Structures #29
This quilt was my third entry piece for Quilt National 2003, along with Structures #28 and Structures #31 (the one that got in).
Apparently 2004 was the year for me to make huge quilts with tiny pieces.
While making Structures #28 I cut a bunch of extra strips of fabric (about 7/8″ wide) so I could make this quilt, just like Structures #39 are the leftovers from Structures #31. You can read the details on how this quilt was made in that posting but there is no strip piecing. Each and every piece of fabric was cut to a 3.5″ by 7/8″ wide strip of fabric before it was sewn together.
While some folks think that sounds boring or insane I find this type of work very relaxing and meditative. It’s all about combining colors and enjoying my work on a very intimate scale.
This piece was displayed at Fine Contemporary Craft Exhibit at Artspace in Raleigh, NC in 2004.
Structures #29 ©2004 87" x 61"
Detail of a ~12″ wide area:
Posted by Lisa in: Abstract Contemporary Textile Art
Cheryl said,
March 16, 2006 @ 1:05 am
Actually I tried a couple of blocks in your style just to see what it was like and I can see that it would be totally addictive, also you have such a wonderful colour sense that there must be a great deal of pleasure in planning your colour juxtapositions. I realise that one of the things I really like about your work is how harmonious it looks from a distance because of the relatively small value scale used ( I think I’m expressing this right) and then when you study the work close up you see all the beautiful and subtle colour work. hope that doesn’t sound too sycophantic!
Mary Manahan said,
March 16, 2006 @ 6:14 am
Lisa,
Structures # 29 is exquisite. The peace and satisfaction you find in creating is evident in this quilt.
Before you dye your fabric, do you refer to, or make a spreadsheet of, color recipes?
I fought dyeing for a long time, but largely because of your work and Melody’s, I broke down and bought Ann Johnston’s “Color By Accident” and 25 meters of mercerized Testfabrics cotton, and am planning on taking the plunge soon, but want to do it in an organized fashion and keep track of color outcomes.
I’m thinking of using that Sebracron F and dye activator (what Caryl B. Fallert uses). Have you ever used this type of dye?
Lisa Call said,
March 16, 2006 @ 10:13 am
Thanks Cheryl and Mary.
And Mary, I have to admit that I don’t do any planning with my dyeing. I didn’t dye for years because it seemed to precise for my tastes. When I finally realized I could skip and recipes and measuring I was a happy person.
I’m very much into just dumping things together and seeing what happens. I might go into my dye studio thinking “I need reds” but usually I just start dyeing and don’t worry about what comes out because I know in the end I will use it. Or I can always over dye it.
I don’t dye very many bright fabrics because I know I won’t use those as much, but other than that it’s just a chance to play.
I’ve only used procion MX dyes - sorry no experience with the sebracrons.
But do enjoy! Dyeing your own colors is great fun!
Elle said,
March 17, 2006 @ 1:54 pm
Wow!
Samantha said,
March 21, 2006 @ 9:32 pm
This is amazing- the lines and color progression blow me away…
Nicky Perryman said,
July 6, 2006 @ 1:51 am
Wow this is fantastic!! Love it. Amazing work!