more modern medallion mojo

more modern medallion mojo

To see online and in-person workshops, taught by Patricia, that are open for registration +click here

By Patricia Belyea

WAUCONDA WA  After making a series of medallions centered in blocks, I challenged myself to make medallions in circles. Then I inserted the circle medallions into quilt tops.

Although I made three wildly different medallions and quilt compositions, I used the same 18"-sized circle in each one.Daisy Medallion Quilt by Patricia BelyeaProcess, Daisy Medallion Quilt by Patricia BelyeaProcess, Daisy Medallion Quilt by Patricia BelyeaDaisy Medallion Quilt by Patricia BelyeaDAISY MEDALLION QUILT

I learned something quite critical in making a medallion with five segments. The sewing of the medallion required a Y seam right where 15 seams were intersecting. It was tough to sew and I had to take out my stitching two times before I was satisfied.

Zag Medallion Quilt by Patricia Belyea

Process, Zag Medallion Quilt by Patricia BelyeaProcess, Zag Medallion Quilt by Patricia BelyeaZag Medallion Quilt by Patricia BelyeaZAG MEDALLION QUILT

The original sewing of the medallion segments looked too simple for me so I added the fine red bars. Working with two red solids, two-colored (indigo and white) yukata cottons, and triangle shapes, I had a fun time making the background composition.

Camo Medallion Quilt by Patricia BelyeaProcess, Camo Medallion Quilt by Patricia BelyeaProcess, Camo Medallion Quilt by Patricia BelyeaProcess, Camo Medallion Quilt by Patricia Belyea

CAMO MEDALLION QUILT

I played with negative space in this design. I wanted the background of the medallion to meld into the background of the quilt—like camouflage. The lively patterned fabric was created by Sou Sou, a Japanese design company based in Kyoto.

Below: Auditioning background fabricsProcess, Zag Medallion Quilt by Patricia Belyea

It's a intriguing way of designing a quilt—from the center out! I'm pretty excited about Modern Medallions and look forward to teaching my approach to  students online and in-person.

# # # # #

ABOUT US: Okan Arts, a petite family business, is co-owned by mother-daughter duo Patricia Belyea and Victoria Stone. Patricia and Victoria sell Japanese textiles online, host creative quilting experiences, and lead quilting & textile tours to Japan.

FOLLOW OKAN ARTS ON INSTAGRAM @okanarts