Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Quilts by the Water: Folk Dance, Capitola, California

 Awhile back I was given the opportunity to test a pattern by Lynne Goldsworthy (an online friend from way back in the heyday of blogging) and her two friends, Karen Lewis and Jo Avery. Initially I just had to test a block or two. But I enjoyed it so much, and was so excited to be working with my beloved stash of Oakshott cotton and a background of Essex linen, that I just kept going.

Some blocks were easy, like the sawtooth stars and the houses.



Some were more of a challenge, like the circle.

And then there was the applique. 

I am not one for needle-turn applique, so I chose instead to do a blanket stitch. I became very proficient at it and have come to enjoy it.




Besides piecing and applique, there was also English paper piecing.

There was such a good variety of techniques that I thoroughly enjoyed making each and every block.

I ordered a beautiful floral for the backing and some subtle Oakshott stripe for the binding.
I used extra blocks for the label.

We took it for its first photo shoot on a fall day.
This is the technique Mark uses to keep his arms from getting tired--paint roller extension rods.

When the idea for the second calendar popped up, I knew exactly where I wanted this quilt photographed--thanks to my friend Karen Foster @capitolaquilter: Just outside the Venetian Hotel in Capitola, California, with all its candy-colored rooms.

A year ago, we decided to spend a week there to celebrate our anniversary. 

We got up early one morning. I really wanted the sun shining on those colorful buildings in the background--and no people!, but the sand was in the shadow and it was really windy.



Thankfully there are photo editing apps for that. :)
During our time there we were able to spend  a couple hours with Karen--what a treat.

On our way out of town, we took a couple more photographs.


This is one of my favorite quilts.

Quilt: Folk Dance
Size: 60" x 80"
Designed by: Lynne Goldsworthy, Karen Lewis and Jo Avery
Made by Cindy Wiens
Quilted by Darby Mayers

7 comments:

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Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said... #

The Oakshott and linen give the quilt top a lot of great texture and depth, and goodness that subtle binding stripe is gorgeous. Looks like the photoshoot and visit with Karen were the perfect capstones to a lovely and enjoyable project!

Needled Mom said... #

That is a beautiful quilt and the photoshoot location was perfect for it.

Anorina @SameliasMum said... #

Absolutely gorgeous quilt and beautiful location shots.

Deb Cox said... #

Dearest Cindy, your work never ceases to amaze me. So absolutely stunning and inspiring. Thanks for your continued sharing. Sorry I haven't pop in and commented in ages but watching and reading faithfully. All is good and just finding my contentment in this crazy world of ours. And my sewing machine is busy every night for a couple of hours helping me find my "happy place". Cheers dear lady and happy days.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

Good for you tackling so many wonderful and challenging techniques in this quilt. It turned out beautifully. The photo location was perfect even if the lighting didn't quite cooperate. I have a pole system for photographing too but I like your corner idea better. May need to switch to that.

FlourishingPalms said... #

How nice that you could go to Capitola! I've seen enough pictures of it, posted by Karen, that I know it's a pretty place in which to take quilt pictures. You're most fortunate to have a willing quilt-holder, though it's apparent those paint roller extensions are just the ticket for allowing proper quilt pictures. Great idea! I'm glad you enjoyed working on your quilt blocks with their wide range of techniques. Your quilt turned out pretty, especially with that unusual combination of fabrics. I haven't use linen for piecing quilt blocks, but I bet it makes for sturdy blocks. I'm happy for you to have had a week away for your anniversary. That sounds like a really nice getaway.

OPQuilt said... #

I am so glad you gave us a parade of blocks, so we could appreciate them one-by-one. They are all so beautiful!
And while the beach is fun, I love the picture of the quilt in the woods, and the colors/tones just seem made for your quilt. Congratulations on a finish, and congratulations to both of you for an anniversary!