Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Rainbow Pixel Project

Rainbow Pixel Project 
60.5" x 39" 
 by Kathy York, Connie Hudson, Sherri McCauley, Leslie Jenison, Frances Holiday Alford, and Barb Forrister Well, here's the full view of our entry for Houston this year. It went together so easily, and we had fun making it. When asked about techniques on the entry form, I just wanted to list, "everything". Obviously, it is impossible for it to have EVERY technique, but it sure felt like it! We tried something new with the joining of the quilted blocks that I wanted to tell you about. We usually trim the quilted blocks, butt the edges together, zig-zag with invisible thread. Then we turn it over and fuse fabric strips over the joined edges, flip the quilt back over and satin stitch over the invisible zig-zag. This time, after joining all the pieces with invisible thread, we decided that the satin stitch would be distracting because our blocks were so small (just 2" x 2"). We liked the way that the invisible thread looked, but were concerned about the overall strength of the piece. So, Leslie dyed a gorgeous piece of red organza (which I have not taken a photo of yet, sorry!!), and we fused the entire thing to the back. The photo below is what the back looked like before the organza. I thought that looked pretty awesome too! After fusing the organza, we went back and zig-zagged all the seams through all the layers for reinforcement. Then we decided to add some satin stitching lines, keeping them consistent with the overall work but not overwhelming the work that was all ready there. It was hard to decide what these lines would be, but we eventually settled on these somewhat concentric lines. The thread was chosen to be similar to the background to keep the effect subtle, and some hand stitching with embroidery floss was added to both soften and emphasize our new lines. The work is just incredible! It is rich with the individual artist's voices and the group process sings! Last, this was an easy group project that has so many possibilities! I am curious to see if we will try it again and get a totally different quilt.....or if any of you will give it a try! Be sure to let me know!

16 comments:

Rachel Parris said...

You girls are amazing! This is beautiful...can't wait to see it in person wearing its ribbon. Applause Applause.

Gerrie said...

Wow, I could spend hours looking at each little gem of a block.

Jackie said...

wow, awesome!
Can I ask a question? It is okay to post on your blog a quilt you entered into Houston? I entered but was afraid if I posted the quilt, it may get disqualified if it actually got accepted?
Thank you for your time.

Kathy York said...

Jackie,
I have never seen a rule at IQA that says anything about posting photos of your quilt before the show opens, or before the jurying process. It's a good question though. I have seen it as a criteria at other quilt shows. The best source is the venue, you should probably ask them.

Kathy York said...

Rachel and Gerrie,
Thanks so much! We have all spent a lot of time admiring each others little works of art! Really fun!

connie said...

This piece is amazing!!! Thanks for sharing the process...

Leslie Tucker Jenison said...

Should we post pics of the other one or keep it a secret?!

Kathy York said...

Leslie,
We should post the other group quilt. I will post next week. Feel free to post sooner! Guess it won't be a secret much longer!

skye said...

Incredible work, ladies!! I am very much looking forward to seeing it in person!!!

Cathy said...

Wow! Fabulous...can't wait to see it IRT!

sophie said...

I always enjoy the quilts made by your group and this one is another winner. I can't wait to see it alive and in person.

Brandi said...

Wow, simply breathtaking! I bet that was a whole lot of fun!!

Stacy Hurt said...

WOW. That's all I can say. Really. Just. WOW. OH and OUTSTANDING JOB!

Jeanne Turner McBrayer said...

Amazing indeed! This quilt makes me happy! Would love to see all the little twinchies up close.

cliodhna said...

that is awesome! I already thought it was beautiful and then I looked even closer and saw that each block was already quilted, worked on and a piece of art in itself.. congratulations to all of you!

Kathy York said...

Thanks everyone! I thought this would be a great idea, but it has gone far beyond my already high expectations. The little mini-quilts are indeed intriguing. They draw me in. I am amazed by the diversity of ideas and techniques and colors! I hope you will be inspired too if you get to see the real quilt. It radiates joy, and so captures the feeling of our group!