Pretty But Potentially Deadly • February 2016

Pretty But Potentially Deadly:  February 2016

E.coli, pretty but so bad

In our first Four-in-Art reveal for 2016, the theme for the year is Color and for this round the sub-theme is Microscopic, chosen by Simone.  It was the most difficult sub-theme to date, at least for me. I considered many subjects, but when I came across images of E.coli bacteria I knew the hunt was over - they spoke to me.

Up Close and Personal

This little thing almost took my mother's life AFTER she had survived a heart transplant.  Her transplant took place in November 1990 and sometime in 1992, after eating (we believe) a burger from her favorite "hamburger joint", she became ill enough to be hospitalized.  It was touch and go for some time and thankfully she recovered fully and lived another 10+ years with her new heart.  

In this 12" quilt, I chose 4 background fabrics which reflected things you might see under a microscope.  The E. coli cells are teal and hand-appliqued while all other stitching is done in Sulky Metallic in raspberry.  Most of the actual quilting follows patterns in the background fabrics.

The Back

On the back I have used another piece which spoke "science" to me and included our great logo on the label (hard to believe this is our fourteenth reveal).   A few other pictures will be on my Flickr site (Salt Ayer or Betty Ayers).