Baby’s Blocks Gone Wild
In 1991, I designed and made this quilted wallhanging for a challenge in Salt Lake City, Utah. The challenge fabric was the floral that is in the Baby’s Blocks section, as well as bordering the top and bottom sections (not the actual border, which is black).
I thought that the challenge fabric was insipid. I struggled to find a way to use it.
Weeks passed and the deadline loomed, and nothing about this fabric inspired me.
Then, I realized that I could work in contrasts: meek with wild, and traditional with jazzy.
The finished wall hanging is 32″x52″, and at the time I called it, “Threads of the Past, Visions of the Future.” It is pieced and appliqued, with some stenciling (the small yellow dots) as a
surface treatment.
This quilt took top marks, winning an award for originality and design.
Today I call it, “Baby’s Blocks, Gone Wild” and I’m eager to do more with contemporary twists
and traditional designs.
