Quilt Testers In Action

Quilt Testers In Action

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Monday, September 27, 2010

What I Have Been Working On

The Leominster Art Center, where I display some of my quilts, is having a special show in October, featuring works with Autumn Colors, sort of an Autumn in New England theme. I didn't have anything appropriate to display, so I started something new. This is what I was dyeing some of those fabrics for, and last week I started constructing the quilt. Here is my initial drawing.


And  this is a scaled-up version with some sketches of details.


Then, I drew a simplified version on parchment, and started auditioning fabric.


Using fusible (the same roll that gave me so much trouble on this quilt), I began building the scene. Oddly enough, the fusible gave me no trouble this time. 


I continued to add more, including the hairpin turn in North Adams.


Then I carved some stamps, to add texture to some of the areas. These included several buildings, a couple grasses, and some stylized asters. I also attempted the Lions from Williamstown, Ma. What I have heard is that these lions were designed by the same woman who designed the Vietnam Memorial, but I don't know if that is true. They are gorgeous, though, and provide a very majestic entrance to a trailer park! My stamp did not do them justice.


Then I got brave, and stamped the buildings onto the fabric. I have never put paint on a piece of fabric after it was already in a quilt before. I was very nervous. It's not perfect, but it is good enough. Next time will be better. 

After that, I built and added gravestones, to represent one of the many old graveyards to be found travelling west on Route 2.


There is more to come, so stay tuned.

6 comments:

The Fab Furs said...

Wow, what attention to detail!!! And how interesting to see how the different elements of the design come together! I am curious to see how it develops.

Katie :o) said...

Wow! Stunning so far! :o)

Mary Grace McNamara said...

Looks like a nice Sunday afternoon drive! It will be beautiful when finished, I just know it!

MGM

Lisa said...

Karen, that is unbelievable. You are some kind of a magician.

Gina said...

It's fun to watch the progression. Looks fabulous and your stamps worked out great!

Jade said...

You've been in my backyard, so to speak--I live in the Southern Berkshires, just an hour's drive south of North Adams and Williamstown. Your quilt reminds me of all the times we've been up there in the fall for soccer and football games when my son was young. Next time you're out this way, hit Route 7 and come south for a visit. :)