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Monday, January 23, 2012

playing

I've had my cool colored solid scraps set aside for quite awhile now and I've been wanting to play with them in the worst way, but it seems like there is always something more pressing that needs to be done. I recently signed up for the Fab Little Quilt Swap and I'm using that as an excuse to finally dive in. Yay!! I'm trying my hand at improv piecing again and I'm feeling very rusty. It's been awhile! Swaps make me a little (ok, a lot) nervous and I feel like the pressure is on. But on the other hand, it will be a good challenge. The biggest challenge will probably be stopping at a mini quilt size. :) I'm not completely sure where this is headed, but it sure is fun to play!

I also wanted to say thanks so much for all your sweet comments about Hailey's pillow...I appreciate them very, very much!

Happy Monday to you!

23 comments:

  1. I'm struggling with ideas for a swap, too! And, as it turns out, mine is the "For the love of solids" swap, so I need to figure out something that's all solids.

    Argh, I get so nervous about making something my partner will like!

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  2. Ooh, improv is so much fun! Enjoy! I look forward to seeing your mini.

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  3. Love the cool colors! Have fun improv piecing too. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

    Jennifer :)

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  4. I'm in the same swap and want to use solids too! But I struggle with improv! I look forward to seeing where this takes you!

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  5. Sweetie, I think it needs to be a bit wonkier! Or, aren't you done yet? Cut and dice, is my motto!! Then sew the whole mess together and see what you get! lol

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  6. Oh my...blueberry pie! These colors are just yummilicious!

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  7. I am so glad to see you say you are nervous, I have just signed up for my first swap, and I am terrified! So I feel reassured that you are nervous too. I know whatever you make will be great, but not so sure about me!-it's ok, though, different swap.

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  8. I recently bought the book City Quilts and this kind of reminds me of some of the cool modern designs that are featured in it. I really like the look of the solid colors.

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  9. This has such a harmonious look it doesn't look as if you are "playing" it looks professional. Can't wait to see the outcome! You are making me want to get my solids out and I never say that!

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  10. I'll be watching to see how these solids work up in the quilt.I have a nice collection of hand dyed solids that I gotta do something with. Maybe this will motivate me.

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  11. What great colors! They have a rather pieceful look to them.

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  12. Your playing is resulting in some pretty good looking stuff! I know what you mean. I have not have had time to do much playing lately. It would be nice to sit down and just create. Fun.

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  13. I love the little touch of raspberry.
    Very cool!

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  14. It looks very Gees Bend. Awesome improvisation.

    I just read a really interesting post about using scraps. Completely Cauchy said, "You control the fabrics that comprise the block. That is, you choose your color/print palette. If two fabrics clash then they will continue to clash after piecing. In some instances, you don’t control which fabrics end up next to each other. So choose ones you like together.

    You control the quality of the piecing. Make sure your seams are straight, press seams after each new addition, and periodically square up. There will inevitably be a wonky quality to your piecing, but “wonky” does not mean “sloppy.”

    You control your ability to have fun. Relax. There are almost no mistakes in improvisational piecing. Just follow your instincts and moderate your expectations."
    (google her blog and Scraptacularity for more.

    As for swaps with strangers, I'm not there yet. I am nervous enough about giving to people I know. :-) Good for you!

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  15. The colour palette is gorgeous and your improv doesn't look rusty to me!!

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  16. Super pretty! I love the colors! I also wish I had that many scraps to pull from. :)

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  17. Such pretty colors--especially like the pop of plummy goodness on the top.

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  18. love all your posts.I am going to try and make one of your first quilts . I carn't wait for your BOOK

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  19. One of your quilts was featured on Pleasant Home, if you didn't see it! Cool! http://www.pleasant-home.com/2012/01/sew-picture-perfect-scrappy-triangles.html

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  20. no need to be nervous, Amanda. your improv looks great to me.

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  21. Difícil sair deste blog, sem ficar encantada!
    Seu talento ´ maravilhoso.
    Obrigada por nos presentear com coisa tão lindas!
    Beijos
    Lena - Brasil

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