Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Carolyn's Mystery Quilt - Santa Fe Doors



Santa Fe is my favorite U.S. city.  I visit it often, and am always intrigued by the colorful doors of the adobe homes.  I always want to know what's inside.

Santa Fe residents favor the color blue, which no doubt, is in honor of the deep blue of the glorious Santa Fe sky.  Door colors range from soft periwinkle to bright turquoise to deep blue.  No two doors are alike, and all serve as a welcome to those who pass by.

The city is known for its abundant gardens, and behind each door is a courtyard, often filled with beds or pots of various blooming flowers that thrive in the Santa Fe climate.  Flower filled pots sit atop the adobe walls that separate the courtyard from additional buildings.  Frequently, a string of red peppers hangs from the colorful door.

After taking a class from Laura Wasilowski, I fused hand dyed fabric using Wonder Under and cut the pieces freehand.  I designed the quilt as it evolved in my mind.  Each piece was appliquéd onto a hand dyed background fabric.  Additional hand dyed and batik fabrics were prepared in the same manner and used for plants and details.  I used a batik fabric for the walkway and then individually cut and appliquéd a border of stones from the batik fabric and placed them along each side of the entrance garden.  The quilt was finished with hand embroidery (a new technique for me that I am exploring) and machine quilting.


11 comments:

  1. Carolyn, how beautiful! You've really outdone yourself with this one. I love the way you took what you learned under Wasilowski and immediately applied it to your latest MM quilt. Every detail is stunning. All the tiny little pieces that were carefully cut out and then applied, the beautifully executed French knots for the flower, the whimsically shaped door and window = wonders to behold. Like you, I love Santa Fe, and this little quilt evokes it so wonderfully!

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  2. Carolyn, this is absolutely adorable! I can see the house, feel the sun shining, and smell the good food cooking in Santa Fe.

    You have really captured the area and the detail you put into this is fantastic! I love the thread colors and stitches you chose to enhance the piece. The machine quilting is perfect and fun. It all makes me smile!

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  3. Oh, Carolyn, I love Santa Fe and the complementary colors as well. I have her books, but would love to also have a workshop w Laura Wasilowski. Better still, to put the ideas to good use as you certainly have! The idea is so fine. I love to look at house on the block and in cities, the many apartments, to imagine the lives within, the branches of the families there. Fine job! Thanks.

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  4. Carolyn, Sadly I haven't been to the inspiration for this piece but you have a delightful little quilt. I love the way the stitching complements the scene and your choice of fabrics. I love the visual texture in the pathways.

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  5. Santa Fe is on my Bucket List...I've heard from so many people how wonderful it is and how much I would love it. I certainly can "feel" that energy and beauty of the area in your quilt. I love the addition of the big stitches & french knots...they really make this piece "sing".

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  6. I've never been to Sante Fe but this absolutely delightful rendition of your memories there makes me want to seek her mysteries for myself. Wasilowski's influence is evident but there's an artistic maturity to this piece that captures my imagination. I absolutely love the details! One that stands out foremost in my mind is the subtle adobe shape, line, and texture as it fades sweetly with its background fabric. This is truly a captivating art quilt. Love it. :)

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  7. Hi Carolyn - Love your quilt, your story, your fabrics, your embellishments, and the way your pulled all the elements together. Also loved how you triangulated the turquoise windows and door for spatial movement and rhythm. And.... your binding is gorgeous !

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  8. Beautiful! I hope to someday visit this wonderful city.

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  9. Carolyn, I would love to walk through those doors and see what mystery awaits! I have not been to Santa Fe but you seem to capture its flavor and intrigue. You used Laura's technique and made it your own, beautifully!

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  10. The colors in this piece are beautiful, and is a tantalizing mystery as to what is behind those doors!!

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