Roberto Capucci Maquette becomes a Tornado

It all started with a Roberto Capucci dress. I made this giant chevron inspired by that dress and didn't have a clue what to do next. Sometimes when that happens I make a maquette (a small version) to play with and see what happens. This playing happened right after the devastating tornado in Joplin and a tornado in our backyard. I guess I had tornados on the brain.  I bound it this weekend and hung it in my hallway gallery.

The quilting is spectacular and there's a story to go with that too.  It has an Arkansas connection.  Karen took my class in Arkansas and I was talking with her about a quilt she brought to show and tell.  I loved her quilting and we got to chatting.  I happened to have this top with me to use as a teaching example, and before I knew it I was handing it to her and saying, "have fun with it!"

Sometimes you just have a feeling that another person gets it.  Karen is in to color and she asked if I minded her going a bit crazy....no problem and look what she did.  The quilting is beautiful, colorful, but doesn't overwhelm the piecing.  It adds movement and just a bit of sparkle to the piece.

The quilting flows from the top left to the bottom right corner and the density of the quilting opens as it flows to the bottom of the quilt.

The thread colors also flow across the quilt echoing the colors in the piecing.

I think I've found another quilting gem.  This won't be the last time we work together.  Thanks Karen!

I still have the large chevron hanging in my closet. I wonder where I'll go with that?