Thursday, September 29, 2011

My New African Quilt


There's a vendor from Ghana who sells African scrap bundles and yardage off the bolt. I bought some of his fabrics at the last Empire Quilters show in NYC and added it to my stash from previous shows. Then last week I turned it into this quilt. It all started with that skinny chicken in the center (see bottom photo). Then 7 borders later, it was finished. All the fabrics are from Africa except the dark solids in the outermost border. The sawtooth border really makes the quilt, I think. I'm setting up my Etsy store, and this quilt is in it. I'll invite you all there soon.




26 comments:

Sujata Shah said...

Karen,

It is gorgeous! I love African fabrics! There is so much to see! You have displayed them so beautifully in your quilt!

Michele said...

So neat! The fabrics are awesome!

Jodi said...

Love it! I have a small stash of African fabs and some Australian ones. Some day...

Jodi said...

Love it! I have a small stash of African fabs and some Australian - some day...

Annie said...

That quilt looks so lovely and it surely does speak for itself!

Mary said...

What a wonderful quilt. I love it. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Love that quilt! I have an Ethiopian granddaughter and have long wanted to make her a quilt from African fabrics. This is great inspiration!

Nifty Quilts said...

Karen, I LOVE it! You really have a way of combining prints that is outstanding. I can hear the drum beats in this piece!

~Kris~ said...

What a fun and bright quilt. You did a great job of pulling together lots of potentially clashing fabrics into a neat cohesive look.

Celia Ciuffo said...

Very nice!!!
Me encantan los quilts africanos!!! que lindo!!!
Un beso desde argentina!!!!

Odry said...

I like it.But I think that it is quite dificult. It remember me little abstract painting

Jan said...

So cool!

June Calender said...

A super quilt! Yes, the sawtooth border was an inspired idea and the chicken a wonderful center piece. Good luck with your Etsy shop.

Superior Threads said...

I love that quilt. I, too, have an African stash and an Australian stash. You've inspired me. Hummm....when can I get started?

Ricci

Char said...

What a wonderful quilt. I purchased African fabrics at the Pa. Quilt Extravaganza. Thanks for the inspiration.
Love your Etsy shop!

Mary Keasler said...

That is fantastic! Inspirational,and now I'll be dragging out my box of African fabrics!

Poppyprint said...

What a fabulous quilt to show off those stunning fabrics! I have a small collection as well and I too, love them set in triangles.

Unknown said...

ACK!! You beat me too the African quilt!! I am in love! I will be making mine in November for the hubs, but hmmm... you have this in your Etsy??? Could I possibly be persuaded???

Kim said...

Wow great use of the fabric....love the chicken.....he was the inspiration huh? You really made this piece rock!

Happy Sewing

WoolenSails said...

That is so beautiful, I love those fabrics.

Debbie

JoAnne in southern California said...

I love it! It's is gorgeous, such a fantastic way to use those fabrics. It would go great with the giraffe wall hanging I'm making for my sister.

patty a. said...

What a wonderful piece! I have some of the same fabrics in my stash. I don't have the white with the black print you used between the borders. Would love to get my hands on some of that! It makes such a great addition to the design.

Dinah said...

The African fabrics are terrific! Do they come with printed selvages?

verobirdie said...

What a beauty! You did a great job with those wonderful fabrics

Sue said...

Beautiful! This one will go fast.

The Beatons said...

This is a fantastic quilt. Wow so Beatutiful. I make African too. If you don't mind sharing your wisdom. Please contact me on Instagram: the8kidmom I would love to learn more.