May 15, 2011
Bargello Medly: Eileen Wright and her students – embellished with a little history
The history of bargello is attributed to a diva.
A Hungarian Princess is one of the people credited with the invention of the bargello technique.
The bride of a Medici, she brought this work with her to Florence in the 15th century and employed it
to cover the chairs now in the old Bargello Palace in Florence, Italy.
The chairs have a stunning “flame stitch” pattern, worked in wool on canvas.
Undoubtedly she was inspired by her environment.
In the 18th century beautiful flame stitch
pocket books were common.
Twisted bargello further expanded the art form.
Sunday we celebrated Eileen Wright’s contribution to the history of bargello,
with her patterns and book,
and classes that have inspired her students, including Laurie ( Island Sunset)
Judy (Infinity Bargello),
Pat (Infinity Bargello),
Kathie (Surf Song Bargello),
and Jeannine (Island Sunset) . Such incredible designs! The quilts will be on display until May 18th.
Sunday May 8th Eileen debuted the Misty Morning quilt, the beginning to her second book.
Marilyn shared her “tester” variation,
as did Mary Ann.
We have the pattern and you can try it out too!
We will TRY and be patient as Eileen designs more quilts , at least she has some version of CAD to help!
Digital bargello, aka computer assisted bargello,
has been explored by Canadian Marge Coahran in her 2005 University of Toronto thesis.
Computer programs, like Bargello Designer 32, can facilitate the bargello design process.
Computer programs create bargello entirely out of light!
In the hands and heart of an art quilter bargello transforms again.
“A Moment In Time” by Sue Rhodes of Heathfield,
Hand dyed and screen printed cotton sateen, become sea-lily on an ancient sea bed, enclosed forever within fossilized bands of rock strata.
New Zealand designer Ruth Blanchet
offers three internet classes at Quilt University.
Or of course you can begin with a runner by Eileen. 🙂
November 20, 2009
Nanaimo Notes and Bargello Dreams
The Nanaimo Guild 25th Anniversary Quilt
My birthday celebrations continued as we drove up Island in light rain through the emerald farm county. Our destination was the Nanaimo Quilters’ guild where I presented Lisa Moore’s Quilts with Twist trunk show to the afternoon and evening meetings. In turn they feted me with birthday wishes and a heavenly strawberry mousse. What a lovely surprise!
“>
It is always fun to visit with a guild, to meet the members and see the amazing projects. Among other things the Nanaimo guild was collecting an fabulous stack of Christmas place mats for Meals on Wheels
But what impressed me the VERY most was the heartfelt welcome and encompassing friendship they extend to their new members. The Nanaimo guild is a stellar example of all things good.
Between meetings we were pampered with a fabulous home made meal by our good friend and designer Eileen Wright.
We met Eileen soon after moving to Victoria and have been privileged to watch and encourage the development of her bargello designs, patterns and new book.
Eileen’s first quilts at Satin Moon were
Aurora Borealis
And Island Sunset
Super Nova was last years show stopper at the Victoria sewing show. In Satin Moon’s Booth of course.
Cosmic Twist is a favourite for our window- the perfect ocean quilt.
Infinity is waiting to be placed in the front window, and is the quilt that Eileen will teach in her workshop at Satin Moon next spring.
Satin Moon is one of only 3 locations that are lucky enough to carry her patterns.
Over dinner Eileen excitedly discussed the quilts and ideas for her NEXT book.
SUCH talent and energy!
Martingale has done a masterful designing and printing job. Twist and Turn Bargello Quilts is as much a coffee table beauty as a comprehensive instructional guide and inspiration. If you can, come in mid December through mid January to see the large quilts, and enjoy a this outstanding book.
Satin Moon's Blog 
