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/

"Inspirational Quilting" program begins in January

Most of us call ourselves "quilters," a title that conveys humbleness and modesty. We make careful selections and sometimes struggle with confidence about color, balance or design—yet we choke on taking credit for accomplishing something "artistic" when the work is completed. We often forget that through our quilted creations, we do tap into the “artist” within ourselves—either consciously or subconsciously.

The Choo Choo Quilt Guild is launching a program in 2011 to change some of this. The yearlong program is called, "Inspirational Quilting," and the goal for the monthly exercises planned is to learn to appreciate the marriage of the art and the heart that is enveloped into even the simplest of our projects. For centuries, our fore-mothers knew that quiltmaking served as an artistic outlet. Let us again be reminded of that.

The program begins Monday, January 17 with a lesson called “Learning to See Again.” For Monday’s meeting, please bring:

• a 9” x 12” (or larger) sketchpad,
• a pencil for drawing,
• your copy of "Fearless Design for Every Quilter" by L. Torrence and J. B. Mills; read the "Laying the Groundwork" section for the meeting,
  
• a willingness to relax, experiment, learn and grow.

Rest assured that what is learned through this series of programs will be applied to whatever style of quilting is your personal preference. Be prepared to check self consciousness at the door and surprise yourself! Come ready to experiment, play and learn.