Entry Number: 170
Quilt Maker: Benjamin Evans
Quilted By: Quilted by Machine (Domestic or Longarm) that is Hand-Guided: Benjamin Evans
Techniques: Pieced, Appliqué by Machine, Thread Painted
Design Source: Jellybean Row by Corey J. Ralph of Sew Manly Quilting
Artist Statement
I began sewing as a small boy using an antique Singer machine to make little cushions for my Star Wars people. Largely self-taught, over the years I have endeavoured to make a wide variety of fabric crafts and garments. I took my first quilting class in 2014. Although I favour making traditional quilts using precise patterns, I have pushed myself to try using more modern colours and techniques, including raw edge appliqué and improvisational curved piecing. Typically drawn to more masculine prints, any green or purple fabric, or one with moustaches on it, makes me exceedingly happy.
This art quilt was made using the first pattern developed by my bestie, Corey J. Ralph, Sew Manly Quilting. The pattern honours the vibrantly coloured row houses in St. John's, Newfoundland, which are also reminiscent of (although much more colourful than) the row housing that my father lived in while growing up in a small village in Ireland. This quilt was a challenge, yet another good opportunity to practice raw-edge appliqué.