Then I had the probably not-so-bright idea of reversing the light-dark color scheme and using several of my darker color solids for the crosses. Every once in a while I like to create a little challenge for this aging brain, forcing it into thinking outside the box with only a couple hand-written references. Anyhow, this is how that little experiment ended up.
What do do about quilting this. Another decision, and I chose one of my favorite Aurifil variegated threads that has all the colors represented in the quilt. Good decision maybe, except I tried using it for ditching all those seams - not so good. Then in an effort to highlight the thread I quilted the large triangles from the intersection of each of those outer squares to the outer corner of the triangle. That part at least highlights the colors properly, though sadly I was never able to capture the color nuances of that pretty thread with the camera.
My husband saw the quilt sitting on the cutting table and remarked "looks like a hot air balloon" and I suppose it does. When we lived in Oregon there was a yearly hot air balloon festival in a nearby town during summer, and we often saw them rising above the valley in the early morning hours during our workday commutes.
For the back I used this vintage-looking print that has been in my stash for quite awhile. I actually won't mind using the quilt this side up!
After washing, the front looked a little puffier and the ditch quilting receded a bit - a good thing I think.
This is my first month joining Wendy's (The Constant Quilter) monthly mini-quilt challenge. It promises to be a lot of fun, if I can keep up!
17 comments:
Oh, love the colors and the impact of the straight lines you used for quilting. really like the whole thing in this little one!
great little quilt! The quilting is neat and I loved the photos of the balloons.
Glad you are joining the fun - me too
Well, it’s very cute. I like the idea of the hot air balloon.
Oh it is gorgeous! It does remind me of a hot air balloon with that fabulous quilting. I will link these up on Wednesday. What fun!
The quilting really adds definition to the cute quilt!
Your husband has good eyes! Not only are your fabrics beautiful, your quilting is incredible. I too always enjoyed the balloon festivals our town had in past years; I miss them. ---"Love"
So colorful! Love it!
That looks great. I like your color choices. That pattern intrigued me too, but there was too much going on over the holidays.
What a great little quilt! Love the texture.:)
Excellent job getting outside your comfort zone and making something bold! I love the way you quilted it, too!
Your hubby got the hot air balloon similarity spot on!
I think you husband is right about seeing a similarly of the design with the hot air balloons. The radiating quilting lines really expands the quilt. It was a great idea. Your sweet quilt was a lovely intrepation of that pattern. One down, eleven to go! :0)
The brights against the dark background look great! Love the quilting. Quite an astute observation by your hubby!
Isn't it nice to have a quick-make once in a while? This looks great! In particular, that straight line quilting in the background is really effective. I sure like your first hot air balloon photo. That could definitely be a quilt! It's nice to see pretty pictures.
Oh my word! Your color choice and the quilting take this one from a simple little mini to fab-u-lous! Your mind is quite spritely, me thinks!
Your bright colors work well in your little mini quilt. Cheery looking for a wintery day.
I love those rich solids - nice job! Hot air balloons are so wonderful.
Oh, what a fun mini! Love the color connection to hot air balloons!
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