Drama Queen
In preparing for a special exhibit I put together in 2009 called The Drama of Two-Color Quilts, I was inspired to create this black and white version of a favorite block usually called Ohio Star. This block is a basic nine patch block with four of the nine patches subdivided into quarters. I continue to discover the endless options of this single block. This variation sudivides the four corner patches into quarters. The block is set on point with no sashing. As you can see, I have not yet quilted my black and white “Drama Queen”.
My favorite antique quilt is on the right--I discovered this beauty in Paducah. The vendor's only knowledge about the quilt was that it was from Bardstown, Kentucky. I love the color combinations and believe the cloth was hand-dyed because several of the pieces in one block are corduroy dyed exactly the same color as the cotton fabric of the other blocks. The pattern is one offered decades ago by the batting company Mountain Mist on their paper wrappers. The quilter's initials are embroidered in yellow floss. When exploring all the elements of this quilt, I located a single cotton seed buried in the batting, so I've come to believe the cotton batting was carded by the maker. Did she plant it and cultivate it too? The quilt is in excellent condition showing few signs of wear. I call this quilt Bardstown Beauty.
Great "Drama Queen," and so interesting how you changed up the negative/positive in the quilt. Very effective!
ReplyDeleteAnd that antique quilt! It looks like it could've been made today and featured in one of the "modern quilts" books. It is a beauty! My great grandmother in Texas used to use leftover cotton from the field in her quilts. I don't know if she carded it, or just stuck it in there.
I love the drama of the "Drama Queen". I kept staring at it with my 'camera' eyes.. Quite impressive!
ReplyDeleteAnd the antique quilt...I have not seen a single antique quilt i did not like. This one is no exception.. Nifty is right! It would fit in a very modern magazine!
Thank you for sharing!
Those are very dramatic quilts! Bardstown Beauty has the dramatic black accent and the subtle difference between the soft blues and greens. The history is interesting, especailly the hand dying. I am planning ot try some indigo dying myself before long, perhaps I'll dye some corduroy too at that time!
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