Author Archives: Daniela D

About Daniela D

Hi, my name is Daniela. I'm an Artist. Improv Quilter. Designer. Tech Editor.

Gallery Show: Precision and Pattern

I was recently selected to exhibit artwork in a group show called Precision and Pattern at the City Without Walls Gallery in Newark, NJ. The show was beautifully curated by Christine Soccio Romanell.

Here is my piece, “Lucky,” and an excerpt of my artist statement:

“…the artist takes otherwise repetitive technique and elevates it through a study of improvisational quilting and abstract expressionism — exploring the natural tension between free expression and traditionally domestic space both as to craft and creativity. Both spontaneous and beautiful, “Lucky” also satiates utilitarian need.”

I thoroughly enjoyed creating a piece out of textiles with a contemporary aesthetic while exploring how it affects my identity, my journey and roles I create as a woman and an artist.

The eleven artists in the show each use different mediums to explore the concept of ‘Precision and Pattern’ in their work.

A sampling of the amazing work from the show by: Alexandra Schoenberg, Nancy Baker, Steve DeFrank, Christine Soccio Romanell, Stephen Douglass, Pat Lay, Lisa Ficarelli-Halpern, Gregory Coates, Leslie Courtney Adler, Jamie Levine.

A 241 Tote in Canvas

3 Replies

Oh, how I love this pattern! You may recognize it as the 241 Tote by Anna Graham of Noodlehead.

This tote was made for a talented quilter and maker in the birthday swap we participate in on Instagram. Since she knits and embroiders as well, I thought this would be a stylish bag for her to use for her own portable projects.

I used a lightweight denim which I am currently loving and a couple of hoarded Ellen Luckett Baker fabrics in canvas for the exterior and for interior of the tote.

Also, a touch of dark pink thread was used as an accent. I had two sewing machines going for this one so I wouldn’t have to re-thread to use the pink thread. Does that make me lazy or efficient? I am going with efficient on this one. 😉

I will definitely be making more of these!

– Daniela

Ink and Spindle Landscape Quilt

6 Replies

I have the great pleasure of having Cloud9 Fabrics as a design client of mine (a favorite, in fact). I work on various projects with them throughout the year (books, catalogs, project sheets, patterns, post cards, and the like). I also am lucky to sew up samples for them occasionally using their lovely fabrics…the benefits of being a designer that can quilt, too. 🙂

Ink and Spindle designed a collection for Cloud9 called Landscape. I love the graphic yet organic designs.

Here is a quilt designed by Ink and Spindle that I pieced and quilted using one of the colorways. There are a couple of Cirrus Solids used as well.

photo by Cloud9 Fabrics

After a quilt top is made, I take into consideration its design and feel so I can figure out how to quilt it. I went with horizontal wavy organic lines to compliment the rectangular, graphic nature of the quilt design and to mimic the lines in the darker orange fabric. I also added matchstick quilting in some areas for added texture.

photo by Cloud9 Fabrics

Black White Red and Grey Improv Pillow

3 Replies

Another improv pillow! This pillow and needle book were gifts for a talented quilter and artist for the birthday swap we participate in on Instagram. She appreciates improv work and loves polka dots, red, black and grey. Linen, too. Metallic, even!

I pulled inspiration by exploring various art pieces such as abstract paintings, collages, and typography posters. I also used graphic design principles to embrace negative space and to incorporate line-work and balance, while maintaining spontaneity and fun.

I gladly dove into my linen stash: grey, white, cream, metallic (all Robert Kaufman except the metallic). I also used some Cloud9 Fabrics Cirrus Solids in Lava and Midnight.