Friday we drove out to Park Forest, Ill. to see Chawne Kimber at the opening to the show Motives and Materials at the Tall Grass Arts Association. Chawne has nine quilts in the show that runs through July 25.I love that Chawne's quilts are quilty but not predictable like many I see at shows. She pushes the limits of working small and is not afraid to try new things. I have enjoyed watching her growth as a quilter over the years. I followed her progress on flicker long before she started blogging. She has progressed from making more common traditional quilt designs to working in an improvisational style. She has developed her own recognizable quilt voice that also shines in her other needlework. She is an excellent improv knitter and has also made some incredible embroidery pieces.
These quilts are filled with rich detail that can only be seen and appreciated in up close study.
As always, Chawne has inspired me to push my quilting limits and I am eager to explore some new quilting techniques.
If you are anywhere in the area before July 25 get yourself over there to see Chawne's quilts. You will not be disappointed. These quilts need to be experienced in person.
Even if you are not in the area, Chawne's quilts are worth the drive!! Go!
Face #1 by Melissa Averinos
I am just back from a great trip to Austin to attend QuiltCon 2015. The quilts in the show were fabulous. I took some great classes and attended lectures that I'll share more about later.Today I want to show you my favorite thing at QuiltCon. There was one quilt that I knew I wanted to see before I ever left home, Face #1 by Melissa Averinos. I watched the construction of this quilt on instagram as she posted photos. Her process is so interesting. After looking at all the quilts this one is a stand out favorite of mine.Face #1 by Melissa Averinos.
This is what Melissa says about the quilt:"After creating a large raw-edge applique self portrait, I challenged myself to make a pieced face quilt, This image was not based on a photograph or drawing and no computers or charts were involved. I drew on my experience as a painter to improvise with fabric squares and rectangles to create the image as I would with painting. I've been making my whole life and when I finished this quilt, I cried with happiness. It's my favorite thing I've ever made."Here's a close up of one of the eyes.
I love the variation of the fabrics that she used. There are some very old calicos and novelty prints. Look at cat face, and the skeleton print. The overall design really draws you in from across the room, right up close to see the tiny fabric parts. I like that she used older fabrics and those that are not easily recognizable as current "on trend" designer fabrics.
I had to go back and visit the quilt several times a day. It is just so unbelievably beautiful.Melissa, I can't wait to see where your journey takes you next.
