*BLOOM* 37 inches by 37 1/2 inches... a whole cloth quilt
It all began when I read the news
about a group of teachers getting together to help spark a labor movement
leading for an increase in salary. With a background in teaching and early
childhood education, I can’t help but sympathize with them since this is a
problem that exists globally.
I started by cutting out newspaper
articles about this topic. Then the newspaper pieces were infused into the cloth
using my -INC- method.
Allow me to explain the steps involved:
Fig.1: I started by mixing the paint to match Aurifil LANA thread
Fig.2: For my color palette, I decided to eliminate the yellow-ochre and replace it by a lighter shade of gray
The color palette was chosen based on the
thread I wanted to use and mixed the paint to match!
Fig.3: Next, seamlessly infused newsprint cloth -INC- was combined with painted areas to complete the flower designs
Figs.4 + 5: Then I applied the HUG stitch around the ovals and simple running
stitches around the petals.
Fig. 6: Lastly, the three layers were sewn
together by machine. Free motion quilting with the HandiQuilter Sweet Sixteen and the Glide Foot
The letters were printed from a computer program and cut around to form a template. Then an erasable marker was used to draw the letters on the cloth before the machine stitching.
Word BLOOM at the very bottom of the quilt, looks like trapunto but it is not.
STATEMENT:The upper small flowers represent the students. The ovals are the influences, guidance, and support we receive from the teachers who impact us in our early years. The big flowers represent the students who grow and begin to establish themselves as they prepare to take the next step in life. They bloom. (The word “bloom” is included towards the bottom of the quilt but only noticeable when the light hits or when you approach to have a closer look).
