"Water's Edge" unquilted top Cindy Grisdela 2011

“Water’s Edge” is Day 24 of my March art quilt project. I went back to the subtle colors of “Skyscrapers” from a couple of days ago, but decided to cut the fabrics with a freehand curve instead of straight to see what would happen.

I like the energy where the horizontal lines meet and the colors run into each other. It reminds me of water rushing down a braided stream or waves coming over each other at the beach, so that’s where the name came from. This one fits into the Currents theme of the project, which has six tops now. Most of them use various blues and purples, although “Shades of Autumn” and “Forest Path” are more brown, brick and green.

I put in the narrower horizontal stripe to act as a focal point, but looking at the photo I’m not sure if it’s too much. Hmm–there will probably be some editing of some of these tops once I get to the quilting and finishing part, but I’m proud that I’ve been able to keep up with the project each day for the most part. It’s definitely required organization and focus!

Maybe I’ll quilt some sand dollars and starfish into this one–water and beach motifs.

If you’re new to the project, I challenged myself to create one art quilt a day for the month of March. Each piece is 16″x20,” uses only solid fabrics, and is entirely pieced by machine, not fused. I’ll choose the best of them, quilt them and mount them on stretcher bars, and show them in an exhibit later this year. I’m posting nearly every day on my progress, so check back often! My inspiration was fellow artist Jill Banks deciding in January to paint 100 faces in 100 days. Click on her name to see her progress as well.

4 Comments

  1. Jan on March 28, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    I love your work especially the marbles. Can you tell us more about the fabric you are using. Is it hand dyed or commercial fabric. Thank you.



    • Cindy on March 29, 2011 at 9:17 am

      Jan, Thanks for your kind words about my project. I’m using hand dyed fabrics I purchased from Cherrywood Fabrics. Their colors are wonderful and the fabric sews up beautifully! I hope this helps.



  2. Elaine on March 29, 2011 at 10:17 am

    Hi Cindy,

    After bookclub at your home last night (excellent discussion of Lives of Impressionists) and looking at your work in your studio, I just logged on to your blog. What a wonderful project and how inspiring! It is great to read about the process, see the quilts in your studio – and know that I will have the opportunity to see them displayed in your upcoming exhibitions. I love your work!

    Elaine



    • Cindy on March 30, 2011 at 12:03 pm

      Thanks for the kind words, Elaine. It’s been a great experience!