Now that I have finished the quilt…..
…..I wanted to look back and critique the process that I used.
I was excited to try Susan Carlson’s technique and I really like the flexibility and spontaneity that it allowed. However I am not super happy with the raw edges that it leaves. Perhaps I should have used more glue but am glad that I didn’t because, when I started quilting, the thread would shred when I hit spots that had more glue.
Since this is a very organic structure I am not too worried about the thread but I wouldn’t want to use the technique on certain other pieces. The bottom line is that I think I will continue to use the technique but will mix it with a fusible web at times.
On the positive, the hand of the fabric is better than with a fusible.
I also enjoyed using various paints to slightly change the color of the stones and REALLY enjoyed using sponges to apply those paints. As a matter of fact, without having done this first, I would never have thought to use the sponges to paint the trees on the “No Fishing” quilt.
So the question is what to do next….
I am in the middle of quilting my Queen size Pineapple quilt and want to have it finished for the upcoming show so that will be my next project, but what after that??
I am pretty sure that I want to pursue more of these pictorial quilts from our travels. Michael suggested doing one based on the fishermen pulling their nets in….
I am drawn to the way that all of their legs are in the same position.
I also thought about this photo of our trek guide, Badri, making a water buffalo very happy..
The look on the buffalo’s face is one of pure enjoyment!!!
I have also thought about the pack horses that we saw on the Nepal trek…..
The sound of the bells around their necks will stay with me for a long time.
Then there is this photo of Chinese women enjoying their morning exercises….
I love the positioning of their bodies and the parasols
So I will now head off to quilt and ponder what will come next.
Michael is also going to be looking for a new project soon. Today he finished all of the leather work and just has the staining to do……
….and yes, he does have his next project picked out!!!