Reaching Out
Jane’s Reach Quilt
When I was diagnosed with
lymphoma in July, I knew that I was going to need help dealing with the
treatments and just surviving this ordeal. It was amazing to feel the
outpouring of support from friends and family. Although I still have two more
chemo treatments, I have been declared in complete remission.
I haven’t been shy about
reaching out for help during this time. Therefore my challenge quilt is about
reaching out. If you will allow them, people are more than happy to help you
through a rough patch.
I started with white silk
charmeuse. I drew around my hands on the paper side of freezer paper to create
a pattern. When I ironed the silk to the plastic side of the freezer paper, I
stabilized the silk and was able to see the pattern through the fabric.
Using my Inktense Blocks, I
colored the hands. Then I colored in the background with very thin and pale
textile paint. Next I wrote Reach over and over separated by stars on the
fingers. This actually turned out to be rather futile work because you really
can’t see the words easily.
At this point, I started
quilting. Using a different pattern for each hand and a color that I felt was
compatible, I quilted rather densely. For the background I chose a rainbow
colored thread and used relatively straight line quilting.
My next move was to add more
paint with the Inktense Blocks. I used wet on wet to get the colors to blend as
I added colors to my hands. The added bonus to this was the quilting patterns
really show up now. I think some of the paint settled in the thread which I
like. I ironed Timtex on the back side to keep it flat.
It was fun creating this little quilt. I was able to work on it in bits and pieces as I felt well enough to be up in the studio. Since I had to let it rest while the paint dried in different areas, I was able to let myself rest. But I still had the satisfaction of making something which gave me a boost. Please continue to pray for me as I go through two more chemo treatments.
Jane, I am humbled that you have been able to accomplish a quilt that required so much time and effort! I'm touched by your using your recent illness as an inspiration for this quilt. Obviously, this theme was "right up your alley," and the results are truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI really love this colorful little quilt Jane. I also love how it came from the heart.The writing is not a waste of time, it is wonderful to have an extra little detail that pops out as you get closer to the quilt. I'm so glad you were able to get this done and I wish you continued healing and a growth in strength.
ReplyDeleteOh Jane! You did such a wonderful job depicting "Reaching Out" with the color, hands, quilting, and the actual reaching out to others during this time. Thank you for sharing this journey with us and you're right people do come help when you reach out. May your healing continue fully! Love ya!
ReplyDeleteI love this because it's a good interpretation of the theme, but most of all because it's a heartfelt indication of the many friends who love you.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this quilt. I am truly honored to be one of your friends you have reached out to and walk through this journey with you. I know this came from your heart and it touches mine.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colors! I am so glad you continue to get better. Will think of you are you continue on your road to recovery.
ReplyDeleteJane... what a truly awesome and inspirational quilt ! Wonderfully thought out, and beautifully done. Our continued prayers for you and your family.... Peace and blessings, Kathy
ReplyDeleteJane... what a truly awesome and inspirational quilt ! Wonderfully thought out, and beautifully done. Our continued prayers for you and your family.... Peace and blessings, Kathy
ReplyDeleteJane, when people talk about an "artists voice", this is yours. When I see your work, I would know it is yours even without your name on it. the way you manipulate the colors, designs and textures to form each unique work. so masterful.
ReplyDeleteI hold you in healing prayers.
I am so pleased that you are in complete remission. Love your hands, both the color choices and varied textures. Thank you for sharing your techniques, both verbally and visually, as well as the journey you have been on over the past few months.
ReplyDelete