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Miyabi Quilt by Matsuko Shiraishi

Miyabi Quilt by Matsuko Shiraishi: Elegance in Orange

Miyabi Quilt by Matsuko Shiraishi
Miyabi Quilt by Matsuko Shiraishi at the Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza, 2014. Photo by Wayne Stratz.

This quilt introduced me to the concept of Miyabi, a traditional Japanese aesthetic combining elegance and sorrow.  Matsuko Shiraishi describes how the quilt is made of wedding Kimono fabric, and that wedding ceremonies are a combination of those two emotions.  To see the whole quilt, which takes on the shape of a Kimono, there’s a great photo of Matsuko Shiraishi’s work on the gladiquilts site.

Having words to describe different forms of beauty helps me look at things more closely and contemplatively.  I have written about Wabi Sabi and Hozho, and the beauty of imperfection,  but Miyabi was new to me.  The Kimono fabric is definitely elegant, with metallic thread and a silky sheen.

What defines elegant for you?

Log Cabin Quilt Love

Log Cabin Quilt Trivet in Coral and Cream by Margaret Almon.
Log Cabin Quilt Trivet in Coral and Cream by Margaret Almon.

Last post, I wrote about Ann Brauer‘s use of gray tones with flashes of color, and her post, Why Grey?  I came across this trivet I made, which I photographed and then forgot about.  I love these tiles with the flashes of gray, taupe.  They are subtle and ever-changing in the light.  Then it’s even more fun to add the orange, coral and tea rose tones, with the pop of red-orange dichroic in the center.

More quilt inspired trivets at Nutmeg Designs.

It’s Fun When Quilters Visit the Nutmeg Designs Booth: A Link to my Home Economics Past

Chinese Coins Quilt Pattern Trivet by Margaret Almon.
Chinese Coins Quilt Pattern Trivet, glass and gold smalti on wood, 6 inches, ©Margaret Almon.
Color Box Log Cabin by Margaret Almon, glass and ceramic on slate, 8×8 inches.
Broken Dishes Quilt Pattern Mosaic Trivet by Margaret Almon.
Broken Dishes Quilt Pattern Mosaic Trivet, glass on wood, ©Margaret Almon.
Asymmetric Log Cabin Mosaic by Margaret Almon
Asymmetric Log Cabin Mosaic by Margaret Almon. Glass on wood, 8×8 inches.

I love when quilters come into my booth, as at the 2012 PA Guild Show in Wilmington.  They come closer and are happy to find that the mosaics that looked familiar are indeed based on quilt patterns.  I had a conversation with a woman who loved the colors in my work, and that she feels the way about colors in fabric.   I won the Adele Swenson award for excellence in Home Economics in the 9th grade.

It took me awhile to figure out that the allure of Home Economics was that I liked  choosing fabric, not the actual sewing.  I still remember the colors and textures of fabric I chose in junior high: nubby linen in red with black flowers, brown plaid with gold threads, cream cotton with a tiny strawberry print, maroon fine wale corduroy(which apparently I was spelling the Canadian way, cordouroy, which the spellchecker took issue with), and black cotton with shimmering gold flowers for a blouse with gold piping.

I am glad that I can interpret quilt patterns in glass, keeping the color, and the thread connecting me to my younger self.

Mosaic Quilt Blocks in my Nutmeg Designs Etsy Shop.

 

Log Cabin Quilt in Glass: Triptych Mosaic Commission for a 40th Birthday by Margaret Almon

Log Cabin Mosaic Triptych by Margaret Almon
Log Cabin Mosaic Triptych by Margaret Almon

 

Triptych for Michelle Panel 1 by Margaret Almon
Triptych for Michelle Panel 1 by Margaret Almon
Triptych for Michelle Panel 2 by Margaret Almon
Triptych for Michelle Panel 2 by Margaret Almon
Triptych for Michelle Panel 3
Triptych for Michelle Panel 3 by Margaret Almon

 

This project was a joy!  The client came to see my studio, to look for something in honor of her 40th birthday, and what caught her eye was a small panel, 8×8″ on my living room wall, which I’d made for myself.  Michelle commissioned me to make three panels, 12×12″, to go over her mantle.

Triptych in Process in Margaret Almon's Studio
Triptych in Process in Margaret Almon’s Studio

I started by making the middle panel, inspired by my own piece.  Then I worked on the two side panels in tandem, so I could visualize the whole pattern.  Each square is a different variation on Log Cabin or Square within a Square quilt patterns, and each has its own personality.   Michelle said her mother said they are like jewels.  I love that image!  I am honored that Michelle chose my work as a way to celebrate a special event in her life, and that I could bring vibrant color and sparkle into her living room.

Triptych Mosaic Panels for Michelle by Margaret Almon
Triptych Mosaic Panels for Michelle by Margaret Almon

 

Commission Margaret