KATIE OUR CUTIE Art Quilt

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs 1 Comment

This is the second in a series of small art quilts I am playing with.  These little quilts are what I call “fabric paper” and I hope you will consider taking “Fabric Paper’ – a class we’re offering at the Quilt-A-Way for $15.00 TUESDAY March 1, 5:30-8pm OR SATURDAY March 5, 10am-1pm.
The first art quilt was dedicated to Rachel — that post was “Rejoice For Rachel” and you can view it here in case you missed it!  Both of these girls were part of a Sunday school class I taught. We went on a mission trip together with their Moms in 2005 to Albuquerque NM one summer.  I have had the privilege, honor and  continual blessing of knowing these young ladies! They are so very special, and it’s been an incredible  journey to be a part of their lives as they have grown up. 

My inspiration:  Katie! Bright, beautiful, smart… very cute!  She’s a junior in college majoring in Mechanical engineering,  and currently attending a semester in Ireland!  Such adventure! Oh, I wish I could be there with her snapping some shots in the countryside of my heritage!  Katie hasn’t always loved me taking photos of her… but that hasn’t stopped me too much!  LOL Katie. 

I so enjoy the designing process when the inspiration is so personal to me… and so many fond memories to work from and play with.  I loved thinking about all that Katie is… praying for her as I designed and quilted… colored and played!
  Here’s your artsy journal quilt, Miss Katie!  I love you… MORE!  And I hope you love your quilt… and someday when you return home to Big Sky Country, it will be yours!

I had a really fun time with the King Tut black thread on top; black polyester in bobbin for free motion quilting on this piece.  I’m getting better… at getting out of my box in using a more ‘free’ sense of style, and kicking that ‘perfect’ thinking habit I’ve had in my head for FAR TOO LONG!

To all of you in ‘blog land’ out there … I remind us all, corporately… it is the pursuit of excellence… NOT perfection!  It’s the JOY of learning, sharing and loving…

Oh yeah! Texture in bobbin play!  I absolutely LOVED doing this!  It’s rough… imperfect (love that!)… and it’s pretty all at the same time… it adds a great ‘sketchy’ look too!  Double your fun – let loose, and let… go!  This is Ricky Tim’s Razzle Dazzle thread in a light silvery blue aqua color and polyester is the best choice for top thread.

Reminder: the  stitches will not be ‘perfect’ either!  Your 90/14 microtex or topstitch needle has to go through some interesting layers of tissue, paper leftovers, batting, backing and topping with some glue and paint too!  Sometimes the top tension will be loopy… but I LIKE it in this particular venue…. it’s Free… whimsical… charming!  …. and “no muss” — just a bit like Katie!  I chose mostly pastels but they are bright… warm… and varied.  And that is pretty much how I think of Katie!

There is written text under the petals of this flower….as well as a tissue from a sewing pattern & some stickers, even!  I have taken my sizzix machine, and while cutting flower petals, have re-cycled used printed paper.  When I cut the fabric, I put paper on top, and so after cutting, you have all these cool paper petals with text on them! 

“Love Conquers …. ALL”  

“Areal beauty… our Katie Cutie”  detail of quilt at top center
Leftover envelopes… cards… candy wrappers…tissue patterns…
Christmas wrap paper… all are used in this little quilt! 

LOVE…. love…. LOVE those big flower prints… 
how I enjoy playing, rearranging… and stitching them!

May you continue to grow your life in Christ, Katie… leaning on Him, letting Him straighten your paths, as you live in the JOY of His salvation and allow Him to sustain in you a willing spirit. Amen, honey.  XXOO

Comments 1

  1. Oh gosh Leslie….this is soooo beautiful!!! I can't believe that Albuquerque trip was almost SIX years ago! I'm getting so old. We need to have another trip before I graduate. and I love you most!

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