The Crane and Koi

Designed and sewn by Maggie Olson.

Maggie said she received an invitation in February, 2008 to create and donate a small wall quilt in support of local breast cancer charities. The theme was to be “Fishing For a Cure.” Maggie and 25 other quilt artists responded. Various sponsors covered event expenses and the luncheon brought in $22,000. There was a silent auction of donated baskets and quilts and the oral auction with the invitational quilts being sold for a total of $7,600. The Crane and Koi sold for $550.

Maggie used fabrics from her silk necktie collection and crepe back satin. The crane is three dimensional with detailed beading. The background fabric was purchased four years ago at a NAGOPS/ Comforters meeting when fabric artist, Pam Wells, was a guest speaker. Pam dyes and stencils fabric by the yard. What a pleasant surprise to find she had exactly what she needed in her stash.

The Crane is constructed from sixty-five pieces. Each feather piece was detailed machine stitching then hand appliqued to the background. The quilt measured 24” x 36”. Quilting was minimal; done in the Oriental strata style. The pattern is an original design. The piece mounted on a painter’s canvas/stretcher bars.

When asked about the time involved, Maggie estimated it took about six weeks, four to eight hours per day and this included design time. She said it is best for her to have a deadline, then she is focused and her husband understands the challenge of time needed for the project.