Artist Statement: "The late Freddie Moran, who was an amazing artist and quilter, made the comment that 'red is a neutral'. Well, I love the color red, and after I saw that comment, I started thinking about it and decided I would put it to the test. I decided to use the large stash of red fabrics in my collection and use them as a background color. I drew the overall layout of the quilt, but 26 blocks didn't fit evenly in my layout, so I decided to break them up and add a larger block in the center like I had done with A Letter Bit of Baaltimore. I had no idea what I would put in the center, or the other blocks for that matter, but the layout seemed good. I designed and appliquéd the flowers and vases and used a grosgrain alphabet ribbon I had on the flower containers. As I was creating each block, I realized Freddie was correct! Nearly any color looked good on the red 'neutral' backgrounds! It seemed obvious to add a sunshine in the larger center block, as all flowers need sunshine! When I figured out there needed to be a sun, that's when the title emerged. Of course, I knew I had to add a few sheep, so Ewe Are My Sunshine seemed like the perfect title."
Houston International Quilt Festival Artist Statement: "A collection of red fabrics and alphabet ribbons inspired this design. The title came quickly after designing the layout. Of course, there have to be sheep, the alphabet, and a few embellishments! This is the fifteenth quilt in my ongoing "Alphabet" series."
Fun Fact: "In the process of choosing the turquoise and red colors for the pinwheel border, my dear husband proclaimed that this quilt was 'genius'. Of course, he was rather biased."
Techniques: Machine Piecing, Raw-edge Appliqué, Embellishments, Free-Motion Embroidery, Machine Quilting
Materials: 100% Cotton Fabrics, 40/60 Batting; Glass, Metal, and Plastic Embellishments ; Cotton, Poly, and Silk Thread
Design Source: Original Design
Maker: Janet Stone
Quilter: Janet Stone
Year Made: 2015
Size: 63" x 72" Inches
Shows & Museums: National Quilt Museum - Paducah, Kentucky; AQS QuiltWeek - Paducah 2017; AQS QuiltWeek - Houston 2016; AQS QuiltWeek - Syracuse 2016
Awards: Janome America Best of Show - AQS Paducah 2017; Best of Show - AQS Houston 2016; Best of Show - AQS Syracuse 2016
