Quilts
Machine pieced and hand quilted, these quilts are made up of materials on hand. Having worked for a sustainable organic cotton clothing company, the materials I use follow a no waste ethos in my quilting. Denim pants, stained shirting, curtains, maxi skirts, bedsheets, and drop cloths are examples of materials in my work.
Sometimes Quickly, Sometimes Slowly 2020
81” x 65”
Denim and muslin
This quilt was inspired by time spent with some of my favorite things during COVID19: Traditionial quilt blocks, blown out black denim jeans from too much bike riding, and Angus, my black and white cattle dog. Using half square triangles, this quilt is made of muslin and old denim jeans. The color and material both contrast the beginning and end of the life cycle of fabric.
Things I’d Like to Tell You 2021
Denim, cotton, faux suede
57” x 46”
This quilt is a reflection of people, places and experiences I've loved and collected. Each piece of fabric is a textile I have a personal and rich connection with: the curtains have hung with me for a decade, my father's boat bed sheets from sleepy summer nights, remnants from a kaftan dress I made, fabric from a home made bike bag that has cycled miles; preloved, hand me down jeans from clothing swap circles of strong and empowering women, a fuzzy sheep halloween costume, vintage fabric from a favorite thrift store from my hometown. Can you spot which ones are which? I could not be "with" my friends and family during the pandemic, but this quilt allowed me to keep some of the memories and people close to me. My name is Kelly Murray and I have stories to tell. This is one of them.
Cottagecore 2021
67” x 65”
Cotton, muslin, velvet, denim
This tied quilt was made during the pandemic using fabric I had on hand. I attempted to make a lone star block and when the pieces didn't line up, I used them in a way where you couldn't tell. Can you spot them?
Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, 2022
76” x 66
Organic cotton gauze & muslin
Made during the pandemic, this quilt is an ode to my favorite Italian restaurant, Front Street Trattoria, in my hometown of Red Bank, New Jersey. Sadly the restaurant shut its doors in 2020, but the taste of their breadsticks, pizzas, and salads will forever be a happy memory. Made from two damaged red maxi skirts and muslin cloth, this piece is machine sewn and hand quilted.
Imperfections 2022
58” x 56”
Organic cotton gauze, muslin, striped shirting, upholstery fabric and tassel
This is a quilt told in two sentences and three colors. The ‘micro-story’ stitched text in this quilt is a small addition but gestures towards bigger issues: direct narratives about family, mental health, and generational trauma. Made from discarded fabrics from a previous quilt including muslin, curtains, a red organic cotton gauze maxi skirt, a stained mens shirt and found upholstery materials, this quilt is made honoring imperfections.
Secret Bargain Garden 2023
88” x 65”
avocado dyed muslin, denim
Machine pieced, hand quilted, with my first attempt using a walking foot around the quilt. This simple striped quilt color is made from avocados that had fallen in my yard from my neighbor’s. I used the avocado skins and pits to dye muslin to achieve a shade of pink, and 2 pairs of my distressed denim jeans cut in strips for the striping. The dusty rose color quilt summons Victorian era vibes with its muted color on the front, yet the back is full of floral patchwork.