I really wanted a project that would be portable, too. Perfect for summertime, or orthodontist appointments, or for movie watching...you get the idea.
I'm challenging myself even further in that I'm not using plain white fabric for the background...which is a huge step out of my comfort zone. (yay me!) I've never really worked on a quilt based on values, so I'm giving that a shot at the same time. It's been so fun to rummage through my stash and play with color combinations.
I have NO idea how long this will take. Or how big it will end up being. But I know I'm stitching a lot of tiny stitches by hand while hanging out with my kids enjoying the nice weather. It's been a lovely start to this quilt.
69 comments:
Amanda--it's fabulous! I love the fabrics you have chosen, and the colors are a dream! I love that block, and really look forward to seeing the finished quilt!
Wow; good luck with that. I, too, have been contemplating a quilt with handwork (like Dresden plates) for the sake of portability. Thanks for the encouragement!
Very cute! I love the scrappy look.
Wow, it looks great already. What a wonderful stretch!
Wow what a great project... If you need some fabrics for that, you know where to come calling.
applique intrigues me too....
but hand stitching doesn't!!
so...... for now.... hm..
it looks lovely so far - and we all know that it will look fantastic when you're done...they always do!!
xo
eva
I like it already. It is lovely.
Yeah...good for you, looking great.
Look forward to seeing more. Check out this blog http://dontlooknow.typepad.com
an Australian gal who loves to applique, she even has a great tutorial, scroll down on the left. enjoy
oooh forgot to say she has a quiiltalong under the heading of her blog tooooo. Enjoy
This is exactly why I like applique (the traditional needle-turn applique method). It may be slow, but it is portable and fits in really well around life with kids.
Thanks for pointing me in the direction of those two interesting blog posts/discussions. Lots to think about.
This is going to be sweet! Handwork is slow, but rewards you with a peaceful process.
I've just posted on Quiltsalott's blog that I'm hoping to start a NP applique project sometime soon for that very reason - portability. The trouble is I'd love to jump in the deep end and do something like her vine leaves panels or even something like Kellie's (Don't look now) quilts - but NO I must finish some UFO's first.
Thanks for the links to 2 well written and provoking posts.
Hurray for stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something different! It looks great so far!
Good for you trying new things! Changing your approach can lead you to new and exciting paths of cretivity.
Yaay!! for challenges!! I love where this is going. And the fact that it's portable and able to be stitched on the go.........even better!!
So glad you are back blogging :)
what a great thing to have to enjoy some outdoor time. it looks beautiful and i love the way it looks on the patterned background
It's looking really good already. It's going to take ages ;o) but will be worth it.
Well done for breaking out of your comfort zone.
Ab
That is going to be beautiful!!
It's lovely, Amanda. You'll find handwork very satisfying I think; it's a thoughtful and soothing activity and every major milestone feels terrific. And it's *good* to step outside your comfort zone - the non-white background is a big change but it looks wonderful so far!
I have an ongoing GFG that will probably take me 5 years to complete but I don't mind, I love the work. I take it everywhere - last night I got a few hexes sewn on while waiting for the kids' spring concert to begin!
I do most of my applique sitting in the car waiting to pick kids up from school or various activities. It's amazing how quickly you can get things done in just ten minutes here or there. I read those posts too, but I haven't pushed myself to try anything new yet (because I need to finish the old ;). Lovely work, as always.
It is sometimes nice to break out of or norms. (At this point in time, I Plan on taking my applique project on our Cruise in November. - Which makes sense because that same project went to Australia, Israel, & on a different cruise already.)
Oh, I can't wait to see how it turns out! My very first quilt EVER was in the same pattern, it was white and pale pink. Ah... memories!
I'd call that a good start. Moving out of "the Zone" is a great way to keep it challenging and fresh. It is easy to move into a rut and decorate, as my husband would say.
It's already looking great. I love the little bit of applique I've done. Working on something that big would be a great summer project.
love your blocks so far. Your quilt will be stunning. yeah for you! I love having a little project to travel with. They take a long time...but they're worth it!
I love your challenge idea AND your inspiration! I haven't made too many quilts lately because, although I adore piecing, it gets a little monotonous and redundant. You have inspired me to stretch myself too and look for something out of my comfort zone. Good luck with this applique!
good for you!!!! looks like a fun quilt. i would love to do something more portable in the summer also!!
Your post reminds me of a post I did recently on my yo-yo quilt. I carried those circles around for years while my children were growing up. It' very special to me now that they are 34 and 31. Great job on colors and pattern selection - watch out - applique can get addicting LOL!
Eleanor Roosevelt said "Do one thing every day that scares you."
Outside of the comfort zone suits you!
How big are the individual blocks? I'm smitten!
Hurray for portable fun! And I loved both of those posts, too. Got me thinking as well.
I love that pattern you started - I've been thinking about trying to make it paper pieced. I already have my portable project :)
I love the colors. It is going to be very cute. Congrats on the breakout! L,A-
I love to carry my work. I have a scrapy Irish chain been working on it for 2 years. Only at the bus stop and gymnastics. You can check it out on my facebook my quilt photos aren't locked. Kaylee Marcotte
That would be a huge step for me to not use plain white also. My mom thinks I am a little crazy for not using at least a blender fabric for my background.
Goog luck with it, looks good so far.
This is a great idea for the summer so you can spend more time outside! Look beautiful!
Good luck on that quilt. I have yet to venture into that kind of design. Can't wait to see the fnished quilt and here how you feel about the whole experience.
Sooooo glad you are back!!
Isn't hand work so ZEN like?
Lovely so far.....what size are you making your squares?
this will be a real beauty and a step back in time :0)
Happy Sewing
It looks like it's going to be a beautiful, colorful quilt! Keep it up!
I love this. Can you do a tutorial?
It's lovely! And there's nothing better than quilting while hanginout with the kids!
I think it's great to have something to carry around, and you feel closer to it too I think.
A bit late I know, but have just found out you are back - fantastic! So glad.
This is why I knit! I also save hand binding for road trips and movie time.
From my experience, don't try to do handwork on the little league sidelines, though. I nearly ended up with a black eye one year!
Are you sewing the leaf shaped piece into the square?
Well done Amanda. These are lovely and it's fun to step outside your comfort zone from time to time.
Munaiba
Great looking pattern -- and good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone!
Beautiful Amanda! Perfect for enjoying the kids and the weather. Just in the past year have I learned to always have a portable project ready by the door. I have had so much fun and completed things in times that were previously wasted. What took me so long to learn this?
I didn't know you were back ~ I'm so excited!!! I checked back several times in teh first months after you'd said goodbye, hoping you'd changed your mind...... I've been making the rounds of the BQF & thought, maybe Amanda will post just once, for this. I'll go check.... I'm so happy I did!
You are such an inspiration & wealth of information to me & so many other people. Thank-you! ...And, happy birthday to your precious girl :-)
I also found those posts to be so thought provoking. And this is going to be a really beautiful quilt!
Hello!
I like your blog and your quilts! I find it so useful with the tutorials you offer. At the moment I am making my first quilt and I will probably come back again for some tips!
Up until now Ihave only made small projects...let's see how this big one is going to be!
Thanks for sharing your work!
http://www.el-petit-taller.blogspot.com
Welcome back! I just discovered your return to blogland today. Yours was always one of my faves.
Good for you! It looks beautiful. That's a great way to start with applique. Good practice with points and soft curves.
Amanda, It's great to see you go in a different direction! I've loved your previous quilts and look forward to seeing this new one evolve. Handwork is relaxing and connects us to the past.
I admire your quilts and colour sense. Using plain white fabric for the background is actually out of my comfort zone. I have been able to avoid it up to this point (not that I have done much quilting, only when it fits in with my busy job). It's interesting to hear that it's opposite for you. I like your latest creation and would love to see the finished quilt and how you do the template for the block.
That is going to be beautiful. It is so rewarding to try new things.
Warm wishes,
Tonya
Oh I just love it! Portable is what we need this summer-too many things to do. I am so glad that you are back.
I'm slowing working on a similar project. Love yours.
Is this orange peel block? Do you needleturn? I just love this block. Guess you know about the book Remembering Adelia by Kathy Tracey, with an orange peel quilt in front? Oh, I want to start one too.....
I love projects like this, I always need something to keep my hands busy.
looks so good already. Your colors look beautiful. Can't wait to watch your progress.
Your applique looks wonderful...as well as your fabric choices.
I agree...a great start for a great quilt!
x
lori
Amanda--it's fabulous!
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Thanks so much for those links! It is the very same thing that I have been thinking about but not sure how to articulate.
I've been dying to get back home and to my own computer again! It was SO great to meet you!!!! I wish we had more time to chat & quilt together. :)
So nice, I like this art.
This such a beautiful quilt design. Can't wait to see it finished. You have inpsired me to get out an old quilt project that I haven't finished and get appliqueing! (think that is how you spell it?). Just love your quilts!
Lovely colors.C
ould u please tell me what this block is called and where i can find a pattern on the net?
thanks
It's a melon patch...but like you,Rafi, I cannot find a pattern on the net...but it sure is beautiful! I'm trying a 6 inch block with a hand drawn melon...we'll see how it turns out! :)
Seriously...how did I not know you were blogging again? Love the idea of portable, but haven't had the perfect project jump out at me.
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