Island Batik's August Challenge is simple. Make a mini quilt using the fabrics and techniques of your choice in a size not to exceed 24" on any side.
Here is my response #1
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| Goddess Lakshmi's Feet |
It is a simple response to a simple challenge. If you are familiar with Hindu culture, this image needs no explanation. But I want to explain so please humor me.
Goddess Lakshmi is often called the Goddess of Wealth, but that is not entirely correct. She is the Goddess of Prosperity. The difference may seem subtle, but Prosperity includes well-being and happiness, whereas wealth is just riches. And although it is not bad to be wealthy, it is pointless if you don't have health and happiness to enjoy your good fortune.
During Diwali celebrations, Hindus draw Rangoli patterns that sometimes include Goddess Lakshmi's Feet pointing towards the front door of the house, as if She is entering your home.
The following pictures show my process.
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| Repurposing Scraps |
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| Scrappy Borders Added |
I improv pieced bright fabrics from Juicy Mosaics, Celebrate, Lace and Grace, and Flutter Wings collections to make strata which I then cut into feet shapes. The toes were tricky since they are tiny and not much room for stabilizing. I used Steam A Seam 2, purchased from Missouri Star Quilt Company.
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| Appliqued and Layered |
I used
Hobbs Cotton Batting and
Schmetz 90/14 Needles.
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| Quilted and Trimmed |
At this point, I could add binding and call it done. But there has to be more to the Goddess than just a pretty picture. I love this mini quilt and it would be absolutely lovely as a wall-hanging but I wanted to add more meaning. So I used a zipper and leftover vinyl (from
Rooms with a View Bags) to make a see-through bag.
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| Zippered Vinyl Bag |
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| Project Bag |
I was so happy with my finish that I decided to make a second one :-D Here is my response #2.
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| Kalpataru (Tree of Life) |
I followed the same construction process.
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| Neutral Background, Scrappy Borders |
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| Tree Trunk and Branches |
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| Adding Foliage |
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| Ready to Quilt |
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| See-Through Zippered Bag |
What do you think about making Mini Quilts? How do you use them? Do you like my twist to the mini quilt challenge? Do share your thoughts.
I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.
