Cruising

Quilt Documentation #155

Cruising

This quilt was started in a workshop with Sylvia Pippen while on a quilting cruise a year ago. For me, it's a cruising memory but those little fish and dolphins really seem to be cruising as well, hence the name.

My main interest in taking this class was to learn sashiko which I enjoyed thoroughly.  Japanese Sashiko thread is made of loosely twisted,  long-staple cotton and is very strong.

For the sashiko circles, I used an indigo dyed piece from one of our NOFA workshop experiment.

cotton dyed in indigo dye bath - sashiko stitched

However, applique is a different matter. I did learn a different applique technique, which glues the edges down prior to stitching. It made the stitching easier for sure but hasn't turned me in anymore of a hand applique fan. I keep trying, maybe something will click.

Fins are from a silk marbled in a G&S Dyes workshop many years ago. 

The process:

I decided not to buy a kit but use my own fabrics instead. I hand dyed the background (and the back) especially for this piece. It is painted with liquid dyes (Procion H).

The dolphins were the last applique so look a little better (I think)

I knew I didn't have any “dolphin” fabric so I found and bought some in an Australian quilt shop while on the cruise. 

Dolphin applique - quilting

The rest were hand dyed cottons and marbled silk from my stash.

fish applique - quilting

Sylvia hand quilts after all her applique is done. Since I don't hand quilt, I added the borders to the background and free motioned quilted prior to doing the applique.

back of Cruising - needs label

The pattern for this quilt is in Sylvia's book Paradise Stitched and is loaded with beautiful pictures and instructions of her gorgeous quilts.

Linking to Nina-Marie's Off the Wall Friday and The Needle and Thread Network.

Happy Quilting,

Terry

DOCUMENTATION:

Quilt Name:  Cruising

Description:  Hand dyed, appliqued fish and sashiko stitched circles

Pattern: Sylvia Pippen from her book Paradise Stitched

Size: 27" x 43"

Fabrics: 100% cotton, silk

Predominant colours:  Blue, green

Construction Techniques:Hand dyed, applique, sashiko

Back: 100% hand dyed cotton

Batting: Warm and Natural Cotton

Edge finish: Double fold french binding

Quilting: Free motion quilted on Domestic Machine

Quilted by: Terry Whyte

Sleeve: Yes

Label:

Date completed: Dec. 2013

Inspiration: Started in workshop with Sylvia Pippen (her pattern)

Quilt History: 

Maker: Terry Whyte