17 January 2012

Let there be giraffes

I finished the patchwork for the reverse applique of my new stencil quilt yesterday. It's mostly half square triangle units, a bit less than 2.75" finished size.
 I find it easier to line up the reverse appplique with the quilt top if I square it off, rather than try to trace the shape of the pattern. Here I've used a yellow and brown print (on the left side and a few other places) that I'm unlikely to use anytime soon. The print is in a bunch of the triangles, too. It's lovely, but this is clearly the project it's meant for.

I spray basted the applique patchwork to the top, then the two layers to the batting.
And finally the back.

I transferred my design to the quilt top using Saral transfer paper, then sewed around the edge of the design several times using my free motion quilting presser foot. And finally it was time to start cutting away the green background to reveal the giraffes.
 First the mother.
And then the baby.

It won't be done until it's quilted, bound and washed. The green raw edges will fray and pull back a bit more in the washer. I can't wait to see it!



36 comments:

  1. This is incredible!! What a beautiful composition. I can't believe those two magnificent giraffes came from a pile of (not so) humble half square triangles. I can't wait to see it quilted too.

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  2. Wow, wow, wow!! This is an absolutely brilliant piece of art! I love the depth of the picture and just keep coming back to look again.

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  3. Dan this is just amazing, simply amazing
    I'll be really interested to see how you quilt it up to give extra dimension and texture, that a piece like this so rightly deserves

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  4. I just found your blog - a friend sent me the link. WOW what gorgeous things you make and what a fabulous eye you have.

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  5. Hi Dan! I have to say just WOW, because I don't know enough English words! Your idea for giraffes on the green forest is fantastic and the result of your work is just amazing! Thank you for showing us again an unique piece of fabric art! x Teje

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  6. Beautiful, the long elegant shapes throughout all echo the knees and legs of the giraffes. As you cut away it must be quite a moment reveling the animal shape

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  7. This is amazing!! I thought I would never love any quilt as much as the green stag, but these giraffes are beautiful!!! I have to stop writing this comment so I can scroll back up and look at them again!

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  8. Wow! Just stunning. Thanks for showing us how you put these together!

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  9. Fantastic, you kept me guessing and I love your new theme! I have yet to try your technique but am still hoping to one day. :D

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  10. These giraffes are wonderful! It is so interesting watching you use this technique, one day I might try it.

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  11. Beautiful. I actually dreamed about doing a quilt this way, wish I lived closer so I could take a class with you!

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  12. wow, it's great! giraffes are my favorite animals.

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  13. wow, speechless. i look forward to seeing it quilted and washed then.inspiring as always.

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  14. Just found your blog -- I cannot think of superlatives that haven't already been used, but please consider my voice added to the chorus of admiration!

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  15. Love this one! And thanks for the insight into your technique.

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  16. as usual, amazing and beautiful. the thing with your work is that you have the vision to create interesting images. others can create quilts using your technique but not everyone can create an interesting piece in the end.

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  17. Spectacular! And it will just get better when quilted and washed. The HSTs are a wonderful choice for the giraffes.

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  18. You've done it again!! Beyond amazing. I didn't read the title so as I was scrolling down and started to see the giraffes I had a wonderful moment. I really totally admire your work!! <3, a huge fan!!

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  19. This is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! I can't wait to see it either.

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  20. Dan, just how did you know I loved giraffes? :-)

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  21. Wow!

    Did you see a baby girl giraffe was born at Auckland Zoo this week? http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10779730

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  22. You have real talent, Dan. This is incredible!

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  23. no words of praise can fully express my awe. i am speechless. your talent is beyond words

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  24. I just recently found your blog and loved seeing this quilt unfold. It is amazing!

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  25. Stunning! Your stencil quilts make me want to figure out quilting.

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  26. Alright, now I'm just getting goose bumps....it is absolutely amazing!!!It's sort of like watching them come to life.

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  27. I'm getting caught up on blog reading. Even though I'd seen this on flickr already, I'm still blown away by this project. It's so cool, seeing some of your process! I love this, and am always inspired by your work.

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  28. thank you for a peek at your process. ah-maze-ing.

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  29. How much fabric do you leave when you cut out the giraffes? 1/4"? 3/8"? As much as 1/2"? It's a lovely, lovely piece!

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