Sunday, February 24, 2019

Floaters.....miniature quilt...


Super excited to be an Island Batik Ambassador again for 2019!! Let the monthly challenges begin.
February the challenge is to make a miniature quilt less than 24" x 24".


This was the state of my sewing studio before I started--not even a speck of clean space to work!!


Ahhhhhh...now some breathing room...let the creating begin!! I find it hard to start a new project in a messy studio--although I have no problem making a mess while creating and sometimes find inspiration in the surrounding pieces of previous projects. So a never ending cycle!!


I had a general concept--concept being the key word--when I started. A soft neutralish pieced background, with a "pixelated" circle applique on top. This quilt is going to do some double dipping--Island Batik assignment and Project Quilting 10.4 pixelated challenge of the week.


I like to think outside the box--or Qube--when designing quilts using AccuQuilt dies. The bow tie
dies included in the Corners Qubes. I am using dies from the 6 inch Qube.


Just look at those tiny pieces!!! The half square triangles have a finished size of 3/4 inch!! The pretty multi-colored fabric is called Moonstone. The triangles were cut from one width of fabric. Look at all the variety of colors in just one strip!!


Fabric closeup time!! Love the swirling dots on that neutral. This one is called Almond--a little gray dot swirl with mostly white background and a little bit of light purple/pink mottle.


Background all pieced together--12" x 12"!! Each sqaure finishes at 1 1/2".  Quarter there for reference. Photoshop overcorrected the colors in this photo--as they are a bit too bright.


Now to add the pixels!! I used the circle dies #55484 and #55155--but wanted to remind you to look at all your dies for multipurpose use. The circles included on the dies to the left could have worked also. Use what you have and think creatively!!


Making a mess and changing my mind more than once!! Lite Steam a Seam 2 is the fusible I chose most. The sticky back lets the shape stay put or be moved around before applying heat for a more permanent fuse.


Now to get to the inspiration for this quilt. A picture of my Dad and I at 6 months old. Sad to say that I never lost that precious double chin--LOL.


My Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease when he was only 42. Quite the shock to a hard working self employed farmer and his family.


He fought bravely for 25 years. He passed away 13 years ago--seems like yesterday and a million years all at the same time.


A side effect from one medication needed to help control his tremors would give him "floaters". He would "see" dragonflys floating in his periphial vision for a short while after taking the medication. They would leave after a bit and not come back until he took the medication again. This has prompted my Mom to collect dragonflys over the years.


So I give you Floaters....a memory remade with fabric. Thank you to Island Batik for the amazing fabrics, Aurifil thread for piecing and quilting, and Kim Lapaceke for the Pixel Challenge.

“Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.” 
― Lucy Maud Montgomery, The Story Girl

9 comments:

Leah said...

Beautiful quilt and lovely story.

Deb M said...

Love your quilt!

Dena@LivingWaterQuilter.com said...

I love everything about it! Well done.

Gene Black said...

The dragonfly you created with your circle dies is wonderful. I agree about using dies and other tools creatively. You will see circles from a Go! flower die in my March challenge quilt.
The sketch-like quilting around the circles adds a special aspect to the quilt. Thanks for sharing the inspiration with us.

Carla said...

Your story is so touching and makes this quilt even better. Love your quilt and the process. Thanks for sharing so much about this quilt.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

What a beautiful quilt, and your story is so special. A great tribute to your father.

Becca // Pretty Piney Quilts said...

I love this quilt. Very creative layout, and the story adds layers of meaning that make it even more beautiful.

Thanks for linking up to What I Made Monday!

PersimonDreams said...

what a lovely quilt and story! Thank you for sharing!

Dione Gardner-Stephen said...

A beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing your touching memories.