Such is the case with this latest quilt. I wish I could explain how it started. I would imagine from a block idea which blossomed into another idea, and so on! But I can't be sure!! It can sometimes paint me into a corner, or it can snowball and in the end it can actually look like I planned the entire thing from the beginning. Which I did not!!
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| CIPHER 45 1/2" x 58" |
Maybe it's the plus signs that reminds me of math. Very smart and complicated math! It also feels like there is a secret message hidden along the way and all you have to do is figure it out! Imagine if I was smart enough to do that!!
All I know is I had to #makeithappen just as my little notebook states! Pulling out scraps led to the colors I used in this quilt. I seemed to have tons of blue, aqua, teal and greens scraps so it was the obvious choice. Those combined with yardage I had on hand, I was able to get a good mixture of color.
This is where I actually planned something! There are two blue/aqua and two green squares in each block. At some point during the piecing you do have to have a plan. It would make it nearly impossible to put together otherwise.
With the top finished there is always that moment of how to quilt it. Which always baffles me. All that open space is intimidating!
Basically I mimicked the blocks throughout most of the quilt. At first I was kicking myself for thinking and doing it. The quilt is a manageable size, but there was a lot of marking, turning and thread burying!
It ended up being a wonderful effect! But there was still more to do!
And speaking of thread, I decided to use a 28wt Aurifil thread. (white #2024) I've used it before on a couple things, but I've always used a 50wt thread in the bobbin. This time I decided to give the 28wt a try in the bobbin and much to my delight...it worked perfect! I was a bit worried it would be too thick. I changed the tension a tad bit, but other than that it was smooth sailing! The heavier weight thread stands out more than a standard 50 or 40 weight thread does, which is a nice change!
The inside of the blocks was begging for texture. I busted out my free motion limited skills and added some squiggly lines.
The final area inside the blank rectangle needed something different. Not too dense, not to open and certainly not like any of the other quilting I had done thus far.
I added a grid of 3/4" squares for the finale! It brings a different element to the table and filled the space.
Besides white, I didn't have a chunk of fabric big enough for the back. Not to worry! One large piece with an added scrappy strip down the side works wonders! I can use my stash and scraps for a big win!
For more added scrap power, I pieced strips for one side section of the binding. The length of the strips are the same size as the lines in the pluses. Hand sewn to the back and this baby was ready for some crinkle!
The background fabric is Kona White, the teal circle fabric on the back is 'Spot On' by Robert Kaufman and the thread is White (#2024) 28wt Aurifil thread.
Fun fact: When I was free motion quilting inside the squares everything was going just as planned. I wasn't fighting the quilt, I wasn't fighting the free motion action...I was feeling good! However, when it came time to call it done, I removed the quilt from the machine and soon found out I had sewn through a section that was folded! The seam ripper, the swear gods and I had a pretty good work out!
I'll say 'live and learn' but I know full well it will happen again!
LINKING:
