Circus Challenge
The circus challenge means it is time to reveal another art challenge quilt for The Endeavourers. We are a group of quilters who challenge each other with quarterly themes. This quarter’s theme was “circus” and it was definitely a challenge for me. I usually have many ideas to choose from for my challenge quilts, but with this one, I had very few. It wasn’t until I was whining to my daughter about it that she recalled an article she had read about a circus disaster in Hartford, Connecticut in 1944.
July 6, 1944 was a day of excitement as people gathered for what was the largest Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey circus in the country. The Big Top would seat 9,000 people around its three rings. Back in those days, the huge canvas tents were coated with paraffin wax dissolved in gasoline, a common waterproofing method at the time. Excitement soon turned to horror when a fire broke out during the circus. You can read about this horrific event here.
I decided to make my challenge quilt to remember this awful event in the history of the circus. I started by making the background in red/white rectangles to signify the Big Tents. I used Grunge with its gray markings to signify the smokey skies. For the wording, I cheated just a little and used fabric markers – I had waited so long to get started on this quilt, I had to cut some corners!
For the clown, I made his expression similar to that of famous sad tramp clown, Emmett Kelly. In the above article, a photo is shown of him carrying a water bucket, so I thought my clown should be a little Kelly-esque. Because of the Emmett Kelly photo, the day became known as “the day the clowns cried”. I glue basted the clown face to the background, and then stitched it down using raw edge applique.
For the quilting, I decided to use a yellow thread and free motion flames throughout the quilt top, other than the face.
I had this circus fabric on my shelf and decided to use that for the quilt backing.
A little red binding, and my quilt was finished. The quilt measures 17″ x 18.5″. I’m satisfied that I met the challenge, even though my quilt is about a sad event in history.
Wendy
What's Up Wednesday
19 Comments
Barbara J Stanbro
What a terrible story, but a great interpretation of the theme. It’s a reminder of why we need regulations to prevent these kinds of disasters. Great job on your quilt, and that backing fabric is great.
Johnson Sally
This turned out fantastic, Wendy! You really captured it! Love, love love💕!
Karen
that is a neat quilt – sad story but neat quilt
Bernie
What a cool interpretation of the theme Wendy. You are so darn creative! Well done.
marissthequilter
A powerful work. It jumped out at me and then, when I read the story it is telling, it became even more striking.
Linda
Wendy, what a beautiful tribute to that awful day in history. You are so creative and always love reading your blog!
Eva
The story is a sad one but to transform it as you did is perfect. The three red rings … the face of the clown and the lovely fabric if the back .. is amazing. Using different technics to design this picture to remember this history is done very clever and with great knowledge!
Diann@ Little Penguin Quilts
I didn’t know that story about the day the clowns cried, but you did a great job portraying it in a quilt, Wendy! Your Emmett Kelly clown face is amazing – so realistic. And the backing fabric is just perfect! I think you definitely met this challenge!
Laura
Wow! Well done, Wendy! Thanks for sharing the story that inspired your wonderful art quilt! I love this! 🙂
texasquiltgal
What a beautiful interpretation, excellent work. You nailed the challenge IMO – I think you should win a prize!
Kathleen McCormick
Oh, what a sad story. You did a fabulous job with this challenge and it is a great way to memorialize this event.
Cheree Hull
I remember reading of that. One of our 7th grade art projects was to paint a clown and I chose Emmet as my subject. It’s a beautiful remembrance–the thought put into it and its execution. Very well done! Even the backing is perfect!
Rochelle Summers
Imagine this: I was thinking about your challenge group the other day and wondering what you were doing this time. And then this post appeared. You have portrayed the clown so well. I’ve heard the phrase “the day the clowns cried” but did not the background. Some challenges are harder than others to complete, but I think you hit the mark with this little quilt. I love the backing, too.
Tracie
Nicely done!
Kate
Such a sad event, but what a wonderful way to honor those clowns. Beautifully done!
The Joyful Quilter
This turned out so good, Wendy! Thanks for including the history link. Your fabric marker work is incredible!
aquilterstable
Circus would have been a very challenging prompt for me too! I think you handled it well. Love your use of red & white/grunge to represent the tent and smoke.
Janine @ Rainbow Hare
This is a terrible story but a fantastic quilt. I also love your backing fabric 🙂
dianefharris
Wow!!!