here’s the current status of my scrappy trip around the world quilt. i’m just trying to decide, should i make it bigger? if i quit right now, it will be about 56″x56″. originally I had thought maybe a toddler bed quilt kind of size, so this would be perfect.
now though, i’m thinking it might be better used as a larger lap quilt. and i can’t just add one row on the bottom. i guess i’m a little strange, but it’s important to me that i get full diamonds. so i’d have to add two rows of blocks, whether it was just on the bottom, or on the side too. either way, that means i’ll have to more than double it! and i really think that i’m never gonna finish it then…
one other option is to make a wide border around like this one.
i received an email asking me ‘if i were to make one more Hope Valley quilt, what design would i use?”
i love this question!! and it was so timely, because i do have enough of this line left to make one big quilt! and i’m not completely decided yet.
on thing i do know though, is that i LOVE Hope Valley in a rainbow. i think the strips on the back of this quilt is my favorite ever use of this line.
So I think I might possibly do something like this, kind of a mix of a coin quilt, but possibly a bit more random with varying widths on the strips. I would use Essex Linen in natural as my background fabric, because i love how it plays with these fabrics.
if you want to see a coin quilt made with these fabrics, check out Jeni’s. i can picture something a lot like that, only with the colors arranged in a rainbow.
OR, here’s a similiar idea, but a bit more colorful. Do rainbow strips like this, but take away the natural colored background strips and just make it full, full full! of Hope Valley.
something a little bit like this.
OR, what about copying one of my fave quilts ever, and doing a rainbowy something like this?
seriously, what could be better than some improv chevron strips (of course with Robert Kaufman Essex Line n in Natural as the background)
i know i’ve had lots of other ideas in the past for this fabric, but this seems to be what i’m stuck on right now. what would you do with Hope Valley? (provided you actually like it, of course!)
just one more thought, i think this line works really well in a modern design, because the colors and designs of the fabric read more traditional. this makes for a wonderful pairing with a modern pattern.
(i’ll show you the rest of this quilt yet)
one more announcement! you may already be aware, but if you’re not, there is a way us quilters can help out with the tornadoes in OK. The Oklahoma City Modern Quilt Guild has a blog post here, where you can read details.
I'll chime in to talk about Hope Valley, I loooooooove Hope Valley. Here's one that I'm crazy about — when I saw this quilt I decided I had to collect the line, even though I had just started quilting and you could no longer find it all in one place. I think I have bits and pieces from ten or more vendors (and don't tell but I just bought a little more from Pink Castle last week, I can't stop). Anyway: http://www.flickr.com/photos/13226087@N06/5461652999/in/photostream/
Question: Do you prewash your Essex linen before sewing it to unwashed quilting cottons?
P.S. I hadn't seen that Scrappy Trip with the thick borders, but I love it. That gets my vote.
Love your idea, Jenny! No, I never prewash any of my fabrics, including linens, and i've never had a problem. (wait, I DO prewash flannel if I'm using a large chunk)
I love your quilts! I just started a scrappy trip around the world and I know what you mean about wanting full diamonds! I was just thinking the same thing…should I make mine bigger? I'm gonna try for a baby quilt and see if I can stop there 🙂
As far as the scrappy quilt goes, do you need to get rid of more scraps or are you scraping the bottom of the barrel?i like the size it is now for a lap quilt. It's very pretty to boot so more would be even prettier ; )
I love your Hope Valley Rainbow too!
i love it! i'm still looking for the perfect idea that merits cutting into my hope valley stash! i was thinking of doing something down the postage stamp line…
nope. actually now that i looked at that rainbow-y back i'm thinking you're absolutely right! These need to be rainbowed and stacked. i think i can finally get out the mat and cutter 🙂 thanks for all the ideas!
I love your Hope Valley quilt but I also think your Pastel Granny Squares is lovely.
Oh what is the perfect Hope Valley quilt? I'm still undecided and I may just have a full unwrapped bundle hanging out right next to me. A Hope Valley trip crossed my mind until I saw it stacked like a rainbow.
Hope valley… Lovely! Some time ago I saw a quilt with flying geese in a circle, just like a pin wheel. But I like the geese shape better! This is on my absolute to do list! Unfortunately I can't find the picture to lunk up.:(
Love your scrappy trip along. Love the gorgeous pastel fabrics you used.
Lovely scrappy trips colors! Totally agree about the full diamonds… that's how mine ended up 96"x96". Keep going!
I just love your little scrap around the world quilt and I wouldn't make it any bigger as I think it looks gorgeous as it is. I love the Hope Valley and it is so inspirational. I am so new to the world of quilting, so half the time I feel like you are all talking a different lingo, but I am loving it xo
Hmm, I was planning 16 blocks for my scrappy trippy too! Love the look of yours. All those quilts are great – wonder what you'll decide on? Whichever one, have fun!
Your trip around the world quilt is so pretty! Small quilts are nice to throw over a chair or corner of a table
Keep forgetting to ask what is the best quilting book for a complete beginner?? Thx
I LOVE the last quilt- can't wait to hear more about it!
I LOVE the last quilt- can't wait to hear more about it!
I love all your quilts! I know how you feel about adding more to your scrappy trip. Maybe a scrappy border??
I found a coin quilt I loved on a blog called My Quilt Infatuation. Sorry, I don't know how to add the link, but I promise it's worth the search. The quilt is called Coins on the Sidewalk. I think the Hope Valley fabrics would suit that pattern.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with for your scrappy trip 🙂