Monday, June 6, 2011

Strength and Stability of a Square

Sorry to have disappeared for a bit. Pick an excuse...
  • My laptop died. It really did.
  • My internet provider and I broke up. I'm starting a new relationship and we're in the 30 day trial stage. I'm hoping it will be a long lasting, satisfying relationship.
  • I have family to take care of....they come before quilts.
  • Bruno ate my fabric...naw...he'd never do that.

On to business. I was finally able to get the comments on the Block Party giveaway to appear and the random number guy gave me lucky 13. Paula, that's you! Congratulations. Block Party is yours!

I've been reading and rereading Yoshiko Jinzenji's book, Quilting Line and Color. She's such a master of simplicity and minimalism. She talks in her book about "the strength and stability of the square." In this top I used very simple piecing and played with composition of large scale print fabrics. I love how in many of her pieces she lets the background integrate with the prints and her work appears complex though simple in construction.

Placement is everything in a top like this. I wish I could show you all of the versions this top went through to come up with this. As I look at it in the picture I wonder if I made the right choices.
The "strength and stability of a square" are inspiring words for me. Strength and stability and two things that I could use right now. Another top is on the design wall that has come from that phrase.

Hopefully, lots of sewing this week. Have a good one!


31 comments:

Theresa said...

I hope all is well. X

Twisted Quilts said...

I love a simple idea done in a unique way. I have several large scale prints and I have been wondering how to use them. Thanks.

Esch House Quilts said...

That book is so inspiring!

I love your quilt - I can imagine how many layouts you must have tried. Is this Jinzenji's fabric too?

Hope your family are doing well.

Elsa said...

Your placement is brilliant! wonder no more.

The Calico Cat said...

Welcome back!
What size are those squares?
I am guessing 5 inches, which leads me to this question: Where did you get those huge prints?

IMHO They "make" this quilt top.

Marty Mason said...

I think you made the right placement choices! Beautifully done....and I'll await your answer to the Calico Cat's question: Just how large are these squares?

KateKwiltz said...

Very nice. D3 looks like a sneaky critter peeking out. Cute!

jovaliquilts said...

Your quilt looks like the poster child for "strength and stability of a square." Really terrific. Thanks for being explicit about letting the background integrate with the prints -- I see what you mean. I've added that book to my amazon wish list!
Even the tree's shadow plays well with your quilt. :)

jovaliquilts said...

Oops, one question -- did you stitch in a small tuck along each row/column? It looks like there's an outline on each square, and I think that's how you did it. Thanks.

connie said...

I love this, I have been thinking about ordering this book, sounds like a good one. You always inspire me, thanks!

Angie said...

Beautiful quilt!! How did you piece it? The seams look very shadowed, making me think they are textured in some way - or maybe I need new glasses...LOL! Love the effect, but can't figure out how you did it.

Live a Colorful Life said...

what a graphic and striking quilt. I think you got the placement just perfect!

Carola said...

Yes, you have made the right choices. And next time you might make different ones, depending on what you see and need next time. You can always trust the creative process!

Cecily said...

Wow - I LOVE this quilt so far! Gorgeous!

Cheryl Arkison said...

I've been reading and rereading that book lately too. Poignant in so many ways. I'm here if you need a break.

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

WOW! so graphic. so beautiful. so......wow!

I find the seams interesting as well. I immediately noticed them. I am thinking the effect is from the sun being behind the quilt top. But thinking about making French seams to lay on the OUTSIDE is an interesting concept as well.

I will go and think about that for a while!

glen in Louisiana

pklaw said...

Your quilt is amazing! I have been reading the same book - it is very inspirational. Hope all goes well for you in the coming days.

Jan said...

Well, I think that your quilt top turned out beautifully!!

Mary Anne said...

Do I spy some big bold black and white IKEA fabric in that gorgeous quilt top? Very cool!

Block Party will be well loved over at Paula's House!

Amy said...

I am totally in love with this quilt top. You are brilliant!

carol said...

I love it! Simple and elegant all at the same time! Bravo (again!)

claudia said...

Love it. Very interesting use of patterns.

rubyslipperz1052 said...

A wonderfully unique quilt! I LUV the colors...striking!

hugZ,
annie
rubyslipperz106.blogspot.com

Jeannette Bruce said...

Wow! I am very very impressed with this quilt! What a piece of artwork. It makes me think of animals looking at you, paw prints, etc. Very clever.

MightyMom said...

wow that's really different...


I love single piece quilts. traditional ones like round the world, apple core or grandmother's flower garden.

because it's all about color/fabric placement.

it fascinates me.

Suzanne said...

Wow, that's a patchwork quilt made simply but with such dynamics.

laura said...

Simple and simply stunning!

Patti said...

I think you understood perfectly what Yoshiko Jinzenji was teaching. I have this book as well and I must admit it overwhelms me!! I am envious how well you interpreted the design concepts Congratulations on an amazing quilt.

Clare said...

Amazing work.

Sorry to be a nuisance, but I can't see the Liberated Quilters web ring anywhere. Have you deleted it, or perhaps lost the code?

Healing Naturaly said...

Grate work Jacquie;love the way the shade adds yet other element to it... glad coming across your blog, bless x.

Wendy P said...

This is very much an art piece. You should feel good about your choices!

I am definitely not a modern art person, but I do really like this.

Congratulations! I may have to look for that book.