Darcy Gardner

This quilt is a labor of love, where I've blended different quilting techniques to give life to leftover fabrics. I've pieced together classic patterns like stars and geometric shapes, using English paper piecing for precision and the log cabin method for a homely touch. The chocolate brown sashing frames each block and adds structure. Hand-quilting stitches follow the designs, providing texture, and the carefully attached binding ensures a neat finish. This piece in my portfolio highlights my journey in quilting, showing my appreciation for the craft's heritage and my own evolving skills.

This piece showcases my fondness for the simplicity and elegance of hand embroidery. Here, I've brought a single daisy to life using basic stitches: the petals are done in satin stitch with a soft white thread that contrasts against the vibrant yellow French knots at the center. For the stem and leaves, I used a combination of split and stem stitches in varied shades of green, adding depth and a touch of realism. This embroidery reflects my enjoyment in capturing the quiet beauty of nature in thread on fabric.

In this embroidery piece, my aim was to capture the vibrancy and diversity of a wildflower bouquet. I've used a rich palette of colors, employing a mix of stitches to give each flower and leaf its own texture and dimension. The deep red bloom, with its layers of satin stitch, serves as a focal point amidst the delicate blue flowers, which are brought to life with petite stitches and French knots. The leaves and buds are accented with fishbone stitch, providing a natural, leafy texture against the fabric's backdrop.