Saturday, September 16, 2017

This Round Is On Me :: Scrappy Drunkards Path

It really did take a simple, semi-mindless project that got me back in to the swing of things. A couple months ago I had glue basted a big pile of Drunkard's Path blocks that were intended for those days when you just want to sew something or just a little.  A long term project.  So when I found myself low on inspiration and Mojo, I picked those up and began stitching curves.

Last time I blogged about this quilt 'Getting My MoJo Back', I had pieced all the blocks together but hadn't assembled the quilt top.  Mostly because I wasn't sure on my layout! That is now behind me as is the drought of inspiration and oomph!

47 1/2" x 62"
I love this finish!  The scrappy-ness, the circles, the crisp clean feel.  Yes, scraps are good...very good!  

As you can see, I staggered the blocks in each row.  This layout was the best option for the quantity of blocks I had.  A little luck and a lot of ingenuity I had just enough of the Kona White for the background.   


Sandwiched and pinned, I began thinking about how I should quilt it.  My ideas were grandiose and complex and then I came to my senses!  As much as I would have loved to quilt in and around each circle, I knew I wasn't ready to get that deep into a quilting project at this time.  


Instead I went with simple straight lines.  My usual standby!  The more I quilted each line, the more a beautiful geometric design started to emerge.  I had no idea!  Its not like I actually planned the design ahead of time!  I'm calling it my 'Geometric Spider Web'!


Diagonal, vertical and horizontal lines intersect in the center of each circle all the while creating interesting diamonds throughout the quilt.  Here's a diagram of how I quilted for the geometric spider web design.

It was also time to try something a little different with thread.  I've seen so many quilters trying heavier weight thread for quilting and it was high time I gave it a go myself!  

I grabbed a spool of 28wt White (2024) for the top and 50wt Chalk (2026) for the bobbin. Because of the weight of the 28 thread it's recommended to use a 40 or 50 weight in the bobbin and also a 90/14 needle.  It wasn't until I quilted on a practice piece of fabric that I knew it was going to work.  As in perfect!  


I love the look of the 28 wt thread on the top of the quilt.  Because of the thickness, it stands out. Front and center.  A 40 or 50 wt thread tends to blend and disappear in the fabric, which is what I like about a lighter weight.  I'm looking forward to using it again, next time something more intense!  


For the backing I used Kona Breakers.  I thought it would be a nice compliment to the prints in the blocks.  

The binding is a plethora of scraps!  You would think between this quilt and the binding and my Glam Clam quilt that my scraps must be gone by now!  There has been a significant dent in the pile.  I'm afraid I might never be rid of them all!


I am certain there will be more quarter circles, half circles or Drunkard's Path blocks in my future...and most likely they will be glue basted just like these were.  


It was important for me to 'break the ice' and get back to what I love doing...quilting.  There is healing in quilting and doing what you love.  

And wouldn't you know it!  Just when I'm itching to dive in, I have a monstrous deck to stain, two big walls to paint and a bathroom to remodel!  I think I'll be able to fit a little cutting and stitching in between those projects.

22 comments :

  1. It is stunning! I love the colors used. Glad the mojo is back!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This project was the perfect starting point! Got my mojo, used scraps and got to try a new thread weight!!

      Delete
  2. Of course, your scraps aren't gone, silly girl! I bet you have plenty left to make more wonderful quilts like this one. That geometric spider's web is inspired. It really sets off the circles. Another really lovely finish!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tried very hard to rid myself of all those scraps! I was so happy with the quilting and how it came together in that sort of spider web design!

      Delete
  3. The 28wt thread looks great, and I'm glad you were so pleased with the results! Hopefully those big home projects go smoothly and you still find lots of creative and sewing/quilting time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I cannot wait to try the 28wt in more of a major way. I was surprised at how well it worked in my machine. Now to get out and stain that deck this morning...

      Delete
  4. Wow! I love the quilting and the piercing!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. How pretty! Love the straight line quilting with those round drunkard's path block.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Isn't that gorgeous?! I love those colors, too - I'm sure you told us what fabric it was in the post about the first quilt you made with it. I'm going to have to go back and look for that! Wonderul scrappy finish!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great finish Jayne! I really like how you quilted it. Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a fun layout. The negative space really adds a lot to the quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am a fan of your work, your creativity and your unique style. You can say that I am a super-fan. Love this bright, lemony, citrusy, tart quilt. Wish I could wrap myself in such beauty and warmth.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I remember those Drunkard's Path blocks! This turned out wonderfully Jayne! The backing is a perfect touch too. The colours remind me of a quilt I've started called Sea Glass.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love the layout and colour combinations of this quilt Jayne! It's beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Turned out beautiful. Love the colour combinations! I have a garden full of weeds and desperate for pruning! Maybe next Sunday!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for sharing your experience with heavier weight thread. I really have to try that too! I love the quilting design you chose. It compliments the blocks perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I really like this layout, I see a similar quilt in my future from my scraps too. x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Another gorgeous finish!! Love it!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Super quilt! I love the staggered layout and how the circles form a giant diamond. The colors are so fresh, too. Lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  17. You did a great job with this. The layout is perfect.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting my blog! I love getting comments, and try to respond to each and every one.