Orchidacious

by Kathryn Chambers
(Somerset, England)

"Orchidacious" is a three panel quilt - a triptych - using the One Block Wonder technique from the series of books by Maxine Rosenthal.

The original fabric is monochromatic and I thought it would be interesting to cut the blocks at three different sizes to see what effect this would have on the pattern.

The design evolved as I worked on it and it wasn't until the three background panels were pieced that I decided to make them up as three individual panels designed to be hung on one pole. I still thought the design a little bland, so I had the idea of adding the trailing vine of flowers using machine applique. This also serves to unify the three panels visually.

The centre of the flowers are further enhanced with beads sewn on by hand. I free motion quilted the whole thing on my Janome 6600. I was especially pleased with the effect of the pebbling enclosed between a margin in the outer borders. You can see more of my work on my website www.theartofquilting.co.uk.

A Note from the Editor:

Kathryn has several more beautiful 'one block wonders' (OBW) on her website. Please do use the link just above and visit her website. You'll be glad you did!---Julie Baird