Thursday, November 15, 2012

Linda's Travel Quilt: Shake and Fall



    The topic “travel” is perfect for my last four months and I have been posting travel related themes on the topic at my blog Drawing Time.” Alice encouraged me to choose “Shake and Fall” which I made after my beading group traveled to Waterville Valley toward the end of the leaf season.

     Although the reds had left NH, the subtle yellows, oranges and greens along the rivers, rocks, pines and birches were a gorgeous offering beside the highways. We gathered for dinner the first night with plans to watch the third debate. As we were enjoying the filets a bird frantically tried to get in one window after another. We were afraid his flipping around and flying would injure him so we pulled the curtains and tossed an unappreciated dinner roll out onto the deck.

      Shortly after this incident, we felt a vibration under our chairs that lasted 5 to 9 seconds for which the bird activity must have been a harbinger. It was an earthquake begun in Hollis, ME. We then watched the debates while we drew signs and pacified ourselves as only handwork can calm. Just yesterday, I added the embroidery around the bird to learn to never iron embroidery. After posting, I went on to add some red stitches to further communicate the frantic flaps.

6 comments:

  1. Your fabric choices pulled together all the relevant memories you chose to depict. I like the graphic contrast you created.

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  2. You are a true genius at finding the perfect fabric for your quilts! I can almost feel the earthquake when I look at this quilt. The fall colors of the trees, the lovely little birds, and that chair fabric--WOW! What an eye for fabric you have. You are a master at taking a personal experience and interpreting it in a unique and eye-catching manner.

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  3. I agreed with Alice...you have the most amazing knack of choosing the perfect fabric to say/represent exactly what you want...and with great humor, I must add!

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  4. That is quite a story! Everything makes sense on why it is in this quilt and you have an awesome quilt to help you remember that experience. What do you mean when you said you learned not to iron embroidery? Does it flatten it out or melt together?

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    1. Ironing directly on the embroidery flattened out the stitches making them look messy and indistinct. My friend said I should turn the embroidery face down onto a fluffy towel or washrag and then steam iron. Perfection so far.

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  5. Linda, I just love this composition!!! Every detail perfectly fits with your time away with friends to see the wonderful Fall colors. I'm envious! I really like your portrayal of the birds and the earthquake vibrations. Yikes!

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