thank you, International Threads!

You will remember the gray scale challenge that was the second quilt in International Threads' existence.  Our dear late Ita Ziv was the one who gave this challenge, and the rules were that you had to use a wide variety of shades of gray, plus only a tiny bit of another color.  I loved the quilt I made for that challenge, which was a new technique for me.

I wrote about it here.  Some time after this post, I decided on a name:  Linear A, after the ancient Greek writing that was eventually deciphered by archaeologists.

Linear A, 2013, 16 x 32"

I loved the technique, and the quilt, so much that I decided to make it again, virtually identical in design and fabrics, except almost three times the size.

Linear B, 2014, 42 x 73"

I'm so happy to report that the big one is now in Art Quilt Elements, a juried show at the Wayne Art Center outside Philadelphia, and it won the juror's award, which is the second prize, right after best in show.  And it never would have happened without International Threads.

Blue -- Blue Rivers

The center of this quilt was made with organza folds, and the supplemental units were cut out of a scrim cloth that I dyed. Quilting  made in circles represent  the pebbles. 

Lines -- Broken Line

Lines
Broken Line

After many trials I reached the final result which – for me – represents the fine life line that can break in an instant.

Fabrics were hand-dyed by me, and were cut as reverse applique. Quilting was made on a regular home sewing machine.

Sketch -- Lace

This work too was made from a whole recycled piece of cloth I colored specially for this purpose.

The pattern sketch was drawn on a paper glued to the back of the fabric. The entire print was made in one line and so it was cut. The quilting was done with my new sewing machine.

Ita in Ste. Marie-aux-Mines

Kathy mentioned that she regretted that the article did not show any of Ita's work. As I just saw some of her pieces in Ste. Marie-aux-Mines, and Ita has permitted me to do so, I would like to post here for your benefit a few pictures of Ita's work that was displayed there. For those who haven't met her yet.

Ita in front of Reflection No. 6

Reflection No. 2

Reflection No. 3

Reflection No. 3, detail

Leaves on the Wall 5

Lace 5

Reflection 4

View Point # 13 (detail)

View Point #11

Ita is famous!

Did you all see the article in Art & Antiques magazine  that mentioned Ita as one of the quilt artists worth following?

It's a survey article that was a bit disappointing to me -- lots and lots of names, not much critical discussion, not enough pictures -- but I guess it's always that way when somebody wants to write about a vast subject in a short amount of space.

But congratulations, Ita!!   I wish they had shown a picture of your work.