This morning I was looking out at our water garden and remembering how much I enjoy the dragonflies that visit each summer. This, in turn, reminded me of this little quilt I made a couple of years ago. I had been introduced to three new techniques and wanted to incorporate them into a single project. First, the hexagon background. This came about following a program at my guild by Molly Anderson from Nebraska. Her quilts are absolutely astonishing, if you ever have an opportunity to see them. She works with very small hexagons and gorgeous applique. Next, I had done a workshop in modern crazy quilting and bead embroidery with Kerri Murphy. Finally, I learned the "bead stew" style from Deana Hartmann. 
I wanted to build a background of hexagons but in a
crazy quilt manner (my own addition to the mix LOL). After handpiecing the hexes, I treated some of the seams and crazy patches with beaded embroidery, regular embroidery, appliques, and charms. Then I created "Pond Queen" using the bead stew technique. I quilted it using a seed or chicken-scratch stitch. It is bound with wide black satin ribbon, zigzagged with invisible thread. I have to say this is probably the most fun I have ever had making a quilt.
It is very difficult to get a beaded or heavily embellished quilt to lay flat. Both Molly and Kerri confirmed this. But I really didn't let that bother me. It was ALL ABOUT THE PROCESS!
8 comments:
Thanks for visiting my blog! I scrolled down to look at all your lovely quilts and I saw your first three Kansas City BOM blocks. GREAT work! I just saw those and ordered them last week. I haven't decided what to use for the fabric yet, but I will get started on them really soon. Thanks again for visiting me!
Love the big dragonfly, neighbor! I've been trying to figure out where you are in this big city? Are you north? I'm down south, close to Miami county!
Hi There,
I came across you as you had commented on another blog. I am fairly new to this too. We have SO MUCH in common. I think it must be a personality type!
I am considering buying a new Bernina with the stitch regulator....is there anything about it you don't like? I like your Blog...will link to it if that's OK. Best Wishes from New Zealand . Alison.
What a cool process I love dragon flies.
LOVE the dragonfly! Very nice!
I'm really drawn to that "bead stew" look too. Quilt turned out great - I love the little fishes in particular.
This is wonderful! I love dragonflies. I have them all over my studio.
In quilting, it's all about the process for me, too. You said it so well.
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