Dancing with the Moon

SAQA-Wyoming Color Challenge

SAQA Regional Challenge: Connecting Through Color

Our local SAQA group recently set out a unique challenge. The task was to choose a common color, which turned out to be black, and use it to create connection between our quilts. Each quilt had to include a 2” wide strip of black fabric on both the left and right edges. Once displayed together, those strips will create a continuous flow, visually linking each artist’s work into one collaborative installation.

The format was also consistent: every quilt measuring 12” wide by 24” tall. Within those boundaries, though, the creative possibilities were endless.

I’m excited to share my three submissions for this challenge:

• Dancing With The Moon

• Always Within Reach

• Majestic Magpie

Together, these pieces are part of a larger whole, showing how individual voices can harmonize through shared structure and vision.

Dancing With The Moon

“Dancing with the Moon” was inspired by a Taylor Swift video where her scarf floated gracefully above her head. From that image, I envisioned a flowing black dress paired with a long black scarf, capturing both elegance and movement. I used fabric paint for the face, highlight part of the dress and added shimmer to the moon. The rest of the quilt is raw applique.

Always Within Reach

“Always Within Reach” was designed to be simple yet impactful. The imagery shows a mother reaching for her child’s hand or perhaps the other way around; symbolizing connection and love. I used this piece as an opportunity to highlight Free Motion Quilting (FMQ), filling the surface with playful, doodle-like stitching that made the process both creative and fun.

Majestic Magpie

“Majestic Magpie” was the first quilt I created for this series. Inspired by my love of stained glass and mosaic artwork, I aimed to capture that same layered, luminous effect. I also challenged myself by experimenting with Jacquard Fabric Paints for the background, while using fabric appliqué to bring the magpie and fence to life.

Together my three pieces to be entered into the Color Challenge Exhibit

Bringing the Pieces Together

Though each quilt tells its own story, whether it’s the flowing elegance of Dancing with the Moon, the tender connection in Always Within Reach, or the bold, mosaic-inspired Majestic Magpie. Together they form a unified narrative. Linked by the black strips on each side, they speak to balance, connection, and harmony within diversity.

This challenge reminded me of the power of collaboration: individual voices and visions coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. My three pieces carry different inspirations, but when joined side by side, they reflect movement, love, and playfulness—threads that connect not just quilts, but people.

~ Angela McPherson