Guest Blogger: Miki

Hello. I am Miki Willa from Miki’s Fabric Creations. (http://mikisquilts.blogspot.com)

A short time ago, Victoria graciously invited us to quilt along with her on our own 

interpretation of aMatisse painting. I selected The Girl with Green Eyes

and started pulling fabrics.

I decided to start on the bottom half of the quilt because it looked less complicated than the top. 

Iwanted to do this with all solids, so that is how I started. As you can see, I decided

to add some batiklike fabrics as I got into the project. There were parts of the painting

I thought were important that I just couldn’t recreate with solids.

Starting on the top section was very intimidating. To get what I wanted, I knew I would have to use
some curves and set-in seams. There was just no way around it unless I appliquéd the entire head, 

and I didn’t want to do that. So, I pulled more fabrics. Jumped in and did a couple of curves 

and y-seam to get started. I really enjoyed not measuring or using a pattern for this. I love a 

good challenge.

After I put the top and bottom together, I realized it wasn’t working for me. The proportions for the
painting weren’t right, and I had left out important elements. I pulled more fabric and created the

left and right sides, then attached them. I was much happier. The only thing missing was the flower 

on the hat. Part of why I chose this painting was the hat. I knew I could replace the 

old straggly flower with amuch bolder one. I also wanted her to have a better white collar. 

These things, I did appliqué.

I am really pleased with the way she turned out. I suppose she should have green eyes, but I figure 

theyare implied in the title. I was going to make more Matisse blocks, but have decided to 

select paintingsfrom my other favorite masters and make an Art Masters quilt. This is a long

term project, but I am pretty excited about it.

Thank you so much, Victoria, for inviting me to share my Matisse adventure.

Thank YOU Miki!  

I always look forward to seeing what you will attempt.  

You are fearless in your approach, you have a keen eye for color and detail, 

and your very supporting and helpful. 

I admire that so much.

Your block is beautiful!!! Well done!