Changing Gears Quilt Show and Sale
 
Creativity, Large (100-006)
Creativity, Large (100-006): 'Oh, For Henna's Sake!' by Michelle Reasoner
"Oh, For Henna's Sake!" 
By Michelle Reasoner
  • Size: 74" W x 74" L
  • Entry #100-006, Pieced Quilt, Large Category
Awards
  • Overall Award for Creativity, Large
Comments
Henna is a type of temporary body art that is mostly seen at festive occasions, religious ceremonies, and weddings. "Oh, For Henna's Sake" includes stylized feathers, paisley patterns, vines, checkerboards and more. Some of the designs include circles smaller than a pencil eraser. Peacocks are often used as a symbol of love in wedding ceremonies and are seen throughout this quilt. The Swarovski crystals replace the dots common in traditional henna designs. Designs vary from one culture to another. This quilt depicts a combination of motifs from North Africa, the Middle East, and India. In most cultures, henna art tends to be rather intricate and tightly spaced. The multi-colored batik used in this quilt is hand-dyed in Malaysia. I started with a scrap bag that I received for Christmas and was inspired to play after seeing the blocks on my design wall. The top grew quickly, but the quilting inspiration came after seeing an episode of "Ace of Cakes" that used henna on a cake. Although temporary, henna body art can take hours to apply. My hope with this quilt was to honor the beauty of the art form, in a way that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Techniques
Machine Piecing, Machine Quilting, Embellishment (Swarovksi Crystals)
Design Source
Original Design

Austin Area Quilt Guild