"Kettle Moraine Star," above, back in 1996 brought attention to my love of dull, neutral, "ugly" colors in my quilts. The background was the shade of khaki used in pants, and was not at all popular back in the 90's (or probably now too, come to think of it) for quilts. I wanted a background color to showcase the star, and khaki was one of my favorite colors, so I used it fearlessly, with little thought about how others might like it...or not like it as it turned out. I liked it a lot.I still use colors that others deem ugly and fit for the sale rack at the back of the store, but have graduated to including more percentage of brighter, more vibrant shades in my quilts. However, that first winning quilt gave me the claim to fame for my "Mud Quilts" that still is with me.
Tuesday night, October 13, I'll be giving a lecture on this subject in Green Bay, WI. at 6:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran church, 321 S. Madison in Green Bay. Hope to see some of you there! I won't have this quilt, but some of my work for you to see up close.
Below, my claim to fame has lingered on with my car's license plate, which seemed a good idea at the time, but after all the puzzled glances, high fives from mud covered pickup trucks on the highway, and even a query from a bird lover about the species Mud Owls, I wonder just why I ever did this. A weak moment I think.
Keep quilting, your work gets better every day!
Diane
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13 comments:
What a great license plate! I think most quilters would get it. However, if you do not speak quilt language, I can see how others may mistake it for something else that they know. Since khaki walls highlight fine furniture and complement beautiful artwork it is a beautiful and classic choice for your quilts. I like how it showcases your center image and lets us notice your very fine quilting. Khaki is light enough to create shadows to help the quilting stand out. I appreciate your blog posts. I only wished LaCrosse was closer to the East side of the state, because I would like to attend one of your lectures sometime.
Thanks Kathy! I too think these colors, like the ochre I used in "Shadows of Umbria," really make the focal point areas stand out, and yes, quilting looks fabulous in mud. Most quilters do indeed "get" my license plate - people mention my car parked outside of quilt events, that they just knew it was mine.
Wish I could get there...would love to see more of your work up close! I painted my quilting room walls a light khaki color so it wouldn't fight with the fabric...but then I use all bright green and red accessories so I can find them in the piles of fabric!
That is the idea Yankee Q! Khaki is a perfect backdrop and doesn't interfere with the things you want to see. We have a khaki couch and no matter what our guests are wearing when they sit on it, they look fabulous. And they really stand out, seated on khaki. Plus, great for cat hair, not too light, not too dark.
Just adore the old, stained, dull coloration for quilts. Also odd color combinations. I wish I could hear your lecture in Green Bay!
karen, we are on the same page. Even if I made contemporary styled quilts they would include odd combinations and murky weird dull colors. We are in the minority though!
I love all the mud colors! All of your quilts are exquisite, even the muddy ones. I'd love to attend your lecture and be able to see your work in person. What a treat that would be!
Thanks Magnolia Bay - hope many can attend and we can "talk mud."
I love your quilts - they are simply stunning - your quilting is just amazing.
I love the colors in your quilt. It looks lovely.
Diane -- there is another kind of mud quilt -- where the fabric is actually dyed in mud! There is a whig's defeat quilt in the book "Lone Stars A Legacy of Texas Quilts, 1836-1936" where one fabric is supposed to have been buried in mud for several days to obtain the orange color! Just thought this would amuse you -- Denise
I had heard of "mud cloth" and "mud beads" from Africa, but the TX mud cloth is new to me - I definitely have to look at that book, thanks Denise. Quilters will do whatever it takes to get the color they need.
Thanks to all for your wonderful comments!
Your liscence plate fits you perfectly and is a wonderful personal statement. I get odd comments about my quilting plate also, but we didn't get them to please strangers did we?
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