I'm always itching to start a new project and with the new year upon us I couldn't wait. I usually have my first (whatever that may be) ready to share practically before the sunrises on January 1st. I missed that traditional first this year!
I decided that this year should start with a rainbow! I'm optimistic this year will get back on track in many ways...fingers crossed and bring on color!
There are so many things I love about this project. Rainbow, circles, scraps and improv! Not to mention it's a table runner which means a quick finish. Total satisfaction!
I pulled all my scrap bins out and began with one color at a time. Before long I had my eight (8) rainbow squares (purple somehow didn't make it into this photo!) that varied in size and shape from 5-6".
I almost always use the six-minute circle method which means pull out the freezer paper! The tutorial for this method shows how to make perfectly round circles, I on the other hand wanted something a little more organic for this project.
After cutting eight (8) freezer paper pieces, I placed the improv block on the the square and traced around the outside. This became my guide to how big I should make my shapes and insured that I'd have enough seam allowance to pull it off. I drew the shapes and cut out the centers.
I choose to use Kona black for my background and cut eight (8) 17" x 7" rectangle strips for that. Once I centered the template I ironed the freezer paper to the background.
Leaving plenty of wiggle room for the background seam, I cut the center out, clipped the curves and with a washable glue stick I adhered the seam to the freezer paper.
Once that is finished I glued the improv block to the back. Once all my blocks were prepped in this way it was then that I removed the freezer paper and started sewing each section. Reducing stitch length a little and using a zipper foot is a must with smaller circles for me. That and taking your time!
Pink starts the progression. Maybe not the typical ROYGBIV standard, but my rainbows require there is pink included!
I can't decided if these shapes are raw precious gems...
...or maybe an Amoeba that has the ability to change its shape?
Yellow could be an egg. My son thinks they look like Yoshi eggs! You have to know your video games to get that reference!
There is a little bit of a challenge when making inset circles using improv. Inevitably there are thick seams you have to contend with. It can be done though!
I know in the standard ROYGBIV model the BIV = blue, indigo and violet. I can't help but switch the blue with aqua/teal, indigo with blue and violet with purple.
Mine is: PROYGABP! Pink, red, orange, yellow, green, aqua, blue and purple. Not as catchy as ROYGBIV is it?!
I think creative license or artistic freedom is essential. I use it in my rainbows, much of my quilting and sometimes...in everyday life!
I'm going to ask...are you a rainbow fan? I know there are some people who aren't and that's okay. Diversity is always a good thing!
Now I'm off to finish quilting this runner. Can you say Matchstick?! It takes a while, it's worth it and thankfully this is only a runner!
LINKING:
Looks great!! Rainbow is rainbow - use the colours that make you happy. ☺ Every time you share the video, I try to watch it, but I can never get it to work. :(
ReplyDeleteI like your view of the rainbow. I am in the middle of a rainbow project right now. I've got several colors picked but I need three more. We'll see what I decide for those last few. You've given me some ideas though! Thanks for your methodology pictures. I hadn't seen this method.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think you can go wrong when making something in a rainbow of colors! I hope you get those last three colors selected!
DeleteI absolutely LOVE all things rainbow! I'm hosting a TABLE SCRAPS Challenge on my blog this year, if you'd like to link-up at the end of the month. Looking forward to seeing the rainbow runner you have planned, Jayne!
ReplyDeleteI know how this turned out, and it's another fun one! As to rainbows, I just like color. I don't always want to put things in rainbow order. So I'm not sure how to answer - I like rainbows when I'm in the mood? (shrug)
ReplyDeletewhat a great way to start the whole new year!!
ReplyDeleteThat’s what I think! It’s funny how a rainbow can change my mood and I always love a quick project too!
DeleteOh, I'm a HUGE rainbow fan. I was thinking my first project of the year might need to be a rainbow as well. I look forward to seeing more of how this one comes together for you. Happy New Year and all the best to you in 2021, Jayne!
ReplyDeleteWell, I like YOUR rainbows, Jayne -- how's that? ;-). I enjoy seeing rainbows in the sky, too. IBut I suppose what I'm feeling is that so many others have explored quilting in a rainbow palette already, and I don't have anything new of my own to add to it right now. Just not feeling my own creative inspiration tugging me in the direction of a rainbow quilt. I LOVE your technique with this project, by the way. To clarify -- once the glue dries, you machine stitch around the shape from the back side through the turned seam allowance? Or you're doing it as reverse applique?
ReplyDeleteI like rainbows but rarely do them, more often a "rainbow" of neons and brights, not a true rainbow. love your organic shapes. you must have quite a collection of table runners
ReplyDeleteI almost always make rainbow quilts - mostly because everything goes and color decisions are easier! I love your rainbow of crumb/circles! Never thought to use a zipper foot when sewing a small circle like you did, but that is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI love color, but I am not a rainbow fan. No clue why, just never have been.
ReplyDeleteWow, love this. I have been trying more free form type quilting. Hopefully it will be okay to adapt your method to make something for me to hang in these dreary days of deepest winter. I actually like the blocks before you uncircle them
ReplyDeleteWhoa! Thanks for sharing your set-in oval sewing method. Your blocks are looking good! Actually, what you and I are making are similar! Scraps. Inset sewing. I'm making inset circles and don't yet know how they will work into a composition. You'll see a finish soo, I bet! I'm making a big quilt, and hope to do some big stitch quilting. I'm trying to s-l-o-w quilt-making production in 2021.
ReplyDeleteSure, love rainbow quilts.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME blocks!!
I love your rainbow blocks. I am happy to see purple there :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!