sometimes used more than one thread in the needle as I had sewed. This allowed some subtle color shifts that would not be possible with a single thread. It also created a few challenges in the hand stitching. It was a great learning process for me.
I chose the title String Theory for a couple of reasons. In science, string theory is a contender as a “theory of everything.” It is a way of attempting to describe the natural world and its wonder. I am fascinated by the higher sciences. The second reason is that every part of the quilt is made up of strings. Some of them are visible and some are hidden. I found the wordplay in the title appealing to me creatively.
As I worked on this quilt I noticed a flow begin to develop. Areas were stitched, not in a planned order, but rather as inspiration came. I let the quilt “tell me” what it wanted rather than trying to plan everything out. Symbols that have personal meaning, such as the spiral, were incorporated into the design. There are a lot of organic shapes that emerged as the quilt took form.
Various areas were filled with hand stitches but also some machine stitches. In places, threads were woven through other stitches. Much like our lives, the combination, working together added strength to the whole.
I sometimes used more than one thread in the needle as I had sewed. This allowed some subtle color shifts that would not be possible with a single thread. It also created a few challenges in the hand stitching. It was a great learning process for me.
I chose the title String Theory for a couple of reasons. In science, string theory is a contender as a “theory of everything.” It is a way of attempting to describe the natural world and its wonder. I am fascinated by the higher sciences. The second reason is that every part of the quilt is made up of strings. Some of them are visible and some are hidden. I found the wordplay in the title appealing to me creatively.
Here are some detail pictures.
The Big Little Blog Book Tour – Starts Next THIS Week!
Yes I will be a stop on the Tour. I won't be there next week I will be on the tour on October 30th. I am the next to last stop. (I am thinking "save the best for last" - like dessert. ha ha)I haven't yet decided if I will be writing about the book or doing a demonstration or ???? So you will just have to wait and see.
The Book is on Die Cutting fabric and covers all the major brands of cutters. You will want to follow this tour. Trust me.
Here’s the lineup of tour hosts!
- October 16th – Ebony Love, LoveBug Studios (that’s me!)
- October 17th – Jennifer Rodriguez, All Things Belle
- October 18th – Marjorie Busby, Marjorie’s Quilting Bee
- October 19th – Michelle Marr, Michelle’s Romantic Tangle
- October 20th – Tammy Tutterow, Sizzix Blog
- October 21st – Patsy Thompson, Patsy Thompson Designs
- October 22nd – Tracy Rampling, The Peony Teacup
- October 23rd – Mary Fons, Hey Quilty!
- October 24th – Barb Gaddy, Bejeweled Quilts
- October 25th – Katrina Chapman Khan, Sunshower Quilts
- October 26th – SewCal Gal, Insights from SewCalGal
- October 27th – Vanessa Wilson, The Crafty Gemini
- October 28th – Kelly Jackson, I Have a Notion
- October 29th – Connie Campbell, Freemotion By the River
- October 30th – Gene Black, An Alabama Quilter
- October 31st – Ebony Love, LoveBug Studios
- November 1st – Book Launch on Amazon! (but you can pre-order anytime)
7 comments:
Your quilt is beautiful! I love the name and the meaning behind it.
I am still loving that quilt Gene! Awesome! Have a great week!
Me too, still loving that quilt!
I always love looking at your work Gene.....especially your abstract designs.
Hey, Gene - this is really neat. Besides featuring my favorite colors, the thread play fascinates me.
When I saw the thumbnail I was very intrigued. Wow - it's beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
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