The Drones Quilt Project

My Block

a scant 10" x 10"

How this project started is copied from
http://www.popularresistance.org/radical-quilting-contribute-to-the-drones-quilt-project/

"The idea for a Drones Quilt came from some women in the UK who started the project as a way to memorialize the victims of U.S. combat drones. We believed that there were lots of anti-drone activists in the U.S. who would like to make our own version of a Drones Quilt, and so the idea traveled across the Atlantic.

The idea is to collectively create a piece of artwork which connects the names of activists with those killed. The names humanize the victims and point out the connectivity between human beings.

Plans for the American version of the quilt include creating educational materials, photographs and information which together with the quilts will create an exhibit which will travel the country, informing and educating the American public.

Sadly, according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, only about 20% of the drone victims have been identified, so there are many, many victims whose names are not known."

Several months ago I saw either a video or a television program interviewing Drone operators.  Most said it was similar to a computer game:  they had a target assigned, the object was to send a Drone to blow up the target.  It did not feel 'real' to the operators.  Then one of the operators sent a Drone going to the assigned target.  Just seconds prior to the 'hit', two boys on bicycles drove into the target area.  The operator saw them explode.  That became a nightmare for him.  The reality of the 'game' sank in.  He quit his job.  At the time of the broadcast, he was in therapy.

When I heard about this program via my local Brunswick Peace Works, I knew it was for me.

I hope my block does not need explanation.  However, because I am so close to it, I can not experience it with fresh eyes.  PLEASE leave a comment about your reaction to my block.  All comments will be appreciated.

I will mail it as soon as I know that it is understood as is.  Otherwise, I will make another.

For more information on Drones and this project in particular check out these links

warisacrime.org/content/drones-quilt-project

www.dronesquiltproject.wordpress.com

dronesquiltproject.wordpress.com/how-to-make-a-block/

For more personal information OR to send a block, PLEASE contact

leahbolger@comcast.net

and/OR mail a 10" x 10"  block to

Leah Bolger, 3740 SW Western Blvd, Corvallis, OR  97333

VIEW MORE

http://www.popularresistance.org/radical-quilting-contribute-to-the-drones-quilt-project/

http://www.veteransforpeace.org/who-we-are/member-highlights/2013/04/04/us-drones-quilt-project

http://wilpfus.org/news/updates/drones-quilt-project-memorializes-victims-educates-public

Blue Rose

 Blue Rose Center

Below is the third sketch I made for this answer to the Fast Friday Fabric Challenge.  It was my turn to create the challenge.  Something Blue with black, white and one other color also allowed, but not required.  The main thing is that one should think 'blue' when looking at it.  When the 'Coming Up Roses' exhibit was announced, I decided on this blue rose.

I wanted to create something dimensional.  This is my first try after seeing the wonderful dimensional flower quilts by Barb Forrister at Houston last fall.  I also attended her demo and got to meet her.  What a thrill.  She makes it look easy.  However, I found I ripped out a LOT.  If I had more of the blue satin, I would have just cut more.  Having a limited amount of fabric really pushed my creativity.  

College of Working Parts

Clockwise from top left: sketch,  blue satin strips to enlarge the 'bud', top of one of the 'petals' showing how I stitched the petal over, then held it in place with gold thread, back of the 'petal' and 1/2 yard blue satin [- a small chunk].  

I have been experimenting with different ways to finish out the quilt.  I have already thrown out three tries.  Because of my fabric limit, I try ideas out using other fabrics.  However, for me, the blue satin is the only fabric from my stash that works. Perseverance is the name of this game.

Quilt of Honor

Quilt of Honor

My idea was to have these large stars as the 'flow of interest'.  Unfortunately, it got tooo tooo busy.  I bought a lot of red-white-blue fabric, but very little red fabric or blue fabric.  Lesson learned, I hope.  

Layout on my Bed

My bed is the usual place where I lay out my designs.  I have to be confident that I can get it sewn before I meed to use my bed for sleeping OR take a photo for reference.  I take a lot of photos.

My Design Plan

I redesigned this today.  The next 'Quilt of Honor' will have bigger stars and smaller background pieces.

Butterfly Mobile

Butterflies for Mobile

I used markers, ink, inktense pencils, and translucent paint on sheer fabric.  I stitched it onto florists wire[ for support], because that is what I had on hand.  IF the needle hit the wire at a slow speed, the wire broke; at a high speed, the needle broke. Generally, I went very slow.  I then used metallic paints to seal the edges.  It is very lightweight so it moves at the slightest touch of air disturbance.

View from below

View from across the room

Because it is moving at the slightest whiff of air, it is generally in motion while I am in the room.

Another view from across the room

Big Prize Winners at Festival in Houston

Handi Quilter Best of Show = $10,000

“Chihuly's Gondona”

by Melissa Sobotka, Texas

Detail

Detail

eQuilter.com World ofBeauty Award = $7,500

“Septem Peccata Mortalia” [Seven Deadly Sins]

by Christine Alexiou, Canada

This Book totally blew me away.  Totally original; marvelous execution.

IQA Founders Award [tie]= $7,500

“A Little Bit of Baltimore”

by Janet Stone, Kansas

IQA Founders Award [tie]= $7,500

“Gorsuch Family Quilt Circa 1840 Revisited”

by Margo Hardie, Australia

Margo was a lot of fun to talk with about her quilt. She said something like, 'There is only one way to do it.  Do it right.'  She also mentioned she puts a lot of birds in her quilts because she likes birds.

Robert S. Cohan Master Award for Traditional Artistry = $5,000

“Forever in My Heart”

by Lahala Phelps, Washington

Fairfield Master Award for Contemporary Artistry = $5,000

“Photographer Darling”

by Noriko Nozawa, Japan

Pfaff Master Award for Machine Artistry = $5,000

“Quilt Noir”

by Shirley Gisi, Colorado

Baby Lock Master Award for Innovative Artistry = $5,000

“Illinois Album”

by Jane Sassaman, Illinois

Superior Threads Master Award for Thread Artistry = $5,000

“Wind”

by Masanobu Miyama, Japan

The dog is totally created with thread.  No photo or painting.
He showed how he made a chart of the colors, then stitched them.

The Future of Quilting Award sponsored by Omnigrid = $1,000

“Oklahoma Windsong”

by Cherrie Hampton, Oklahoma

Judge's Choice sponsored by Hohin France= $250 each

choice of Carolie Hensley

“Did You Wash Your Beak?”

by David Talor, Colorado

The background quilting is incredible.

SORRY, I can not find the photo that go with this award.
IF you have a photo that I might insert, please email me.

choice of Sandra Leichner

“Crest of Tulip”

by Takido Fusako, Japan

choice of Katie Pasquini Masopust

“Escape II”

by Betty Hahn, Arizona

Betty did a painting on canvas, then had it printed on fabric so she could quilt it.