Waterside
Karol Kusmaul
Our current theme is Green Spaces. Places in our community that restore our sense of connection to nature. Because I am a quilter, and am so attached to this computer, I spend a lot of time indoors. Recently, it has been HOT and muggy where I live, so much of my outside time is spent in our pool.
There, I get to enjoy the beauty of the trees and plants nearby, as well as the sky. We have a few plants on the pool deck – the crotons seem to be happy there in the sun and the rain. Their leaves are fabulously and intricately patterned, capturing my attention each time I pass by. This was my inspiration.
I selected some croton leaf colored fabrics. Mostly shirts, some skirts and dresses.
My background represented the light sky and the black pool screen.
Having recently purchased a book by Maria Shell called Improv Patchwork, I was motivated to build some leaf shapes using strip sets. Can you see where the pocket was?
I knew the brightly colored leaves would look dramatic on the black background.
I kept building leaves and arranging them in the space. My next lightbulb moment was to add a section of water.
Finally, I corralled some of the crotons into big pots, and called it good.
Waterside
40 x 43”
Improvisationally machine pieced, raw edge hand applique, machine quilted.
Incredible piece! I love it.
Yes, great, creative process in choosing fabrics to create the leaves! And you stayed true to your use of old clothing etc.
Thank you for posting your starting fabrics and steps to make your croton leaves. I would never have imagined those fabrics would make such fun and perfect leaves.
Thanks, Jaynie. I say, why not?? I’m used to putting prints in unexpected places, like cheeks and eyes and lips, and hair.
Your fabric choices are stunning, makes the plants come alive!
Thank you, Regina. I was kind of disappointed when I had to stop myself from making more leaves!
Great colors, makes me happy. I love improv piecing.
Thanks, Susan. I enjoyed not using a ruler!
Your mastery of commercial fabrics (including my favorite PLAIDS!) blows me away. Plaid croton leaves— totally unexpected and perfectly perfect.
Thank you Terry. Why not plaids?!! It sure worked for Ruth Powers!
Makes me want to go find some Croton plants! They look so bright and cheery. Great piece!
Thanks, Jeanne. I love the details in their leaves.
Beautiful piece, Karol!
Thank you, Deb. I enjoyed the process!