I finished this quilt a while back but didn't get photos until recently. It's a pretty large quilt and I was not looking forward to taking pictures of it! Eventually the stars aligned and I found my wall along with the exact right time of the day for the light to work for me instead of against me!
I always have trouble taking photos. But I can't let that stop me from sharing just the same.
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VITALITY
57" x 87" |
What a year!
Emotionally drained, social distance fatigue and election overload have taken a toll on everyone. I needed a fresh burst of energy to continue the fight and do my part.
Choosing strong energetic colors convey renewed vitality and give me the strength to take a deep breath and continue on. This improv quilt starts and ends with the fading of color that represents exhaustion. The center is vibrant and energetic which gives me renewed strength and hope to continue fight.
The top part is full of yellow that fades into light oranges. Improv allows me to blend the colors creating an ombré effect graduating from dark to light. Each block is first framed with Kona Natural and then a solid that completes each row.
The center is the most vibrant! I love the combination of pink and orange so you know this made me happy!
I was hard pressed to find enough pastel fabric for the final fade. Somehow I did and I couldn't be happier with the final results!
Well...maybe I could be happier! I debated on whether I should add the top and bottom row of the lightest colors. After several days I decided it was exactly what was needed. Had I not, the colors in the quilt looked like a barrel! Not what I was after! The downside to adding the final rows was that it make the quilt much longer than I wanted.
The positives out weighed the negatives. I had to go with it.
Let the quilting begin! I machine quilted organic straight lines using mostly an off white thread. The width between the lines varied as did the straightness. In order to make sure there was some sort of consistency and I didn't go completely off the rails, I marked horizontal lines approximately 4-6" apart with my hera marker.
From there I filled in with mostly the off white thread but included random lines of coordinating thread colors.
I pieced together the back because I didn't have a single piece of yardage that would be large enough. I'm a fan of pieced backings, so it was fine with me!
It coordinates with the front and that's really all that matters, right?!
You can barely see it but there is a section of binding on the top and bottom that brings the lightest sections to the edge of the design. Always a nice touch to have pieced bindings. At least this one didn't need to be perfectly matched as some bindings do!
Some quilts are a labor of love, and I can say this one certainly was. I was wanting to do a large improv quilt for a long time and finally found the perfect time to scratch my itch! While I think the size of this quilt got away from me, I couldn't stop myself and had to go with it regardless of the outcome. Quilts are crazy like that. They sometimes dictate exactly what is to be done and who am I to argue?!
It's lovely! You have also found the perfect name; I can certainly relate to your story.
ReplyDeleteIt’s been a trying year for everyone. Hopefully 2021 will be much more uplifting and we can get back to our new normal!
DeleteBeautiful piece--it glows and vibrates and whispers...it certainly is a wonderful representation of our emotions during this difficult time...I love the pure colors...nice work-- and yes, the quilts sometimes just keep on growing in their own ways...hugs from afar Julierose
ReplyDeleteIt felt right to have this represent my 2020 on an emotional level. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been on the emotional roller coaster from the pandemic to the election. I’m hoping for a better 2021 for all of us!
DeleteAt first glance, I loved this quilt, but when I read your description of your creation, I knew that you knocked this one out of the park! You have perfectly captured this year, and I hope that you will enter Vitality into a show so that many will see it.
ReplyDeleteIt’s been a year to remember on many different fronts. I did enter this one in the Modern Quilt Guild Virtual show. Who knows if it will make the cut though. I’d love to have it shown in person because photos rarely do a quilt justice!
DeleteI can feel the energy radiating off of this quilt. and I love the pieced binding. well done
ReplyDeleteyour bright, bright colors should cheer you up - I 'm so ready for next year to start fresh and leave all the sadness and stress behind
ReplyDeleteColor is so helpful in lifting our moods. And so is creativity! Thanks for sharing your journey, and your lovely quilt.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely stunning! Those colors are drool-worthy. No doubt you've entered this in QuiltCon Together, and I wish you nothing but the best on having it accepted. It's a bright creation that will make everyone happy who is fortunate enough to see it.
ReplyDeleteThe ombre fade is beautifully done, I'm glad you decided to add the final rows. And I love adding in the bold colors with the quilting here and there, it is nice to find those details as you look at a quilt closer and longer.
ReplyDeleteThat is definitely full of positive energy, Jayne! I love the bright color and fun design!
ReplyDeleteOh. I. Love. This. !!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, bright and cheerful quilt! I love the shades of colors, very pretty!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done Jayne. I love how the colors flow. Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!
ReplyDeleteOh! I've been waiting for you to share this completed quilt. LOVE it, Jayne!!
ReplyDeleteOhh I love it! Strong energetic colors is right!! BEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDeleteFun to hear you share what made you make the quilt and a bit of your thought process as you worked through it. Another fun quilt, Jayne!
ReplyDeleteYour use of value here is impressive, Jayne. And of course I love your use of color! Delightful finish.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and cheerful quilt! Your use of color is amazing!
ReplyDeleteNo need to argue with this beautiful quilt, is right! I love the colors and the piecing and the quilting! Plus the back!!! This is a very lovable quilt!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother gorgeous quilt from you, Jayne! I would never have guessed that photographing quilts was challenging for you, because your photos are beautiful. That's an area I want to improve in next year. I signed up for a workshop on quilt photography during Virtual QuiltCon in February and I'm hoping it will help me to "up my game." :-)
ReplyDeleteThis blows my mind because while I just don't feel comfortable doing improv I love looking at it. I need to come visit you for lessons;) I like that you faded it out on both ends of the quilt.
ReplyDeleteWell done! It's amazing. It has been quite the year. Here's to a great 2021.
ReplyDeleteWow - Seriously amazing! I can see why you love it!
ReplyDeleteI like this blog. Thank you for sharing this information.
ReplyDeleteNice blog! I really like your information.
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