This week we have a new shipment with lots of Steampunk-themed prints, so I thought it would be fun to showcase these images of the Mechanical Elephant in Nantes France.
Last year in April I went to the quilt festival in Nantes – ‘Pour l’Amour du Fils‘. After the quiltfest, I visited Les Machines de l’Ile, and the mechanical creations who reside on this magical island of misfit steampunk assemblages. The star of the island is the mechanical elephant. It holds up to 50 people, and when everyone is onboard, it will take you for a rambling walk around the park. It is huge!
While at the Nantes quilt festival I met a Ukrainian quilt artist living in France. She was tending the SAQA booth when I met her. One year later, I saw her again in the Birmingham SAQA booth, and her quilt inspired by the mechanical elephant was in the gallery! We now have the companion book for the StitchPunk exhibit – in stock now.
Lena Meszaros made this cutout piece of fiber art named “The Mechanical Elephant”, after seeing the giant mechanized sculpture in Nantes. It was constructed from cotton and synthetic fabrics, leather, plastic, copper wires and metal foil. It was fused, appliqued, pieced, woven, embossed and freemotion quilted.
You can find details of Lena’s quilt, and others from the Birmingham quilt festival, on my photo pages.
Image above, clockwise from top left:
Mechanical Elephant in Nantes, France
Steampunk Elephant Panel – by Desiree’s Designs
Lena Meszaros – “The Mechanical Elephant”
Steampunk Mona Lisa – Rubin Design Studio
More info about Steampunk on this page.
When you read this Wednesday I’ll be on my way to the airport, flying to Charlotte NC, then White Plains NY. I am attending the AQSG Seminar in Tarrytown NY this week. (American Quilt Study Group)
Sharing your love of fabric…
Luana and Paul
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Travel/Quilt Dates:
Sept 4-8 – AQSG Seminar, Tarrytown NY
Sept 15-25 – Painting Retreat
Oct 31 – Nov 3 – Houston Quilt Festival
Nov 13 – Canada (CQA) Zoom Lecture
December 5-13 – Textile & Costume Italy Tour. Alpine Xmas Market Extension Dec 13-15.
Jan 21 – Visions Museum Zoom Lecture
