Friday, September 4, 2015

Spots on Leaves

About a month or so ago my son living in Seattle called at 9:30 PM. I am always happy to hear his voice but we had already spoken earlier in the evening so I was a little surprised to hear back from him the same day.  

His cousin had given him a plant which she got from me when we moved from Seattle to Pennsylvania. She thought Gautam should also have a cutting of the same plant in his first home. 
Gautam had been taking care of it for few days and noticed some yellow spots appearing on his plants. Since I am the self appointed plant doctor in the family, he knew he will  get some answers. 

Our conversation went something like this.

Gautam-''I think I am killing this plant, it has yellow spots on it."

Me- ''You must be over-watering it."

Gautam- ''Mom it is in the water and it has lots of roots!''

Me- ''Oh! Send me the picture of your plant.''

And he did! It is the plant he grew up seeing his entire life.. Or should I say Not seeing? It has been in my home even before he was born! Philodendron! A tropical plant with natural variegation!

I couldn't help but laugh. He was adorable!

He then went on and on about plants and gardening and sent few more images of another plant he bought from a nursery. He asked for my help with plant selection for his yard when I visit him.
I happily agreed and we ended our conversation.

I hung up the phone and thought my aeronautical engineer, computer games playing son was talking plants! I was thrilled! This whole conversation had left me happily surprised. This had to be the first time ever he talked about plants. 

Later that month his sister visited him and reported to me that he wants to grow as many plants as he can in his home! And he is checking this plant every morning to see if it grew overnight!

I needed to memorize this conversation, this story of his life!


I chose the fabrics with spots and dark colors to mark the timing of our phone conversation. Yellow is the accent color in his house. I used free-form crazy quilt block for the background.


Needle-turn applique gave me something to do while I was recovering on the couch.


Limited colors kept it modern and not too cute. Star fabric was added for his love for space and the night sky. Wavy quilting lines are for the water in the vase.


New leaves to show the growth and airiness and lighter leaves on the other side to add dimensions.



I freehanded the vase to look like a rocket! Which by the way, he loves to build and fire!

I machine quilted the quilt and left the leaves untouched to be free of the background. I may add stitches while I am there but for now, just curious to know what he will think of this quilt.


It is ready with the sleeve on the back. I really hope he likes it. I wanted to give him something to remember that late evening when he and I talked plants.


It wasn't that long ago when I started this quilt. Remember this? It's good to have something done and give away.
Tomorrow I will be in Seattle! 
My class at Quiltworks Northwest Beads and Beyond is on the 12th has few spots left. Come join me for free-form Lattice, Hourglass and Railfence fun!

Have a great Labor Day Weekend!
Sujata

 









31 comments:

  1. Oh, this is just so wonderful- not only the design, composition, colors, and execution, but the story. I love everything about it. Thank you for sharing something so personal. It gives me encouragement!

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  2. What a wonderful memento. You both will always remember the conversation! Delightful leaf fabric, design and execution. Congratulations.

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  3. What a great story Sujata!
    I wondered which apliqué you were working on during the time you were so tired, now I know! We all can see that your imagination was NOT tired,
    Congratulations for this modern art quilt and have fun in Seattle!

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  4. What a great piece and I love the story of how it evolved! It is so wonderful to see our children grow and evolve!

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  5. I love this little wall hanging quilt--I especially like how the leaves cascade over that cute vase...nice choice of leaf fabrics and the bottom background is great...terrific piece...hugs, Julierose

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  6. I don't know which I like better. The sweet story so well told, the fabulous quilt, or the great photography and how you pulled the post all together. Mhave a wonderful trip!

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  7. I love everything about this quilt! The image, the color scheme and pieced background, the modern vibe. Lots of love sewn into this quilt!

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  8. Quilts like this are the best quilts! Great story ~ I'm sure this will be a cherished piece!

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  9. I am sure he will love it. Not surprised he is interested in plants. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

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  10. I love it when you share posts/quilts like this -- our stories are SO important and they are so much a part of our creations. I love how you captured the conversation and ever so much more in fabric.

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  11. wow, Sujata! the story; the design; the fabrics; the execution; all the little details; the love; the memories - past, present, and future; all add up to this being, perhaps, my favorite piece that you've done! I showed Bruce the photos and read the narrative to him. he was impressed! Gautam (and Kavita and Shail) are very lucky to have such a loving and talented mom! :-)

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  12. Youve inspired me again! My son also calls asking the most interesting questions. Lovely piece!

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  13. What a beautiful quilt to capture a precious moment!! I so enjoyed reading this wonderful post. Have a great time in Seattle!

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  14. Gosh this was a surprise for me being more used to your Cultural Fusion quilts, but I think it's stunning, love the colours, quilting and the pieced background.

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  15. I love the quilt and the story. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. Another beautiful quilt with an equally beautiful story!

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  17. How very creative. Your choice of fabrics for the leaves is perfect.

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  18. Wonderful story! Love the quilt and I hope your son does too (how could he not?!).

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  19. I like your quilt a lot - especially the colours and the shape of the vase with the curvy leaves - but also I love the idea of using quilting to preserve a particular moment, to capture a memory.

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  20. this is outstanding. There's nothing about it I don't like. Love, love love this.

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  21. So glad I got to see this and YOU in person this weekend. Both of you are beautiful. ; >

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  22. What a special quilt! Very personal.:)

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  23. What a wonderful color quality this piece has. Great story and great quilt. I was just in Seattle as you know. It was wonderful. Such a beautiful region.

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  24. A beautiful quilt to preserve a sweet memory!

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  25. Hi, Sujata. Glad I found the time to stop by your blog--just LUV this wall-hanging, gorgeous! And I did get to see your book this summer when I stopped by Salem, Oregon to visit Bonnie Hull. Congratulations for its publication and success!
    best, nadia

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  26. You make such meaningful quilts, I wish my mind worked like yours. I love the colours and composition and I'm sure your son will love it.

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  27. Such a terrific quilt, Sujata! Love the story behind this and the beauty it inspired!

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  28. Beautiful quilt and story!
    Groetjes
    Annemieke

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  29. This is a great story, Sujata, thank you for sharing it!

    And good luck with your move. I have been missing the Bay Area a lot lately, so I am a little envious too!

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  30. I love your reason for making this quilt Sujata! As the mother of the same sort of son, your story made me smile so much. Your philodendron quit is so beautiful and perfect for young, modern tastes!

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I appreciate you taking the time to read my posts. I would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you!

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