This is my attempt at a softer side of improv! Maybe even a softer side of myself, which isn't always apparent!
When I was making another improv quilt I came to a crossroads of sort. I was having a debate with myself whether I should add a top and bottom section using very light colors. I had the blocks made it came down to will it be a good thing or not necessary. In the end I did add them, but during the debate I fell in love with the light pastel colors. And...one thing led to another!
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| 'WATER COLOR' 34 1/2" x 45 1/2" |
The large improv is full of warm of orange, yellow, pink. Which led me down the path to a different color story. Let's get 'cool'!
The hardest part was finding lighter colors in purple, blue, green and aqua. Easier said than done with my stash! I'm not immediately drawn to pastel colors when I buy fabric, but I have been trying to round out my stash with every possible option.
The background fabric is Kona Natural. It's very close to Kona Snow, but has specks of natural fibers dispersed throughout. Not large pieces or a lot, just enough! To me Kona Snow is to pristine and I like having the Natural option on hand.
For once I didn't have to let the quilt sit while I came up with a quilting solution. It would be organic matchstick-ish straight lines. For the majority of the lines I used Aurifil Chalk, but I wanted to add some pizzazz and interest with other thread colors as well. In each color section I used a coordinating pastel thread color and went to town. Before long there it was! A finished quilted quilt!
When I quilt organic lines like these I first start by marking sections with my hera marker that are generally straight and vary in width from 3"- 6" wide. This way I can still do organic lines but I can stay on track so the lines have the illusion they are semi straight.
I'm a big believer in doing what works for you and there really isn't a 'by the book' method in achieving the organic matchstick look. The end result is all that matters.
I used Kona Ice Frappe for the backing for this quilt. As you can see the texture is amazing! The lines are randomly placed with varying widths which I know will always look amazing after a wash and dry! The texture is pronounced and exactly what I was hoping for!
I'm not sure where this quilt will end up, on the floor with a baby or on a wall? Either way I love everything about it!
I believe you must have magical fingers, Jayne. Every quilt you create is lovely. This is so fresh and vibrant!
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure about the magic part, but when you love what you do it helps!
DeleteSuper sweet quilt, Jayne!!
ReplyDeleteIt was another very fun project. When it’s inspiring…it’s so much fun!
DeleteThe Kona Natural sets off the soft colors nicely without a bright and bold contrast. Looks like you had some fun!
ReplyDeleteI smiled my way through this post because I too don't gravitate to light/pastel colors. But as I've learned from taking color classes, lights, mediums, and darks are each important, even as they relate to one another as in your quilt. Yesterday I found a brick and mortar quilt shop that carries all the Painter's Palette Solids (my favorite brand) and bought 24 colors! I intentional selected light pastels and darks ("Moss" and "Woodman"), though mediums topped my choices. That's interesting information about Kona Natural. I may have to break my "no Kona" rule to give that one a try. Hope you find a place to hang and/or admire this beauty. Your color palette is completely refreshing!
ReplyDeleteNow, this is a new look for you! Very pretty -- reminds me of crystal formations for some reason. Thanks for the tip about Kona Natural, too. I'll have to look for that one.
ReplyDeletethis is so sweet and soft. i love it
ReplyDeleteI love the pastel look - very soft and pretty, and great texture from the matchstick quilting.
ReplyDeleteHi Jane, what lovely pastel colours. I know that I don't have many in my stash but they sure look great together. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSo soft and feminine, I like it. I don't have much pastel in my stash either come to think of it!
ReplyDeleteYou are the master when it comes to color and solid fabrics. Your color work in this one is stunning Jayne!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing it with Oh Scrap!
All those soft colors play so well together - well done!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool quilt. I love the colors, too.
ReplyDeleteImprov and I don’t always get along so well but your quilt makes me want to dive right in again... Love it! And the quilting is perfect for it.
ReplyDeleteHi, I found this post via quiltingismorefunthanhousework and I'm so glad I checked it out. I'm partial to brights and primarys but I'm in love with this pastel version of improv blocks. I find it tremendously soothing. I don't have much of a stash of solids and even fewer pastels. It looks like I'll have to start collecting some! I'm interested about your use of the Kona fabric. I've had limited experience with it but it seems to fray quite a bit. Nevertheless, your choice of the natural and aquas is wonderful. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI like this blog. Thank you for sharing this information.
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