PIQF #6 Complex piecing 10-20-09

Among the trends I noticed at PIQF was complex machine piecing such as that developed and taught by Ruth B. McDowell. I haven't a clue if any of these quilt makers took a class from Ruth, but looking at the piecing order and complexity makes me think they did. Ruth is acknowledged in only one of the labels. I don't know that any of these artists took a class from Ruth, I imagine other teachers have started teaching Ruth's process.

The hollyhocks in the center of this quilt are from a pattern in Ruth's book "Pieced Flowers" published by C&T Publishers.

The pattern has been flipped, greatly enlarged and the background surround done in small squares.

Continuations of the flowers are done in outline in the wide background surround.

This is Ruth's original sample done for the book. It now belongs to a friend.

This quilt is a tour de force in complex machine piecing. I can certainly believe the 400 hours!

The feeling of motion is dominant - free wheeling horses in a cloud of dust. The complementary color selection gives a festival feel.

If you click on the picture to enlarge you can trace the seaming from the horses into the background.

June used a great variety of old and new fabrics.

I like these 'shadow' horses in the back of the herd, they contribute a great deal of depth.

Wendy has used the complex piecing in her quilt dedicated to her son. What a loving sentiment.

The figures are balance and play nicely off of each other. The color says "hockey".

Again, if you click on this detail you can figure out the piecing lines that allow the shapes to form.