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| Front side detail of Flowing Lines |
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If you click on this image
you just might be able to
see the subtle stitches
forming the bark |
Once again, Leah's assignment and my current artwork collided in a perfect fit. I needed to pre quilt a tree to add to the piece I am working on and Leah started a series of patterns based on Flowing Lines. I instantly (OK when I woke up the day after seeing the assignment for the first time) thought tree bark.
I am very fortunate to have a studio with large picture windows that overlook a lake that is bordered by cattails, brush and the occasional tree. My Bernina sits just a few feet from the window. So, when I look up from my work, I can watch the birds at the feeder, the ducks, geese and now coots on the lake, and study the trees. Nothing like looking at bark when you are trying to create it.
I chose a batik with multiple hues and values to represent the tree. It is the right fabric for the artwork. It really captures the light, shadow and variety of color in a tree. It is the wrong fabric if you want to share your free motion quilting with a thread that blends into the fabric. This is something you really have to see in person. Nevertheless, I have included a close-up and the backside so that you can see the stitches.
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| BACKSIDE detail of Flowing Lines |
I followed the flowing line premise, just with a couple of tweaks. My tree is 51" long. Obviously for the bark to make sense the flowing lines needed be vertical and not horizontal. It didn't make sense and wouldn't be feasible to make each line 51" long. So the lines are closer to 9" - 12" done in staggered rows with the occasional knot (knot in a tree not made from thread) thrown in.
Confession - I have been quilting Flowing Lines and its numerous cousins first on my own and then modified based on Leah's designs from her 365 series for years. They invariably are just what I need to quilt a sky, lake, tree or beach. Therefore, branching out on the very first lesson was natural. It is the organic feel of this pattern that draws me back again and again.
Same here....this has been a 'go-to' for me also. When it has just the rounded features it personifies serenity (as you pointed out-perfect for water, sky, etc). Aren't batiks versatile??? Love your sample/motif!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say? I've rarely met a batik that I don't like. Flowing Lines, as a pattern, has the FMQ advantage that the lines don't have to be perfectly straight or the angle, just right. Therefore, it is very forgiving, especially if you have been quilting long enough to get your hands, foot and eye in synch.
DeleteIt is always a joy to see your name, Treadle Music.
What a great idea to use it for tree bark. Look great!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat.
DeleteSounds like you have quite the view. I am really interested to see the whole tree! You have got my curiosity. Great job on the FMQ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, I am quite fortunate to have a fabulous view. This is my second piece that was influenced by what I see out my window. It is very likely to become a series.
DeleteI was just introduced to flowing lines last week and I love it. Think it will get used a lot! Yours looks great - thanks for showing the backside. ~Jeanne
ReplyDeleteSince my standard style is to quilt on heavily pieced quilts built on commercial fabrics, often batiks, it is important to me to try our practice assignments on similar type fabrics. They present different challenges than solid colors or high contrast between fabric and thread. However, Leah has asked us to share our experience, so I want to make sure that anyone reading my blog can "see" the experience, too. That is why I always include the backside image. I'm glad you find it helpful.
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