Good People
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I have created another contemporary art quilt in my Safe and Well series, called Good People, 39 X 43. I thought about all those people in our lives who support us, teach us, entertain, heal, cook, share, help, and are ready to step up. Some people are in our inner circle, others in a wider circle, and still others we may not know, who are behind the scenes doing their jobs. I used warm friendly colors and soft fabrics.
Many people will not see people in this piece. That is the beauty of abstract art. My husband sees a cell, which is not the same thing, but not that different. This piece also reminds me of dancers and celebrations. Here are two close-up images of Good People that show the way I used reverse applique and quilted the entire surface using embroidery floss and large stitches (1/2 - 3/4 inch).
I want to share with you an important part of this quilt's evolution. There was a point when the units (shapes that look like a popsicle, each representing a person or pet) were all equally strong in color and design. As a result, each demanded the viewer's attention. I liked the units individually, loving the bold designs, but did not like them together. Too much. So I added pale fabrics to cover up portions of these units to make them less prominent. I made other changes to the units in the center area, to increase their importance. I will now show you the before and after.
Do you have good people in your life? I hope so. I am very fortunate to have a home, family, friends, sleep, fresh food, and work I enjoy.
And now for my end-of-blog recipe! Hearty Vegetable Stew has homely ingredients but tastes special on a cold winter night. The secret flavors are Adobo seasoning and chicken fat. If you roast bone-in chicken with skin, you will get lovely drippings. Add flavor to all sorts of recipes! Soak one cup of lentils in salted water for several hours. Rinse and drain. Put in a pot with 1/2 c. rinsed drained Quinoa. Add 4 cups water, 1/2 t. salt, 2 carrots chopped, 3 stalks celery diced, 1 small onion chopped, and 1 1/2 t. Adobo seasoning. Simmer together for 25 minutes. Stir in 2 - 4 T. chicken fat. Serve in bowls and top with plain whole milk yogurt.