I wanted to use a fabric without too much print or pattern so that the words would be visible at least as handwriting, even if they weren’t legible. I also felt it appropriate to find a bright and/or strong color, not to show anger but to echo the intensity of thought I have had in my head. I found a piece of cotton that I had done some sun printing on that had enough variety not to read as a solid (which I thought would be boring). I taped it around the edges to a clipboard for easier writing, grabbed my permanent fabric market and let my thoughts go. I initially cut the piece larger than my 5″ x 7″ size because I wanted the text to run off the edge once I cut it down. I had planned on a stippling free motion quilt pattern but just before I committed to that, I thought perhaps the lines back and forth would look better for some reason. I was worried it might be too much like lined paper but I’m so glad I quilted it that way. The texture up close, and on the back, is cool.
The words are more legible than I’d wanted, but I really like the edgy look and how it all came together. I could see using this technique again, either as a focal block in a larger piece or perhaps all over a smaller wall quilt.