Friday, March 11, 2011

My first convergence quilt


No.  This is not it.  This is a project I started doing with pieced curves.  When I finally started hand sewing the curves, I decided to scrap the original project, and see what would happen if I sliced this up, rearranged it, sewed and sliced some more, adding more fabric here and there.  This is the result.


Then, I got out my new Ricky Tims' book on convergence quilts.  I have wanted to do this for a long time.  I cannot afford any of the great hand-dyed fabric out there that is really perfect for this project, so I went through my stash to see what I could find that I could make work.  I found some fat quarters of African fabric that I have been collecting, and selected four for this project.


I followed the directions for the harmonic convergence.  I wanted the patterns of the fabrics to keep their strength in the finished piece, so I placed the first pieces carefully.  After cutting, sewing, turning, cutting, and sewing again, this is what I created.


I really liked it, but wanted to add just the right borders.  I selected bright orange for the small containment border and a gold on black pattern that mimics one of the patterns in the African fabric.  Once, I put it all together, I was really pleased.  I am calling it Tanzanian Tango.  I love this process and will be doing more of these quilts.


To see some of Ricky Tims' convergence quilts, take a look at his web site.

4 comments:

Sarah Craig said...

That's beautiful, Miki - I've been thinking of doing a convergence quilt myself, but haven't found the right fabrics yet. How big were your starting pieces?

ZenDotStudio said...

This is gorgeous, Miki. Those African patterned squares really work. There is such a lovely harmonious feeling to the piece.

tropicslady said...

Absolutely beautiful! Is it a quilt, or a block? (Can't tell size from the picture.) I love the African fabrics....
Deb

Sue Daurio said...

Love the fabrics, wonderful quilt!