While I have no big shiny finished quilts to show you, I have found a few moments to sneak into my sewing room over the summer. Here’s a couple things I’ve been working on.
First of all my favorite, these foundation pieced strip blocks made from all my vintage-y scraps. I cut Warm and White batting into 6″ squares and then started by using a red strip in the middle. After that, I used a very loose color palette of pinks, yellows, oranges, and a little bit of green and aqua. And then a tiny bit of black… yes, this is how I work:) I find these type of quilt as you go blocks the most relaxing and fun to make. Partly because there’s not a marathon of cutting, but rather just dump out the scraps and start digging through, adding each strip as you go. Only downside is it makes a big mess on my sewing table…
THEN, I’ve got my blue baskets. Have I talked about them here? Actually don’t think I have, and I’ve been planning and thinking on this quilt for a long time. I really have a thing for basket quilts. Maybe because they haven’t really entered the modern quilting arena yet and are largely unexplored in a fresh updated way. I’ve had this fun idea for a challenge of trying to make a basket quilt that would be so modern it could be entered at Quiltcon. (but still be recognizably a basket quilt) And label it, “Basket Quilt Sneaks into Quiltcon” or something equally silly. But no, this is not likely to happen.
What I’m doing here though, is fairly traditional. It’s going to be a queen sized quilt with a variety of cream and white backgrounds, and all the baskets will be navy and royal blues. The thing that I think will make this quilt a winner is the way I’ve figured out of setting the blocks. So many basket quilts I don’t quite like for how the baskets are placed. I like them to be staggered, with breathing room, etc. I’ve got all the blocks cut, and about 1/4 sewed, and I’m planning this one for my new guest bedroom. Won’t it be classic and pretty? I wish it was done already! Secretly I hate sewing all these tiny half square triangles. Actually, does anyone like them? They’re so cute and pretty but such a pain.
And lastly, a finished quilt top! I should be so happy about this, and have it quilted already. But one small problem. I really dislike the colors!
How did this happen? It’s called the magic spell that AMH has over me, which makes me assume that I will naturally love every fabric collection she produces. I bought a fat eighth bundle of Mod Corsage, and then proceeded to ignore all warning bells as it sat on my cupboard in all it’s cool purpley toned glory. I chose to use this pattern by Thimbleblossoms, so all is not lost as I found that I loved this pattern’s way of constructing a traditional spiderweb block and will definitely make another quilt with this pattern in the future.
Anyway, as I put the spiderweb blocks together, I started to realized that the colors in this quilt were so. not. me. But I forged ahead and the only fabrics that seemed to work as the background pieces were a medium gray, and a navy. Now, I do not say this is an ugly quilt, for surely somebody likes these colors? It’s just not for me. And I can’t decide if I want to waste my few and precious sewing hours on finishing it up. And yet it’s still too nice to send as is to the thrift shop. So I guess I’ll have to finish it. And maybe once it’s done it will be my favorite quilt ever!
So that is the end of my sewing update. I hope there will soon be many finished quilts to show you, as I have definitely not lost my sewing mojo, but only the time required for this frivolous pastime:)
I had a quilt that was pretty ugly, IMO. Alas, I could not ditch it because it was a requested gift, hideous colors and all. The only thing that kept me going was that once it was done it was going to live at "not my house!". Good luck.
Well, if it makes you feel better, I had a tough time concentrating on reading the last paragraph about your basket quilt because I was so interested in the AMH quilt, I love it!
Well done.Your scrap bag will be very happy with you.Love your blocks!
Check out overdying quilts. I did it to a scrappy quilt that was too scrappy. The dye changed the colors and made it all blend. It was fantastic so there will be more overdying in my future.
Check out overdying quilts. I did it to a scrappy quilt that was too scrappy. The dye changed the colors and made it all blend. It was fantastic so there will be more overdying in my future.
Oh, I think that your spiderweb quilt is just gorgeous! Keep going – I'm certain that by the time it's finished and quilted you WILL love it.
It's so wonderful to hear from you Jolene! I've missed your inspiring posts! I love everything I see here! But I know the feeling of finishing a quilt top and falling out of love all too well! I have several of those hiding in a closet!! Hope you figure something out because from that glimpse of your spider web quilt, it looks amazing!
I am so glad you posted. I have been checking back fairly regularly. I have quite the same thing going on with quilts I have lost interest in because of either color or it didn't come together like I thought it would. I am, though, a fizzler by nature. I go in with such gusto, then fizzle out towards the end. Only on the ones that I truly love do I have the same passion for from start to finish. I view relegating my sewing time in the same manner, trying to save up that precious time lately for the things I really love. I say set it aside until the mood strikes, just give yourself a little rule, like "if it's not quilted by spring, I must finish it." That's what I do to stay on track. -but honestly, not one to give advice as finishing is not my strong suit- Those strip blocks are lovely. I did one like that for my husband and it really was so fun to make! Good to "see" you again!
Your post reminds me of the "what I did on my summer vacation" essays we used to write in school! All the sewing you've done is beautiful, including the finished quilt top – but I completely understand not loving something and wondering if you should finish it at all! May I suggest donating it to a group that does charity quilts? I know we've received many that probably happened just like yours – and as we finished them up, they went on to comfort someone in need. Those quilts that someone thought were just too "ugly" or "not quite right" became well-loved and important to someone else! Just a thought….
I have been following you for a while. I really admire your unique style and color choices. I am glad to see your projects — perhaps most glad to see one you don't love. It reminds me that sometimes even a great quilter can make something they don't love. 🙂
I think we have all mad something and then not liked it as much as we had hoped. Perhaps just finish it up and give it away as a gift, someonneis sure to love it and would be thrilled with all the work you have done. x
I love your AMH quilt!!
I love your spiderweb quilt! I can't even imagine being lucky enough to find something like it at a thrift store. Maybe gift the top to a quilty friend who likes it?
You could send it to me! I love the bright colors and the design!
Jump the shark: Quilt it with a bright yellow thread and embrace the hot mess of all the color. I, too, love that Thimbleblossom pattern.
Looking forward to how you do the basket quilt…. Definitely not a modern block in my mind…. But if anyone can you can make it quite interesting…
I've seen people sell quilt tops on #thegreatfabricdestash on instagram – just a thought!
Always a treat to have a post from you! Love the strip blocks. Put the AMH in the your etsy shop! Problem solved! xo
Everything looks lovely, wonderful photos, such a pretty post.
Everything you make is just gorgeous !!! LOVE string quilts..Would like to try the basket block too
Oh I like your spiderweb quilt! And all the rest. Love your inspiration.
You picked AMH fabric, great pattern and beautiful piecing. My suggestion is to finish it. Sometimes the struggle is worth it in the end. You may love it! If not, you see that there are a lot of people who do love it. Save it as a special gift or put it in your shop. But, I think you will love it. Quilts have a tendency to morph!
Ok, I don't like basket quilts…. but I like these blue ones you've just made. I'd love to see this all come together. Also fully agree that HST are just a pain. We need sewing assistants for those =) Loved the part about "basket quilt sneaks into QuiltCon." hahahahaha! That would be the best title. Yes, please. Your string blocks are absolute perfection. PERFECTION! Love those colors.
For years I have had a plan for a basket sampler, as many different basket block patterns as I can find. Maybe a unifying color would be a good idea…
Love to see what you have been doing.
I'm sure lovin that strip orange and other colors block!
The colours are so pretty ♥
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Would you ever consider selling that top? Maybe regain the funds to buy fabric you are excited about? It's so beautiful (to me at least)!!! I would hate to see it go unloved.
Would you ever consider selling that top? Maybe regain the funds to buy fabric you are excited about? It's so beautiful (to me at least)!!! I would hate to see it go unloved.
I have to admit AMH (& a couple of other big-name designers with similar styles) leaves me feeling "meh". Just not my thing. Yet other quilters seem to love her. Everyone's different, I guess.