A group silk quilt

Over the last 4 months the group has been creating a silk quilt, having used rust and vinegar dying to colour the pieces of silk first.
For the first session, at the end of January, Ruth Axson, the member leading this project, asked the group to bring –
Ice cream container or similar
2 or 3 medium size plastic bags
Bits of rusty stuff
Fine string/old crochet thread or something of a similar weight
Rubber or silicone gloves for personal protection
Table covering – plastic or newspaper

Clare Curtis added a short video on her weekly blog of Ruth explaining the process.It starts about 8.26 minutes in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsP8n_w49y8

The second session saw the sorting of the dyed material ready to be cut up and made into a traditional 9 patch block.
Ruth had created a design that went from dark at the bottom to paler at the top with a curve of vinegar dyed silk in the middle .

The dyed silks were very different from each other and the depth and variety of colour varied greatly, but the group members rose to the challenge and went on to produce an array of really stunning 9 patch blocks with variations – Ruth commented “delicious designs that showcase individual’s creativity”.

Mid April saw the positioning of the blocks to create the design that the group was aiming for. Various lay out were discussed, photos taken to check and blocks moved around till a suitable placement was agreed upon.

Ruth then showed the group how the contemporary side of the quilt was progressing. Putting the two halves side by side gave us an overall impression of how it would finally look – Here’s just a glimpse – Stunning colours and patterns!

Volunteers came forward to stitch rows together.
At the beginning of May the quilt top was shown to the members.
Quilting it is now underway.

It will be great to see the finished group quilt hanging at the Festival of Quilts at the NEC in August… A photo of it will be added then….