Donna, Congratulations on a beautiful quilt! I took Flower Power several years ago but I didn't finish my project. You are inspiring me to pull it out again. Despite the fact that I didn't finish my flower, I use upside-down applique from time to time, it's a great technique. Once again, your quilt is gorgeous. You should be very proud. Lola

laura- the debate on what is art versus what isn't can only be resolved in your mind- as each of us makes our own, unique connection to what it is we are seeing, reading, hearing or (as in the case with quilts) feeling. As I mentioned on another forum (I forget where) I could spit on the sidewalk, frame it and call it art. And for me that would be true. Now for anyone else they make up their own minds. As an "artist" it is not (nor ever could be) my job to convince anyone else about the legitimacy of my work. The paths one takes internally to "get" art are as subjective and vast as art itself. Some people try to figure out what the artists was thinking while others internalize the art and try to unscramble their own reactions to it. None of these paths are the only way and every one of them is the right way. Does that make sense? So in the case with bare abstractions (a few yellow splats of paint on a canvas) perhaps the minimalist technique was only meant to evoke a minimal response. In other words, art isn't always "deep". My work- especially the abstracts- are always meant to show movement, balance and tension without being something specific. I like to think of them as short cerebral conversations between myself and the viewer: I present an idea represented by colors, lines and stitches. The viewer then has a reaction to it. Call and response. Usually, people have a much more tangible, visceral response to this next kind of work. The imagery is easier to internalize and therefore assessments on the work are easier to make. For most of my work I start with a solid piece of (black) fabric into which "windows are cut out and replaced with colored fabric. Of course, the edges are turned under and the pieces are joined with a zig-zag of clear or smoke monofilament.

calverttx, unfortunately, HoopSisters doesn't make their patterns available for sale except to authorized dealers for the first 2 years. After that, you will be able to purchase it. They have some older patterns you can purchase if you see one you like. I did the Feathered Star quilt about 2 years ago.

I need to find the post of the quilter here that had a penny hidden in her quilt as a child. I couldn’t find any references on line about it, but penny's always seem lucky, like finding one is supposed to bring you good luck. The new mom loved the quilt! I forgot to get a picture of the baby with it. Rose was sleeping and not happy when she woke up!