January 30, 2009

Blue Roses Quilted Wall Hanging - Show and Tell Friday 2.


Since last week cloudy Show and Tell Friday entry so many of you wished some sunshine for me, that on that weekend the air actually got clearer and the sun came out of hiding. Thanks!

But by now the old and sad weather returned, and the best you can do is get wrapped into a warm blanket by a warm lamplight with a cup of hot chocolate. Or: back to the Naples’ memories!

I started making this wall hanging quilt in Naples, following the instructions in Dina Pappas’ wonderful book. It’s not always easy to find fabrics with large roses that have contrast as well, but I succeeded. In Monterusciello (small neighbour town) there was a market on every Wednesday, where – in the large bustle of goods and people – everything that we could imagine was there for sale.


On the above picture it is only a small part of the market, as it went on long into the streets to infinity. New clothes, bed clothes, pictures, candles, curtains, tablewares, so many things I can’t even write it all down! I found lots of treasures (there were a few thrift store alike tents as well). On the other huge area they were selling delicious fruits, vegetables, cheeses (amazing fresh buffalo mozzarella and parmesan etc.) different kinds of olives (that we had to taste all the time) and sea fruits.
Well on this market around the new bed clothes once I discovered two lonely pillowcases, that somehow lost their duvet covers, so I got them at a very low price. They had wonderful small and large blue roses. I knew it instantly, that I would learn Dina Pappas’ methods on this fabric.

I finally did it, and the making was a lot of fun too. It was put aside for some time though, because I knew that I wanted a blue and green frame on this wall hanging quilt. I already had the blue fabric for that, but couldn’t find a matching green. You wouldn’t guess where I found it in the end. At our move I had to go through all of my fabrics to empty our wardrobe and in the bottom of my owns I found this green one, which fits the picture very well in my opinion.


I learned the free motion machine quilting on this picture, so it became a very personal and valued piece: it has the hot Italian summer’s feeling, a walk on the market, the many things that I have learned in the making, and – on behalf of the green fabric – our move as well.

12 comments:

BECKY said...

Hi again Maria!! So glad you had a little clear weather!!

Can I say that this is stunning and I am in awe of your work??!! Oh how I long for the ability and patience to accomplish something this lovely. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I'll always come back so I can see more!!
Joyful Blessings, Maria,
Becky

Karen Sherrill said...

How lovely your quilt is! I have been quilting off and on for about two years. One day I would like to learn how to free motion quilt, but for now I am learning how to just plain old machine quilt. Anyway...I love how you pieced it together to seem like that's how it was supposed to look...great job!!!

Karen

Karen said...

Its beautiful you should be very proud

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

That quilt is gorgeous! The watercolor quilt book looks interesting!

Katherine

Belinda said...

As someone who can't sew at all, and who WISHES I could, I am just amazed when I see beautiful, intricate work like your stunning quilt. How wonderful to have the skills and artistic vision to create something so beautiful. :-)

Kathy said...

Your wall hanging is simply gorgeous! How talented you are.

I am waiting for Spring with you!

Kelli said...

What a beautiful quilt! I love the blue!
~Kelli

Kym-Anne said...

I love your quilt, it's gorgeous. I have been quilting for about 2 years now and am still getting the hang of things.
Thanks again for sharing such a stunning quilt and for dropping by my blog and leaving such a lovely comment.
Have a great week.

Alice said...

I love the watercolor quilts. I haven't made one yet, but I have all the material to make one. Very similar to the heart one on the book. Yours turned out really nice. I love the rich colors. Thanks for sharing it with us :O).

You are always welcome in The Shadow of the Cross. Feel free to visit anytime.

Pink Slippers said...

So nice to meet you.
happy belated show & tell.

Blanket America said...

The wall hanging quilt looks awesome.The blue gels beautifully to the flower motif and the blending is superbly done.

patchwork

DownHome Designs said...

Maria, you did an outstanding job on this wall hanging! It's absolutely gorgeous! Leave it to you to do such a beautiful piece on your very first try. : ) You and I, we do love the roses, don't we?