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| Asian Harmonies |
I planned early on to use the Chinese characters for harmony--printed, painted, or appliquéd onto my background fabric. Perhaps use them with the ancient Taoist Yin-Yang symbol. But how to integrate the images? Then I found some lovely Asian fabric, featuring Koi. My brother had once had Koi in a pool in his replica of a Japanese garden, so why not mix Chinese and Japanese symbols? The curves in the bodies of the fish seemed to echo the curves of the Yin-Yang. So I sketched a Yin-Yang and cut out two fish. The Koi fit neatly inside.
I was eager to try sun printing. So for the background I painted some PFD fabric with two different blue acrylic paints and mixed in a bit of black. Using freezer paper, I traced the Chinese characters and then cut stencils from craft foam. Placing the stencils on the painted fabric, I waited for the hot Texas sun to do its magic. I cut out the Yin-Yang from coral and turquoise fabric scraps. I first appliquéd it down onto the background, and then the two printed Koi, using a tiny zig-zag stitch. Broderie Perse appliqué, in other words: another technique I’ve always wanted to try!
I machine quilted around each of the Chinese characters and quilted concentric circles around the Yin-Yang symbol and concentric arcs in three corners. I used the pillowcase method for finishing the quilt. I've struggled with a name for my quilt; I finally settled on "Asian Harmonies."
Alice, the may be my favorite of all your quilts. I LOVE it...and am so impressed with your techniques and the design.
ReplyDeleteAlice, I absolutely LOVE this! A very clever design, and excellent use of color. I love that you used a different applique technique and incorporated the sun printing. The beautiful koi are an effective representation of yin-yang. A great little quilt!
ReplyDeleteThe color and movement in your quilt are wonderful! It is a fantastic piece!
ReplyDeleteThis is terrific! What a neat idea. So original. MKBD
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt and the techniques you chose to explore. The design really evokes the theme perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI think you have hidden your light under a bushel. This is totally marvelous. It is awesome how the koi fit perfectly inside the yin-yang. And I love the sun assisted background. Wonderful, wondeful.
ReplyDeleteUplifting! You captured the yin-yang. The sun lights it all.
ReplyDeleteI love Asian graphics, and your arrangement is very artistic. The sun printing contributes to the harmonic theme. Your use of the koi as yin-yang. Truly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteNM
Truly peaceful & harmonious Alice - I can almost hear the gentle lapping of water as your fish swim round.
ReplyDelete