Monday, January 07, 2008

Turning life into a quilt...

This year our quilt group's new theme is a medallion quilt. I start our theme each year in January. On Wednesday evening, we get together and they will receive their first assignment to start their quilt. It is going to be an exciting year. I give them instructions for each section of the medallion quilt but they have to fill in not only the colors and fabrics they wish to use but also the quilt pattern. Even though everyone will follow the same sizes, each medallion quilt will become a very personal thing.


These are the fabrics that I am using for my quilt. I have no idea if I will use them all but they will all remain in my basket for this year while I construct my own quilt. This is a Moda fabrics line called Calico Craze and I was drawn to it not only by the wonderful shades but also it being a historical reproduction line. I had purchased these fabrcis with the idea of saving it for a special project and this year's theme was just right.


Their first assignment is to create the center for the medallion quilt. It is going to represent themselves. They will pick colors that they feel passionate about and a block that they feel will tell something about themselves. Explaining my own choice will help you understand how this quilt is going to be built up in the various layers.

For me, I choose the Tree of Paradise. I wanted a tree and choose an old pattern as I love history and this block has its roots in quilt history. I love trees and feel they give energy. I also saw the tree as a symbol for the fact that I have been rooted in what I like in life since I was young but even though I grow strong, I also bend with the winds as life goes on.

Don't forget that by clicking the photos, you can see them in much more detail.

14 comments:

Nancy said...

Sounds like a fun project Heidi! I love all your fabrics, and the tree is wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I love all your fabrics too....
Extraordinaire!!!
hugs
Françoise

Anonymous said...

I love your fabrics, Heidi, and this looks to be a wonderful project. Is this center medallion hand or machine pieced? If that is considered a rude question to a quilter, please forgive me in advance! Regardless, your work is beautiful. And I'm not even prejudiced as a prospective niece or SIL.... LOL

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to phone you for asking how much fabrics we need for the project! You have very much and very nice fabrics. I like the tree as your medaillon. It should be a good one for me too because I had many difficulties in my life and still stand up! Glad to see you on wednesday again.
Elly

Nancy said...

Oh, that is really cute. I thought the fabric was grey, guess I have weird color on my screen. I bet the quilt ladies will really like this one. Wonder what they will do for theirs.
Love you, Mom

Kristen said...

How beautiful!!! I love it! The fabrics are just perfect!!! Now I understand that you are the tree! :) Hmmm, if you are a tree, what am I? :)

diane said...

All those fabrics look so wonderful together. What a fantastic start with your tree of life! I will like to watch you add and add to this. Did everyone in the group pick a different center? Would they mind sharing? Maybe at the end?

angelasweby said...

Heidi,
I just love your ideas on choosing motifs and creating your quilt. I have always had a fascination about trees and when I was doing art at college, I did my main study on trees. I love the texture of the bark, the shapes and colours of the leaves and also the spirituality of a tree with it's roots firmly anchored in the ground and the top reaching up towards the sky. I like the idea of connecting Heaven to earth, I suppose :>) Sorry for waxing lyrical..haha!
Your choice of fabrics is amazing. Such a lovely range of colours and patterns. It will be lovely watching yours and all the other quilts unfolding.
Warm hugs, Angela

Joyce said...

Your handiwork is just AMAZING to me. I used to sew but nothing like what your doing. I love your other blog too!
Be blessed,
Joyce M.

Christine said...

Oh my Heidi! That is just beautiful. Your piecing is incredible and so perfect. Awesome job. How about lessons at Cranberry Cottage!! BTW that is the most adorable little house I have EVER seen. Fantastic job decorating!

Happy quilting!!

Solstitches said...

What a beautiful selection of fabrics Heidi.
How exciting to be doing this project with your quilt group and how lucky they are to have you to lead them.
I'll be looking forward to hearing more about your group project and to seeing the various different blocks as you complete them.

Peg said...

What a beautiful center piece your tree is Heidi,it is a wonderful choice. It's branches reaching out to others, wafting gently on the breeze and like you with roots firmly planted. I look forward to seeing your groups progress, I like Margaret think your ladies are very blessed to have you amongst them :o)

Carolien said...

What a nice idea, a medallion quilt. I wish you all good luck with it. Your tree is beautiful, as are the fabrics. I'm jealous already ... LOL!

Greetings, Carolien

Betsy said...

Wow this is so cool. I was searching for Calico Craze and found this great site. I am very new to quilting and to get a stash like this would be a blessing. Heidi you do beautiful work. I will surly be keeping up with your projects. Thanks for the opportunity !!!

Betsy from Texas