Sunday 15 April 2007

GWEN MARSTON INSPIRATION


Although I quilt mostly traditional, those two quilts were two attempts to try something else. Gwen Marston´s "Liberated Quiltmaking" was quite an eye-opener and her book changed a lot of in my way of quilting. Forget all about measuring, drafting, ... just start sewing and use your scissors a lot! Both quilts were a lot of fun to make. The red one was the first and I tried there to use a lot of ugly fabrics! I thought, well if it doesn´t work, it won´t be much waste. Still, I am happy with the way it turned out. It is machine sewed and hand quilted.
The second was made for my DS, then 2 year old and it is called "Le village bleu". I used some more methods from the book like stars, houses, trees and some home dyed fabrics. There are some I spy fabrics in there as well to make it more interesting for a child. It is machine sewed and machine quilted.






I noticed as I was sewing the houses that I tended to make them more planned after 2 or 3 tries but that I liked the bent, crooked look more. I had to reason myself there, stop planning and just cut! The way to organize the blocks was a challenge as well but it made me step out of my comfort zone which was a good thing as well. All in all an experience to be repeated!

16 comments:

Lucy said...

They are PERFECT .. I love what you did and special the first one.. oohh They are an inspiration I can the the fun you had with making them :-)

Joyce said...

Your quilts are beautiful. I too am a fan of Gwen's and her new book, Collaborative Quilting has been a huge inspiration.

Patti said...

Wonderful quilts! I especially love the houses. Aren't Gwens books just wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Both are gorgeous ! I have Gwen's book, but I've not yet tried...you give me ideas for a next quilt, thank you !

Fiona said...

Love the blue houses, I am sure your daughter loved it.

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I love that second quilt...beautiful...!

Carole said...

Your quilt is beautiful! Isn't nice to quilt "outside the box" every now and again, pushing the envelop as one would say! Nice I like it! Keep well!

atet said...

I love these quilts, I have her string piecing book, but I think I need to get some others!

Helen in the UK said...

Absolutely LOVE "Le Village Bleu". I have a thing about quilts with houses in them and this is particularly fun - especially the sideways tree!!! I have Gwen's book, but haven't been brave enough to try the techniques yet. Congrats to you on having the courage :)

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

This was inspirational for me, I have trouble getting myself into a liberated state of mind... I love Gwen's work, though; your quilts are fantastic! Thanks for the reminder of how great it is to free oneself up a bit.

YankeeQuilter said...

Your blue houses are wonderful. I'm like you - I have to concentrate to not make straight houses! How crazy is that?!

Cynthia said...

lovely quilts especially the blue house one. I don't have any of her books but i must see if i can find some to look at.

Chookyblue...... said...

Very nice I need to step out of my comfort zone also. I will mark that down as something to do this year.

Rose Marie said...

Good for you to be brave enough to step outside of the box! My turn is coming!

Quilts And Pieces said...

I love them! I took a class from her last year and loved every minute of it!

Tonya Ricucci said...

Gwen Marston is definitely an inspiration. I love these quilts - you did an amazing job.