Ancient Shells: Ammonites

    I enjoyed this challenge. I decided to use a subject that I have used twice before for this group. One day last winter we had a lot of snow, so I was able to try snow dying for the first time. I had some successful pieces, including some old cotton sheet and silk organza that were just right for this quilt. I cut a lino block in the shape of the ammonite, using it to print on the cotton, then overlayed it with the dyed organza. I struggled to hand quilted the shells, finding it difficult to pass the needle through the fabric. It wasn't until I lost my needle and had to use a new one when doing the seed stitch background, that I realised that the problem must have been a  blunt needle!

  The other two quilts that I made for the group are the following:

 

Festival of Quilts!

 Do any of you ever get across to the uk for the Festival of Quilts, which is held in Birmingham at the end of July/beginning of August every year?

I’ve just spent 4 days there investigating the stalls and what they’re selling, helping a friend on her stall, admiring the 800 or so quilts that were entered for judging and on the final day I was stewarding.  It’s a huge show and well worth a visit.  I’ve spent lots of time there chatting to people from Iceland, Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, Australia and America.  The huge diversity of nationalities never fails to amaze me.

WELCOME

 A very big welcome to our group Erla.  So glad you are joining us on a fun and friendly group of art quilters.  I am sure you will enjoy getting involved in all that we do and I am sure all join in with me to welcome a new member into our group.     Patricia 

 Good morning all

Thank you for the invitation, Hilary, much appreciated! I have browsed through some of the work and themes on this website and it all looks very interesting and original :-) Well done to all of you! Patricia introduced me to her 'fish' while we were working together on the Centurion Group quilt for the most recent National Quilt Festival that was held in Port Elizabeth in South Africa. 

I have joined this group to explore and expand my artistic boundaries with the hope of getting better at competition standard pieces. Having fun is a bonus. I am excited about the upcoming theme for end of October! Regards, Erla Cilliers.

SHELLS POSTED ON BEHALF OF BREN

 I painted the background fabric and made shell stamps using foam sheets.  I printed the shells onto the background then free motion quilted it.  Finally, I handstitched running stitches around some of the shells.

I'm really looking forward to the next theme - interesting!