Take Two :: Redemption!

I was slightly disappointed when I first made this design.  I had accidentally forgotten to add one critical piece and once I discovered that fatal flaw, I flew through piecing the blocks together and didn't take the time for accuracy!  I'm sure many of us have been in a situation like that.  

There was no question I would try it again, this time taking my time and doing it right.  By right, I mean I changed the layout considerably from the first attempt!  I think that's allowed and in my book highly encouraged!

IT'S A 'GEM 2'
24" x 24"

The second version used the same mix of bright colors and Kona Pepper for the lines.  I decided I'd try the design using linen this time though.  I believe it's Moda cross weave, but please don't hold me to that!

With the first version I used an on-point layout, the second version is your basic horizontal layout.  It not only made the entire process easier, but also gave me so many more options with the design arrangement.

Here's a link to the original post:  It's A Gem

IT'S A GEM
17" X 20"

Piecing your blocks in rows is so much easier than on-point when it comes to accuracy!  All those lines are certainly easier to line up!  

Like the previous version, these blocks are 4" finished and 4 1/2" unfinished.  Kind of small, but big enough as to not cause stress!

Not only was there design changes, there was most certainly going to be quilting changes.  Of course I was going to use a rainbow of thread colors!  Except this time I'd keep the quilting simpler and not match the thread and fabric colors.

I started with 1/2" diagonal lines using a Aurifil 50wt Light Blue Grey.  The lines went from edge to edge and top to bottom.  It was a great start and then I sort of hit a wall.  

I was determined to use all those beautiful bright rainbow colors, but couldn't quite figure out how I wanted to go about it.  Instead I took a walk and by the time I got back I knew what needed to be done.

I had to remember that I was keeping it simple...stick with the plan.  It was better than beating my head against the wall!  So it was diagonal lines again in the opposite direction, except I would use the rainbow colors.  Perfect and done!

 I like the simplicity of the quilting against the seeming complex design.  I do believe there was enough going on already!

 

The back shows the design and the 1/2" squares created from the diagonal lines.  The close up lets you see the colors a little more clearly.

When I started piecing this quilt I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I was committed to making it work.  That meant using what I had on hand.  I had no idea by the end of paper piecing the blocks I'd literally have to hunt for one more piece of Kona Pepper!  Or that there would be just a few scraps left of the background fabric!  This was a 'by the skin of your teeth' ending!

That meant that the binding was going to have to be black.  If you haven't used Kona Pepper before, it's basically a dark, dark grey.  You can really see the difference when the two colors are next to each other.  Considering it's just the binding and a skinny binding, I think it's just fine!



I've been calling this design 'It's a Gem', which seems pretty lame!  Why is it that I can never come up with better names for quilts?!  I'm thinking of changing it to 'Eye Candy'...rather lame again!

If I wasn't considering writing a pattern for this design, I think I would leave it nameless!  Do you name your quilts?  

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