Quilter in Distress: Diane Gillespie
Rescuer: Jan Stone
"Treasures On the Sand" • 11" x 12"
Diane: "I like triangles. I became interested in the
'Pythagoreans' symbols and started using them in my quilt designs. The use of
found objects gives this quilt a personal geographic location but also is used
as a symbol for the Earth. I kept the colors neutral like the colors of the
beach at winter. I am unhappy with this quilt so far because I think it may
need more texture and maybe some thread painting for movement. I was
considering using layers of sheer fabric and cutting it away. The frayed edges
may look good. The use of metal objects may help it out."
Jan: "When I received this quilt it took me a few weeks
to get a basic idea. I felt this little quilt was telling a story--a collection
of memories--maybe a vacation or a walk on the beach collecting treasures with
family or friends. I wanted to use many of the sea shore embellishments so I
could keep the feel of a sea-side story. My next decision was how much I would change the quilt. I
loved all the different fabrics used and wanted to keep as many as I could. I
immediately thought of Jude Hill's articles in the December/January 2009 and
August/September 2010 issues of Quilting Arts. "Quilting a Story" was exactly what
I had in mind for the quilt and weaving a cloth base was an excellent way for
me to use the many pieces of fabric that were available. The quilt also has a
woven base with hand quilting and silver metallic thread. Embellishments were
added to represent the waves rolling in to the beach, leaving deposits of
treasure on the sand-shells, driftwood, even a message from a bottle. I added a
bit of color with fabrics and beads."