When I saw Cee’s challenge this week is patterns, I thought of the many photos I have that show patterns in nature. I almost started putting together that post, but I felt a strong pull towards a different kind of pattern – the pattern that develops when small pieces of fabric are sewn together into a quilt top.
This pattern is called Contrary Wife. I wrote about how making this was a healing project; you can read about it here. What I love about this quilt pattern is how, when the squares are sewn together, a secondary pattern is formed of strong, dark diagonal lines.
This next quilt pattern is my favorite – Storm at Sea. This wall hanging is one of many variations of that pattern. When the fabric is carefully chosen and the pieces are precisely sewn together, this pattern is full of motion and curves, even though all the pieces of fabric have straight sides. I did a post on how I made this and you can read about it here.
I made the following quilt for my daughter and a similar one for my son. They are watercolor quilts and the designs are made by hundreds of one inch squares of fabric sewn together. Wall hangings are made by putting these little pieces on a flannel board until the desired pattern is laid out. My queen sized quilts were made by sewing strips of fabric together and then cutting them crosswise strips, and sewing those strips of squares together to make blocks. The process is somewhat complex but easy, as long as measurement and sewing are precise.
Those of you who have been following my posts on Emily’s quilt will recognize this one. I just finished piecing the top of this Log Cabin pattern. The strips are two different widths, so when blocks are sewn together a wavy pattern is formed.
If you love patterns as much as I do, you will enjoy the other interpretations by visiting Cee at:
A New Day: Living Life Almost Gracefully 
Pingback: Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Patterns | Nola Roots, Texas Heart
All beautiful. All extraordinarily well photographed, Pat. I like them all, but the third one almost inspires me to pick up a needle. Nicely done. What attention to detail.
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That is why I love piecing together quilts. It is something I have control over, while I don’t have much control over how my body feels. I don’t think there was a seam with matching seams that I didn’t take out and sew a second or third time. Obsessive behavior well channeled. 🙂
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Yes! That’s how I am with poetry and I think that’s what makes are art so meditative and healing … not to mention enlightening. 🙂
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Extraordinary work, each one a masterpiece!
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Pat, these are amazingly beautiful! I’m reminded of Earlene Fowler’s Benni Harper mysteries where she always uses a quilt pattern as a title. But to see these in color is stunning.
janet
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Thanks. I will have to look up these books.
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These quilts are beautiful. I especially like the ones which give the appearance of a curved pattern. Do you sew by hand or machine sew? I knit and crochet but have never tried quilting. I’d love to have a go.
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I sew the pieces together by machine. I have tried hand sewing but it isn’t as precise. I can match the corners better when I use a machine. I also knit but I have never enjoyed crocheting. Thanks for the visit. 🙂
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Some work and love has gone into these Pat ! Gorgeous .
I’ve one made before I was married 🙂 nice easy squares though …for hand stitching under a lamp on night duty Lol
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My goodness, you are amazing, Pat.
Each of these is beautiful, but the third one is simply over-the-top.
Happy day to you!
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Thanks, Lisa. I enjoy making that one but it is a lot of work. I have one in the planning stage – as soon as I finish three more plus Emily’s.
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I stand in awe. Your work is beautiful. I have several quilts displayed in our home that were made by my husband’s grandmother. They are a treasure.
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I have a couple of my grandmother’s quilts and I treasure them. Thanks, Dawn.
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I never got into quilting. These are beautiful and I can appreciate all the time and work that goes into making one since I crotchet afghans.
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I have tried crocheting and just couldn’t make it work for me. I do enjoy knitting on occasion. Have you don’t some posts on your afghans?
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No I haven’t. I usually do one during the winter and then end up giving it as a gift. They aren’t anything fancy just nice warm blankies. 🙂
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Sounds like a nice warm post to me. 😀
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I guess I better run get my camera then. 🙂 Thanks you.
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Wow…those are lovely…hard for me to imagine all the time and effort that went into making them.
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I have the same response to your poetry, Steven. Thanks.
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That surely is patterns in more than one photo. 🙂 love them all. Have you done all of them?
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Yes, I did make them all. Thanks, especially for your visit.
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That is so nice. I like that kind of sewing-technique. Would wan´t to learn, but have no patiens.
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How very perfect for patterns. Homemade quilts are so wonderful!! Thanks for playing.
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I really appreciate your effort in making these fun events possible. I hope you are having a good day, Cee.
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I collect antique quilts. Your watercolor quilts are ethereal! Truly gorgeous…..love them all though. Kudos~
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Thanks, Cindy. I have had a really hard time photographing the water color quilts to show how beautiful they are when you can see the whole pattern.
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Very colorful!
Especially lovon’ that 3rd one.
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Thanks. Have you ever made quilts?
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No. Not sure I would have the patience.
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To have them turn out right it takes a strong dose of obsessive behavior. I seem to find the patience to do the things I enjoy doing. Life tends to be so messy that this is a way I can make something that is neat, and tidy and perfect (almost). 🙂
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