Since visiting Dublin some years ago, I have been fascinated by Celtic knots. As a retired biology teacher I am also intrigued by animal (zoomorphic) designs. The challenge of Interwoven was presented and I immediately had visions of Celtic design. In exploring this idea, I found the book, The Complete Book of Celtic Designs which gave many options from which to choose.
Batiks were the first fabrics I auditioned for the design. However, those seemed to fight with the intricacies of the interwoven lines in the design. I then went to my collection of solid fabrics and was on my way to bringing my four silly birds to life. The birds are done with fused applique and then zig-zag edge stitched in gold thread. The eyes were first stitched in gold and then the white and black areas were painted. The wings were cut from a square of machine embroidered cross stitch.
The biggest challenge was to figure out how to draw the pattern for the applique so that what was supposed to be on top did in fact lie on top and what was to be crossed over was underneath. This image is gallery wrapped around a wooden twelve inch by twelve inch frame.
Hurrah! I get to be the first person to comment, probably because I am the only Maven still lurking around the Blog! Rita, as always, you have come up with a fascinating and intricate and totally original design. Not only that, but you have executed it with your typical precision and careful workmanship (workwomanship?) Kudos, again, for an amazing piece of work. But I am a bit puzzled: is this "zoomorphic" design one of the Celtic designs? OR did you take the zoomorphic and make it "celtic" by having it be interwoven???
ReplyDeleteThis design was one of the many, many in the book. I took it to Kinkos, enlarged it and then set about making a pattern from the enlargement.
DeleteBrilliant!
DeleteThis is like a puzzle and I can see how tricky getting the placement must have been. Your fabrics and colors are so well balanced between the opposing birds. I'm most fond of the graphic texture implied by using embroidered cross-stitching on the wings. I've even learned a new word thanks to your post ... zoomorphic. I really like this quilt.
ReplyDeleteI had to get the dictionary out for this one! As always your quilt is stunning. I always appreciate the lesson you include and sources for those of us who are newbies.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and exceptional workwomanship as always. I love the quilted touch of the wings from the cross stitch. And I too learned a new word!!
ReplyDeleteVery effective use of color and techniques...not easy to add pattern and not detract but you did it wisely and made the design yours.
ReplyDeleteLove the colors! The embroidery definitely adds just the right punch to the piece while the solid fabrics show how intricate your design is. Beautiful piece!
ReplyDeleteWell lover of Celtic designs, this one is outstanding! I didn't know you were a biology teacher, or if I did, it flew right out of my head! I love the whimsical nature of the critters, the complexity of the design, your wonderful touch of embroidery and the "cool" color choices. As usual, another STUNNING quilt!
ReplyDeleteI love the fine details and craftsmanship in your work. You hit a perfect balance of pattern amongst the solids. I was studying to be a biologist at one point (cell) and I have great fondness for nature Did you do the machine embroidery specifically for this piece?
ReplyDeleteFascinating! I love the cross-stitched details on the wings which just adds to the intriguing interwoven design. I expect that this piece greatly honors and reminds you of your trip to Dublin.
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing your quilt to the "Homespun Quilters" meeting in Waco last week - This quilt is even more stunning in person ! Rita, your workmanship ("womanship" as Alice pointed out !) is flawless, and your explanation of the quilt and the techniques you used are really appreciated. AND.... thanks for your fantastic demonstration of "Confetti" quilts. I can hardly wait to try this technique :-D
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