Friday, May 18, 2012

Blogger's Quilt Festival 2012

Thanks for looking at my blog, and welcome to the Blogger's Quilt Festival.  The quilt I am showing is called Sea Glass.  It is 63"x78" and is my original design.  It is currently at MQS in Kansas through this weekend.  It's made from all batiks and hand-dyes.  The watercolor background is made from the kaleidoscope block.  I then hand appliqued waves, and machine appliqued the 120 or so small pieces of sea glass.
I had this quilt already in progress prior to last summer.  But last summer my kids and I discovered a couple of beaches that had lots of pieces of sea glass to find.  It became our little obsession for the summer, wondering if the beach we were going to would have as much as the last.  Anyway, I had many pieces of batik for a while, and just thought they just looked like sea glass.  I knew making the quilt was my destiny.
The quilting was liberating.  It was my first quilt that I have longarm quilted that was mostly free-form quilting.  My machine is not computerized, but I wanted the motifs in the quilting to appear free and organic, as they do in nature.
The sea glass pieces are arranged in a symbolic wave, emanating from the wave, and being deposited on the beach. The only "structured" quilting was on the outer border.  It is axisymmetrical - opposing corners are the same, and it has a scalloped edges.  The feathers, though wavelike, are intended to juxtipose the unstructured and randomness of the churning wave of water.
 Here are some of the interesting organic fillers I used.
The opposing borders (ones with scallops) have this design.  The feathers again are somewhat wavelike, and the curved-crosshatching is just to give the design a change of structure.
 More cool fillers...
I should also note that this quilt is currently in the Quilting Gallery's quilt of the week contest.  I'd love it if you'd hop on over here and vote for it!!

149 comments:

Rachaeldaisy said...

What an Extaordinary quilt!!! Such amazing quilting!

Lynne (Lily's Quilts) said...

wow this is incredbly creative and the quilting is just beautiful - I also love the shaped edges

Miss Beau Jangles said...

Stunning!!

Charlotte said...

wow! that is amazing! from the colours to the piecing and quilting - so gorgeous!

Anne at Film and Thread said...

I sure hope a lot of people hop over here and look at your quilt because it is really quite spectacular and unique. You did a fantastic job on the design and quilting.

Queenie Believe said...

Totally Awesome quilt. I love the design and all the detail in piecing and quilting right down to the shapped edge! Beautiful!
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie

Shannon said...

I'm at MQS and we just saw your quilt in person. It is absolutely gorgeous. I love the piecing and the quilting and the pebbles and ocean stones. It is very soothing. Great job!

Amy Friend said...

Gorgeous quilting! And I agree that it looks like sea glass!

Pile O Fabric said...

Oh wow! This is amazing! How long did this take you? So beautiful, I voted for you :)

Cynthia said...

Oh yes, I voted for this quilt.
I have been quilting for 40 years and this is the most beautiful quilt I have ever seen.
Good luck, I hope you win!

Marjorie said...

Beautiful quilt!! Thanks for sharing the details of the quilting - I love the variety which turns it into a Goldilocks Quilt where everything is "just right". And I did put in my vote, because you asked nicely and it deserves to win.

♥Duff said...

The thought behind your quilt is mind-boggling! I love that it is axisymmetrical--I've never seen that before. OH, the way the creams go form darker to lighter as they move across the quilt from top right to bottom left--I just am so floored! All the appliques--what patience you must have :O)
I jumped over and voted--I hope you win!!

Debbie said...

So beautiful...saw it at Quilter's Gallery this morning and it got my vote! Love your symbolism and awesome quilting.

♥Duff said...

The thought behind your quilt is mind-boggling! I love that it is axisymmetrical--I've never seen that before. OH, the way the creams go form darker to lighter as they move across the quilt from top right to bottom left--I just am so floored! All the appliques--what patience you must have :O)
I jumped over and voted--I hope you win!!

M-R Charbonneau said...

Oh wow! This is gorgeous, Margaret! Your FMQ is stunning!

Sue Daurio said...

Wow!!! Everything about it is amazing. The colors, the pattern, the quilting - unbelievable.

Unknown said...

Wow, your quilt is fabulous.

Emma said...

I've always loved this quilt!

CitricSugar said...

Wow! That is an incredible quilt. I love every detail!

Nicole said...

Wow, Margaret! Your quilting is amazing!

Melissa said...

Very beautiful quilting. I was actually and the MQS show yesterday. The sea glass bits are just wonderful!

Deborah OHare said...

Where to start?
I like to collect sea glass and I love the way you have interpreted it here. I also love the colours you have chosen and as for the quilting....

Sew All Night said...

This quilt is beautiful! I am sure that it is even more beautiful seeing it for real. Very nice.....you did an excellent piece of art.

Kate said...

Beautiful!

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

This is AMAZING! so gorgeous. I "pinned" it as inspiration too. Just beautiful. I'm off to vote. :)

Linda Kittmer said...

Margaret, this quilt is stunning. I love the whole concept and the execution is phenomenal. Your quilting is truly outstanding. I wish I could see it in person!

Karen Lewis Textiles said...

wow that is incredible! Love the fluid movement of it. Gorgeous! And thanks so much for leaving your lovely comment on my blog x

pinsandneedles said...

Your quilt is stunning! Love all the beautiful quilting. Sea glass is the perfect name for this lovely quilt!

Melissa P said...

Wonderful attention to detail!

Melissa P said...

Wonderful attention to detail!

Leanne said...

This is stunning! I love the design and the way the edges are part of the picture. Your quilting is wonderful, it must have been so much fun to do.

Karen said...

Amazing quilt and I love that it is something that you and your children will have to remember your summer of collecting sea glass :)

www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com said...

Wow! You are so out of my league. This is stunning

Nadine said...

wow, this quilt is incredible. I admire the time and meticulous crafting you invested. I don't have the patience for that. Glad to meet you too. Will definitely come back and keep an eye on what you create.

Liz DandeliondD said...

Wow I am bowled over by your quilt. Its amazing.

Thanks for visiting my blog and it was lovely to come and visit yours xxxx

beth said...

I don't know what to say! Your quilt is completely amazing!! The quilting is just fantastic!! WOW!

Patti said...

Margaret, this quilt is like eye candy! It is breathtaking!

Krysta said...

Absolutely lovely! Your work is amazing! I love the pattern, and the bits of sea glass :) I would love to venture into long arm quilting, but I think I'm quite a ways off from that, especially looking at your work! Beautiful!

Deborah Hamilton said...

Wow, that is a truly amazing design!

Julie said...

I can't believe the detail that has gone in to your quilt. It is beautiful (I love seaglass!). So much time and thought has been invested in it. Juliex

Pat Merkle said...

Oh WOW, oh WOW! Stunning!

Lisa said...

Wow that is an amazing quilt! Your quilting is tremendous. Love it!

Karen said...

The colors used are very much like sea glass. The quilting is extraordinary.

Marika said...

Beautiful!:)))

Cindy said...

Wow...such a beautiful quilt. I love your design and the quilting is fabulous! I'll have to show it to a friend of mine who makes jewelry from beach glass.

Happy Quilt Festival.

Borderline Quilter said...

This is still wonderful Margaret, as are all of your quilts. You are an inspiration!

Best Wishes
Kay in Scotland

Julia Graber said...

Your quilt is lovely, very lovely. I like the wave and the sea glass. I also like your quilting. It's beautiful!

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

Hello - thanks for stopping by my blog during the festival! I've come over to check you out too! I love your sea pebbles - they must have taken you ages to do - and all that amazing quilting!!

Julia Graber said...

I love your quilt. The design is awesome and then the sea glass just tops it off. Your quilting is beautiful!

Gramma Quilter said...

This quilt is soooooo amazing!!! Do you live near the ocean? I have jars of sea glass all over my house. I cannot go to the beach (NS, Can) without looking and picking! The quilting is exquisite.

thequiltingdoberman said...

This is absolutely gorgeous! I love the quilting you did to make the sea glass pop up! Wonderfully done!

Mrs A said...

Wow that is amazing! Thanks for your comment, the header photo is actually Sorrento, so you were close!

Stephanie Granite said...

Beautiful! I love how the quilting is so organic. Reminds me of sea shells and kelp

Stephanie Granite said...

Beautiful! I love how the quilting is so organic. Reminds me of sea shells and kelp

Kit Lang said...

your quilting is incredible! Lovely piece!

Jenelle said...

Lovely quilt! I like the inspiration behind it too. I am also an avid beach glass scavenger. :)

Jan Hutchison said...

I love this quilt - I wish I had made it, or that I at least owned it so I could look at it whenever I want.

Jill said...

Madly impressive work! It's just gorgeous, everything, the fabric choices, the piecing, the quilting, all perfect!

Shari said...

This is an amazing art quilt! I love what you've done for the sea glass and the quilting is just perfect. You are very creative! You've shared great details with us - thanks!

Julie said...

Wow, that's intense. Especially the quilting! It looks amazing.

Diane said...

WOW, what an amazing job on the quilting! Sea Glass is a favorite of mine to collect on the beach so maybe I biased by the subject matter, but this is truly a beautiful interpretation. I voted for you!

Susan J Barker said...

I really really would love to see this quilt in real life! The photos are so very enticing and your description of it makes me want that much more to get a close up view of it!

CathyH said...

This quilt is absolutely amazing!! I love the movement, the colors. And the quilting is stunning. Thanks for sharing!

Susan J Barker said...

I am lost for words, except that I would love to see this quilt in person and close up! I even promise to put on gloves if you let me touch it!

Unknown said...

Great quilt. I'm going to send the link to my mom I think this is one she'll love.

Shawn Stephenson Schumacher said...

What a beautiful Quilt!

Krista said...

This quilt is beautiful! I love all the variations you used in the quilting.

Alli said...

That's a wonderful quilt! I love the rainbow of glass falling to the corner! :)

Cynthia said...

This is such a cool quilt! Love it!

Ellie Q said...

The design is wonderful, and the quilting is AMAZING! Neat idea.

paulette said...

Wow!! Incredible!
P

paulette said...

Wow!! Incredible!
P

Kleep said...

This quilting is amazing. I also love the fun, whimsical feeling of the design. The waves and the quilting go so well. I'm in awe!

MariQuilts said...

What a beautiful quilt, and the quilting is exquisite.

Anna V said...

Absolutley gorgeous!

Sandy said...

This quilt should be hanging in the National Quilt Museum in Paducah! Absolutely gorgeous!

Eileen said...

oh, my goodness!! this is one of the most fantastically beautiful quilts i've ever seen and your quilting is exquisite. i've loved sea glass since i went to college in hawaii and spent every spare minute at the beach. couple years ago i found a blue heart shaped piece in westport washington, so know how serendipity can feel. thanks so much for sharing and have a great day

Unknown said...

I've seen this quilt before and loved it, the design and quilting are fantastic
good luck with the vote

Kirsten said...

Stunning!! Love the pieces of sea glass at the bottom.

Shontelle said...

OMG Margaret. Your quilt is stunning! Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm glad I've popped by - there is so much inspiration in your quilt.

Kelly said...

This quilt is a work of art!!!! Stunning!

Eileen said...

Margaret, simply beautiful! Love your intricate free motion.

Anne said...

Amazing quilting! I wish I had your talent!

purduepam said...

Very impressive. A true piece of art.

Amanda said...

What an amazing quilt.

Denise in PA said...

Margaret - your quilt is amazing - both the top and the quilting. Wow! You should be very proud of this quilt. I am so glad to have seen it! Hope you are having fun at MQS (I went to to MQX last month and had a ball!)

the zen quilter said...

Margaret, I saw this on the Modern Quilt Guild and loved it there. You're craftsmanship is amazing, and I think this is wonderful art.

Gretchen said...

Thank you for leaving a comment on mine so that I came here and was sure not to miss your amazing quilt! It is stunning and I was thrilled to go vote for it!

charlestongrl said...

Amazing quilt! Truly inspiring!
Vivian
www.1squareinch.blogspot.com

Pattilou said...

Wow! This is the kind of quilt I love to really admire at "in person" quilt shows. The pictures are lovely, but I'm sure they don't do this quilt total justice. This is certainly a quilt to treasure. Well done!

Rosemary Dickinson said...

This quilt is incredible! What lovely work! I love the colors and the sea glass just adds so much to the design! Well done!

Quilting Babcia said...

I love this quilt, the scallops are the perfect edging for this, and your quilting is extraordinary!

Sarah Ashford said...

What an amazing quilt, with such intricate and beautiful quilting, wow!
x

Heidi Grohs said...

HOLY COW! Stunning!!!!!! I am so glad for this festival...new LA machine and I need to find more bloggers with them!!!

Mona said...

A stunning quilt. Love your dense quilting. I did vote for you!!

Greetings from Mona in Norway

Mona said...

A stunning quilt, deserved my vote! Love your dense quilting.

Greetings from Mona in Norway!

Kathy said...

Very impressive! I could look at the quilting for hours!

Chez Roo said...

Beautiful! Love the design and amazing quilting!

Allie said...

What an AMAZING quilt - I love it so much, I'll be happy to go vote for you! Absolutely extraordinary! Takes me right to the beach!

Angie in SoCal said...

This should get a prize. Stunning.

LesQuilts said...

Wow! this is absolutely amazing!
I think it was your destiny to make this quilt! Maybe whispers from a mermaid?
Congratulations!
Take care, Leslie

Joanie's Trendy Quilts said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Joanie's Trendy Quilts said...

Your quilt is exquisite! Congratulations on getting your quilt entered at MQS - you should be quite proud! I hope to make beautiful quilts as you do someday. You are quite talented! Which beaches do you find the beautiful sea glass. I have never seen it before - not at Carolina Beach anyways. Thank you for stopping by my blog this morning. I have been inspired with your creative touches, many that are shown in just one quilt. - WOW!

Sheila said...

A beautiful quilt - I especially like the curvy cross hatching.

bethanndodd said...

Your quilt is absolutely breathtaking! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us! Good luck in the contest, you have my vote ;). Smiles~Beth

Jennie said...

Wow - an amazing quilt - you must have spent hours and hours on the quilting alone!

mennikelly said...

Pretty quilting and a gorgeous quilt!

Dar said...

Your quilt is spectacular and your quilting unbelievable. I want you to know that I was at MQS and saw your quilt in person and was speechless. You are really a talented long armer. Did you win any awards there? I had to leave and go to quilt market, so didn't see all the winners and their ribbons. Just awesome is the only way to describe it.

Auntie Em said...

Your quilt is stunning! I saw some of your quilting in person at MQX and it was amazing! This is right up there with the best.

Michelle Jensen said...

Wow that is an amazing quilt. Thanks for your comments on my blog about my little quilt. I just recently went to the HMQS and if I would have known I would have voted for your quilt for sure :) We went through just appreciating all quilts... we are not by any means great judges cause we forgot all of our favorites and had to go back to remember the ones we loved. So funny, lol. Great job though and I really like this new quilt you entered in this blogging festival :)

Debbie said...

What absolutely beautiful quilting!

Frippery said...

This is just exquisite!

Julia said...

Just beautiful Margaret...your quilting is amazing..
Julia ♥

Robin said...

Your quilt is amazingly gorgeous! I just can't get over the quilting! I'll go vote now, I hope you win!

Kelly said...

WOW This is truly a work of art!

Taryn V. said...

This is truly a work of art! Beautiful quilting and I love the edges!

Laura said...

Love that seaglass!

Helen @vintageglorybox on Insta and FB said...

Oh WOW Margaret!! This is a divine piece of art! So beautifully designed and made--

Ellie-Mae said...

OMG, that's amazing. Well done you.

Lisa said...

Oh wow! This is wonderful. I'm in awe!

Busy Little Quilter said...

Wow! Your quilt is gorgeous! It surprised me when you said it was free form quilting. You do beautiful work.

hafza said...

Beautiful work Margaret...i love the colors. I keep on staring at it and wondering how you pieces all those tiny fabrics...lovely!! Thanks for your comments on my first finished quilt!!

hafza said...

Oh what a bautiful work...I love the colors. It makes me wondering how you pieces all the small tiny fabrics. Your works realy inspire me.. Thanks for your comment on my first quilt!!

Marg said...

Stunning, it's an amazing design.

Sandra said...

Wow, what a stunning quilt. Your quilting is amazing.

Come see my entries 64 (repro. applique) and 85 (antique appliques).

Marit said...

Fantastic quilting! Congratulations on a beautiful quilt!
; )

Andrea Louise said...

I just love your quilt! It came out really nice! Congrats! You are very creative!
Thanks for stopping by!
Love,
Andrea.

Martine Kuciel said...

quilting superbe on voit la vrai professionnelle felicitation

Shannon said...

Gorgeous of course! I'll check for MQS pictures tonight.

starryhomecrafts said...

Oh my word, that is an amazing quilt!

starryhomecrafts said...

Oh my word, that is an amazing quilt!

Carolyn said...

This is beautiful! I love to find sea glass on the beach. I love how the sea glass looks like it will just fall out of the quilt.

Cindy said...

This is amazing! I love your quilting.

Mama Spark said...

This quilt is amazing. Thanks for sharing it with us. Your quilting makes this quilt spectacular!

Cecily said...

Oh, wow. What a stunner. Love the movement of the final piece and the quilting is spectacular.

Foolish Feathers said...

I am soooo Impressed! You did a very good job on this project. Have you enjoyed doing more free-form quilting on the long arm since this project? You should definitely be proud of your work!

Celine said...

your quilt is breath taking and the quilting is so pretty. Well done!
Celine

felicity said...

Sea glass is one of my all-time favourite things so this quilt is especially beautiful to me. The quilting is exquisite, too. Thanks for sharing!

Deonn said...

I have seen this quilt a lot out there in blogland, and as usual, your quilting is inspirational! What a wonderful memory of a fun summer on the beach.

Nana said...

Wow! Awesome, especially like the quilting.

Ella said...

Wow...just wow.

Sarcastic Quilter said...

Simply gorgeous! This is a fantastic reminder of a great vacation. The piecing and quilting is beautiful.

tusen said...

It's so beautiful and your quilting is exquisite.

Marlene @ KISSed Quilts . com said...

stunning!

PBJ Quilt Sandwiches said...

Amazing! Just beautiful!

Jaye said...

What wonderful quilting you have done....the design too is fabulous!

Francine said...

OMG You got my vote and you put my little "sea glass" quilt to shame LOL. It's just amazing, love love love it!!!!

Francine (mochawildchild)

Marci Girl said...

Wow, this is an awesome quilt! Such skills!

Sewfrench said...

I've been oogling this quilt, for a while! Good Luck with winning. It is magnificent!