March 28, 2012

Awhile ago, a reader suggested that I might highlight the work of incredible appliqué artist Deborah Kemball. I agree! I don’t know Deborah but I have been admiring her gorgeous work and have been collecting references to her as I come across them.

Deborah is the author of the very successful and lovely book Beautiful Botanicals.

In an interview in the newsletter of The Appliqué Society, I learned that Deborah does all of her work by hand, including the quilting. I was truly gratified to learn that she works quickly because she is not a perfectionist! If she’s unhappy with anything she makes it work later with embroidery or an additional motif.

At the 2011 AQS Lancaster Show, Deborah’s Midnight Garden won First Place in the Appliquéd Quilts, Hand Quilted division. You can see this beauty on Deborah’s Gallery page.

It’s one of two quilts in her pattern pack Twilight Garden Quilts.

Deborah currently lives in Chile and has started to include information about her techniques on her blog. We will all continue to look forward to more beautiful appliqué from this gifted self-taught quilter.

Until next time,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie

Comments

7 Responses to “Spotlight on Deborah Kemball”

  1. Mary on March 28th, 2012 1:02 pm

    I love that you have highlighted another quilter/appliquer/ist. It shows how we love to share our work with others and that not everyone just thinks of themselves. I looked at her blog and her work is gorgeous.

  2. Mary on March 28th, 2012 1:04 pm

    I just looked at the time stamp on my comment and it is really 4:03 here in Ohio.

  3. Deborah Kemball on March 29th, 2012 5:39 am

    Dear Kay
    I just want to say that I am overwhelmed by your comments about my work and your generosity in highlighting my work on your blog. It was just the most lovely surprise to see it here! Thank you so very much.
    Best Wishes
    Deborah

  4. Angie SoCal on March 29th, 2012 9:15 am

    Kay, thank you for highlighting Deborah’s work – I have admired her work since her book came out. Like yours, a joy to look at and dream. And Deborah, if you read this, I tried to follow your blog, but the button didn’t work.

  5. Kay on March 29th, 2012 9:34 am

    Deborah, you are so very welcome, one appliqué enthusiast to another!

    Kay

  6. Kay on March 29th, 2012 9:36 am

    Mary and Angie, thanks for your notes! Mary, the blog apparently time-stamped your comment at my time, not your time. I’m in California so we’re three hours different. K.

  7. Yasmin on March 31st, 2012 3:28 pm

    It is a pleasure for me that you mention to Deborah. Just last Tuesday I was at home here in Chile. I enrolled in a one-day Workshop and Deborah has taught us all work very well and generously as their knowledge of applications. She did not leave without explaining in detail all the tips, secrets, materials used, etc. It was a very enjoyable day for me and share more with six students.
    When I have a moment I publish this day in my blog.
    Warm regards and I love your posts and happy to be your follower.
    Yasmin