In my quilts of animals, I try to portray what makes each individual or species special or awe inspiring. Years ago, reading nature encyclopedias to our son (his choice of bedtime reading), I was awed and inspired by the shear size of a saltwater crocodile, averaging 20 feet, making it earth’s largest living reptile. It seemed that the thing to do was to create a fabric version to share those facts with others. After years as only a thought, and a few more years of collecting my eclectic palette of “crocodile” fabric, I’ve created my own 20 foot Saltie. She is nicknamed Stevie, in honor of the late Australian wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, another icon of our son’s childhood. Saltwater crocodiles are native to Australia and I have worked in some Australian Aboriginal fabrics of other native animals such as kangaroos, emus, witchetty grubs, and a lizard onto Stevie’s abundant body. “Crocodylus Smylus” has fulfilled my wish to spread the awe of a creature such as this existing on this planet, with us, at this moment in time. Pretty cool.
For more information about the creation of this quilt, including a time-lapse video of the process, visit the blog posts about Stevie.
3-21-17
I’m attending your class starting 4-6-17 at WI Museum at Cedarburg WI.
Never have done a collage in any media so this is truly learning experience.
My subject will be our dog. A feisty, loving twelve pound spitfire
Chihuahua and Yorkshire dog. She is alpha dog which lords over the 2 pet cats.
I have 2 of your books, look at them and want to make something but just don’t know
where to start. Looking forward to the class and meeting you.
Connie Aspinwall
Hi Connie – good subject, sounds like she has a unique personality too. I’m glad you’re reading my posts – it seems to help my upcoming students. Be sure to check out today’s post about fabric, and there are ones for photo selection and an overview of creating your design to work from too. See you soon!
Awe-inspiring.. is that a baby seal at the mouth opening?
Uh, no.
Where can we buy this pattern? I love the croc. Your quilt is beautiful
Stephanie
None of my big quilts are for copying. They are one of a kind.
Susan
This is awe inspiring! You should enter it in the Grand Rapids Art show in Michigan. Attracts artists from around the US… and 10s of thousand of visitors. Colleen.