Few days back Victoria and I decided to do a little scrap quilt swap. I was already drooling over the quilt she displayed for Blogger's Quilt festival hosted by Amy. We thought of doing something abstract should be fun!
I love houses in the quilts. Who doesn't? To me, they represent family, love and comfort and also communities and friendships among many other things. So I was set on making my block with a house in it!
I have to be honest and say that never having done a swap before I was little nervous at first. It took a while to come up with something!
I was jumping from one idea to other every minute putting too much thought into it.
Or
Wanted to put everything I love in one little block.
Couple of days back, Victoria sent an email with the picture of her block but most importantly the phrase, 'Something to ponder over' in it!
After reading the email, I went on my long morning walk and pondered over the way I quilt!
I don't know if it is a problem or a blessing but I can not commit to one style of quilting! On one hand, I like abstract but I also admire antique quilts! I love old appliqued album quilts because they tell a story.
Story telling quilts are so much fun!
Have you seen Mary Lou Weidman's quilts?
They are full of tales to tell!
I love scrap quilts and making cloth out of strings. I also love making quilts out of used clothing.
If only we could hear those scraps and old cloths talk! There will be so many colorful stories about lives they touched!
I kept pondering and finally came to a conclusion.
It does not matter what style my quilts are because each one of them have a story to tell!
And
don't want to be tied down to just one style of quilting.
I like change!
Here are couple of house quilts I have made in the past!
The book, "Quilts of Gee's Bend" had just come out and I was quite fascinated by the quilts and stories in it!
The streak of orange represents the Sun setting in the Arabian Sea. I was fortunate to be able to enjoy that every evening of my childhood!
This was made almost 12 years ago! I was in a new neighborhood and making new friends!
My scrap quilt swap block!
Another new neighborhood and making new friends!
I like houses, color Orange!
And
LOVE to PLAY
with old and new friends!
Have a wonderful day!
Great quilts: the grey plaids with the spark of orange; the traditional folk art; and the current work with a feeling of more freedom, and that great orange and outrageous scraps. Thanks too for the links.
ReplyDeleteI agree. We don't need to settle on one way of making quilts. Last night I attended a lecture with a professional photographer of over 40 years. He said he always tries to create something different than what he has made before. "Otherwise, why pick up my camera?" he said.
ReplyDeleteI do think we see the threads of our inner life show up in all the different ways we make our quilts. Like your orange strip, representing the sunset of your childhood. That warmth and glow is something that distinguishes all of your quilts--and, in my experience, your personality!
The photographer said it so nicely!
ReplyDeleteLife is ever changing and even if our interests, likings and true basic nature remains the same, it would be a crime not to explore for more!
Nifty, Thank you for making me smile!
Hey Sujata, Great stuff! I love your progression. Happy sewing and have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt's a treat to see the different styles of your house blocks. We are always growing and changing and I think out quilts reflect that?
ReplyDeleteSticking to just one style may be like telling an artist they can only use one color of paint? Go where your inspiration leads you! :)
Interesting comments. I feel the same. I never have been able to settle down on a recognizable quilt style. Maybe that's a good thing. I love your house quilts, especially the first one and I really love the story in it. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I often think the same things... Often I feel like I am working many styles and flip flop between periods... But ultimately, I think seeing someones group of work, you still will find a common thread... Be it a color, or stitching or just plainly, how we choose and put fabrics together... Your "ponderings" are lovely thoughts... And I admire your quiltwork... Happy playing!
ReplyDeleteYour houses are fabulous but I adore the first one, it's fantastic. I'm not biased either, I love just about everything too and I never know where my quilting will take me. It's good to be open to new things. It just has to be enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time visiting your blog. your quilts are amazing! Such wonderful color and design. I will be back often to see your art! Lizzie
ReplyDeleteI love all your houses. They are one of my favorite themes in quilts and what you said is so true!!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful quilts! I really love the house blocks. The first one has such a pleasing wonkiness, I love it!
ReplyDelete