Our Ohio Stars Quilt Guild Quilter's Day Out was yesterday, so I can now post my pictures of some recent finishes.
My Kawandi finished nicely and I am so pleased. (I will definitely attempt this again) It was my answer to our Fat Quarter Challenge, where we had to use a required FQ fabric in our project. There were many fine entries at this year's show and it was an exciting event that I loved participating in.
It measures 14" x 28" and I used several fabrics from my stash to compliment the pink and black dress form fabric that was the required "challenge" fabric. Can you find them? Kawandi making is a fascinating technique created by the Siddis in India. Isn't it fun to explore needlework from other cultures?
Kawandi actually translates as "quilt". The little triangle pieces in the corners are Phulas, or flowers. And a Kawandi is thought to be naked without them.
Kawandis are made beginning on the outside edges and pieces or "tekelis" are added and stitched down as you work towards the center. Tekeli translates as "gem". It is actually a bit harder than it looks since you need to exercise some forethought. Notice how the stitching must catch the edge of each piece (tekeli). Rows of stitches are generally a finger width apart and stitches are long on the front side, with short stitches on the back (not pictured). Another little habit to be mindful of because I have been trained to keep my stitches small and uniform in size.
The center piece, or "belly" has a few grains of rice inserted underneath with the universal wish for our families' bellies to always be full. So sweet!
There are a few sites online explaining this technique for making a Kawandi in more detail. I especially enjoyed this video by Jeri Bellini.
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Another finish I made for our Quilters Day Out was a panel quilt project. This was a workshop our guild did together in March of this year. I made mine a bit different than what the pattern called for and I used strips of all the same length. I didn't want to cut out part of the picture (as you can see in the original pattern - link below).
You can find the free pattern here at Jordan Fabrics.
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After finishing my darling grand daughter's t-shirt quilt last month, I had some leftover fabrics that I didn't use. Not wanting to have these linger in my stash I opted to make her several pillowcases. And now they have a new home! ♥ And most importantly, DGD is very happy!
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Making some progress on my embroidery since finishing the above mentioned panel and Kawandi. This has brought back so much love for slow-stitching and handwork. Are you a fan too? If so, we are from the same tribe!
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And making progress on my Strip It Earth. I have 98 blocks completed and will soon be making final arrangements on the design wall so I can begin assembling them together. Once a few more blocks are made, of course. I am aiming for a 90" square quilt.
And just for fun - "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?" Arf! Arf! Gosh, I remember my Mom singing that to me so many times when I was little. A popular song recorded by Patti Page.
Happy stitching!
