New quilt in TCQC 06-08-14

A few months ago I placed a bid on this quilt, part of a unique fund raiser for a health clinic in Africa.  In May I was notified that I had the high bid.  I think it is a great quilt, but even more I admire the reason for the auction.   The funds raised go to a health clinic in Gambia where one of the African Fabric source artists volunteers.  See an explanation of the project   http://quiltandstitchvillage.com/exhibits/buy-a-plank

About the clinic http://www.buyaplank.com/the-clinic/

 

There are a half dozen or so quilts that didn't sell - take a look, you might add to your collection.

 

"One Plank, Many Huts"  2014  Alison Livesley - England   47.5"W x 47.5"L

 

 You know how competitions/shows ask what is the color of the quilt?  It is sometimes difficult to answer that question.  Basically, to me, this is a blue, brown, rust colored quilt.  But once I start focusing on each block I see every color in the rainbow - even pink!

 



This is the large block in the center.  Lovely African fabrics and Kaffe Fassett prints and stripes.  And note the little piece of white polka dot on blue at the peak of the roof - just a regular cotton print.

An African quilt needs to have some animals.

There is a nice "starry night" batik at the very top.

Notice that all of the roofs are "pebble" quilted (sometimes called "bubble")which gives some continuity.

The plus signs in the grey window are hand stitched - and there is the blue with white polka dots again.  But, oh my,  those geese on a pink sky - wonderful.

Very subtle hand quilting using X's and running stitch.  Also machine quilting using a large zigzag.   Other areas are quilted with a regular machine running stitch. 

 

Alison, the quilt maker, said that she dipped into her collection of African fabrics, many purchased over the years at the African Fabric Quilt Shop.   Although the style is nothing alike, the fabric selection rivals that of Ruth McDowell.  Perhaps that is why I am so attracted to this quilt.

Great backing fabric - sort like stones and tally marks.  And fabulous color - who would think this up?  It is electric.

 

If you are a fabric junkie - as I am - there are hours ahead to be spent looking at the huge variety of fabrics in this quilt.

Somehow Alison missed her Plank Number. I think it would be interesting to see an image of the original plank along side the quilt it became. 

 

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