I thought for quite awhile about how to make a 12" x 12" Urban map themed art quilt. I posted some thoughts HERE.
As I looked at maps, especially older maps, I saw how a river was the important aspect of the city's development. My research also showed how parcels were divided when a city was established. In many instances it was one (or a few) land-owner(s) who planned the city. The parcels were surveyed and given to or purchased by others. The naming of streets and sections of the city show interesting histories. (A study for another time in a maps series topic.)
I finally decided on making a layout of part of a city map with the idea of "a river runs through it." So I present my art quilt:
I used two of my favorite colors: turquoise and lime. I wanted to reflect the need for a clean river, a healthy environment for creatures that depend on the river as well as how it can be used by the citizens.
One of the things that I think makes a city a great place to visit or live is its cultural center. That lead me to applique some circlular shapes symbolizing gardens and art and/or entertainment. I included green areas to represent parks. The flag parcel represents government and is important to all cities.
All the pieces were backed with fusible then appliqued and topstitched with small zigzag. I used straight stitching to outline the roads. I used two layers of stitching for the roadways to make it show up. The roads stitching is the quilting through all layers.
The binding is attached one side at a time. This is the same method I detailed in an earlier blog HERE. I used binder clips to hold the binding as I sewed it instead of the water soluble basting tape.
I sewed corner fast fold triangles for the hanger. This was a trick I learned from Ami Simms website (here). I baste them in place before the binding is put on. I then put a small dowel in the two corner triangles and am able to hang the piece with one nail in the wall.
As I looked at maps, especially older maps, I saw how a river was the important aspect of the city's development. My research also showed how parcels were divided when a city was established. In many instances it was one (or a few) land-owner(s) who planned the city. The parcels were surveyed and given to or purchased by others. The naming of streets and sections of the city show interesting histories. (A study for another time in a maps series topic.)
I finally decided on making a layout of part of a city map with the idea of "a river runs through it." So I present my art quilt:
I used two of my favorite colors: turquoise and lime. I wanted to reflect the need for a clean river, a healthy environment for creatures that depend on the river as well as how it can be used by the citizens.
One of the things that I think makes a city a great place to visit or live is its cultural center. That lead me to applique some circlular shapes symbolizing gardens and art and/or entertainment. I included green areas to represent parks. The flag parcel represents government and is important to all cities.
All the pieces were backed with fusible then appliqued and topstitched with small zigzag. I used straight stitching to outline the roads. I used two layers of stitching for the roadways to make it show up. The roads stitching is the quilting through all layers.
The binding is attached one side at a time. This is the same method I detailed in an earlier blog HERE. I used binder clips to hold the binding as I sewed it instead of the water soluble basting tape.
I do not know yet what the next topic will be, but look forward to finding out very soon.
More quilts depicting this theme of Urban/Maps can be found at:
Leanne of She Can Quilt
Rachel of The Life of Riley
Betty from her Flickr site
Amanda of What the Bobbin?
Elizabeth of Occasional Piece
Anne of SpringLeaf Studios
Carla of Lollyquiltz
