Four Patch Bridge at Sunset

“Four Patch Bridge at Sunset,” 45.5” x 17.5”, made by Pam Geisel, Nov. 2013

The last few years the members of the Miami Valley Art Quilt Network created “slice” quilts of photos of Dayton Landmarks. For 2014 we are each making a quilt that represents a place in one of the Five RiversMetroParks in Dayton, Oh.

The quilts could be based on a photograph of a spot in one of the parks, the use of the location, or something regarding the history of the Metro Parks. The quilts can be more abstract than the previous sets but must convey the scene without needing a “story” to explain it.

I decided to use an image from the Eastwood MetroPark, which is located close to where I grew up. I didn’t go there a lot as a kid, but I did have a vague memory of some stone bridges. My husband remembers going with his family when he was a kid and canoeing in the lagoon and under the bridges. Last Spring we went to the park to take some photos that I could use for reference.

Reference photo of bridge at Eastwood MetroPark

I made this quilt similar to my quilt “Early Morning Nine Patch” only the sky in this quilt is at sunset so there are purples and pinks in it, but there is still a strip that has stars on it. The strips are 1" tall.

Four Patch Bridge at Sunset detail of bridge

There are two “four patch” squares in the sky and one in the ground, plus the colors of the stones on the bridge alternate in a four-patch fashion, especially noticeable in the posts. I really think the bridge's reflection in the water really adds to the piece.

The sky and ground are pieced, the bridge is raw-edge appliqué. I bound it using my favorite facing technique.

The Miami Valley Art Quilt Study Group was recently discussing the “Rule of Thirds” so I used this to determine the placement of the bridge. To use the “Rule of Thirds” you divide the quilt into thirds both horizontally and vertically then make a note where these lines cross. This is where you place an item of interest, in this case it's the bridge.

More about Four Patch Bridge at Sunset

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The exhibit of Five Rivers MetroPark quilts will be at:

Cox Arboretum in March and April 2014

Wegerzyn Gardens in May and June 2014

Carriage Hill in July and August 2014

Aullwood Garden in January and February 2015