This is Mayuri, the Artsy peacock. He is my July Artsy Fartsy challenge for Island Batik Ambassadors. The inspiration for Mayuri comes from Indian folk art Motifs. I looked for items around the house, pulled out my saris, and asked my friend, Manju, for pictures of her saris. Based on all the pictures and hundreds of Kalamkari, Madhubani, Warli and Gond images online, I came up with a peacock using elements from each style.
The fabric for this project was provided by Island Batik, the thread by Aurifil, and batting by Hobbs batting, as part of the Island Batik Ambassador program.
The July challenge was to use Aurifil threads to make an artsy quilt. We were asked to use at least three different thread weights and show how they were used.
Aurifil threads used in the project.
Since I picked a design that was part applique and part free motion quilting, I used the heavier weight threads to sew down the appliqued pieces as well as to define the edges of the applique. I used the 28 wt Antique Rose to outline the pink applique pieces and the 40 weight Blue Violet to outline the dark teal and dark blue pieces.
Then, I used the 12 wt Light Delft Blue to draw the lines between the feathers (the stems?). It makes nice, well-defined lines but the thread kept breaking with my normal sewing needle. Aurifil recommends a top stitching needle for 12 wt threads and I didn’t have one. I switched to using the 50 wt blue but used a decorative stitch on my sewing machines that makes a thicker sew line.
I then used a 50 wt Light Peony to do some free motion quilting all over the background area. Since I used two layers of Hobb’s 80/20 blend batting, it has a nice chunky look. Heavily quilting the background makes the peacock stand out.
I sewed on a facing for this small wall quilt. This is the first time sewing a facing but there are so many videos online and all of them were very helpful.
Linking to all linky parties listed on the sidebar.
Near the side entrance to our house. This is the first wall I see when I enter the house from the driveway. 
The back looks as nice as the front.
Just another shot showing the texture 
A closer look
Wow, absolutely stunning ♥
Beautiful! What a wonderful use of the different thread weights.
A very elegant peacock; beautifully done!
Very pretty. Like you, I used 2 layers of batting and I love the definition. Unfortunately i did not think it thru and used a much narrower binding.
Pretty quilt, and a great way to use different weight threads!
Hi Vasudha! WOWEE! This takes the thread challenge to a new level. Just step back and admire the back of your quilt. Holy moly, it sure looks fabulous. I just adore the dense quilting which really makes the peacock shine without drawing attention away from it. It’s just like a real peacock, displaying each and every feather to its fullest extent. Gorgeous. And how nice that you get to enjoy it as you enter your home. It’s a wonderful welcome to you and others. ~smile~ Roseanne
WOW!!! I LOVE this! It’s so amazing! Great job!
What a fabulous stylized peacock!!! Great job on the quilting! Brilliant move to double the batting.
Wow, this is so fun! Your quilting is great too!
Stunning!
Wow, I love this! That green is the perfect shade for a peacock, before we even get to the threads! I love the depth of the swirls around the peacock. Beautiful!
Absolutely beautiful peacock!
That is gorgeous! Great job and what a fun use of the threads.
Wow. This is amazing. You did a great job.
This is really amazing.
I am completely MAD about peacocks and this one is magnificent!!
LOVE Mayuri! What a fun friend to see each time you come into your home. I need to do that – make a small wallhanging friend to hang inside the garage entry. 🙂
Pretty peacock, I love it!
It’s stunning! You did an excellent job.
it’s beautiful !
How fun is he, admiring himself??
I love peacocks, and yours is wonderful. Thanks for sharing how you designed him from the Indian folk art motifs. And thanks for sharing on Clever Chameleon.
Kudos to you on creating an original pattern. Congratulations on improving and improvising as you went along. Did you know that when they judge embroidery contests, they turn over the piece to see how neat the project is from the reverse? Mayuri would not disappoint those tough judges 🙂
Mayuri is beautiful and she danced her way into my heart!!! I am sure you are proud as a peacock :-p
Hello Vasudha,
I absolutely love your quilt! The fabrics you used for inspiration are gorgeous, and your peacock, although in different colours, is so in keeping with the traditional styles.
Thank you for linking up with Free Motion Mavericks. Your quilt is this week’s featured project!
Nice coincidence that my picture for the following Sunday was a peacock butterfly.
Love Muv
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