Balance and Symmetry in quilts

The Design Principles of Balance and Symmetry was the topic of the Inspirational Quilting program at the February Choo Choo Quilters guild meeting.

A study of asymmetrical balance was conducted using black squares of different sizes on a white background. Grayscale versions of painted masterpieces by Seurat, Vermeer and Turner (found in the Fearless Design for Every Quilter textbook) illustrated the concept of value and its influence and effect on asymmetrical compositions.

Using magazine photos of vintage and modern quilts, guild members identified the types of symmetry used in the quilts and discussed balance in both symmetrical and asymmetrical compositions.

An Amish quilt illustrates translational symmetry.

Cuddle Quilt Program

Guild members also celebrated the success of the 2010 Cuddle Quilt Quest. Large, zippered tote bags with quilt designs by contemporary quilters were awarded to the 18 members who produced the record-breaking 73 quilts. Thank you to Deb and Veronica for spearheading this effort! Volunteers are needed to issue patterns for monthly quilt blocks to continue this endeavor.

Linda's quilted Valentine she made for her husband.
See what chocolate can inspire??

Show and Tell

Linda showed us a Valentine quilt that she made for her husband. Her Team was also responsible for the meeting refreshments. Here is Linda's recipe for Ricotta Cake.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 13" x 9” pan.

Step #1: Use 1 box lemon cake mix, Duncan Hines ‘pudding in mix’ or similar type. Mix according to package directions. Put in pan and set aside.


Step #2: Beat together the following until smooth:
2 lb. tub Ricotta Cheese
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup sugar

Spoon mixture on top of cake batter. Bake approx. 1 hour. Serve with cool whip or sift powdered sugar on top.

Linda’s note: I made this once with a coconut cake mix and it was just as tasty. I bet any flavored cake mix would be good: strawberry, cherry, apple spice, etc. Oh, and chocolate too!

Laying the groundwork for Inspirational Quilting

With guidance from Lorraine Torrence's book, Fearless Design for Every Quilter, we'll begin discussion on the Principles of Design at the February Choo Choo Quilters guild meeting. At last month's meeting, we tapped into our right brain and began to train our eyes to see and work with line and shape. We'll continue to explore the relationship of these design elements and the Principles of Design as they apply to our quiltmaking.

For Monday's meeting, bring:
:: your sketchbook
:: the Fearless textbook
:: a glue stick

NOTE to new guild members: If your photo is not in the 2010 Choo Choo directory, please bring a favorite quilt to the February 21 guild meeting for a photo.

Just for Fun
Want to see if you are left brain or right brain dominant? Try these creativity quizzes. You might be surprised.

Right vs. Left Quiz 1
Right vs. Left Quiz 2



image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vaxzine/2278300537/

Sharing the Love of Quilts with children

On February 1, Choo Choo Quilters shared their love of quilting with children at the Children's Home/Chambliss Shelter with a donation of 63 lap-size Cuddle Quilts. These 63 quilts were in addition to the bed-size quilts that were donated in December 2010 for the teenage residents of the Center.

Choo Choo Quilters, Deb Horn (far left) and Veronica Hofman-Ortega (far right),
along with members of the Chambliss Shelter staff, hold the colorful Cuddle Quilts.

Cindy Hancock, Assistant Director of Volunteer Services,
rolls in the cart piled high with the Cuddle Quilts.

"The guild has been supporting the Chambliss Shelter through our Cuddle Quilt program for many years," said Deb Horn, "but this is our largest donation of quilts so far."

Paulette Acord (left), Director of Volunteer Services, admires the cheerful prints and flannel fabrics of the quilts.

Some of the quilts were immediately distributed to the children in the nursery rooms.

Whether they are awake or asleep, the Choo Choo Quilters hope these Cuddle Quilts will keep the children warm, snugly and comforted. "Sweet dreams, little ones."

Look for an upcoming article by staff reporter, Rebecca Miller, in the Chattanooga Times Free Press Community News for more coverage on this community service project.