Joan Brailsford – Time #2
Time and Trees: Summer
In the second in my series looking at the passage of time and how trees are affected by it, I have opted for a slightly more abstract version of the subject to depict the colourful joys of summer. I wanted a bright and happy aspect to this piece.
At this time of year the trees are in full leaf and the meadows and hedgerows full of colourful flowers. I have created a slightly 3D version of the tree by bonding circular shapes to the background then adding circular machine-quilting before then loosely adding manipulated raw edge fabric for the second layer of leaves. The lower background is transfer printed sheer fabric over the commercial fabric base. I then added circular shapes in bright coloured commercial fabric for the abstract flowers. These are secured with hand stitching, then straight machine-quilting and further hand embroidery are added to complete the foliage. The ‘grass’ at the base of the tree is created by hand stitching down some wool fibres.
Detail views:
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
Beautiful quilt. I like the depth your technique gives to the tree, giving volume and movement. Beautiful summer flowers, such attention to details with all the hand stitching and embroidery. Gorgeous!
You definitely succeded creating this happy and joyful moment of time, well done!
So much attention to details in your quilt! I love the 3D and hand stitching and the joyful atmosphere of your quilt. Well done!
Such a wonderful piece! Love all the details, the flowers are especially beautiful. Lovely work!
I love the 3D shapes of the leaves ! There is a great harmony between hand and machine stitching. Beautiful piece !
What a cheerful quilt. There are lots of details in the stitching and your way of constructing the tree is clever and very effective.