Recently, The Modern Quilt Guild had a fabric challenge using Michael Miller fabrics. “Lucky” is the quilt that I entered in the challenge.

I let the fabric sit for a long time…until the week of the deadline. I finally decided to take the plunge and enjoy the process. I used the tradition of quilting and abstract expressionism as inspiration to create an improvisational piece with a contemporary aesthetic while exploring how it affects my identity and my journey.

Why, yes, that is my design wall on the floor. When working improv, for me, it is sometimes easier that way.

I used various Petal Pinwheels prints and a mixture of cotton couture solids including white and soft white. I love the subtle quality these two whites add to a quilt when paired together. A bit of hot pink was added (one of my favorite colors) along with shades of orange, aqua and gray to compliment the challenge fabrics.

For the quilting, there was no predetermined plan. I went with what felt “right” while quilting.

I used larger scale pieces for the back of the quilt.

I should add that I basically did not eat much and ignored put many things on the back-burner while making the quilt so it could be completed on time. Ever get like that? So focused on something there is nothing else you could possibly do until it was completed? Yep, guilty. But, I enjoyed every minute of creating this quilt!

I plan on entering “Lucky” into the quilt show at QuiltCon. Should I enter it for exhibition only or to be judged? What do you think?

“Lucky” measures 47” x 58”. I named it “Lucky” because I was lucky enough to finish it in the nick of time to enter it into the challenge. No, actually, I named it “Lucky” because I feel that I am lucky to have discovered quilting as a means of my artistic expression and also to be part of this awesome quilting community. xo

– Daniela