I was inspired by all the dandelions that keep popping up through my kids: text books, craft projects, TV shows, seasonal inspiration, poems, etc. I tried to make something that was childlike, but didn't look like I handed the project over to my kids to make (not that they wouldn't have done a great job). Big stitches, button embellishments and ric-rac all seemed to say KIDS to me.
I was also pulled in a completely different direction. While thinking along the lines of "what's a very Kristin thing to do?" I thought of the distorted hexagons I've used before, which led to the traditional "Grandmother's Flower Garden" quilts, which led to the title "Grandmother's Flower Garden is Overrun by Dandelions." It was too good to pass up.
The dandelions are very dimensional yo-yos and the Pusteblume are machine thread lace which you can see through.
This is what the back looks like:
You did two, also? I feel like a slug, now. These are both very Kristin and I can't decide which I like more, but I think it would be the hexagons. But I love the bit of bright blue on the other one and the quilting is wonderful - so much to look at.
ReplyDeleteKristin, I literally gasped with delight as your first image came up on my screen. It is so charming and you have perfectly captured the childlike fun of dandelions without looking like kids made it! You're right, the rick-rack and buttons and simple shapes work beautifully with this theme.
ReplyDeleteAnd after saying you weren't sure you'd have time to do one, you do TWO?! Wow. The flower garden piece is such an elegant, modern adaptation of that traditional hexagaon idea. I was excited to see how you used your machine thread lace. I'm in awe.
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ReplyDeleteYes, very Kristin indeed. I like the hexagons piece a lot. But the first one is so charming too.
ReplyDeleteI love the playfulness of the first one. And the skewed hexagons are so interesting, as are the see-through areas. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteKristen, I really like the rick rack, it fits perfectly with the piece.
ReplyDeletebeautiful! both very "you" and adorable - each in its own way.
ReplyDeleteeven "small" things turn out to be art in your hands... still don't know if i should be green with envy or just remain full of awe! ;)
I was sure we would be seeing dandelion roots! Ha!
ReplyDeleteThese are both terrific, but I am also really especially taken with the wonky hexagons. Your greens are so perfectly summery, dandelion greens with sunshine just glowing through. I can almost smell newly mown grass.
What fun! I love both of them.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is the first one - I love the playfulness and texture of it.
ReplyDeleteHard to choose between these - I just can't! I'm always a sucker for ric rac and it's such an appropriate choice here, but the hexagons are WONDERFUL! i have never seen wonky hexagons before and I love the title (so right for my own garden).
ReplyDeleteI love your line of thinking -- maybe since I so stuck in kids mode. Now you need to write a little story about your dandelion, or maybe that would be a fun part to turn over to the kids.
ReplyDeleteWith these pieces on such a small scale, border/binding treatments command special attention and you've given us two novel finishes to admire. (And your clean edge Photoshopping is a wonder to behold too!) I especially like the quilted dandelion leaves in the top piece and the homage to tradition with your hexagons in the second piece.
ReplyDeleteThis is really, really nice.
ReplyDelete(I found you through a Google Images search for dandelions and pusteblumes -- I'm a quilter too! So it's especially nice to find you.)