Beginning a New Art Quilt

I'll talk about the new piece in just a moment, but first let me offer a book recommendation, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. Now, I am not truly a mystery fan, but this book had finally made it to the top of the pile on my bedside table, and I'm glad that it did. What a good read!!! The story is set in a small village in England during the 1950s, and the protagonist is one Flavia de Luce. Now, I won't give you any hints about the main character or the story other than to say that after the first few pages you will be absolutely hooked. Flavia is perhaps the most memorable character that I have come across in many years. Even if you never take any of my recommendations, do yourself a favor and check out this mystery.

Also, if you are looking for something fun to read, you might enjoy Tom Bergeron's I'm Hosting as Fast as I Can!: Zen and the Art of Staying Sane in Hollywood. In this memoir, the author recounts how he got into the crazy entertainment business from his early years as a TV and radio personality on Boston's WBZ Radio and Television station to his current hosting spot on "Dancing with the Stars." With his quick wit and charm, he is the perfect host to corral the bedazzled, spray tanned "celebrity" dancers. It's a quick, light, fun read.

Now on to my project. At lunch with friends a few weeks ago, my friend Kathy shared a photo that she had taken of her parents while shopping. I was so captivated by the photo that I asked if I could use it as the basis of an art quilt.  Her parents have been married seventy-two plus years.  Her mom uses a cane, but since her dad doesn't want to use one, he just holds on to the strap of her pocketbook. 

I started by printing out an eight by ten enlargement of the photo and then taped a sheet of clear plastic down upon it. Using an ultra fine marker, I carefully traced around the edges and various shadow areas.

Next, I brought the plastic sheet to Staples to have an eighteen by twenty-four inch enlargement. This will be my master sheet.

 The next step will be to make a working copy of the pattern out of freezer paper that I can then cut apart as I am building the piece. You might be wondering why I don't have two copies printed at the same time, but I find that the freezer paper pattern will hold up better.For now, I'm trying to decide how I will build the background for this piece. 

In case I don't post in the next few days, I wish all who celebrate it, a very Happy Easter.