BLOG 231 January 18th
2015
Some wintery days are wet and miserable and generally they
make me feel like hibernating but what’s not to like about the scene which
greeted us this morning? On such days the air is crystal clear, the sun shines
brightly and the light makes the snow on the shrubs glistens like diamonds. Magical
….. just as long as I don’t have to go out. I sent Rog out to take this picture!
Y Gorlan Plas Onn
The theme is ‘Remembrance’
and open to any interpretation, the size is 24” x 24” and the submitted quilts
will form part of what is known as a ‘suitcase collection’ for Chester Ps&Qs.
These quilts will eventually travel round as a collection between groups but each
quilt will remain the property of the maker. Obviously, they have to be made to
a uniform size to fit into a suitcase so they can be stored flat and are easily
transported. It is a brilliant idea.
I think it is very good
for creativity to take part in such challenges. You can interpret the
subject of the challenge in any way you chose as long as the size is correct. You
can use any techniques you like as long as it conforms to the accepted idea of
being a quilt. You can use any colour
you want; you can use any types of fabric. A challenge requires a lot of thought
to come up with an idea. Doodling is an essential part of the process so that
you can start to form and interpret your ideas and drawing skills are required
to draft a master pattern to the size of the wall hanging. And then comes my favourite part; working out
how to interpret the master pattern and the choosing and auditioning of
fabrics. A challenge is what it should
be, effort has to be applied and skills developed; it’s a chance to work
outside the box and go where you imagination leads you … what’s not to like?!
And so how am I going to interpret the theme of ‘Remembrance’?
I suppose the timing of the challenge coincides with the Centennial last year
of World War 1. Poppies are an obvious theme but way too obvious to me. After
much thought, I decided to use the exercise to pay homage to my Great
Grandfather, William Owen.
In 2008, our extended family were part of the centennial celebrations
of what was described as ‘one of Wales’ most courageous sea rescues’ off the
coast of Holyhead in 1908. A postcard was produced for the occasion.
My Great Grandfather was the Coxswain of the lifeboat ‘The Duke
of Northumberland’ which went to the aid of the stricken Liverpool steamer SS
Harold in gale force winds and violent seas. They battled for 2 hours to rescue
all 9 crew members and their valiant efforts earned them 11 gallantry medals.
My Great Grandfather, as coxswain, was awarded an RNLI gold medal and a Royal
Humane Society Medal. He already had an RLNI Silver Medal for an earlier
rescue. This well-documented story is what I will interpret over the next few
weeks and you can follow my progress here.
The
only trouble is that there is only 1 1/2yds of this just-right fabric and no
more available so I have had to add another similar fabric.
Then
it developed into 2 alternating blocks.
And
you just have to look at my craft room to witness the organised chaos in which
I work creatively. Just lovely isn’t it? Makes you want to be in there doesn’t
it? and that’s where I’m going now!
Work
in progress
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