Project Quilting 13.5: Rhythm & Repetition

 

This week's Project Quilting challenge theme is Rhythm & Repetition, inviting participants to start and finish a quilt that includes at least one element that is intentionally repeated 3 or more times for visual effect.

I stayed true to my own rhythm by waiting until Saturday evening to get started...oh around 10 pm!! Luckily my plan was to create a small art quilt for Studio Art Quilt Associates' upcoming Spotlight Auction.

Starting with a piece of black prepared for dye fabric, I started to stamp and layer on repeat patterns using bubble wrap, Lego bricks, one of my hand-carved stamps, and acrylic paint. 

Unfortunately, most of the color was absorbed into the black background, so all you could see was a bit of metallic accents that all blended in with each other. So I started over using a white-on-white print for the background which better showcased the layers of color, pattern, and texture.

The party continued through the addition of sheer organza shapes. What fun to see the printed textures peek through the dancing pink wedges, yellow skinny strips, and blue squares! A metallic Gelly Roll pen was used to mark small squares inside the dancing blue squares to give them a bit more definition which you can see already added to the blue squares on the left side below.

A piece of white organza was layered on top, which not only created a more ethereal look but also made it easier to fuse and quilt. 

Two variegated threads were used to stitch overlapping wavy lines similar to sound waves:

• A more vibrant Aurifil 50wt variegated thread that changed from turquoise, white, and magenta was used along the midsection. 
• A Superior Fantastico thread that changed from a very faint pastel teal, white, and pink was used along the top and bottom where it blended in with the mostly white background.

The free-motion stitching took on its own rhythm as I traveled back and forth, occasionally crossing over previous lines of stitching...

The Spotlight Auction will feature pieces that are all 6" x 8" (in a portrait or landscape orientation) which will be displayed in a mat with a 4.5" x 6.5" opening. Blue painter's tape was used to outline these dimensions on my rotary ruler, making it easy to audition where to crop. I briefly auditioned a vertical layout and even a diagonal layout (not shown), but opted for a horizontal orientation to really showcase the Rhythm & Repetition.

Once trimmed, I stitched around the perimeter twice before painting the edges with puffy paint aka dimensional fabric paint! We had the option to leave the edges raw, straight-stitched, or zig zag edges as the pieces will all be placed in mats and cellophane sleeves where the edges will not be visible. 

Here are all the supplies used to create this small piece...

And this piece will be sent off to be included in SAQA's Spotlight Auction as part of our upcoming April 29-May 7, 2022 Virtual Conference. You do not have to attend the conference to participate in the auction as bidding is open to everyone. All proceeds will be used to support SAQA's mission of promoting the art quilt through our global exhibitions, educational events, and professional development programs. 

"Dance Party!" Finishes 8" x 6" for Challenge Entry

A few days after the challenge deadline, I decided to add a bit of bling in the form of beads and sequins to complete this festive piece.

"Dance Party!" Remix with Bling for SAQA's Spotlight Auction

A label including my artist tjap has also been added before sending it off for the SAQA Spotlight Auction...

And be sure to check out all the fun quilts made this week as part of Project Quilting's Rhythm & Repetition challenge.