Judy Dales began quilting more than thirty years ago, when tradition ruled the quilt world, so she learned to quilt the old fashioned way. Today, however, Judy combines high-tech tools with traditional design and drafting techniques to produce work that is unique and instantly recognizable.

Originally fascinated with geometric design, she has explored a variety of star patterns and Islamic mosaic designs. The discovery of curves, however, truly opened the door to creativity, and her work has become more expressive and personal since she began incorporating pieced curves into her quilts.

She has also invented a method of adding layers of transparent fabric to the background areas of her pieced designs which softens the edges and produces a look that is reminiscent of the bleeding effect of watercolor paints. Some of her newer work is a form of collage using chiffon and tulle which creates layer upon layer of color, a particularly rich effect.

Judy spends a great deal of her time teaching classes on color and design for quiltmakers. Her book, Curves In Motion, is in its third printing and is introducing quilters throughout the world to the joy of incorporating curves into their work.

FEATURED QUILTS:   The faint silhouette of a woman's face indicates that we are actually looking at what is inside her head. The faint image of a dove with an olive branch embedded deep in her mind represents the yearning for peace. In contrast, reality is outside her head: tears, vegetation, fins and whales tails, all representing the destruction we have created on our planet.

The repeat block used in this design is quite simple. It is the arrangement of color and value that makes an interesting design. The value makes a transition from a light figure on a dark background in one corner to dark on light in the opposite corner, creating a positive/negative effect. The color flows gently across the surface producing areas of warmth, depth and strong contrast.

The bright red backing earned this large quilt the nickname "Big Red" . The design is based on a kite-shaped repeat block, but various elements were combined or deleted in order to camouflage the block. The rotational symmetry creates a feeling of motion and whimsy.

The design for this quilt was originally sketched on the back of copied sheet music, while Judy listened to the sermon in church. The music was hymn no. 431 , hence the title. It has an underwater feel and definitely speaks of lush and vibrant vegetation.

Website & Contents Copyright © 1997-2002 Judy B. Dales
Last updated: Friday, February 21, 2003
This website was originally produced by Elizabeth Nephew and Updated by Diane Fixx