I feel a bit quilty about posting about this quilt so soon after I have already posted but I'd like to include it in the Blogger's quilt Festival and that requires a post so, in the words of Stevie Wonder, "I don't want to bore you with this..." (Knocks Me off My Feet) if you've seen this before you can always skip to the pics or take a look at the other great quilts on display at Amys creative side. Thank you to her for hosting such as lovely online global gathering.
The design developed organically with each stage of the quilt. A quilt pattern in a magazine (Alphadots Make do and Mend Quilts) was the starting point, then I changed the circle and quilt size, started layering the fabrics and developed a pieced circle machine method tutorial that worked a treat and sped up the construction. As I worked on the quilt, the circles went from hand sewn to machine and then to words (Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, T.S. Elliot) and finished as seaweed and coral shapes to link them all. I started with mermaids and circles and everything else followed. My new little niece being a girl and a water born baby topped it all off for me (both not not known when I started this) and this poem about self expression, confidence, aging and so much more is an essential for life. I haven't made many quilts- I find them rather daunting- but I love experimenting, I love letters and typography and making it part of the quilting is an experiment that paid off. So apologies if you've seen these before- I have included some new pics and the editing on them has been improved thanks to my photographer brother sharing some secrets-cheers Jamie!
...I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.
I do not think they will sing to me.
I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black.
We have lingered in the chambers of the sea
By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown
Till human voices wake us, and we drown.
I was hoping I might see this in your post today - it's such a magical quilt. It is definitely popping more in your photos as well - perhaps we could have a blogpost from you with photography / editing tips in - I'm always hungry for more!
ReplyDeleteLovely...the quilting is so neat!
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely quilt! I love these cheerful colours, and the quilting is just awesome! congrats!
ReplyDeleteKristina
www.priscillacraft.blogspot.com
I just love this quilt. I love circle quilts in general. But this one is just special!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous quilt! Love the poem as well, very pretty.
ReplyDeleteLoved this when I saw it before and I still love it. Your circles within circles are just so fantastic!
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful. I am showing a circle quilt too!
ReplyDeleteWho doesnt love HR?!?
ReplyDeleteI love the free style look of this quilt. Has an organic feel to it. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to see your quilt from many different angles because each shot shows how beautiful your quilt is! I really like how it's interesting, cheerful, and different. Love how you did quilt the most!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful quilt. i enjoyed reading your thought process behind it.
ReplyDeleteLove your bubble quilt! Well done!
ReplyDeletenichi
It's a really great quilt story. Thanks for sharing the process and the meaning behind all the choices. Terrific!
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt and the poem - wonderful!
ReplyDeletei LOVE it!! This fabric range is great.. you have def done it justice... i love how quilts just evolve..sometimes we really dont know how they will turn out! xx Quilting looks amazing too xx
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely wonderful quilt.
ReplyDeletetotally love how fun this quilt is and I love the circles!
ReplyDeleteThis is so fun and I love it! The poem was such a nice touch too!
ReplyDeleteLove the mermaid fabric. Very fun quilt with the circles.
ReplyDeleteAt first when I saw your name I thought you were Kerry Berry the painter, and I was all "she's QUILTING now???!!!" lol I guess that happens a lot. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnyway - love the quilt! :)
Well it is new to me and it is very beautiful. A wonderful use of those lovely mermaid fabrics. Your niece is a lucky little girl.
ReplyDeleteHey thanks Annie- I couldn't find another way to reply, but thank you!
ReplyDeletethis is perfect. what a great story to go along with an amazing quilt!
ReplyDeleteAww what a great story! I really like the look of the colors and that multi-fabric binding! I look forward to reading through your circle piecing guide!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt! Great quilting too! :)
ReplyDeletethank you to Christie and Mel- couldn't find your emails- hope the tutorial works for you Christie
ReplyDeleteI love it when a quilt comes together that way. It's a process I'm still learning. The quilt looks cozy, warm, and so pretty.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quilt. I love circles and the fabrics you choose. The blue and orange look great together.
ReplyDeletethis is a wonderful quilt! I love what you've done with the Mendocino fabrics.
ReplyDeleteOh, so wonderful! I love the messages in the quilting. It really makes the piece such a treat and a joy to be with for years and years.
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt! Please tell me where you got your name tags!
ReplyDeleteyour quilt is just wonderful...looks like the solar system to me. great tutorial for making the circles!! have got to try that pretty soon. thanks for sharing and have a great day
ReplyDelete