nspiration for the quilt was gathered from Janeen van Niekerk of South Africa, as well as, the Sheppard’s time spent at their home in Montana.
The art quilt is constructed out of 421 separate pieces using the Foundation Paper Piecing Method. Fabric is placed on the reverse side of the pattern and assembled in a “mirrored image”. In patchwork, foundation paper piecing was initially a method used to stabilize tiny pieces of scrap fabric that were stitched together. It first became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries in England, although a 15th-century Italian piece, “The Impruneta Cushion” owned by Antonio degli Agli, may have used foundation piecing. A similar process in Britain is English paper piecing.
This 40” x 50“ quilt uses hand dyed cotton from Thailand. It is backed with Aboriginal fabric titled Bambilah designed by artist Namboka for M & S Textiles out of Australia. Living in Melbourne, Nambooka is a descendant from the Pyemmairrener clan of Tasmania.
Should you choose to wash it in water, the quilt will take on a less flat and more vintage look. Always use caution, as colors may bleed. Kimono silk thread by superior threads was used in the free motion quilting process. Metallic silver thread and matchstick quilting gives a shimmering effect to the water.
The quilt is titled, signed and dated on the reverse side. An optional hanging sleeve is attached.
A stuffed American eagle toy named “Warren” by Hansa Creations accompanies the quilt.
