DQ Sep-Oct '14 Challenge - Entries

The theme for the  DQ Sep-Oct '14 Challenge was 'Concentric' and the participants were required to make a quilted piece representing their interpretation of the theme.

There were 4 interesting entries that made it in time.

SepOct01 - . IN TIMES GONE BY, a 25"X19" quilted piece representing the theme 'CONCENTRIC', remembering the time we enjoyed dancing to music that poured out of shiny, black vinyl records played on a Turn Table. The ' CONCENTRIC' theme is expressed by the concentric quilting on the tracks of the Record on the Turn Table, echoed by the Shadow Quilting in the concentric Greek Key pattern on the back ground, the concentric swirl pattern hand embroidered on the lady's skirt, the Music Notes and Music Symbols. The Border with its Black and White printed fabric with the concentric pattern adds the appropriate finishing touch to this ORIGINAL piece.

 

SepOct02A - CONCENTRIC HEXAGONS, a quilted block, 19"X16", in Traditional English One- Shape Patchwork, initially hand-pieced with paper templates, whip-stitched together, then using the quilt-as-you-go method, machine stitching round each hexagon with a decorative zig-zag stitch, in contrast coloured thread that attached the quilt top, batting and backing fabric together all at once.




SepOct03 -  "Dresden a la India" ,  26.5"X 26.5"
An attempt at giving the dresden block an indian twist with kantha quilting/embroidery, mirror, sequins, kundan stones and some FMQ for a little drama.




SepOct04 - Indian garden in log cabin
Size : 14" x 14"




The DQs voted for their two favourite entries. They are:

SepOct03- Dresden a la India
SepOct04 - Indian garden in log cabin

We will be back with the winner's name soon.

We are taking a break from the bi monthly challenges and retiring them for a while. Instead, for the months of November and December 2014, we have a swap going on. To join, head over to the Facebook page of Desi Quilters and register your name in the Swap file.
 

The DQ July-Aug '14 Challenge required participants to make a quilted item using curved seams in the Indian Tricolour.

So, without further ado, may I present our lovely entries...
(The descriptions are in the words of the quilters)

JulAug01 - The right accessory for an outing on the Republic day or Independence day. Angular pieces of tricolour joined up with curved seams came together easily. The curves themselves suggested a purse - for that compact, sunglasses or the ever-present mobile. Dont miss the finishing touch - a Chakra made of dark blue beadṣ
Finished size - approximately 6" x 12"




JulAug02 - Bicycle chain (purchased pattern). It is somewhat symbolic of all the bicycles in India.100% Indian cotton and measures 72 x 90.




JulAug03 - My tiranga 55'X20" table runner. This is my first attempt at curved seams. This is also the first time that i have used a walking foot. The best thing about the DQ challenge is that it gives one a chance to try out and learn new techniques. I used the many tutes on the world wide web to learn this.




JulAug04 - "The Flight" - an original pattern 26.5"X26.5". The birds represent the ability of people to free themselves...to rise above and beyond the ordinary...to reach for the skies.
A first time at curved seams...scrappy binding, kantha quilting on the birds,the borders and on the paisleys at the corners and some FMQ




JulAug05 - Title: India is my home 16"x14.5"
Description : I used cotton fabrics for the quilt. And it describes the night view since we got the freedom at night. This is my very first try on curved seam. Its my original work.




JulAug06 - Infant quilt 25"x 25" in the tricolour using drunkards path block.Tried curved seams and machine quilting for the first time. I have quilted 4 bows and the border.




JulAug07 - 'NEW BEGINNINGS' 24.5''X 21'' elliptical, satin and acrylic, original design, trying to arrange some 8'' CLAM SHELLS. It looks like a Christmas Tree Ornament to me so I guess it looks festive enough to celebrate 67 years of Indian Independence! I've backed and bound the piece in green to signify NEW BEGINNINGS which I hope will be forthcoming with the dynamic new leadership.




The DQs have voted and the top three favourite entries are:

JulAug02
JulAug04
JulAug06

We will come back with the name of the winner soon ! Until then, hop over to the album on our DQ Facebook page and try guessing who made what !

DQ March-April '14 Challenge - Entries

here are the entries to the DQ March-April 2014 Challenge which required a finished quilted item that had 3 dimensional elements :

Mar-Apr01A - "A Tree in my Garden Quilt"- 21"X21"
Inspired from pinterest boards.
Hand appliqued, yo-yo's, FMQ and a little desi twist of shisha work and kantha embroidery.



March-Apr02A - The cactus 16.5"x12". The hills and the cactus are all 3D and made by stuffing polyfill. The grass is hand embroidered using picot stitch.



MarApr03A - 'Freedom' - 14"x16". Hand and machine appliquéd, machine quilted. The 3D elements are: the flowers, the girls braids, girls skirt, the wood on the kite, the kite string, the clouds.The border is also 3D: it is a jute rope blanket stitched as the border.
While this is an original idea, the inspiration has been from various projects from the book patchwork folk art byJanet Bolton
PS. This was a fun project. 


So lets see which one is the top favourite. I like them all !