Hummingbird Garden

“Le Jardin des Colibris” or “The Hummingbird Garden” was one of my first boutis designs. Started in 2013 while we were still living in France, it wasn’t completed until 2018.

The focal point of the wall hanging is the boutis center. Hand stitched and corded on Swiss cotton batiste, the boutis center measures 12 1/4” x 16 1/4”, (31.2 cm x 41.3 cm x ).

As is the case with most people, the inspiration for my designs come from day to day experiences, things that attract my attention, create a thoughtful response, every day experiences that are always there if we are open to seeing them.

Sitting at my work table on the 17th floor, with windows in front of me opening out to a vast expanse of sky, I can always rely on the entertainment the birds provide as they float and dance their way across the sky.

Birds have always fascinated me and one of the delights of our balcony garden is the constant flurry of hummingbirds around the feeders we keep for their pleasure. It’s a delight to have the opportunity to observe and photograph these delicate creatures at such close range.

Over the years, I have come to admire these little messengers from the heavens, not only for their grace and beauty, but also for their strength and endurance. There is resolve and focused determination in their ability to hover at the feeder with a steady, stable grace. Perhaps that's the reason I admire them and am drawn to them. I have come to look forward to their company and they have provided the inspiration for many of my designs.

It was only in 2018 that I completed this piece with a framework of free motion machine quilting.

Le Jardin des Colibris is an exploration of integrating a traditional hand stitching technique, boutis, with contemporary machine quilting.

It was finished in time to enter into Quilt Canada 2018, where it received first place in the category of “First Time Exhibitor”.

Framed with a machine quilted border on dupioni silk, the completed wall hanging measures 25 3/4” x 30 7/8”.

Close-up of the centre.

“Hummingbird Garden” is my little tribute to these lovely tiny creatures that bring joy and playfulness to my day.

If interested in further detail on the making of the hanging follow the link to my earlier website at seamsfrench.blogspot.com.
Hummingbird Garden

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