Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Block Print II :: Pink Haze

It's a treat for me to share this next quilt!  The design is one I've been entertaining myself with by changing the layout and colors, and always coming up with something new and interesting.  The fact that one block can be arranged in so many different ways, to me is simply amazing!


PINK HAZE
40" x 40"
I usually don't lean towards soft muted colors, and I'm not even sure how this palette landed in my lap, but it did!  I mulled it over before making a final decision on the next step which was size and fabric.  Picking the right shade of colors was quite the challenge!  There was a lot of back and forth with 'too dark, too light, too bright, too similar'.  Eventually it all came together and I was ready to start putting my design idea to the test!

The fabric I used is Kona Cotton in White, Quicksilver, Silver, Baby Pink and Ballet Slipper. 

     
The first Block Print quilt I made using this design was a dark gray and red combination and using 6" paper pieced blocks.  That quilt will be displayed at QuiltCon in Nashville in case you'd like to see it!  

This time I went with 10" blocks to increase the overall size of the quilt.  After printing the paper templates there are a few things I like to do before starting to sew.  I mark each section with the color to cut down on confusion and get the right colors in the right section.  Then I calculate out how many of each color per section is needed.  (Example:  section 
16 of 1A - white, 16 of 1B - light pink)  The last step is pre-cutting the correct size for each section and the quantity needed.  When I'm making the same block numerous times I usually sew the same section in each block and work through to the end.  Much like chain piecing or assembly line style!



You know what the last step is...the dreaded quilting!  I knew I'd do some kind of geometric quilting so at least that part was settled.  I printed the quilt on paper and attempted to plan out the design.  I say attempted because it didn't work out quite as I had hoped it would!  My hat is off to those who are able to preplan from start to finish their quilting designs!  I ended up getting frustrated and gave up.



What I've found that works best for me is quilting section by section.  One step at a time.  Eventually it all comes together, and so far that method has worked for me.  



Picking the right thread color is another important step.  I used Aurifil 50wt thread in three colors.  Dove #2600, White #2024 and Baby Pink #2423.  My only goal was not to have any gray or white thread in the pink sections, but pink did make it into the gray.  It's subtle, but it's there!



These pictures of the back illustrates the quilting and thread color a little better.  




Like I said, it's subtle!  


The larger picture of the quilting can be see from the back, at least somewhat.  I don't know what it was about this quilt, but it was nearly impossible to get the accurate colors in the photos.  I tried everything!  Different locations, different times of the day!  In the end I had to do the best I could.  If you have any tips for photographing gray or pastel quilts I'd love to hear them!  Hiring a professional photographer is not an option!



Except for the colors, the top photo is the end result from the bottom EQ8 design below!  It's always a sigh of relief when a vision becomes reality!



I'm excited to make another version using the Block Print block!  Ideas are never ending, having the time to do it is altogether another matter!  First I have to wrestle with the nagging thought in the back of my head of 'when is enough enough'?!  How many is too many of a design?!




25 comments :

  1. I love the soft muted colors in this one! It's hard to believe it's the same block. It's a completely different look. Of course I LOVE all the dot to dot quilting :)

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    1. I’m pretty pleased with how the quilt and quilting came together. It’s always exciting to see how different fabric choices can change a quilt completely!

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  2. Pastels are SO difficult to photograph. Unfortunately, I can only commiserate with you but have no suggestions. This quilt is a pleasure to look at - I love your color choice and design!

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  3. never too many I say! I love this subtle version! well done

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    1. Okay then! I’m sure you’ll see another version soon. I’m itching to use some bold saturated colors this time!

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  4. Jayne, you are really hitting your groove as an artist. I love pink haze! The color palette is soothing and serene.

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  5. I can see how this pattern would take on a whole different look with whatever colors/prints one would use - great artistic look

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  6. Stunning. The muted, dusty fabrics are my favorite.

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  7. It amazed me to realize that this quilt is just made of one block! It definitely has the look of a kaleidoscope! I love the triangle and diamond shapes that your quilting creates, too. Beautiful finish, Jayne!

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  8. The muted colors work beautifully with the sharp geometric points in this design!!

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  9. excited to see this in person - heading to Nashville next week...eek

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  10. Wow. The colours are amazing. Never too many if you're having fun.

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  11. I was happy to read that you have difficulty planning out a quilting design. I have one quilt that I really need to quilt, and I have an idea in my mind, but not sure it will work. You are encouraging me to just get to it. The muted colors in this version are so pretty (and I'm not a muted colors gal, really). It is very calming.

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  12. Hi Jayne! I saw the little thumbnail photo and said to myself that cannot be Jayne working in those muted colors. But indeed it is, and what a marvelous piece. WOW! The subtleties of the fabrics and colors work just perfect together. And your quilting just draws us in to look closer yet it isn't overwhelming. Beautiful, lovely job and perfect name. Who's to say how many is enough - YOU are in charge and get to determine that. Until then, we'll enjoy the outcome of what you decide. ~smile~ Roseanne

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    1. I know! The muted colors surprised even me! There is something about a pink and gray quilt that I’ve always loved and figured it was about time I tried the palette in a quilt! I’m pretty sure there will me another version of this design, but next time it’ll be something bright!

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  13. INCREDIBLE DESIGN!! I'm like you and tend to like the brighter colors but the colors just look so perfect in this quilt and I say make as many of them as you feel like. As long as you're still enjoying it, why not? I really do enjoy seeing multiple color ways of one design. So go for it!! By the way what kind of camera are you using? Is it on auto?

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  14. Such a stunning quilt! I'm amazed that those muted colours have enough contrast to showcase the design, but they most certainly do, and the design is amazing. You struck that one out of the park! Congratulations!

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    1. looking forward to seeing Block Print in person next week.

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    2. I was going for subtle! I tried to make sure the pinks and grays would blend in a way as to not have any of them be too loud! I don’t know if that makes sense!

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  15. Very, very cool! I love the muted colors, the design, the quilting, I love all of it! Nadine W. N.Cali rnwillis@velotech.net

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  16. Hmmm...I don't have any photography tips (ha, ha!) but I think you did great with the photos! I love these colors and the quilting may have been frustrating but it certainly turned out well! The colors look like a soft summer sunrise. Very nice!

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  17. Very nice, low volume quilt, and with beautiful quilting too!

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  18. Oh THIS is lovely!! I love subtle and your choice of fabrics is perfect. And I agree with Ellyn - make as many versions as you like!

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  19. I think that pushing ourselves to try new things is the most fun aspect of quilting. I love the look of monochromatic quilts yet rarely make them; the subtlety of the pink and grey here really does draw the viewer in to want to look closer and touch, the perfect compliment to your art. Thanks for linking with TGIFF.

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  20. I LOVE the soft look of Pink Haze. The possibilities are endless! Awesome! Any chance you will write this up as a pattern for sale? Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

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