These 12" square quilts begin with choosing a noun. Then quickly I write down all the words or phrases that come to mind about that words spending about 3 minutes maximum. Then I look at what I have written and circle the words that bring images to my mind. I jot down what those images look like for me including what colour they are, the shapes and textures that present to me. I may do a sketch on my background fabric, keeping it as abstract as possible. Fabrics are chosen, backed with a fusible and then shapes cut freehand or if I feel that I need a more specific shape or size I draw it on the back of the fabric. Pieces are cut out, arranged on the background and then fused. I rotate the quilts frequently. Here are some examples of some of my small quilts
The theme for this quilt is Celebrate. It was created at a workshop in the Rocky Mountains and was to celebrate my going to work with Yvonne Porcella.
The theme for this quilt started out as olive. When I was finished I saw in it the face of a lion so I called it Oliviea the Lion.
I hope that this will get you started thinking about some of the fun you can have with this abstract way of creating small quilts. I find that small often is a good way to take risks because if I don't love it then I haven't invested a lot of time. Many different types of scraps of fabric can be used and embellishments add interest. There is no limit and the more you can let yourself play - think kindergarten and colouring on a blank piece of paper - the more fun you will have and likely suprise yourself with the results.
