Words of Wisdom

Quilting Arts magazine presents a Reader Challenge in each issue, asking readers to submit quilts of a specified size that show the reader's interpretation of a particular theme.  The challenge in the February/March issue for publication in the August/September issue was "Words of Wisdom" - a quilt based on a favorite quote or words of advice that guided their life.  Sue has participated in these challenges before, having several small quilts selected for publication.  This time, however, she was not as fortunate as the finalists were announce last week and her entry was not one of the 8 selected.  However, she likes her piece and feels it is worth sharing her quilt and process in this forum. 

Her piece is based on a quote by Martin Luther: "Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree."  This was a sentiment that spoke to her, especially in the light of the current state of political affairs in the U.S. and the world, and fits with her word of the year - positivity.  She visualized an image of the world topped by an apple tree, and set out to create that image in cloth.  The finished size requirement for this challenge was 8 1/2" by 11".

With the exception of the tree, all the fabrics are some of Sue's hand dyes.  The sky background is a shibori piece.  All design elements are original drawings.  The earth and tree were fused on top of the background.

Then apples were added to the tree.

Satin stitching was used to secure the continents, and free motion stitching on the tree, branches and leaves.  The quote was printed on ExtravOrganza ink-jet printable sheets and fused in place.  (ExtravOrganza is a Jacquard product.)

Our Thermofax crackle screen was used to print over the earth to depict it cracking/falling apart.  Quilting in the sky was added.

Some hand stitching was added to the apples for highlight and to secure the fusing, and the whole piece was faced for a clean finish.  While it may not have been selected for the magazine, Sue is happy with the finished piece and will enjoy seeing it on the design wall.