Quilt Artist:

Susan Carlson

Name of Quilt:

Radius

Size of Quilt:

30” X 30” Quilt

Materials:

Cotton fabrics, thread

Techniques:

Fabric collage and free motion machine quilting

Design Inspiration:

Inspired by Libby Lehman. In this quilt, Radius, I wanted to reflect Libby's radiant personality, ready smile, and infectious humor. I can't say that I know her, our teaching paths have rarely crossed, but I had the distinct pleasure to be in the audience at one of her lectures. She had us laughing with her quick wit and wowed us with her knowledge and control of her quilting art. I was robbed of the chance to spend some time with her when she fell ill just a few months before we both would have been teaching in New Zealand. I can't even imagine how her presence would have added to that experience. So when I was asked to be a part of the Inspired by Libby group of quilters, I have to say I was inspired as much by Libby herself as by her stunning quilts. Libby's Radiant Circles quilts and her quilts of multi-colored undulating leaves are well known and loved. I happen to love both circles and leaves, representing cycles of life and growth, and both have been employed liberally throughout this quilt. The sun design is one I developed for my Serendipity Quilts book. There's a bit of a yellow rose in the cheeks, a wave to her home state of Texas and to that lovely southern accent of hers. The background is filled with spirals, both in fabric choice and quilting design. The spiral is a symbol of a new beginning, which Libby is facing with courage and determination. I chose the title, Radius, to represent how Libby is a center in a wide circle of quilters. I'm honored to be a part of this group, and hope that my quilt does its part in helping support Libby's ongoing recovery. Sun design from my book, Serendipity Quilts.