Notable Woman Quilt Initiative

For the past few weeks I have been putting the finishing touches on the quilt I submitted for the Notable Woman Quilt Initiative sponsored by Rogue Art Quilters of Ashland, Oregon.  The quilt I titled Still Saving Lives, is featuring Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross.  The quilt is 24 inches square and features both machine quilting and hand stitching.  The small crosses are made from torn fabrics.  I used this technique after reading that tearing fabric for bandages was how Ms. Barton first responded to the need of the wounded on the battlefield during the American Civil War.  The small crosses are inside of a much larger cross, accented by machine quilting and hand stitches.  I used various cottons, silks, flannel, and organza.  Stencils were used for the wording.  I created this quilt in stages.  With this quilt there was a need for it to hang on my design wall for a day or two between ideas.  In fact, the quilt's look moved in a total different direction from my original sketch.  But, I think that is what is so interesting about art quilting.  The quilt takes on a life of its own.  Telling the quilt maker what needs to be done.  I had a wonderful time making this quilt and so glad to see it will be hanging with a wonderful group of art quilts.
 You can see all the quilts that  will be featured on the Notable Women website at http://notablewomenquiltinitiative.wordpress.com/  There is also a listing of venues for the quilts, some of you may be able to view them in person.

Another place to see great quilting ideas is on Nina-Marie's Off the Wall Friday check it out and Happy Quilting?