Thinking Outside the Block

Diane Melms

27H x 43W inches

2018

USA

ARTIST STATEMENT

Honoring tradition and seeking innovation, I strive to push the quilt form into new territory. Starting with a log cabin block, this amalgamation of shapes, patterns and lines is about tradition and transformation, memory and metamorphosis, reverence and revolution. In so many ways I step outside the block with both concept and technique, combining pieced work with raw-edge collage, hand-dyed and commercial fabrics, fused collage and turned-edge appliqué. Creating it was exhilarating.

MATERIALS

Hand-dyed and commercial cotton fabric, cotton backing, cotton/polyester batting, cotton/polyester thread

TECHNIQUES

Free-hand cutting, machine piecing, raw-edge machine appliqué, hand-stitched appliqué, layering, machine quilting