I had a very hard time with this theme -- each pair of opposites I thought of (curvy/straight, thick/thin, vintage/modern) seemed to cancel each other out. I could picture them in a nice background pattern, but not in an interesting focal image.
Then I thought of "Opposite Day," which we used to do for fun when my kids were small (usually on a rainy summer day). You would think of all your normal routines and try to do them opposite. Eat popsicles for breakfast, write backwards with your non-dominant hand, etc.
It was fun to approach my usual quilting process from the "opposite" direction, and try new techniques. Usually I have some sort of representational image, so I thought it would be "opposite" for me to just use simple geometric shapes. I chose this image for a composition inspiration:
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| I clipped this from a magazine years ago; I am not sure of its original source. |
I decided to make my quilt sandwich inside out, using painted batting for the top layer, and then doing reverse applique, with the fabrics of the middle layer revealed.
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| "Opposite Day", a small art quilt based on reversing my usual quilt process. |
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| Detail showing the dyed, painted, and stitched surface. |
I think this quilt would have been a good solution to our Texture challenge as well. I had fun re-thinking my quilting habits!
You can read more about how I made this piece at my blog, Deep in the Heart of Textiles.
That is fantastic. It really draws me in and I love the colour of blood red wine and bright blue. I've never heard of opposite day before but I love the idea.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I had fun making it!
DeleteWhat a fantastic idea - I really love where it took you! There are so many wonderful contrasts here between the colours, or the curved or pointed shapes, and the textures - I really want to run my fingers over it because the circles top right and bottom left look so much as if they have a hard jewel-like quality rather than being soft and fabric!
ReplyDeleteAs I have been looking at everyone else's contribution, I have been noticing that, besides the main opposite in their piece, additional opposites crept in -- color wheel opposites, texture opposites, etc. But until I read your comment, I never thought of the contrasts in my own piece! So thank you!
DeleteWhat a fascinating process. Great idea, and a great interpretation of the theme.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara!
DeleteI love the idea of having an opposite day and it was inspired of you to take that and apply it to quilt making. It sounds like a fun process and the finished piece looks great. I love the vibrancy of the jewels and the textured effect of the stitching on the painted batting and reverse applique :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janine! Once I came up with the idea, I had fun making it.
DeleteThis is so clever - I didn't even think of opposite day! It is fun to look at this piece and see all the texture. This looks like an enjoyable, yet challenging process. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wendy! I was glad to cross a "someday" technique off my list. I always enjoy that aspect of these challenges!
DeleteWonderful idea. Love the painted batting.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbi! It is easy to do, you just have to plan in drying time. :)
DeleteI am always amazed at how your imagination knows no bounds when facing. these quilting challenges! What a fantastic idea and how well it came out!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maureen! It is always fun to experiment freely! :)
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