Patchwork in Rhythm

This 70" x 70" quilt entitled: Patchwork In Rhythm This piece of art was carefully constructed with cotton fabrics by Beth H. Reese of Harrisburg, PA and was expertly longarm quilted by Ann Smyser of Mechanicsburg, PA. This quilt is a fresh interpretation of a traditional Bear’s Paw pattern, which creates a striking star effect throughout the design. The arrangement of color and value allows beautiful secondary patterns to emerge of diamonds, pathways, and more stars. The quilt has a rhythmic, almost musical quality, with each piece contributing to the overall harmony. The rich, varied prints, and a warm palette give the quilt both a modern and vintage feel that will remain timeless. At 70 inches square, it is a generous throw to curl up on the couch, or can be displayed on top of the bed. Inspiration for Patchwork in Rhythm… I made this quilt to celebrate 50 Years of Anacrusis, a very big Milestone to celebrate! My personal connection is through my sister, Ellie Alpern, who is a member of the choir. She’s been a pianist and musician all her life, just as I have been a visual artist. Making this Quilt, titled Patchwork in Rhythm, felt like a conversation between our two languages of Music and Fabric. When beginning to make a quilt, or to build a choral performance, we first have to imagine what is possible, and start making choices. Fabrics are added and eliminated to find the right balance, just as the songs are shaped into a cohesive program. Both are built over time, piece by piece, note by note… And then something shifts. The design is emerging, the harmonies are forming, and the momentum builds. And then the moment comes when we make the very last stitch, or the day of the performance, and a certain magic happens! Through every piece of fabric, every single stitch, every individual voice, and every perfect note, are all essential to the final outcome. In the end, the whole becomes far greater than the sum of its parts, and it becomes clear why every step of this journey was worthwhile.” So let us honor the history of women who have made so many quilts to comfort us, and the multitude of women’s voices that have serenaded us for 50 years! Here’s to Anna Crusis! bethreesecreates@gmail.com IG = @bethreesecreates11 Mixed media/collage art, and Quilting (717)571-7524 About the Quiltmaker… Beth H. Reese "I learned to sew when I was very young and spent my teenage years and early adulthood making clothes and all kinds of household items. For a time, sewing took a back seat—until I discovered quilting in the 1990s and was instantly hooked. I dove in completely, taking countless classes, joining quilt guilds, attending shows, and reading every book and magazine I could find to understand every facet of the craft. I eventually co-owned Quiltmakers Cottage in Hershey for 11 years, a shop that was honored as one of the Top Ten Quilt Shops in the Spring 2010 issue of Quilt Sampler magazine. In addition to quilting, I am a mixed-media collage artist, with work shown in several venues throughout the Harrisburg area. My quilting and my art practice continually influence each other—I’m drawn to color, pattern, shape, and composition, as well as the technical processes that bring both quilts and collages to life. It has been a privilege to create this one of a kind quilt to honor the 50th Anniversary of Anna Crusis."