This quilt traversed across great distances. Pictorial quilts start with a plan, and usually end with the same plan. Quilts based on patterns have endless possibilities.
Vintage craft books bring back memories of childhood. I taught myself how to knit, crochet, macrame, sewing from my mother’s books. I love a good diagram. A page from “Joy of Craft” from 1975 inspired my trip down a winding road of my own making. The yellow and orange fabric I purchased were too close in value to pop off like this silhouette. A pictorial quilt turned quickly into a land of abstraction.
Thread and fabric connect a quilter to all the quilts to a tradition, and to all fellow contemporaries. Under and over basket weaving is a similar tradition. I tried to combine my two interests, but the yellow and orange still fell flat.
Weaving turned into geometric diamonds whose complexities lost shape the further I ventured. The problem with geometry is it either has to be way off to be awkwardly cool, or perfect. I am not perfect! I reached the time to leave the limitations of two solid colors.
Calico fabrics are what I look for. They originated in Calicut, India during the 11th century. I think of them worn by frontier women from the 17th century, with faded floral patterns, and prairie soil stains. It’s the history. Using something old in a contemporary way. I’ve always felt like I a past life is still impacting me.
A rug weaving book inspired me to turn this quilt into a distorted landscape. Scissors are an important part of my sewing process.
Intuitive thought is an individual experience. It’s hard to explain why something works visually. Quilting can be about process based on determination. Completion achieved by trying and tenacity, piecing and patience. It’s a meditation. It’s a belief in what is visually right for oneself. The importance of a journey brings inspiration for another trip around the maker’s land.
Jennifer Haston Quilts 