|
|
|
Florametric
|
|
|
1984-1986
87" x 97" Hand quilted whole cloth quilt, corded edge.
|
This is my first whole cloth quilt and I picked rather a challenging project. Some design elements are by John Locke (isometric), and others inspired by traditional flowers, vine, rope, and leaves. The polished cotton fabric helps reflect light to show off the quilted motifs on this dark colored quilt. The back is a navy cotton sheet and sandwiched between a thin polyester batting. 1250 yards of quilting thread created the design and numerous #11 needles were used.
This piece could only be quilted during daylight hours, because under artificial light the faint yellow quilting lines could not be seen. I used a small lap hoop and different style thimbles until settling on one made of leather. To extend my endurance, I learned to quilt with both hands and developed a wonderful set of calluses from the needle pricks. I could only use a thimble on the hand above pushing the needle and needed a bare finger on the underneath side to control the stitches. Green is my favorite color but even I put this quilt away at times for a rest during the quilting. The quilt is finished with a navy cord binding.
Many mornings I would come down to find the quilt popped out of its hoop and discovered that my cats took turns testing the quilt for sleeping comfort. They slept on the quilt consistently until it was finished and amazingly never dislodged the needle. I can only assume the needle never stuck them. Since they never used their claws on Florametric, I gave up trying to stop this behavior. Of course their greatest disappointment came after the piece was finished, washed and no longer available for their pleasure.
This is the first quilt I ever sent out to be judged on a national level. Florametric received a Best of Show from the National Quilting Association (NQA) in 1986, Decatur, Illinois. The quilt has been in numerous exhibits both around the country and in New England. |
|
|
|
|
|
Whole cloth quilt floral design.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
