The use of black in the quilt world takes on various roles, depending on the desired outcome. Regardless of whether black is a colour or not; large amounts of black, especially when combined with white, results in a graphic, contemporary design. The use of black as a predominant colour in a traditional pattern, except Amish quilts, is remote. However, the use of black as a background is quite stunning. Its use as an accent in a traditional quilt design is always influential to the outcome.
Maybe you'll be inspired to add a little dash, or a lot, to your quiltmaking once you see how agreeable and supportive this colour can be.
Modern Dresden Plate |
Over at Cactus Needle blog I found this very unusual black Hawaiian quilt made by author and quilter Annette Mahon. What makes it unusual is that traditional Hawaiian quilts do not feature black due to superstitious reasons, and nor is it common to see a modern-made one in black. But wow, how good does this one look?
Black and white Hawaiian Applique |
Black and White and Finished! |
Kay Sorensen shares this contemporary quilt, and some detail photos, over at her blog, Color + Quilts. I invited her to share her thoughts on her use of black in contemporary quiltmaking... "I often choose black when creating as it is the perfect color to set off almost any color. Used with white it creates the strongest graphic image." Kay designed this quilt by making some components and then playing with them on her design wall, adding and subtracting as necessary, "I let the quilt tell me what to do, how far to go and when to stop," she concludes.
Many Amish quilts use black backgrounds with muted colour geometric shapes. The interplay between the colours and the black, or dark, background of traditional Amish quilts remains an integral component of modern interpretations.
I found this Amish Steeplechase Quilt for sale over at Rocky Mountain Quilts. Made in circa 1940, it is the quintessential Amish quilt. Black is a dominant colour in the oldest Amish quilt styles, particularly in quilts made in Eastern Pennsylvania. Subtle and sophisticated, the deep black provides the perfect counterbalance for the subtle pop of the steeplechase design.
Pineapple Log Cabin |
24in x 24in |
Geraldine, who has earned the title Queen of Miniatures, was the featured artist at the Loomis Quilt and Fiber Guild's quilt show, held early 2013. Click here for an article on Geraldine over at The Loomis News.
1847 Baltimore Bride's Quilt |
The, 1847 Baltimore Bride Quilt pattern is available from this blog click here to purchase. if you would like to purchase the pattern and wool fabrics as a BOM visit Lakeview Primitives for more information.
I think there is a whole other story in using black in a more subtle manner within quilt design, particularly in modern quilt design. I will explore that subject further and share it with you all at a latter date.
Meanwhile, I would love to see how you are incorporating black into your traditional and contemporary quilt designs. Visit Facebook.com/StitchOneQuiltToo and load images of your quilts, we would all love to see them!
x dls
Nice job on your research on Black and White quilts. thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteDitto on Nedra's comment!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout-out.
ReplyDeleteNice discussion on these quilts. Black is a powerful color. A little bit can anchor a quilt that might otherwise "float away".
You might also be interested in Judy Coates Perez's unbelievable quilt here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/godutchbaby/3234612076/
This is, by far, the most popular photograph on my flickr account.