Sunday, January 15, 2012

Rita's South: Not Just a Direction but a Destination

     Upon seeing our new theme on November 15, 2011, the thought of what I wanted to try to depict was quickly and fully developed in my mind.  Next, of course, was actually figuring out how to do it.  I am not a drawing artist and could not take pencil to paper and draw a goose in flight.  So with the help of the internet I found a black and white drawing of my needed geese.  And in my mind, a quilters quilt would also need pieced flying geese.
     The larger geese in the foreground were done using fused, raw-edged applique which was also stitched on the edge with invisible thread.  Additional color was added with crayons, colored pencils, a black Pigma pen and quilting thread.  I had to go to "Peterson's Field Guide to the Birds" for appropriate colors.
     The small background geese in flying formation were drawn and then paper pieced.
     The top was finished rather quickly.  Then I hit a wall trying to decide how to quilt it.  And then it hit me.........they are birds, so quilt feathers!  Duh.
     The finished quilt is gallery wrapped around a 12 inch x 12 inch x 1 inch deep frame as were Harmony and Surprise.

10 comments:

  1. OHMYGOSH, Rita is a GENIUS! What a staggering piece of art as usual. It literally took my breath away. The background geese in formation is a treat, paper pieced. The foreground couple warms my heart. Of course the stitching is over the top. Hyperbole deserved.

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  2. Yes, Linda, you are so right! What a genius of a Maven we have in Rita. The composition and execution are superb. Too, I am impressed with your careful research. When you and I last chatted, you had hit a brick wall on the quilting--but of course, your genius prevailed and you hit on the perfect way to quilt it. It is lovely, lovely, lovely! Can't wait to see it in person and feel so privileged that we live near enough to one another that I CAN!

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  3. Rita, the title is great. When I post my quilt you are going to laugh. I shall say no more, other than I absolutely love your appropriate quilting! Nicely executed.

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  4. Wonderful title and I have to agree with everything that Linda said, as she said it so well. I'm truly mesmerized with both your design and quilting.

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  5. Gorgeous and I love the quilting in it.

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  6. Hi Rita - OH MY GOSH... Your quilting is exquisite ! I've tried machine quilted feathers a time or two, but mine have never come close to how beautiful yours are. And I loved how you used crayons, colored pencils, etc. to enhance your composition. Exquisite - Bravo ! Kathy

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  7. What a great composition. I loved all the elements you used. It is very pleasing. Patti

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  8. Oh La La, Rita!!! This is stunning in every respect. Color, fabric choices, composition, piecing, quilting, and interpreting the theme. You have made a special piece.

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  9. Hi Rita. This is just plain GORGEOUS! What a beautiful job you did at every level, and the feather quilting is perfect! Way to go!

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