Connect the Dots

Connect the Dots

22'' by 26''

My entry to the Fuddy is not Duddy Challenge. We said it was for brown, burgundy, and green, plus one other colour. I chose blue because so many of the fabrics with mixed colours include this light blue.

The design I chose is inspired by this quote from Steve Jobs:

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future."

I had something entirely different in mind until I saw that quote. It made for a much simpler quilt, but I love the finished product.

For some unknown reason I have loads of this fabric on the back. Loads of it.

Machine bound... Don't look too close. In fact, don't look too close at much of it. This is how I made most of the quilt. It was either this or a very extended game of Red Light/Green Light.

Nearly Wholecloth

Unnamed

50'' by 62''

This simple quilt is the brainchild of Amanda Jean. We talked so much about quilting back in March. She said she wanted to make a nearly wholecloth quilt - just two neutrals and some fun quilting. Because she had enough of the fabric she gave me the same amounts for the top and sent me home. Over the months we talked about what we might do - hand stitching, different colour threads, backing fabrics... We went round and round. Then we both just did.

I was finally able to move forward with mine when I made this doodle. I'd made a lot of doodles, but this one stayed with me. And I think I was able to translate it to the quilt quite easily. It helps that it isn't that large of a quilt! This is another example of my "organic" quilting (too lazy to mark) but I'm really pleased with the way it turned out. I enjoy the improv aspect of it. The texture is also great.

As you can see, I went with a solid green binding. It was Rossie's suggestion. As soon as she mentioned it I knew it was the only option, despite some good choices. My initial thoughts had been blue, but I had nothing in the stash that called to me. The green is perfect! And when the girls and I went for a hike yesterday and snapped these photos it made me see how much the colours work with the landscape around me.

The back is high contrast to the front. Three pieces of very bright, multi-coloured fabric. All were fabrics I bought on-line because I loved them, then couldn't imagine how I would use them. It is a great bit of fun with the front neutral sides.

And just as we were ending our stomp through the forest I spotted a grove of trees. The Monster took this picture after she noticed that The Evil Genius matched the quilt. She made her stand there so she would be camouflaged. Well, if it wasn't for our coordinating Chucks! And she's already claimed the quilt for herself, I think the green building sealed the deal for her.

This entire quilt was a fun challenge. It was great to push myself beyond my crazy improv norm or pile of circles. To use neutrals like this was way out of my comfort zone, as was the use of that much solid fabric. Not only was it fun to do, I am thrilled with the results. Make sure you check out Amanda Jean's version.

New Projects

Okay, I know I said I was on a finishing kick, but I couldn't help pulling some fabric for new projects.

These are both favourite colour combos of late. It's no surprise that both orange and turquoise are in these piles. Shockingly, they are not placed together!

This pile is for an overdue baby quilt. I've finally got the design together, after a lot of ideas. Feeling the pressure on this one for some reason. Maybe because it is for an already much loved baby? Or very stylish parents?

The orange and beige is for a just for fun quilt. Have you heard of the Modern Blocks book yet? Well, I've got a couple of blocks in there and this pile will be used to create a full quilt from one of those designs. I plan to share the pattern for this when the book comes out, or not so shortly thereafter...

Binding Choices...

On a roll now... I've got this almost whole cloth quilt finished up. I'm just stuck on binding choices. It seems like a no brainer when you only have two neutral fabrics on the front, but it is remarkably hard for me to narrow it down.

It is completely quilted with a vivid orange thread. The back is a combo of bold fabrics, so nearly any colour would work there.

What do you think?

And while you are helping me out, take a moment to check out some other WIP posts at the newly launched Needle and Thread Network. More Canadian love! It's great to see this out there as I've been unable to carry on with the Workshop in Progress.