Thursday, March 15, 2012

Rita's Liturgical Elements

     As a retired science teacher, the only thing that came to mind was the Periodic Table of Elements when the word Element was posted.  I briefly considered doing one of the chemical elements such as gold because some of those certainly bring an image to mind.  But then I decided to see how Mr. Webster defined the word Element.  There I found, when used in the plural, "the bread and wine used in the Eucharist".  That would be my 12 x 12!
     Our church has just completed the construction of an attached chapel to the original 1879 structure.  The altar ware selected for the chapel is beautifully glazed earthenware.  This quilt is my attempt to depict those two lovely pieces.  I worked from a photograph taken by my husband, Randy.
     The stained glass background is composed of 60 degree diamonds of Fairy Frost fabric held in place with black 3/8 inch bias strips that were stitched in place with a double needle.  The fair linen is made from part of a 50 year old lace edged handkerchief.  The alter ware and wafers are fused and topstitched. The finished quilt is then wrapped around a 12 inch x 12 inch x 3/4 inch wooded frame.
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10 comments:

  1. AliceMarch 15, 2012 at 11:08 AM

    Another gorgeous quilt from you, Rita! I love the stained glass as well as the glazed earthenware.
    We've come to expect beautiful designs and exquisite workmanship from you!

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  2. AndreaMarch 15, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    Amazing! What a wonderful way to honor and celebrate the completion of the new chapel in your church. How lovely that you able to incorporated a piece of a 50 yr. old lace- edged linen.

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  3. Nedra WeaverMarch 15, 2012 at 5:27 PM

    Beautiful depiction. I too like how you incorporated the linen into the piece.

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  4. CarolynMarch 15, 2012 at 5:52 PM

    It's beautiful, Rita! I love what you have done with the stain glass and the beautiful use of the lace-edged linen handkerchief. Another gorgeous piece of work!

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  5. Linda HicksMarch 15, 2012 at 6:54 PM

    How nice to have made it into a journal quilt...my preference..honoring an experience in your life. It is also pleasant to learn about the earthenware. Some other things in your text I must Google. Thanks for the stretch!

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  6. JWMarch 15, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    Very nice. I'm a sucker for color, texture and contrast. I also like the personal connection you have with this piece. Beautiful stained glass window too.

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  7. SaraMarch 16, 2012 at 12:06 AM

    Rita, the amount of detail in this piece is amazing. Bravo

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  8. Kathy HarteMarch 16, 2012 at 12:33 AM

    Hi Rita - I think you and I both had an inkling we were headed in the same liturgical direction a couple weeks ago - how cool is that ! Love your work, loved the explanation you provided for your inspiration, and loved how you incorporated vintage lace into your work.

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  9. JudyMarch 17, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Rita,
    Beautiful use of the fabrics that you chose for this challenge! The direction you went did not even enter my mind. How wonderful that we are learning about the words that we get to work on. The lace handkerchief now has a special place where it can be admired. Just beautiful!

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  10. BarbaraMarch 18, 2012 at 4:06 PM

    I agree with everyone and especially love your use of fabrics in the stained glass and earthenware!

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