Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Barbara's Strong Quilt-Above The Trail

I have always loved birds of prey flying free and strong with the air currents.  I live near Mission Trails Regional Park and am left breathless seeing these beautiful creatures sailing through the air.  When I am in my upstairs studio, I often hear the calls/cries of the Red Tail Hawk and lots of Crows/Ravens (I can't tell which they are) chasing each other!  Yesterday, when I got home at 4 pm and pulled in my driveway,  I looked at the sky and there was a large bird playing with the currents.  There was a smaller bird nearby and I realized that it must be learning to fly from it's parent.

This piece has machine pieced borders, hand appliquéd bird and hand quilted trails.  The edges are faced like in garment construction.  I find this kind of hand work very relaxing and meditative.


11 comments:

  1. Barbara. Like me you associate Strong with Mother Nature. Love The Red Tailed Hawk! Colors are so natural and composition is strong as well. You must live in a lovely place!!!!

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    1. FYI - that's a Bald Eagle (national bird), not a Red Tailed Hawk depicted in Barbara's gorgeous quilt. :D

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  2. I love your piece with the hand quilting. Just the other day my husband saw a hawk trying to attach birds at our feeder. I love watching the birds in our yard.

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  3. Apparently birds of prey require very strong bones, eyes and feet and talons to survive. They are amazing creatures and you've depicted this one soaring over the park trails very well. The darker green shadow around the edges really makes it soar.

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  4. Whoa! Those are a lot of hand-quilted trails! What stitch?
    I love watching all those birds as well, and I was transported by your tale.

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    1. Hi Linda, I just used a running stitch on the trails.

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  5. An unusual quilt and a most effective one! I love the green background and then the way you've followed its lines with the hand quilting. But of course the bird is the important image--just lovely. Your border is refreshingly different.

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  6. This is a powerful quilt - the scene over the park is perfect for such a majestic bird.

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  7. Interesting perspective…I really can see this bird soaring back and forth having a grand time playing in the current.

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  8. Hi Barbara ! I love your fabric choices ... I actually felt I was walking through one of nature's habitats. My mind is boggled at the thought of you hand-stitching all those trails..you did a great job :-D We live near a golf course and enjoy watching the huge numbers of birds that flock to, and nest in the gigantic oak trees. And oh... those birds of prey... fascinating and awesome in their grandeur !

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  9. Another creative interpretation of the word, "strong", Barbara! I hadn't thought of birds, but they are indeed a symbol of strength as they fly through the air and wind! Thanks for your lovely portrayal!

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