火花 Hibana (Sparks) shown here is half of a diptych, paired with 残り火 Nokoribi (Embers). Both pieces started with the spark of an idea, a simple sketch. I wanted to convey the glow of fire coming through smoldering charcoal embers.
Details
Like a lot of my modern quilts, this one started with a simple sketch of an idea. I often make a small sketch, then build a quilt improv style. To give the feeling of sparks shooting through darkness, I first created a strip set of rich orange-rust fabrics, with a few white highlights. This strip set was then cut into very narrow slices and pieced into the other main fabrics.
Walking foot quilting for me is like drawing with thread: I layer in motifs and shapes using a variety of thread values, allowing them to overlap and create unplanned intersections.
The skinny strip set lines add energy and movement to this piece, crisscrossing the surface, just as the machine quilting does.
Special thanks to photographer Azuree Holloway and stylist Trevor Holloway, who took the above outdoor photo at our house for Quiltfolk Magazine. I was honored to be included in their Washington issue, which came out in the fall of 2024.
My quilt labels are inkjet printed, and I have a lecture called Quilt Labels to Love! which quilt guilds can book as a virtual or in-person event.
“Sometimes you’ve got to let everything go — purge yourself. If you are unhappy with anything… whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you’ll find that when you’re free, your true creativity, your true self comes out.”
TINA TURNER
火花 Hibana (Sparks) is not available for purchase, but I do take commissions to create quilts like this one. To discuss a commission, contact me and please mention this quilt by name in your message. I deliver to the Seattle area, and ship within the U.S.