So this is my Michael Miller Glitz fabric challenge quilt. I really, really struggled to come up with an idea of what do to with these fabrics (bling on fabric is not my usual thing. At all.) I knew I wanted to include circles and to make it entirely black and white but beyond that I didn't have a clue. Eventually I came up with the idea of creating a stylised molecule against a simple strip pieced background.
I have no idea if this is a modern quilt or not - but I had a LOT of fun making it. The design itself is quite simple, but I gave myself a ton of room to play with the quilting. In a way this quilt is a statement about the lack of complex FMQ I saw in the quilt show at QuiltCon this year. As much as I love the look of dense straight lines, I think modern quilting can be more than that - and I firmly believe that FMQ can be decidedly modern. So I've attempted that on this quilt.
I even tried a bit of trapunto on this quilt - the circles have an extra layer of batting behind them, and have been needle turn appliqued onto the quilt top. You can see in the photo below, they are quite puffy, and make it just a little bit three dimensional. I decided to use blending thread for all the quilting - Aurifil 50wt in black and soft white - and I'm glad I did. Although there is a LOT of quilting on this quilt, because it blends I think it complements the quilt rather than dominating it, and gives it interest.
It is really difficult to capture in photographs, but the designs in the white are all continued through on the black sections. I used two layers of wool batting, so the texture is pretty awesome - plus these fabrics have a gorgeous feel. Very much like sewing with Cotton Couture.
It's so nice to be back to blogging - I'm hoping to share some of my other recent work over the next week or two. I promise it won't be another two months between posts ;o)
xx Jess
25 comments:
HECK to the YES about modern FMQ!! Go for it! Renee Hoffman and I have decided that we're going to change the straight line matchstick trend. ;)
This is an absolutely gorgeous interpretation of the fabrics. You are one talented lady! <3
The quilting on this is outstanding! And of course I agree with you (as Jess said ^^) about FMQ being more complex and definitely modern. Most of the time I find straight line quilting simply creatively lazy, though I do think it has great texture and effect in many cases! But why is the MQG so quick to make SLQ their measuring stick for modern? How is my (and your) FMQ less modern?! Ugh. I do hope this quilt gets in so I can see it in person!!
Love this quilt!! The piecing, applique and quilting work together to create a stunning quilt!!! What does Renee mean with "SLQ"...So Lazy Quilting just doesn't work!!! In my ever-so-humble opinion, your quilting is definitely modern, as is your quilt!
stunning! i am just a step above a beginner quilter, but i am having soo much fun quilting my quilts! i took the easy way out on a few, but am stretching my comfort zone, and having a great time doing it! your quilts are stunning, and great inspiration!
Just stunning Jess! Your work just amazes me!
Absolutely stunning! I saw a few mighty fine quilts at QuiltCon this past year, and was disappointed in the judging. They seemed to go for the straight lined quilted quilts and totally overlooked the other beautiful entries. It will be interesting to see how it goes with this next QuiltCon. Your quilting is exquisite! I'm just a beginner, and I find this to be very inspirational. I hope, some day when my skill level increases, to be able to think out of the box and produce something as lovely.
Gorgeous quilt! and most decidedly modern IMHO.
Perfect dense, fresh FMQ! I love your restrained palette for this. I am often keeping up with you via Instagram, but I love to take the time to read all about it here at your blog!
I hope it gets in! The quilting in it is amazing. It looks Modern to me but I'm no expert.
Fantastic quilt! You really rocked the challenge! And the quilting just makes it!
Beautifully done, Jess, and you share many of the same thoughts about quilting and what was accepted into QuiltCon2015 as many of us. I purposefully really limited myself in my entries to QuiltCon2016 and played with SLQ on a domestic vs SLQ on a longarm. I'm just so hopeful they will agree with how modern your quilting is. Good luck, I would love to see your quilt in February. :)
Hi Jess, Love your Michael Miller quilt! I entered it too for the first time. I love your quilting and design. How big is it? I hope it gets chosen. You can see my quilt on my blog gatewayquiltsnstuff.blogspot.com. It's a miniature. Not as nice as yours!
It's just gorgeous, Jess. I'm glad you're back to blogging. I've missed ya! I can't imagine anyone thinking your FMQ is anything but modern...and utterly fabulous. Good luck!
This is really different from most other quilts I've seen of yours. I think it is definitely modern quilting. I like straightline quilting because it is simple and effective, but I would love to have the patience, creativity, and skill to do the kind of free motion quilting that I see you and some of my other favourite bloggers do.
Oh my gosh! I loved it before I even saw tha quilting! It's stunning! Xxx
Your "Molecular" quilt is outstanding, stunning and sooo creative! Your quilting is superb. Thank you for sharing how you've constructed this beauty!
I think your quilting and the idea of carrying the design through to the next white space is really incredible! Great job! Thoroughly modern in my estimation!
Marsha
QuilterinMotion
The quilting on this is captivating. The circles with the black and white give the piece and almost lunar eclipse look.
How very very beautiful! your ability to design and execute the quilting once again leaves me in awe. I love your work!
I am knocked out be the design and also how well your quilted white areas complement the black print. Really one of the most unusual and beautiful quilts I've seen in a while.
Simply stunning quilting! It really makes the entire quilt pop.
This is incredible. And TOTALLY modern. Did it make it into Quiltcon?
the quilting is so awesome Jess - love the design - I of course didn't get my entry done but mine is circles and black and white too !! must be something about the fabric that takes the mind to that design :) fingers crossed it gets accepted !
An A++++ for the quilting. Love the simplicity of the design and how the quilting comes to front and center without losing the pattern of the quilt.
I just love this...I could stare at it for hours and not get bored, maybe eye strains lol ;). I really like the FMQ being so in tune with the quilt design, just an amazing job.
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