In 1991, I designed and made this quilted wall hanging for a challenge in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The challenge fabric was the floral featured next to the upper and lower borders, as well as in the Baby’s Blocks section.
I thought that the challenge fabric was insipid.
I struggled to find a way to use it.
Weeks passed, the deadline loomed, and nothing about this fabric inspired me.
Then, I realized I could work in contrasts: meek with wild and traditional with jazzy.
The finished wall hanging is 32″x52″, and at the time I called it, “Threads of the Past, Visions of the Future.” It is pieced and appliqued, with some stenciling (the small yellow dots) as a surface treatment.
This quilt took top marks, winning an award for originality and design.
Today I call it, “Baby’s Blocks, Gone Wild” and I’m eager to do more with contemporary twists and traditional designs.