Any Way the Wind Blows Bargello

Entry Number: 166

Quilt Maker: Benjamin Evans

Quilted By: Quilted by Machine (Domestic or Longarm) that is Hand-Guided: Benjamin Evans

Techniques: Pieced

Design Source: Based on a design in the public domain.

Artist Statement

I began sewing as a small boy using an antique Singer machine to make little cushions for my Star Wars people. Largely self-taught, over the years I have endeavoured to make a wide variety of fabric crafts and garments. I took my first quilting class in 2014. Although I favour making traditional quilts using precise patterns, I have pushed myself to try using more modern colours and techniques, including raw edge appliqué and improvisational curved piecing. Typically drawn to more masculine prints, any green or purple fabric, or one with moustaches on it, makes me exceedingly happy.

This quilt was my entry for the 2019 Canadian Male Quilter Challenge using a strip panel of all the colours included in the "Bohemian Rhapsody" fabric line by designer Dan Morris for QT Fabrics. As the panel included a 2 " strip of 28 different ombré colours, it was perfect for me to use to teach myself how to make a simple bargello quilt using sketchy instructions I found on the Internet. The name of the quilt honours the song "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen.

I Won't Go Underground

Entry Number: 171

Quilt Maker: Benjamin Evans

Quilted By: Quilted by Machine (Domestic or Longarm) - Computer / Pantograph Guided: Benjamin Evans

Techniques: Pieced, Appliqué by Machine

Design Source: Underground Railroad Sampler by Eleanor Burns

Artist Statement

I began sewing as a small boy using an antique Singer machine to make little cushions for my Star Wars people. Largely self-taught, over the years I have endeavored to make a wide variety of fabric crafts and garments. I took my first quilting class in 2014. Although I favour making traditional quilts using precise patterns, I have pushed myself to try using more modern colours and techniques, including raw edge appliqué and improvisational curved piecing. Typically drawn to more masculine prints, any green or purple fabric, or one with moustaches on it, makes me exceedingly happy.

I first saw Underground Railroad quilts while attending the European Patchwork Festival in France in 2016. Using the "Underground Railroad Sampler" book by Eleanor Burns, a small group of us created our own block of the month club and completed various quilts. It was important for me to follow the pattern as closely as possible, although I substituted green fabric for the recommended blue. This was my first introduction to Ms. Burns, and I have subsequently purchased several of her books. The quilt honours all those men and women who triumphed over unimaginable circumstances and made their way to freedom. The name of the quilt honours my favourite Christian rock band, Petra.

Honky Tonk Hoedown

Entry Number: 169

Quilt Maker: Benjamin Evans

Quilted By: Quilted by Machine (Domestic or Longarm) - Computer / Pantograph Guided: Benjamin Evans

Techniques: Pieced

Design Source: Jelly Roll Jam by Fat Quarter Shop

Artist Statement

I began sewing as a small boy using an antique Singer machine to make little cushions for my Star Wars people. Largely self-taught, over the years I have endeavored to make a wide variety of fabric crafts and garments. I took my first quilting class in 2014. Although I favour making traditional quilts using precise patterns, I have pushed myself to try using more modern colours and techniques, including raw edge appliqué and improvisational curved piecing. Typically drawn to more masculine prints, any green or purple fabric, or one with moustaches on it, makes me exceedingly happy.

This throw quilt was inspired by a free on-line pattern called "Jelly Roll Jam" by Fat Quarter Shop. Using the strip-piecing technique and a "jelly roll", the most difficult part of making this quilt was ensuring that none of the same strips were placed next to each other. I love this fabric, with its western theme and little moustaches showing up here and there. With flannel on the back, this quilt is perfect to snuggle up in while watching (western) movies.