Thursday, July 19, 2012

Red Hibiscus and a Thank You

Red Hibiscus, 29" x 24"
Amaryllis, 25" x 27"
    I'm fascinated with making large flowers lately--have made four by slightly different methods, trying to decide which method I like best. Each has some advantages, so my future pieces will probably be a combination. I love to create using my own photograph for inspiration and I wanted more practice in making my patterns. After I made the Amaryllis piece last month, my guild invited Gail Bachorik to teach her Viva Orchid! pattern, so I made that one (in blues and purples on a yellow background). Then I ordered a pattern and instructional CD from Lenore Crawford and made her Pink Hibiscus (although I did it in reds since I had just worked with pinks on the Amaryllis).



    My daughter wanted me to help her make a small piece with a rose applique to use as a gift, so I showed her how to find a picture similar to what she wanted and we then drew the design and marked the pieces to create the pattern. She did all the cutting and fusing and placing on the background, and I added the machine quilting to finish the piece. 
Knockout Rose, 14" x 14" with picture inspiration and pattern

    Ann Fahl often finishes her art quilts with a small strip separating the border from the center, and I have used this design element on both the Hibiscus and Orchid and Rose pieces. She also sets her designs on a pieced background, and this is used on the Amaryllis piece.
    Through the years other quilters have inspired us and we find we have absorbed ideas, styles, and techniques and have added them to our own repertoire of skills. I am grateful for having met and studied with some of the best quilters in America--far too many to try to name. Thanks to all who have shared!

10 comments:

Linda Ginn said...

I am so pleased with the finished Knockout Rose piece. Can't wait to see it in person this evening. It will make a wonderful gift. Thank you for your guidance and advice! Linda

Connie said...

Beautiful! I love your hibiscus.

Joy V said...

Martha, the Hibiscus is beautiful. Love the background you used - is this a whole piece of material?

Martha Ginn said...

Thanks for the compliments (here and in private emails). To answer Joy's question, the background is lots of fused greens. The pattern ended beneath the little red strips, and I had it ready to bind when I decided to add the 3-4" border. So I created the four border pieces, complete with quilting; the red strips conceal where I added these. A 4" facing covers the addition on the back. I hope this makes sense!

Anne Esteve said...

Absolutely stunning - love all you work but especially the flowers. Great work - keep on - can't wait to see your next creation. You have so much talent !!!

Martha Ginn said...

Anne, thanks for the kind words. But speaking of talent, your quilt top at the last Pine Belt Quilters meeting was over the top! Beautiful!

Norma Schlager said...

Martha, that Red Hibiscus is stunning! When we had a house in Florida I used to love seeing all the varieties of hibiscus and would pick one every day for my hibiscus holder. I'm sure you know that they only live for a day, on or off the plant.

Martha Ginn said...

Thanks, Norma. I've had lots of Day Lilies over the years but did not realize hibiscus were in their glory only a day and then folded to let the next bud shine. Good reason to pick and enjoy in the house!

Debbie Davis said...

Martha the flower pieces are beautiful! Your talent never ceases to amaze me!

annieQ said...

Very nice, and I like the background too!
Ann