Aullwood 2011: Liz Piatt

Liz Piatt, Ocean Life, 46" x 42" NFS

Although in many respects, this is a traditional quilt (primarily in layout and the fact that is uses applique), I think that it is wonderfully designed and executed and it happens to be one of my favorites.  Liz Piatt from Orinda, California made this quilt and unfortunately, she doesn't have a website although she does seem to do a lot of teaching, and lecturing.

Liz wrote this in her statement about this piece:   "When one swims in the ocean off Oahu, Hawaii, there is indeed 'Water, Water, Everywhere.'  On out last dive there, my daughter and I were thrilled to see both an octopus and a spotted Eagle Ray.  Of course I had to remember this with a quilt."

The quilt is balanced, yet has  a great sense of rhythm.  Her workmanship is absolutely fantastic.  The limited palette is arresting.  I love the reds, blacksn and the blue is a nice counterpoint. 

Liz  Piatt, Ocean  Life, detail

Liz Piatt, Ocean Life, detail.

While I don't ordinarily like using machine embroidery,  Liz has used it well in the mariner's compass and the seashell.  I don't know if she digitized them herself or if they were programed by someone else.








You can see here that she also used satin stitch or machine embroidery to make the octopus' eyes.

I'm sorry that this isn't a better photograph, but I was trying to show you all the hand stitching.  The stitching on the fins and the quilting is all done by hand.

I thought that this piece used net bags from the produce section, but her daughter recently (08/23/2012) informed me that the piece had no net bags, but was all hand embroidered.  Mea culpa and  I will also note that when I was writing this, my eyes were suffering greatly.

It's just a great piece!