Ann Turley – Book #1
Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland” has been a life-long favorite. The visual imagery created by Lewis Carroll has long fascinated me. This particular project is near and dear because I am re-reading a very old copy of the novel, one that was published in 1928 and belonged to my mother. The novel itself is not very long and contains only 12 short chapters. I’ve chosen to create quilts incompassing two chapters at a time, and portraying themes and characters not commonly seen. I’m starting with The Cake that urges Alice to “Eat Me”, a well-known theme. At the edge of the table I’ve included Dinah, Alice’s cat. Dinah is mentioned only a few times in the book and was never described. Black burn-out velvet with an under layer of micro-dots is used for the body; a touch of silver lame brings her eyes to life. The table surface and background are both commercial cottons while the cake and frosting are hand-dyes. A bit of shiny lame adds visual interest. The banner is also on a bit of hand-dyed fabric with painted letters outlined in black Pigma pen.
Detail views:
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
I’d forgotten about Dinah! I have a copy of this book but it’s undated (as far as I can find). It belonged to my mother, who was born in 1916 and was published by Hodder and Stoughton Limited, London, UK. I think it may be older than your copy. There is a Frontispiece of “Alice and Dinah” — and Dinah is a tabby! There is a signature: Gywnned M. Hudson — about whom I found more information here: https://www.carleton.edu/departments/ENGL/Alice/Artisthudson.html
If you like I can photograph or scan it and send the jpg to you. She did all of the colour plates (illustrations) in the book. From the looks of the Cheshire Cat, it was modelled after Dinah — albeit a deranged version of her!
Thank you for the “rabbit hole” down which you sent me as I viewed your first piece of this series! Well done!
Great subject choice, love the way Dinah’s eyes are sparkling.
Alice in Wonderland, a book that was part of my childhood, and the advent of the Disney film made my imagination fly. As you say, some characters are in the shade; I didn’t remember Dinah. She remains aloof from the cake in your quilt, but with her bright eyes, you made her stand out. You have made an excellent choice of fabrics and colours. I’m curious to see the following subjects.
Great theme love the way you convey the temptation. Cheers
I knew that book theme will be very interesting, it is so good to learn about other’s choices and inspirations. Love your take on Alice’s stories and the wy you tranlated it into fabric, great job!
Alice in wonderland is a classic ! I love how you have introduced the cat !
The cake really looks sweet and tasty and cat’s eyes look really hungry. Love your selection of fabrics and love your entire quilt!
a book that charactetizes our childhood. The choice of what to create is intetesting. The pink cake and the hint of the cat. I love it.
A favorite of mine as well! The cake looks delicious with its icing spilling onto the sides. The hint of the (naughty?) cat is fun, love her sparkling eyes.
A great choice of book that is familiar to many of us and brings back many childhood memories. The fabrics really make the cat come to life and the cake really is tempting. Great work
I love the composition of your quilt. It’s good you only did a small part of the cats head. This makes it more interesting.
What a tempting cake! The colours are great and I love the cat.
Lovely interpretation. Very good idea to combine two chapters and add the hardly mentioned cat. She really looks hungry.
Working with a classic. so lovely. I love the expression in the cat’s eyes. Fun quilt!
How fun, an Upelkuchen cake! Love your whimsical and imaginative composition filled with color and charm. Well done.