The block below (you saw a smaller version in my last newsletter) is named Antique Modern Block, which seems like an oxymoron, but oh well! I love the design for its different shapes (squares and rectangles) in different sizes. It also offers the opportunity to create a definite foreground and background by consciously working with value (the lightness or darkness of color).

It began with the low-intensity, neutralized colors of the Alison Glass print in the center. From there I added four batiks, also by Alison, and a neutral script fabric. The gray fabric with "pepto-pink" accents gave it an element of surprise, and the subtle gray-on-cream fabric at the edges was perfect as background. So much fun to work with color and pattern in this simple block!


On a field trip to San Francisco a few months ago, I stumbled across this amazing "Aerial" print by Carolyn Freidlander. Perfect, I thought, and bought two yards for good measure. The bracelet, which I got that day at the deYoung Museum, is in the photo for scale.


I also wanted setting squares for another element, and I had the perfect gray-and-cream dot by Denyse Schmidt.  

The finished quilt top, with the pattern to come in time for the retreat. (My Artistic Alchemy workshop is full, but email me if you'd like to be on the waiting list.)

Do you see the illusion of transparency with the batik squares and gray fabric? I give myself extra credit. :-)


The subtle patterns in the light-value fabrics did just what I'd hoped for, making the blocks advance. The gray dots add another ingredient to the mix, but they don't take over. Once gain, "the fabric makes the quilt!"