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!