Last week, I mentioned that my sewing mojo seems to be on a little break. I think I have figured out at least part of the problem. My sewing machine, I think I mentioned before, is in need of a deep cleaning and perhaps a replacement part. Later this morning, I'm headed to the dealer with high hopes that we can discover the issue and set it on the road to health.
I'm still doing some sewing on a smaller machine, but it's just not the same.
In addition, I recently updated my glasses, and the way the lenses were prepared are making my vision a little blurry, especially on close up stuff. The replacement lenses are due any minute. It's hard to get excited about stitching anything when you can't really see it!
Meanwhile, to see if I could find some inspiration, I headed off to the Genesee Valley Quilt Fest in Rochester this past weekend, and I think I found some inspiration in the details!
For example, this wall-hanging made by Judith Craddock is lovely, but look at the detail found in the binging. It looks like a flange was added to the binding, then gathered up at 1" intervals to create a scalloped ruffle.
Another binding treatment was found on this quilt, whose maker I failed to note, unfortunately. The beaded binding was hand-stuffed and added to the quilt with a facing technique (I'm guessing). The effect was quite unique!
This quilt made by Amy Lippitt started as a workshop project. The blocks were paper-pieced. Rather than make more PP blocks, the maker decided to alternate solid colors and mimic the block elements with exquisite machine quilting.
Barbara Korengold is the maker on the quilt below. I was so enthralled with the delicate embroidery and detailed hand quilting that I failed to get a photo of the full quilt!
And, of course, you know I'm always drawn to anything 'bird.' This design below of a Northern Flicker was inspired by an adult coloring book illustration. The maker, Betty Welland, started with creamy log cabin blocks and filled in the logs with detailed machine quilting. Each of the spots on the bird's belly was individually appliqued! Hoo-boy!
There were many, many beautiful quilts at the show, but for some reason, the details caught my attention this time.
What about you? When you're at a quilt show, do the big-impact quilts catch your eye, or do you look for the details? Or both?
Happy Stitching!
Head Hummingbird
Hummingbird-Highway.com
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