The issue 5 call for entries to the Mini Quilt Gallery of Curated Quilts closes today and I've finished my (well, our) submission just in time.
I'll start with that "our" part. This color palette is not my typical palette. I purchased the Kona solids Shadow, Yarrow, Metal, Sunny, Moss, and Windsor just to participate in the challenge and they sat there, waiting for inspiration to strike. I had an idea, but unfortunately I'd seen that another maker made a nearly identical piece. On June 10th my son walked into my sewing room and I said, "I need a brilliant idea. I need a brilliant quilting idea." He responded, "arrange them lightest to darkest for me," and got to work.
His initial idea was to color block with six large rectangles. Then I filled him in on the theme of Connections/Improv. We discussed what improv meant and settled a plan. I would cut the fabric into quadrilaterals with scissors and he would arrange them on the design wall. I cut a few of each color, and as he filled the space he instructed me to cut particular colors to fill in the gaps he had.
I did all the piecing. I enjoyed the puzzle of putting together his design. It includes straight seams, smooth curves, and a set-in seam. We had to add a couple pieces in the top right to keep the project large enough for the challenge.
Then I went back to G to discuss quilting. I knew I wanted pretty dense quilting (but not matchstick) and I had four matching 50 wt Aurifil colors to use: Yellow #2135, Dove #2600, Medium Grey #1158, and Medium Delft Blue #2783. If I'd had all six colors I would have been inclined to quilt tone on tone in each section. I'm so glad I didn't. I asked G what area of the quilt he liked the most and wanted to emphasize. He liked the lower left, so I made that the focal point of my quilting. My quilting was done by walking foot and random color changes. I really like the effect.
I love that this challenge allowed me to connect with my son. It was the perfect size project for us to work on together. It finished at 10" x 10", with a faced binding. Thanks for the inspiration, Curated Quilts! Congratulations to all the other makers who have submitted their mini quilts. 121 so far!
You may have seen my i Mini that I created for the Minimalism challenge in issue 3 of CQ. (Fun fact, it's currently hanging in the San Mateo County Fair.)
G has made 5 of his own quilts. Check them out:
- Jungle of Animals
- Rainbow Swift
- House on the Hill
- Ocean Quilt
- My Sports Quilt (oops, the finish isn't on the blog yet)
I've linked up to Needle and Thread Thursday and TGIFF.
lisa
It's a great quilt Sarah. I love the way the colours worked out in groupings and the quilting is great as well. This time I got as far as gathering fabric so maybe the next time I'll actually make a quilt.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Lisa. I submitted two issues ago. Last issue I got the fabric and had an idea and never had time to cut fabric. :-P
Mary
What an awesome collaboration between you and your son. Such a great improv quilt! The quilting just makes it! Take care, Mary.
sarah
Post authorThank you so much, Mary. I really enjoyed working with him and I'm sure we'll do it again.
Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
I love that the challenge led to a collaboration with your son. I like how the quilting feels like a pulsing star.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Yvonne. I like that name: "Pulsing Star" -- I may have to use that. ;-)
lisainporthope
It seems he's a natural! I love how the curve in the bottom grounds the piece. Thanks for linking to TGIFF.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Lisa. It was nice how that worked out. I gave him the option of a straight seam or a curve. I'm glad he chose the curve.
Sarah @BerryBarnDesigns
I love this! Those would be challenging colors for me, as well. G had a great idea and the quilting really makes it pop!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Sarah. I think challenge quilts (especially mini ones) are a great way to push myself to work outside of my normal palette/style.
Anja @ Anja Quilts
Well done. Great collaboration project.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Anja! I look forward to our next one. :-)
Melanie
I am in love with the quilt. I think the colors are great. I have seen a lot of grey yellow combinations, but this one is very masculin. And the background story with your son is so beautiful. What a treasure to have worekd on it together and that he is also into quilting. xo
sarah
Post authorI credit Curated Quilts with the color palette. It's really outside my norm for color, but it works and you're right, it's a masculine palette. I'm glad both kids enjoy sewing and quilting. It was super fun to collaborate with him.