I've been longing to make a quilt where I could let loose and have fun. Not that most of my projects aren't fun. I wanted a creative release and what better way than combining improv, scraps and circles?!
Enter Frivolous Fun! And it was just that...a lot of fun! I grabbed some Kona Haze for the background,
Flipped open my scrap bins, and began picking larger pieces for the half circles. I didn't want to cut from yardage, so whatever was in the bins was what I was going to use.
Once the half circles were cut I began piecing background sections. With each background I tried to use a different color. And, since it was pieced together I could position the pieces so that they filled the curve section in a haphazardly way. As long as I could cut the size I needed I was good to go.
I ended up making five different circle sizes, 8", 6", 4 1/2", 3 3/4" and 3". The largest being half circles and sewn together, but the four remaining sizes I wanted to use the six-minute circle method. I love this method and have used it many times. It's simple and very satisfying. Who would have ever thought freezer paper could be used in quilting?!
I cut out background squares in four sizes for each circle, making sure that after they were inset I had enough border for trimming when it came time to assemble all the blocks. I ended up making two solid circle sizes
The 6" and 4 1/2" circles were first pieced with scraps and then inset. Keeping with the background of the half circle theme but different.
Last time I made a similar quilt to this one I actually pieced together a black and white stripe because I didn't have fabric I could use. I learned my lesson and ended up buying some 1/4" stripes just in case I might need it one day.
This was the day! I cut 1 1/2" (1" finished) strips of the stripe fabric and began the design layout. After randomly placing my circles on the design wall (by randomly I mean I rearranged them over and over and over again) I started adding the stripes. I didn't want to go overboard and add too much, so I slowed down and tried to think logically!
Since the stripes are 1/4" wide, I was able to trim the stripes so that they started and ended with black using the 1/4" to my advantage for the seams. Because I allowed for extra background, I could trim my circles to the exact size needed to make the stripes work.
Nothing is ever set in stone when 'puzzling' together a quilt. Having the leeway to adjust and trim so that each circle or background piece fits together is both fun and stressful! I try and plan out sections that line up without having to do partial seams...that would be a whole different level of brain power for me! All in all, I'm pleased with the results. I fulfilled my desire to have some frivolous fun!
I have the top pinned but will have to put off quilting for a few more days. We have our quarantine partner family coming today!
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