I've had more "free time" lately and have really missed the whole process of quilting... every step involved.
From the inception of idea to the designing of a pattern and fabric selection... the cutting and piecing... and quilting and finishing. Every. Single. Step. It's been over a month since I have had a quilt finish! Ack!!!
I've enjoyed the 100-day challenge that I have embraced for the summer months. The variety keeps me going. I've baked... I've done paper embroidery... I've pieced... I've redecorated my "art" wall in the studio... I've even learned about creating reels for social media. LOL!
I have passed the days unguided and free... recently I have finished listening to two books - The Secrets She Kept was the second in a series. My personal opinion was that it wasn't as good as the first.
A mystery needed to be solved... and in the end, it was. Some of the characters were annoying as were a sub-plot or two... and some of the lines were so cheesy.
Perhaps it was the narrator that made me feel this way. Nonetheless, not a book that I spent time grieving at the end of it.
The Girls with No Names... a heartbreaking story that took place in the early 1900s. This one required some time to process.
I tried to start a new book right away... I was unable to truly focus on a new story. I started Theo of Golden but set it aside because I think it is one that Dave will really enjoy. I'm saving it for a trip.
I recently picked up a jelly roll from Connecting Threads and started imagining the fabrics in the set paired with blue.
But which blue? The lighter blue? Or the darker blue?
The darker blue is much more traditional and stands out... the lighter blue offers a softer look... very much low volume. Almost like a watercolor. It could make for a nice summertime quilt... especially if I were to use flannel instead of batting. If I make it larger than the original quilt Dave and I could have a new summer quilt for the bed.
The traditional is much more my "style"... but how does one grow and evolve if you never try something new and step outside the box.
I think I need to marinade on this! I'll ask Dave what he thinks as well.
As I continue to think and consider I will be at the cutting table. I have calculated on paper all of the sizes and number of pieces needed.
For anyone interested... the patchwork squares in the 5x5 block are 2-1/2"... making the block 10" finished.
I could implement some strip piecing for the patchwork... but I think I want the opportunity to carefully select the blocks for the "scrappy" look.
Besides... I'm not in a hurry, right!?
The setting squares are also 10" finished... but I am making mine with a 6-1/2" square with a 2-1/2 frame with cornerstones.
An up-close look at the original block reveals that the cornerstones are appliqued into place... I am choosing to do it a bit different with a pieced block.
The original layout has 28 blocks each in a 7x8 layout. If I make it larger it will have 32 each and an 8x8 layout.
I'll start with cutting pieces of the white fabric for the smaller size... I can always cut more... and then I'll move on to the cornerstones.
It seems strange to not have to rush into a decision and not be concerned about trying to get it finished as quick as possible... I could get used to this. ;) Does anyone want this to be a sew along? Leave a comment...
Chime in with your opinion about the lighter or darker blue...
Why would you choose that color.
I'd love to hear from you!
Keep Piecing,
Melva
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I was just going to say, I like the light blue, and then I realized it's because that it is that pretty fat quarter you sent me! Thank you so much, Melva! It just arrived today, and I will enjoy having it in my stash. I love Irish Chain designs, and it is tempting to sew along with you. But first I should finish my Little House quilt! I'm just about to order some batting and backing fabric from Connecting Threads. Do you have a link I can use to order through so that you get some credit for my order? I've done that for other quilters who were CT reps and I would be happy to do it for you.
ReplyDeleteI like both blues, is there a possibility to actually make 2 quilts, a summer quilt and a winter quilt? Happy stitching whatever you decide.
ReplyDeleteYou've been one busy lady, sounds like your activities are making your summer very enjoyable. I love your great-granny's quilt. How interesting that cornerstones are appliqued into place. I love my fat quarter you sent, and how pretty it looks in that block! I love both blues, so I'm no good to you. As far as a SAL, I might, but I'm already falling behind in my others. Still, I do love me an Irish chain!!
ReplyDelete"The Girls With No Names" was a good read. For delight, try listening to the Irish Country Doctor series by Patrick Taylor. I like the lighter blue because it feels calm to me. Goodness, I already have a bunch of 2 1/2 inch squares so I am tempted to sew along with you!
ReplyDeleteI've heard of the 100 day challenge - is this a particular challenge or one you are doing on your own? I also like the light blue but I've noticed - and this is just me - that as I have gotten older, the lighter colors suit me. However, my stash is quite bold...;-) My reading is scattered - cozy mysteries and some non fiction. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI like a challenge and the light blue. A sew a long would be fun using scraps as I have way too many.
ReplyDeleteI voted on your IG and I'll let you know here that I like the light blue. A sew-along would be fun, especially for an Irish Chain quilt. Not sure I could fit it in right now but never say never :)
ReplyDeleteI love your hexagon quilt on the wall - what kind of work needed to be done to keep it flat on the wall - did you run dowels through the edges on the back?
ReplyDeleteYes! I would love to join a sew along for that block. I'd choose the darker color - in fact my color would be in the darker blue family. It gives the eye somewhere to rest and will result in a prominent design for the top. The lighter color would just blend in with the other pieces. I'd make mine in scraps, too. I love that your husband is involved in quilt decisions. My husband is often helping with making those same decisions - he has a really good eye for color & design. We make our decisions together for design in the house, drapes, furniture, everything - although at this point, we really don't need anything anymore. That's a weird feeling to know that! We're at the 'looking back' stage. I remember all the things we hoped for in our early years, dreams, goals - and we're at the other end now. Very strange! BTW - like Karen, I am curious as to how you keep the hexagon quilt on the wall so flat - I was thinking flat pieces of wood on each side? Deb / California
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