Wednesday 26 March 2014

Klimtesque Quilt


You may remember I made 12 Journal Quilts last year, sized 12 x 8" and on the theme of the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, for the Contemporary Quilt Group. The plan always was to put all of them together into one large Klimt dedicated piece. I've finally finished doing it, resulting in the above piece which is 38" high by 39" wide (or 96.5 x 100.5cm). I wish I could say it was a pleasure but really it wasn't! First of all despite careful measuring while making the individual journal quilts we're talking about textiles here and hand stitching which can have an effect on the ultimate size and they are definitely not all exactly what they should have been. You don't notice that when seeing each one separately but you sure see it when putting them together.
Secondly who was that bright spark who though doing it on flimsy gold fabric would be a good idea? I wish I could say it wasn't me. But sadly I did this entirely to myself. Once I had seen them on this fabric no other would do. If you want a word of advice on dealing with this I can only say: Don't do it! It was a total pain with everything slip sliding all over the place.  Thank goodness for fusible wadding, although even this is not straightforward when using a gold fabric that is inclined to melt.

But it is done now and does look satisfyingly glittery and Klimtesque. I have the feeling Klimt himself wouldn't have been too displeased about this interpretation of his work.

If you want to find out more about how I made each journal quilt you can click on the Klimt label underneath this post or at the bottom in the side bar, or click here.

8 comments:

Terri said...

Congratulations Frieda! Yay!!! This fabulous work of art is complete! It is absolutely stunning! I have enjoyed seeing the journal squares as you finished them and I am so excited to see them all united! WELL DONE! And considering the fabric was such a challenge, you deserve extra praise : )
Every bit is interesting,and fascinating and beautiful to look at.
Are you going to hang it up in your home somewhere special?
Hugs,
Terri

SheilasEmbroidery said...

I'd love to see this for real Frieda. It looks fantastic on your blog but I want to touch...... Isn't that what textiles are for? I have to tie my hands behind my back when I go to FoQ :)

Freespiral said...

This looks truly wonderful! each panel is magnificent but together they make something really special. What will you do with it?

Georgina said...

They look glorious, Frieda! The gold fabric was worth the effort - I think Klimt would be thrilled!

Penny said...

Love it, absolutely stunning and the gold looks absolutely right, but I can imagine how difficut it wasto do.

The Pied Pedlar said...

It wok's stunning , well worth all your work .

Linda Kunsman said...

Stunning quilt Frieda!! I guess you can truly say you put blood, sewat and tears into it. I think Klimt would be so thrilled with your quilt too!

creativelenna said...

This is so amazing Frieda. Despite your difficulty with the shiny, slippery fabric and the sizing of the individual quilts, it came out so wonderfully - wow! Huge congratulations!! xo

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