Hi there everyone and welcome to Persimon Dreams! This is my first time hosting the TGIFF link up and I’m so excited to have you joining me!
I’m not really a ‘pastel’ person and knew that I could add other Michael Miller couture solids into the quilt so I did a little shopping and found these …
I started by simply making just nine patches. I think this would have worked had this been a scrappy quilt but since I was limited to the solids I already had for the challenge (no time to do more shopping at this point) I felt that simple nine patches would be just too limiting. I then started making some other blocks that were based off a nine patch but included half square triangles or simply just strips. I like how this added some more dimension and interest to this piece.
I had enough fabric (barely) to make four ‘nine patch log cabin blocks’. Even though I’m not a traditional quilter I like to incorporate tradition into my quilts. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but the center of each log cabin block is red.
Now that I had my four blocks together – it was time to decide on the orientation.
The pinwheel orientation had been in my head from the beginning …
I also thought this hour glass was pretty interesting.
A more traditional layout.
And probably my second favorite layout – I really like how the darker colors frame the lighter. BUT this was just too traditional for what I was going for.
I decided to stick with my initial inspiration and use the pinwheel layout.
I even pieced a back for this quilt! I had to use Michael Miller fabrics and since there is so much pastel on the front I didn’t want to use anything too dark or too patterned so it would show through to the front.
Luckily – my aunt and quilter – Barb Raisbeck of Quilts by Barb – was able to squeeze me in for quilting so I could still meet the QuiltCon deadline of November 30th.
She did a really cool center pattern with swirls that radiate out from the center! Absolutely perfect for this piece!
I bound the quilt in the darker taupe. On two sides though I did add a thin red lip of fabric. I really like how it creates a bit of a shadow box effect. And now – let’s see the FINISHED quilt –
‘Propelled Pixels’
I had a lot of fun *sarcasm* photographing this quilt in the 13-degree weather and snow! Do you see the frost still on the fence!? I took these at 3 in the afternoon!
What do you think of my solution to the pastel challenge!?
And now it’s YOUR turn! Do you have a finish to show off this week?
Link up your post below – it’s best to link the URL for the individual post instead of your blog’s home URL. Also, it’s good etiquette to add the TGIFF button and/or a link in your post.
And it’s most fun of all when you visit some of the other participants’ pages and leave little comments for them!
Lorna McMahon says
The design is brilliant, Kim! Isn't it funny how inspiration can strike? The photos are beautiful and well worth braving that nippy cold weather! Thanks for hosting the link up!
Flo @ Butterfly Quilting says
You sure "fixed" those pastels!! good job, love it!
I dont miss the snow , though….but will be heading back to Canada soon for Christmas, so better get used to it!!
Jennie says
I think it's fabulous! You turned those pastels into a great low volume background. It's stunning!
Love your pictures, even if it was not so toasty warm.
Dominique says
What a fun, unusual quilt. Never seen anything like it. I could not have imagined it. Very, very nice, and the pictures are wonderful!
Laura C says
Your quilt is just gorgeous. I love how the pixels came together. Really, really clever….
Julie says
That is a really neat finish! I love you use of color and the pixel style lately!
Marly says
I love your innovative log cabin; it's a great way to use up tiny pieces!
suemac says
I really like how you ran with the initial pastels and added some dark fabrics. Very creative.
Cathie says
So original, creative and I love the colors. This is brilliant. A testament to letting fabric stew until inspiration arrives.
LynCC says
This quilt is so fun! And I just love it photographed in the snowscape. Yep – it's definitely worthwhile sometimes to let things marinate. 🙂
SarahZ says
Very cool! It is fascinating to get to learn how it all came to be! Really really cool quilt!