nspiration for this quilt was gathered from Aesop’s fables “The Lion and the Mouse”, as well as, the Sheppard’s extensive travels throughout Africa. This art quilt is constructed out of 729 separate pieces using Foundation Paper Piecing method. Fabric is placed on the reverse side of the pattern and assembled in a “mirrored image”. In patchwork, foundation piecing was originally a method used to stabilize tiny pieces of scrap fabric that were stitched together. It first became popular in the 18th century in England, although a 15th-century Italian piece, the Impruenta cushion owned by Antonio degli Agli, may have used foundation piecing.
This 53” w x 79” h quilt consists of hand dyed cotton from Thailand and fabric line from Kaffe Fassett, Marcus Fabrics and Hoffman’s of California. Pattern was designed by Janeen van Niekirk of South Africa. Kimono Silk thread by Superior Threads, variegated thread on the mane, tree knots and double batting were used in the frame less free-motion quilting process to create a 3-dimensional feel.
The beautifully illustrated book by Jerry Pinckney depicts a tale of a mouse accidentally disturbing a lion from his rest. The lion then makes a life-changing decision to release his prey. That debt is eventually repaid. The stuffed lion named “Hendrick” completes the set. The quilt sold at Mirabel's 2019 Charity Auction event sponsoring the Foothills Food-bank in January 2019.
