Aisha Butterfly

I made this picture my profile picture on facebook and much to my surprise to I got an overwhelming response. People were writing about it daily. I wasn't sure if it was the quilt, me or the composition. I suspected it was the composition because I had posted the quilt by itself previously and it got no mention.

My daughter took the picture and she called it Mama Butterfly. I vaguely remember her saying let's take the picture in front of this quilt. Then she said move over just a little. I had no idea I was lining up with the body of the butterfly and replacing it with my body. How interesting.

The quilt is called Metamorphosis. I had this idea that the metamorphosis of a thing encompassed the coming together of many different facets. So I collected several colors of fabrics to symbolize the many facets. I knew what fabrics I wanted to use, but had no idea how the different colors would all come together to give a cohesive look. As I started to put it together I saw that a spot of red could bring it all together. Many quilters shy away from reds and golds but I embrace them. I wanted that butterfly to burst out of it's cocoon in full brilliance. Red did that. I didn't overwhelm it with red but dipped a little of it here and there.

I used a crazy quilt vibe and explored the development of my own technique for putting it together. I did some ruching, some beaded embellishments, some fabric painting, buttons, sequins, some lace trim, hand quilting and lots and lots of love.

I think that is what people see, the love.