Folk Bloom series - in development

I wish I could remember the first time I saw a needle-turn applique quilt, or what it was that pushed me to try it. But I do know that I've always loved needle-turn applique quilts, specifically the traditional motif versions. I consider myself a modern-ish quilter; on the spectrum between traditional and modern I'm probably a 70% modern, and that's if you're considering the MQG's definition of modern. I love a good print, I love playing with colour in prints, and I also love the traditional applique motifs. This is what made me decide to create this series, or at least start this series, as when I started this blog post I was working on quilt #3. 

There are a combination of factors that I pulled together that form the basis of this series.

1.

Firstly, my graphic designer squirrel brain likes order and symmetry, so the motifs are generally symmetrical. This is fairly easy for me to achieve when creating my templates, whether they're hand drawn on tracing paper or created in Illustrator and printed. 

2.

All of my original sketches are inspired by folk or traditional applique motifs and are a representation of a flower blooming. It might be an imaginary flower, or a recreation of a real flower, but always a flower. Plants and flowers hold special meaning for me, so it seems natural that this be a topic I work within. 

3.

The majority of the design will be constructed via needle-turn applique. In the first three quilts only the second quilt (Folk Bloom #2 - Ruby & Bee Fabric Challenge) uses a section of foundation paper piecing to achieve the radiating alternating colour bars within the heart. 

I'll continue updating this blog post as this series develops. I have probably 15 sketches of potential quilts to add to this series as well as other folk/traditional applique motifs that I'd like to explore and expand on. Who knows where this work will lead to, but I'm excited to see it through!