Material Mavens: Kathy's Open

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Kathy's Open

Our word for this MM Quilt Challenge is OPEN. I am totally inspired by a beautiful Hymn we sometimes sing during our Mass (Catholic), that was written, composed, and recorded by one my favorite Liturgical Musicians, JESSE MANIBUSAN.

This hymn that brings tears to my eyes is "OPEN MY EYES LORD". Followed by "OPEN MY EARS, OPEN MY HEART". I can hardly make it through that hymn because of the profound message it contains; the impeccable rhythm and the seeming "simplicity" of these words, rhythm, and cadence.

I made this quilt referencing the simplicity of the music and verbiage. The background is a rather simple assemblage of white and gray "stripes" and "boxes" that change in scale and depth thoughout the entire "12 X 12" fabric.

In the CENTER of the quilt there is a gently "carved' white heart that's been embellished with hand-sewn beads. This white beaded heart was then appliques to a large red circle. The circle was then stitched onto the background fabric. I drew a circle around the applique about 3/4" from the edge. I then hand-sewed more beads about an inch away from each other around the perimeter of that circle.

The actual quilting is very simple straight stitching that won't detract the viewer. Here are the inspiring lyrics to this amazing hymn.

Open my eyes, Lord

Help me to see you Face,

Open my eyes, Lord.

Help me to see.

Open my ears, Lord.

Help me to hear your voice.

Open my ears, Lord.

Help me to hear.

Open my heart Lord,

Help me to love like you.

Open my heart Lord,

Help me to love.

6 comments:

Nedra WeaverMarch 2, 2022 at 7:56 PM
What perfect inspiration for this theme! The hymn’s three parts are symbolized by your choice of three fabrics. Love the use of beads to add texture and color. Lovely!
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AndreaMarch 3, 2022 at 3:02 PM
Thank you for sharing the hymn lyrics Kathy, I can see why they bring tears to your eyes. I love the gently shaped heart and beadwork. This little quilt truly mirrors the hymn.
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Kathy HarteMarch 4, 2022 at 3:33 PM
Ahhhh.... those lyrics just get me every time I see them, and especially when I'm playing the music for our choir. Thanks Andrea !
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JudyMarch 4, 2022 at 8:08 PM
Great fabric choices and bead work to interpret the word open. The background fabric gives the right movement to make it look like music flowing.
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Gail BradneyMarch 8, 2022 at 11:32 PM
Beautiful sentiment. Love that song.
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Themes for the Quilts

Below are the themes on which our quilts have been based:

Round One Quilts

9/15/11 Harmony

11/15/15 Surprise

1/15/12 South
3/15/12 Element
5/15/12 Mystery
7/15/12 Daydream
9/15/12 Spiral
11/15/12 Travel
1/15/13 Interwoven
3/15/13 Communication
5/15/13 Canyon

7/15/13 Cell

9/15/13 Green

11/15/13 Comfort

1/15/14 Strong

3/15/14 Translate

5/15/14 Spring

7/15/14 Friendship

Round Two Quilts

10/15/14 Contrast

1/15/15 Modern
4/15/15 Neighbor
7/15/15 Time
10/15/15 Circle(s)
1/15/16 Pun

4/15/16 Doodle

7/15/16 Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

10/15/16 Reflection

1/15/17 Boundaries

4/15/17 Quote

7/15/17 Space

10/15/17 Reach

1/15/18 Rock

4/15/18 Blues

THE MATERIAL MAVENS

We are a group of art quilters who come from various parts of the United States, from the East coast and then south to Arkansas and Texas. We were inspired by the original Twelve by Twelve international art quilting group.

Beginning in September, 2011, we started posting our 12"x 12" art quilts, which were based on themes chosen in turn by our members. For Round One, we posted quilts every two months, always on the 15th of the designated months.

Round Two of The Material Mavens began in October, 2014. Some changes were made: quilts were posted every three months, and the quilts could be be either 12"x 12" or rectangular ones measuring 11" x 14", either horizontal or vertical in orientation.

Round Three of The Material Mavens began in July, 2018. Again, changes have been made. Now those members who wish to stay affiliated with the group are free to post quilts every time or every now and then. Two, our blog administrator collected suggested themes from the members who wanted to remain affiliated. These themes were then pulled at random from a "hat," and they were then assigned in order for the posting dates. Since we had 13 members who wanted to remain, we will be posting quilts every 3 months until 2021! This date is significant and appropriate, because 2021 will be the 10th year that our group has been in existence.

MEMBERS REMAINING

1. Alice Baird (Waco, TX) (abaird125@gmail.com)

2. Andrea Willey (MA)
3. Carolyn Henson (TX) (cjhenson214@gmail.com)

5. Gail Bradney (AR)
6. Jane Hartfield (AR) (arkjjhart@mynewroads.com)
7. Judy Steward (TX)
8. Kathy Harte (TX)

9. Karen Pulaski
10. Sara Norris (TX)
11. Tricia Deck (Lincoln, (MA)

12. Teresa Schlabach (AR)

13. Nedra Weaver