Boundaries suggested borders to me, which quickly morphed into a map in my mind. I've seen many "map" quilts and had thought previously about making one of New Orleans. It is my home and is surrounded by Lake Ponchatrain, the Mississippi River and a large navigation canal which create boundaries to the city. Drainage canals section the city into districts and neighborhoods. In fact, those water boundaries helped to almost wash New Orleans off the map and so a map of it was in order for this challenge.
I painted the background with fabric paint and used inktense pencils to form the basis of the map. The colors loosely represent the purple, green and gold of Mardi Gras. A variety of trims, ribbons, decorative yarns, threads, beads and buttons were stitched down to represent and suggest interstates, highways, neighborhoods, water features, and other features. NOLA (an acronym for New Orleans, LA) is stitched in the center of a serendipitous "heart" formed by some of the threads and a fleur de lis button is also added as this is the symbol of the city and our beloved Saints football team. I really enjoyed turning this into an homage to the city we almost lost and plan to make a larger, detailed map.
A beautiful and loving quilt featuring your hometown! Everything about it--the use of trim, the embellishments, everything--are such great additions to your quilt!
ReplyDeleteI love all of your colors. Its a great representation.
ReplyDeleteWow. I have never done a map quilt - this is wonderful! The color is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteIt's fabulous! Everything about it is perfect...the colors, the trims, the stitching, the layout! So much meaning for you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI love map quilts. Also I love Louisiana as I grew up there.
ReplyDeleteI think the colors are vibrant and lively which reflect the personality of NOLA. Embellishments, oh yes! Let the good times roll.
Wonderful theme interpretation - watery boundaries are beautiful but sometimes threatening. The heart-shape is indeed perfect for the subject.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a map!! Incorporating both water and roads. Great interpretation!!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for the theme. Good job. Love maps.
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative idea for a quilt Nedra. I love all the details you incorporated - especially the heart and NOLA. I would love to see the larger version when it is completed. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSo unique and so perfect for this challenge. The colors are wonderful and all of the map symbolism shown with trims is so creative. I love it!
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard the theme, 'boundaries' my first thought was a map... but not only could I not decide why I thought that, I had no idea how to make it happen. there is so much detail in this and I love the colors and 3-d effect for defining the area.
ReplyDeleteHI Nedra ..... Your quilt is great ! I'll admit, I had no idea what "NOLA" meant, and now, I'll never forget ! Thanks for explaining all the symbolism, and for letting us know all the technique your used to complete this lovely quilt !
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