It All Comes Together
I love rainy days. I know that sounds weird to a lot of people, but there's actually a very good reason behind it. Growing up on a potato farm in Idaho, rainy days during the summer meant a break from the work outside, and usually a chance to do something just for fun instead. And today it rained. All day long. So guess what I got to do? Quilt!
I worked on This & That pretty much all day. I finished up the final bit of piecing, then stitched the entire block together, then the blocks in to rows, and the rows into a finished quilt top. I'm letting it stew like that for now, decided whether borders are really necessary for this pattern. I'm leaning towards not using them. But we'll see what night of sleep does to that decision.
I've really enjoyed playing around with this pattern, and I've come up with an idea that will allow me to test it out in a few different ways. Just like a musician practices their composing by doing different variations of a well known tune, I'd like to take this pattern and do a little playing myself. I'm thinking of doing an easy and an advanced version of this block.
The easier version will include taking out all of the half square triangles (and therefore the point matching) from the pattern, leaving a simple set of squares to design around. This variation will allow me to play with color a bit more, and how easily you can manipulate a design by changing the colors in tone and value. I'll probably also use more modern vibrant prints in this version, making it more of a project that showcases the fabrics and not so much the sewing a technique.
The advanced version of this block will include more piecing, including in the center square. I'm thinking of creating a secondary design within that block, which will create even more movement and drama within the quilt. Maybe a pinwheel type of design. (Sorry, I'm basically thinking on paper right now). I also know that I want to use really deep colors in this version, with probably some chocolate browns, deep reds, rich purples, and maybe even a pop of bright pink or green. Tomorrow I'll dig through my stash and put together a few scenarios, lay them out on my sewing table, and audition them over the weekend.
Maybe I'll get lucky, and it will rain all day tomorrow again. I can't think of anything that would be better.
I worked on This & That pretty much all day. I finished up the final bit of piecing, then stitched the entire block together, then the blocks in to rows, and the rows into a finished quilt top. I'm letting it stew like that for now, decided whether borders are really necessary for this pattern. I'm leaning towards not using them. But we'll see what night of sleep does to that decision.
I've really enjoyed playing around with this pattern, and I've come up with an idea that will allow me to test it out in a few different ways. Just like a musician practices their composing by doing different variations of a well known tune, I'd like to take this pattern and do a little playing myself. I'm thinking of doing an easy and an advanced version of this block.
The easier version will include taking out all of the half square triangles (and therefore the point matching) from the pattern, leaving a simple set of squares to design around. This variation will allow me to play with color a bit more, and how easily you can manipulate a design by changing the colors in tone and value. I'll probably also use more modern vibrant prints in this version, making it more of a project that showcases the fabrics and not so much the sewing a technique.
The advanced version of this block will include more piecing, including in the center square. I'm thinking of creating a secondary design within that block, which will create even more movement and drama within the quilt. Maybe a pinwheel type of design. (Sorry, I'm basically thinking on paper right now). I also know that I want to use really deep colors in this version, with probably some chocolate browns, deep reds, rich purples, and maybe even a pop of bright pink or green. Tomorrow I'll dig through my stash and put together a few scenarios, lay them out on my sewing table, and audition them over the weekend.
Maybe I'll get lucky, and it will rain all day tomorrow again. I can't think of anything that would be better.
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