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Canyon Quilters of San Diego is a non-profit group established in 1985 by area women whose purpose is "to promote good fellowship among persons interested in the art of quiltmaking and to promote the knowledge and appreciation of all aspects of quiltmaking. Thirty women from the guild appliquéd, pieced and embroidered in order to put the top together. Guild members did the quilting and the project took nine months to complete. The quilt was a financial and creative success. It raised $6,500 for the guild and provided a great sense of satisfaction for those who participated.Label
From "Award Winning Quilts & Their Makers Vol. III: The Best of American Quilter's Society Shows 1990-1993"
Speaking of her work as a designer for this group quilt, Donalene Rasmussen comments, "I was inspired to design the quilt 'Poppies and Other California Beauties' because of my love for my family's native state of California. The majority of the images are original designs based on research of wild and domestic flora; also included are some traditional blocks which represent California plant life to me. In addition, most of the colors used are quite pure, like the California sunshine.
This quilt is constructed of 100% cotton, with a polyester batting. The design is machine pieced and hand appliqued with hand embroidered detailing.
Asked about her background, Donalene explains, "In 1960 when I was expecting our son, I made a baby quilt from a Clamshell pattern my husband's grandmother gave me. I continued to correspond with her about quilting, but didn't make another quilt until 1984. At that time a neighbor thought I needed a diversion from a family situation. I made a king size sampler quilt, totally hand pieced and hand appliquéd because I thought that was what was expected. I found myself hooked on the whole process, from designing, to pawing through stacks of fabric, to seeing the surface come alive with quilting stitches."
Donalene continues, "I feel that my most satisfying quilt design has come from the inspiration organic forms in nature provide. This quilt, though traditional in form, gave me the pleasure of again referring to Mother Nature for expression. The winner of this opportunity quilt, Margaret Ecklund of Ryegate, Montana, chose to donate it to [NQM] rather than keep it for herself.
Giving more details about her work as a designer, Donalene comments, "I designed this quilt while I was Ways and Means Chairman of Canyon Quilters, and I was challenged by a friend to work in the Baltimore Album style. In addition to designing the quilt, I organized the workforce of guild members who executed the design with their wonderful appliqué and quilting skills. The months of contact with these volunteers produced some friendships which have become very special to me."
Asked what tool she cannot imagine being without, Donalene replies, "The needle would be sorely missed in the pursuit of most fabric art. I'd like to think that my brain and hands would be too!"