Monday, May 11, 2009

My First Quilt

I apologize for my silence (again) peeps. I have been unable to write, think, concentrate...my divorce has become (as many divorces do) very contentious. I mean, I haven't even been crocheting or knitting, which is very unusual as you all know. Although, I have not been sitting idle either. Instead, I have been sewing, quilting, spinning and weaving. There is something about those four activities that doesn't require me to sacrifice a huge amount of braincells in order to create, whereas knitting and crocheting, for me, are all about the process of design. Needless to say, I just cannot wrap my brain around any sort of creative puzzle at the moment.

Don't ask me how or why I am currently capable of following quilting directions, but I can and here are the results...



Is it ironic that I just finished a quilt covered with skulls???

I know, I try to avoid being sick and twisted, but I fail time and again. Oh well, that's moi!



Other than the obvious morbidity of this pieced work, I give myself a big pat on the back for making it through the piecing, layering, quilting and binding process with relative ease. As a new quilter I was a bit incredulous that I could actually make one of these fabric masterpieces. I mean, there are lots of pieces and they have to fit together! No small feat, I can assure you. However, I prevailed and I loved the process.



Did you notice the gold quilting thread?

And do you like the Frida backing?

I know, more tortured female artist juju...Definitely a quilt of the moment for me.

Maybe my next quilt should be all about freedom...

Quilting Stats
Pattern: Around the Block
Quilting Instruction: Rebecca McClure/Sewing Arts Center
Machine: Husqvarna Viking Scandinavia 400
Fabric: Alexander Henry
Made For: My Beautiful Daughter

24 comments:

Unknown said...

I love your quilt. I noticed that the thread stood out... but I didnt realise that it was gold till you pointed it out. I say craft what you feel. Some day you will look back and have the emotions mapped out for you, which is good cause I have heard that sometimes the whole thing is a blur later and when you are ready to process it all, you may not have a "map" to navigate the blur with! (this was from a fellow crafter friend of mine who went through a really MESSY divorce a few years ago.)

Jennifer Rose said...

that is a gorgeous quilt! great fabric choices :D

Dawna said...

The skulls are beautiful. The style of them (and that escapes me... I saw them tattooed on Miami Ink a few times) isn't as dark as some skulls I've seen.

Wishing you good things as you go through this rough time. :)

Deneen said...

"very" contentious-I knew it :(

I adore the quilt, Elena would say it was "wicked awesome".

Bunny said...

I love your Quilt! Welcome to quilting.

Corvus said...

That quilt is fantastic!

PurpleBecca said...

This is my kind of quilt! The calavera fabric is adorable. Why wouldn't a quilt --a time consuming craft often made by women from scraps-- display a tourtured female artist. I think it makes the perfect statement. Best of luck with everything!

Ellen Bloom said...

Frida, Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls and intensive quilting are perfect symbols for what you are going through right now!

Bravo, Girlfriend! You're making art out of torture.

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

Great job on your first quilt! You did a wonderful job on it. Welcome to a new addiction lol

Liz said...

Frida Fabric!!! Where did you get it?! Love the quilt!

Sharon said...

I'm sorry life has been so rocky for you lately. Fingers crossed that the road gets a little easier.

The quilt, however, is fabulous. LOVE the fabric.

Caroline B said...

Fantastic quilt - love the fabrics & the colour combinations.

Sorry to hear your divorce has gone that way - certainly doesn't help matters. Been there myself, it's never pretty - sending you good thoughts...

sylvchezplum said...

Argh I had just typed a long comment and Blogger ate it :-/ Sorry about your divorce, and the quilt looks totally amazing !! I am really not a skull fan usually but this fabric is so WOW !! Your daughter is lucky to have such a cool mom (and not only in the sense of having good taste.. :-)

TriKoala said...

OOOh! I love Skulls!!!!

Anonymous said...

Cool quilt...and aren't skulls like that a sign of rebirth?

So sorry to read about your divorce. I'm getting close to that point with my husband right now, and it sucks big time.

Madge said...

Skulls: Can't have enough of 'em, sez I. Bravo on adding another fibery craft to your entourage. LOVE the fabric you used.

As for your soon-to-be ex: Off with 'is 'ead!

x.

amanda button said...

the quilt is stunning and your fabric choices are really ringing my bell! Fantastic work!!

Deaf258 said...

That is so cute and colors are perfect!! I have to send this to CraftyChica!

Dk's Wife said...

Frido Kahlo is one of my most favorite artists!!! Yeee!

On a more somber note, I am so very sorry for your divorce. Damnit.

I will sure keep you in my prayers.

Kay

Anonymous said...

Hugs Regina. And of course you made a beautiful (albeit creepy) quilt. Quilt have to reflect your personality-- otherwise its just a blanket!

Rima said...

This is just gorgeous!

Rima
www.yarnydays.com

wundermary said...

GREAT QUILT!
I love the sugar skulls, the colors and your backing fabric is both beautiful and so appropriate. Great job!

wundermary said...

WOW, great quilt!
I love the sugar skulls, the colors and the backing fabric is both beautiful and so appropriate. Great work!

Rima said...

This is beautiful! The colors are just great.