Op-Art: Mini Quilt #26

August 14, 2015

One of the remarkable things that happens when we quilt is that we start to see quilt patterns everywhere we go and in everything we see.  I had been thinking about making a quilt based on op-art for many years- ever since high school when I made a pen and ink op-art painting in art class.  It is fascinating to me that alternating different size and color rectangles can trick the eye into seeing dimension in a 2-D object.OpArt Quilt front view

The largest segment of this quilt finishes at 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ and the smallest is 1/4″ x 1/4″.  I started this quilt top by strip piecing alternating rows of black and white fabric.  Each strip of fabric became more narrow as I worked toward the center of the quilt and then grew progressively larger again.  Since this quilt is symmetrical I was able to cut the strip pieced segment into perpendicular strips in the same manner as the initial strip piecing.  I then flipped every other row over so the bottom square became the top.  This created the grid pattern.OpArt detail

Quilting lines move diagonally in both directions across each black square in the quilt.  This creates a subtle design that does not distract from the main optical illusion.  The backing and binding is the same black fabric that appears in the front grid.OpArt Quilt

Quilt Stats:

Title:  Op-Art Grid

Size:  20″ x 20″

Techniques:  Machine piecing

Quilting:  Linear quilting running diagonally across each black rectangle using a walking foot on a Bernina 1008

Fabric:  American Brand Solids in black and white

Batting:  Warm and White ( In retrospect, I think I should have used a black batting (even though there are white segments on the front) because the white batting seems to be bearding through the fabric a bit.)

Thread:  Pieced using polyester 100wt InvisaFil by WonderFil in light grey and quilted with black 50wt cotton quilting thread

Binding:  Coordinating black binding, cut on the bias in 2″ widths, machine stitched on the front, hand stitched to the back

What was new?

Creating an optical illusion in quilt form

Quilt 26 / 50

Quilt 26 / 50

Goal #3 is finished!

Goal #3 is finished!

 This week I’m linking up with Finish it Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts, Show Off Saturday at Sew Can She, Pet Project Show at Pink Doxies, Sew Cute Tuesday at Blossom Heart Quilts, Let’s Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts, and Whoop Whoop Friday at Confessions of a Fabric Addict.  Please stop by to see all of the awesome work being created!

16 Comments

  • Reply
    Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl
    August 14, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    I think I love the back of the quilt as much as the front – the shape that the quilting leaves behind is beautiful. 🙂

  • Reply
    JanineMarie
    August 14, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    I really like how the illusion continues to the back. I’ve noticed a bit of bearding with American Brand Solids, too. I like the fabric, but I think it is a bit looser weave than other solids I’ve used.

  • Reply
    Ida Ewing
    August 15, 2015 at 1:03 am

    Wow!! This is really cool. I love the back as much as the front.

  • Reply
    Deb Chimes
    August 15, 2015 at 5:21 am

    Your mini is amazing -what a great idea!

  • Reply
    Cindy
    August 15, 2015 at 8:18 am

    Beautiful quilt! I agree with Yvonne the back is as lovely as the front.

  • Reply
    Rochelle
    August 15, 2015 at 11:53 am

    I really like the quilt, both the front and the back. Your straight sewing is very precise so that all the seams match and nest perfectly. I, too, learned the hard way that white batting really shows up on the black when it beards. The quilting is great. I’ve been meaning to order some invisa-fil thread and this was a reminder.

  • Reply
    Margaret
    August 16, 2015 at 9:11 pm

    What pattern did you use? I am really taken with the back.

  • Reply
    Diana @ Red Delicious Life
    August 17, 2015 at 8:41 pm

    That is just too cool! Never would have thought to try this technique with fabric. Turned out amazing and I love the look of the back too!

  • Reply
    Jayne
    August 18, 2015 at 9:44 am

    Love it! The illusion is captivating and eye crossing! Perfect choice for quilting as well! I cannot wait to get my second illusion quilt pieced now! Great job!

  • Reply
    Maartje Quilts in Amsterdam
    August 18, 2015 at 1:31 pm

    Always love this kind of quilts. I my physics lessons I had fun with the kids with these kind of patterns and I love to see the quilts. It makes me smile. Thanks

  • Reply
    kris
    August 19, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    Love this and love the quilting!!!

  • Reply
    JOY
    August 20, 2015 at 12:26 pm

    We are definitely thinking along the same lines. (didn’t intend the pun, but fits here). I had posted a couple of weeks ago about seeing possible quilt designs everywhere including a brick laid sidewalk. This op art work had to be a brain twister to figure out how to cut the fabric. Wonderful job!

  • Reply
    Angela Grasse
    August 21, 2015 at 7:28 pm

    Great quilt!

  • Reply
    Colleen
    August 22, 2015 at 11:04 am

    Another fantastic quilt! Love how the quilting gives the back dimension also.

  • Reply
    Mini Quilt Mania 2015 | The (not so) Dramatic Life
    August 22, 2015 at 9:48 pm

    […] Op-Art: Mini Quilt #26 […]

  • Reply
    Archie The Wonder Dog
    October 8, 2015 at 12:17 pm

    It’s wonderful!

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