Small quilt made by Patricia Cummings. This depicts “Yum-Yum,” a main character in “The Mikado.” This quilt looks much better in person! I think I sharpened the photo too much, in photoshop.
“The Mikado” is a delightful satirical operetta written by Gilbert and Sullivan. I had researched the topic and had written about it extensively for an article that appeared in The Quilter magazine. At the present time, there is a somewhat shorter article on our website.
Needless to say, I was delighted to find the outline stitch design for Yum-Yum in the 19th century Cunnings’ catalog. Little by little, I have worked on this design in a mixed media kind of way – with nothing planned in particular, just including elements as I went along. For example, the two borders were from one piece of fabric from my scrap bag. The binding was also leftover from another project. I thought it would be fun to include some gold metallic threads and beads. I used crayon for her dress and hair, and embroidery to embellish both.
Quilting lines are kept to a minimum, on purpose. I did not want to overwhelm the small quilt. I placed black ties at the “intersections” of the “imitation patchwork” (a.k.a. “cheater cloth”) borders.
This lone figure looks Oriental, and yet, she doesn’t. You will understand more, when you read about the background of the dramatic presentation.
I really enjoyed creating this quilt, working from just a tiny line drawing. If there is any interest, I’d be happy to post that line drawing. Make a comment or write to me at: pat@quiltersmuse.com
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
