Thought-filled Thursday

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.

So... sans any ear buds and book... I turned my attention to a vintage quilt that was made in the 1940s by my Great-grandmother, Lala Teegarden.  This quilt happens to be the quilt that is currently on display on the guest bed.

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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