This quilt was inspired by a painting by Australian artist, Ken Done called Jacaranda reef . The colours in this painting drew me to it instantly and i knew i had to at least have a print of it on my wall.
When i found some beautiful, floral, Kaffe Fassett fabrics a couple of years ago that had some of the colours in them, i knew the colours would lure me to make something based on the Jacaranda inspiration. If you've never seen a Jacaranda tree before, when in flower they are covered in the most spectacular purple/blue, which fall and cover the ground, creating fields of 'purple snow'. Just gorgeous!
When my husband and i decided we were going to visit Portugal this year, i knew this was my opportunity to make a special quilt for my mother and father in-law, Rosa Maria and Ze Carlos, who live there. I got out my notebook and fabrics and came up with a quilt top, based on string piecing. I had plenty of blues, greens and purples in my stash to match and felt that the strips would still show those beautiful florals of Kaffe's.
To be honest, i didn't think it would take me nearly as long as it did, but after several months of sewing strips together while my little boy slept after lunch, it was finished.
Measuring just under 2x2m, my friend Carol Ikin in the Blue Mountains quilted it for me on her long arm machine using swirls in line green (thanks Carol...you've done a beautiful job).
For the back i chose to use some of the pieced string triangles left over to join together one of my favourite Kaffe Fassett fabrics with a green and white spot pattern. I machine-bound the quilt using some pretty blue fabric left over, hoping it will be super sturdy and ready for lots of use....
It has turned out to be my absolute favourite quilt so far and will be hard to let go of.
But i'm happy knowing it's going to my dear Portuguese family. Best wishes Rosa Maria and Ze Carlos.....i do hope you'll love it!
Linking up with Lorna for Let's Bee Social and Gemma for I Quilt Thursdays @ Pretty Bobbins
Beautiful quilt; the colours are so vibrant.
ReplyDeleteI think jacarandas grow in Portugal too. If you get the chance to visit Lagos in the Algarve I think you'll see them in the main square in the town centre. I didn't know what those trees were until I did a Google search just now.
Great to hear from you Marly, thanks for your comment....if we make it down to Lagos, I'll be sure to check out the main square....happy quilting!
DeleteThis is just stunning! I love the story behind it too.
ReplyDeletexo jan@ Sew and Sow Farm
Thanks so much Jan. it's always nice to hear that other people think it's nice too, and kinda reassuring I guess, as tastes vary so much. Sending you happy quilting wishes.....
DeleteThis is gorgeous- and clearly made with so much love! What a wonderful gift.
ReplyDeleteThanks Samantha......I am here celebrating the finish today and your kind words add to the celebrations.....
DeleteBelo! What a thing of beauty! I love the colours. You chose all the right fabrics for this work of art. Even the binding is perfect!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful, Jen! We still love the one you made for Chase. No doubt your in-laws will love this one. I admire your talent and patience making beautiful quilts. Miss you! Have a fantastic time in Portugal. Looking forward to more pics :-)
ReplyDeleteJen, what a delightful piece you've created. I love the jacaranda colours and think you've shown the idea of a pruple carpet remarkably well. Rosa Maria and Ze Carlos are going have a wonderful quilt to keep them warm.
ReplyDeleteStunning colours and SO Jacaranda!
ReplyDeletethose colors are so wonderful! I love string quilts and the color combination on this one pushes it over the top. love it.
ReplyDeleteIt's just lovely Jen - you are a such clever creative mind - have a wonderful trip and I'm sure Mig's mum and dad will just love it :)
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! The colour palette is just wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicole. These colours really are my favourite at the moment. So much so that because this quilt was hard to give away, I've been trying to track some of the fabrics down to replace them in my stash, so hopefully one day, I can make myself something with them too....thanks for visiting.....happy quilting...
DeleteI lived in South Africa and Swaziland after college. Jacarandas grow beautifully there. This quilt is stunning. Nature really does inspire artists. What a fantastic gift!!
ReplyDeleteJen, what a beautiful, beautiful quilt! You created a wonderful way to show off such gorgeous fabrics! I love the story behind it too! Even the back of the quilt is a jaw dropper!
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