Thursday, October 1, 2009

Midway

My Twelve quilt was one that wasn't born until the Eleventh Hour (so to speak). As the weeks went by, every time I considered the theme and tried to think of directions in which my quilt could go, I hit a wall. I thought about dozens (bakers and dirty), I thought about numerals and base 12 and binary, I thought about disciples and jurors and... nothing enthused me.

Time was running out. Ah yes, time. My Nemesis. Time and I have a turbulent relationship. I never wear a watch. I would prefer that clocks not exist at all. And yet, I dread being late and am always on time for everything (except deadlines - that's another story!). Then again, I can't stand waiting (it feels like such a waste of time)so arriving early is not pleasant either.

I frequently am not sure what day of the week it is and usually have to check a calendar if the date is required. I've even been known to forget what year we are in and often have to calculate how old I am.

As I thought about time, it struck me that Midnight and Noon are the only two times of day that have names. They are also the two times of day that I like the best because they are my two significant markers. Midnight is magic. The witching hour. My favourite time of day, when all things seem possible. I have always been a Moon person rather than a Sun person. And Noon? Well, that's lunchtime! I have what a colleague once told me is a Public Service Stomach - it grumbles at 12:00 exactly.

So my quilt began to show itself to me. Midnight and Noon. Blue and orange fell into my hands and once again (for the THIRD time in this project!) the design is a circle. Of course, there is always a glitch somewhere. This quilt's glitch was that my O stamp is lost, so Noon became Midday. :D Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!
That little tussle that time and I have on a daily basis had to show itself somehow, I guess.

So, the message is that between Midnight and Midday and Midnight and Midday and Midnight is a whole bunch of numbers that, quite frankly, don't mean very much to me!

15 comments:

Diane Perin said...

Oh, Kirsten, this is wonderful. It is such a striking piece -- the strong circle against the vivid stripes, the split down the center -- it is instantly recognizable and is a wonderful response to the challenge.

I always like how you combine printed fabrics -- you have a real talent for that, I think. And I just LOVE that you couldn't find the "O" to make "Noon"! You have adjusted very nicely. :-)

And I have to calculate my age, too, btw.

Karen said...

You are so funny Kirsten and this piece reflects your sense of humor. I am always having to look at a calendar also, I never know what day it is. I really like the stitching of the numbers with Midnight and Midday prominant.

Gerrie said...

I don't think anyone had suggested noon and midnight as possible themes and so I was instantly drawn to your inspiration!! I love how you used the fabrics and the center medallion. I love your quirky sense of humor (humour). When I am having lunch at noontime, I will think of you.

Terry Grant said...

What a wonderful, strong piece! Your design sense is so crisp and yet has elements of depth and nuance. I'm glad you lost your O because I like the alliteration of Midnight and Midday so much better! This has such luscious color. One of my all-time favorites!

Kristin L said...

Ditto what Terry said! I much prefer midday and midnight. Your 12 background fabrics are so beautiful together too. I just plain like this. :-)

Françoise said...

This is fun.
I usually know what time it is, but I often have problems knowing which day of the week it is...
I like the strong colours you used in this piece.

Terri Stegmiller said...

I agree with the others about the midday over noon part. Love the colors you used and the idea overall. I also like how the background fabrics have numbers on them. Fun!

Unknown said...

I'm guessing your shop does not keep regular hours then?!You would not last long in the UK ) lunch is definetley 1pm here! I giggled a lot over the lost O!

Brenda said...

Despite your mutterings, I knew you would come up with something perfect. Your colour/value gradations are superb. Did you lose your "O" in a fit of passion?

kirsten said...

Brenda! I'm shocked!!

...possibly...

Deborah Boschert said...

I too wondered if the O got lost somewhere in the "oh."

I also did a noon and midnight piece. It is horrendous. I don't think it will ever see the light of day -- or the dark of night. Especially if it had to stand next to your amazing piece. There are so many wonderful elements. I really want to see some close ups.

Jeannie said...

Ditto everything above! This is so striking.

dutchcomfort said...

I feel so inspired seeing all those 12 x 12 pieces. Love your twelfth piece!!

Nikki said...

One of my favorites! Your quilt is so strong and jumps out at me. I love the the colors and the story. I, too, am glad you lost your O, especially if you enjoyed doing it!

Unknown said...

Perfect colours for each part of the day.