Tuesday, August 8, 2017

A New Start

A couple months back while visiting our son and DIL, they showed us their remodeled (after the windstorm damage) bedroom. Being a nosy mom, I noticed that their wedding quilt was beginning to look more than a bit shabby and faded, having been on their bed for over 16 years. So, figuring a newly redone room deserves a new quilt, this is what I've started for their Christmas gift. A late arrival on my 17 in 2017 list but one I'd like to have completed in time for gifting this year.

28 of the 64 blocks needed for the center portion

These blocks will finish at 10 inches, so I'm planning 64 blocks for the central part plus borders should make this a good queen size.  I'm now up to 38 blocks sewn.  

A closer look

My inspiration was this throw quilt featured in Quiltmania's January/February 2012 issue.

My batiks have a much wider color range than the featured quilt, since this is intended as a "stash 'n scrap" quilt.  I'm hoping to not need to purchase more than a couple green fat quarters and pare down the stash a little with this project. The featured quilt has deliberately wonky squares that I chose not to attempt to replicate, but judging from the first photo above, I seem to have achieved a bit of that anyway by including a couple different sized center squares and narrowing some of the outer borders. 

While I'm kind of liking it now, seeing the photos convinced me that there should be a lot more light fabrics in the remaining blocks, especially if I add the appliqued deep green leaves. Which is another fussbudget dilemma, will trying to add appliques over the more colorful blocks be too much of a good (or bad) thing?  I'm still trying to find two or three deep green batiks that will play nicely with the rest of the fabrics.   Maybe it'll all work out with a lot more lighter hued blocks in the mix.  What do you creative quilters think?  

13 comments:

Dana Gaffney said...

They're both really pretty, but the original is planned with those colors and yours is scrappy, I'd stay on the path you're on, it's looking wonderful. As far as the leaves, I'd cut a few green scraps in a leaf shape and lay them on the quilt to see if you like the effect, I don't think you need them since the colors and batik textures add so interest.

Debbie said...

This is so great.....it is like a blank palette background. I see enough medium to light areas that you can add appliques to and make it stunning! Whether you add leaves, branches, a tree shape,etc. it will work fine. Don't add too many lights...remember value of medium is good too:)

Wendy Caton Reed said...

Lucky kids! It is a beauty.

Barbara said...

Oh, it's very pretty. They're going to love it.

Needled Mom said...

That is so pretty and will make such a beautiful gift for them. I love the fabrics you are using.

Lizzy D said...

I love it as is, I like the squares without the leaves, much more modern and versatile without. Love colors so far oo, dark green isn t a fav of mine.

lizzy at gone to the beach

Ruth said...

I definitely like your color scheme better than the one in the magazine and don't think you need any leaves. I love those blocks - they are so versatile.

Kyle said...

Love that block pattern. Your kids are going to enjoy having a new quilt. It will be a lovely gift.

Pattilou said...

Yours really grabbed my eye. I love the combinations of colors. Nice thought, Mom!

Julierose said...

Love your colors in this new quilt--that square within square pattern is really pretty...I love batiks myself and this is lovely hugs, Julierose

Janet O. said...

I really like the effect of the different sized centers--seems to give motion to the quilt. The colors you are using are more interesting than the original, so I see no need for the leaves--unless you are just dying to do some applique, but some batiks are difficult to needle.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I love the colors that you are using and the phrase " fussbudget dilemma '

OMG I am SO going to use that on myself for things in the future :)

Monica said...

The leaves will be a pretty addition. It's looking good!