Quilting in the Fog

Julian’s T-shirt Memory Quilt

This quilt has been a long awaited labor of love. I’m finally  making this memory quilt for my son from his collection of T-shirts that I’ve held onto for years – from preschool through high school. It’s a trip down memory lane for me – I clearly remember him wearing each one at every stage, and every interest and passion. I’ll have it done for his 22nd birthday next month. I’m very happy with how this is turning out! And still sticking with my resolution -going on two years now – to make quilts from what I have and from recycled materials, clothing and fabric. 

Three of my quilts were juried into, and received Honorable Mention for, the Envision Arts online Earth-Mother exhibit. The theme is artworks made from recycled materials. Shown are: “Shirt Off His Back” made from my husband’s repurposed shirts; “Julian’s Jeans” made from outgrown denim and twill pants following my son’s teen growth spurt; and “American Patriot: Words Matter” constructed with old jeans from my family and friends. One of my goals this past year was to enter my quilts into more juried shows and exhibitions so I’m pretty excited! (And a first for me in an art show that isn’t exclusively quilts or fiber art!)

ARTIST STATEMENT: LORRAINE WOODRUFF-LONG

My medium is the quilt to highlight the political and moral challenges of today’s world. Using recycled fabric from my family, friends and community, I design modern quilts that create a permanent connection between the original wearer and myself. I use a variety of traditional quilting techniques including machine, hand quilting and applique, and design with traditional blocks as well as improvisational quilting – with a particular emphasis on modern and contemporary designs . My work reflects my community, my family and my political beliefs.

Shirt Off His Back quilt – made from my husbands shirts

American Patriot-Words Matter

Julian’s Jeans

A special shout out to the many volunteers of the San Francisco Quilters Guild for their hard work and for making last weekend’s show such a success. Two of my quilts received ribbons!

Julian’s Jeans got 3rd Place in the Hand Quilting category

And American Patriot: Words Matter won an Honorable Mention in the Piecing/Traditional category.

I am having so much fun making these blocks from a collection of “my precious” silk – Some which I’ve held onto since almost forever.

Over 30 years ago I bought several yards of teal silk while in Thailand on a round-the-world ticket following my time in Peace Corps Kenya. I always thought I’d make it into something to wear. The yellow, red and orange silk were recently gifted from a Bee Modern SF buddy – a neighbor clearing out his mom’s house had yards and yards of silk to give away and it was shared with our group. And the pink was just given to me in a large box of fabric from a friend this fall. I’d bought a few fat quarters over the years waiting for inspiration. Well I FOUND IT and have had so much fun creating these blocks! I have about five more to make to finish what will be a wall hanging to go over our fireplace (28”x28”).

I have created a new tutorial “how to” on a fast and easy process to crank out these bar blocks. Check it out here.

Color bar blocks