Martha Behind Bars

Entry Number: 168

Quilt Maker: Benjamin Evans

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

Techniques: Pieced

Design Source: Chain Link

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 chain link quilt honours one of the largest influences in my life, Martha Stewart. The colours are reminiscent of her signature green and blue hues, and the name is just cheeky enough to make her crack a smile (I hope). Her magazines, books, and TV shows have brought immeasurable inspiration to my life, and every room of my house contains a collection of her products.

Hipsters, Tramps, and Thieves

Entry Number: 158

Quilt Maker: Benjamin Evans

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

Techniques: Pieced, Appliqué by Machine

Design Source: No Beard No Way by Fabriculous (Wendy van der Walt)

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 fabrics and prints, anything grey, purple, green, or with a moustache on it, makes me exceedingly happy.

I was immediately drawn to the pattern "No Beard No Way" by Fabriculous in Manitoba. It was perfect me, being filled with moustaches, beards and bowties, and it gave me a chance to practice raw edge appliqué. For the first time, I taught myself how to "quilt as you go". This a very different quilt for me, but one that I hope will bring a big smile to everyone who sees it. The name of the quilt honours the legendary singer, Cher.

Not So Primarily Patchwork

Entry Number: 175

Quilt Maker: Benjamin Evans

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

Techniques: Pieced

Design Source: Begun in a class or workshop.

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 quilt was made during the "Primarily Patchwork" classes held at Earthly Goods in Edmonton. I learned various cutting and piecing techniques, which was very much the point of the classes. Much of the fabric used was from "The Wordsmith" by UK designer Janet Clare for Moda Fabrics. This was a much-loved fabric line that included floral images and many of my favourite colours, including cream, green, and grey.