I'll admit that, at first, I was stumped by this challenge. We actually don't have a lot of what I consider "real neighbors" but what we do have around us are lots and lots of Cows ! Big, Gorgeous, Beautiful Cows !
And then at the recent Homespun Quilters' Show in Waco, I saw it ! The perfect pattern for the perfect cow.... I was jumping up and down like a little kid !
The pattern, "Jersey Girl" by BJ Designs & Patterns, beckoned to me, and I knew with total certainty she was going to be my "Neighbor" quilt !
All the fabrics I chose for "Neighbor" are from my fabric stash, so I was actually able to do my fabric "shopping" right here in the Studio. And it was really nice to re-visit all those lovely fabrics I hadn't seen in a long time :-)
I took my "Jersey Girl" pattern to Office Max in Waco, and had it reduced in size to approximately 12" x 12". (Office Max is wonderful at helping with all the art challenges I bring to them.... they're so creative !) Using the pattern as my guide, I copied all the pattern pieces, selected appropriate fabric for each of the pieces, then fused Pellon 805 Wonder-Under transfer web to my chosen fabrics. After that, I cut out all the pattern pieces using my fused fabrics, and very sharp scissors and/or a very sharp rotary cutter.
The pattern maker suggested making a "reverse" copy of the entire pattern by tracing the pattern onto the paper side of the Wonder Under. (Turn the pattern over, put your Wonder Under (paper-side up) on top of the pattern, and trace. [I used a Sharpie pen so I could see the tracing better.] Voila ! When you turn that tracing over, you can see the pattern, right side up, through the fusible web. Now you have an absolutely perfect copy of the pattern and you're able to fuse all the applique pieces exactly where they're supposed to go ! YAY !
[And yes, it may seem redundant to fuse the pattern pieces, and also make an entire copy of the pattern using the Wonder-Under, but it works perfectly, and was definitely worth the extra effort !]
"Neighbor" is embellished with touches of bling here and there; her eyes are wide open as she observes the wonders of nature that surround her..... AND, as for that lovely little patch of bleach-blond hair.... Well, after all..... She's truly an Artista kind of gal !
My Studio work table while working on "Neighbor"
My Beautiful Neighbor !
Such a handsome neighbor you have...and purple, my favorite color! Very fun, happy quilt.
ReplyDeleteKathy. What a hoot! Your cow is the perfect neighbor! This made me laugh out loud!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
What a fun idea. There is nothing better than a purple cow.
ReplyDeleteI love your cow. What a wonderful use of fabrics. Your cow is such fun!
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ReplyDeleteOoops! I commented on the top photo instead of your piece initially. I was confused!! Even though I like the black and white border in the top photo, I prefer your version. The larger rectangular size let's you see her clearly and focuses on your beautiful purple girl and her spiky blond hair!! I love the background quilting and the purple fabric choices. What fun!!
ReplyDeleteYes, the final version is fantastic! Another one I want to see in person. Let's talk via email about the possibility of some sort of Show and Tell, maybe over several evenings, of our MM quilts that we are particularly fond of!
ReplyDeleteLOL. Yes sometimes it might be nice to just have cows for neighbors. What a happy cow she is! The use of color is what gives her such life. You are a true artist. Congratulations on a great one!
ReplyDeleteAlso Love the studio shot. Ditto here!
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow! Who would have thought cows could be your neighbors. The quilt is great and the use of color is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLove it, Kathy! Looks like we've both found great art quilt groups! I do miss the NoNaMees, though!
ReplyDeleteFun choice of fabrics!
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt, Kathy. Your fabric choices are awesome. Great job!
ReplyDeleteLove your color choices here.
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