A Lesson in Value, Part 1

I learned a valuable lesson (pun intended) as I got started on a version of the Road Trip Redux Quilt (more on this pattern later). I chose to pair a handful of solids with my favorite Essex linen in black and a fun black and white polka dot print.

I wondered if the two corals were too close in value, but since they were both in my stash, I wanted to make it work. I made a test HST block and thought the difference in value would probably be alright.

However, when I put some of the blocks on the design wall, I found the difference in value was not great enough to make the design pop. The two corals are so similar, they muddy the layout somewhat - not what I had in mind.

Here is my rough color sketch to give you an idea of what I want the design to look like. I had already changde my mind about the pale yellow, opting for mustard for more of an edge.

A quick trip to my local fabric shop, and I think I have a solution. The bottom coral will replace the medium coral in the middle that I used previously. It has a noticeably lower value than the darkest coral, which I think will create the contrast the design needs. Watch this space.

No block will be wasted however, as a quirk in the pattern (okay, maybe user error - again, more on that in a subsequent post) led me to cut far more pieces than I need, so another Road Trip Redux Quilt is likely in my future, perhaps with other colors added too.

Lines in the Sand Placemats

This set of eight placemats was meant to be a Christmas gift. I'm only a couple of weeks late, so it still counts, right?

I used Alissa Haight Carlton's Lines in the Sand pattern. You can download it for free here. They are really quick to sew up, but a hint if you'd like a fast finish - don't quilt them the way I did. Straight lines, a quarter inch apart, for the quilting took some time. Of course the benefit of dense quilting is amazing texture and a placemat with some body to it. I used grey Aurifil thread on the black Essex linen background and a light green Aurifil thread for the stripes.

I used the same linen for the binding, which was a bit thicker than I'd prefer. I do like the way it lets the stripes shine, though. A gorgeous green Carolyn Friedlander print is perfect for the backs.

After binding all eight by hand, I feel like I've bound a queen sized quilt. I haven't done the math, but the perimeters together might come close. I finally wrapped up that hand sewing late last night. Oh well, being late just means I have any early first finish of the new year!

Metro Link Quilt 2

Who braved the freezing temps and rushing wind to snap a few photos of her quilt? This girl. The phrase about suffering for the sake art came to mind.

I'm happy with the way the quilt came out, especially the choice of backing and binding. I'd been saving the Habitat print for just the right quilt, and I love it with the bright colors of the scraps on the front.  It was begging for a solid yellow binding.

In typical Kansas City fashion, yesterday was sunny and warm. Can you believe I hand stitched the binding outside on the deck, then this?

This is the Metro Link quilt, pattern by Michelle (@ilikeorangetoo on Instagram). I made another version of the quilt several years ago.

Metrolink Quilt Top

It's a quilt top! We're in the middle of a wet, gloomy stretch of cold weather here, so a couple of quick shots by an open door will have to do. I have to say it is so satisfying to see all those neat 90 degree corners matching, and I'm still loving the bright scraps against the black essex linen.

Now on to basting and quilting. I think I will use straight line quilting to emphasize the geometric piecing.

Metro Link Progress

I've been piecing the blocks of my Metro Link quilt this week, enjoying every minute. Each block is a new chance to make unique fabric pairings since I'm working with scraps. It's been like eating candy - I want to savor each one and not rush through, because then they will be finished.

The columns came together fairly quickly, so I'm ready to assemble the top next.

A New Link

I decided to get back in the scrappy saddle with the start of a new Metro Link quilt. Boy, I had forgotten how many tiny pieces (617!) are in this pattern by Michelle. The smallest ones finish at 1 x 2 inches. Cutting the background pieces from Essex linen yardage was quick, but cutting each individual piece from scraps took the better part of the past week. Whew!

I usually enjoy sewing from scraps improvisationally because it eliminates the need for precision in the initial phases, but I have to admit that there is something very satisfying about all those neat stacks cut to precisely the right size.

I've got the first step of the pattern all lined up for a night of chain piecing. Belying its precision, this type of sewing is actually quite relaxing. Unlike every step of an improv piece, there are no decisions to be made - just methodical, soothing stitches. Sometimes, it's just what you need.

Prisms and Fireworks

Ronnie Thompson from British Columbia was kind enough to send me this photo of a Floating Prisms quilt she longarm quilted. It was pieced by Marven Ecker. He asked her to create fireworks with the quilting, and I think the bursts are a stunning design in the negative space.

You can find my post about the Floating Prisms pattern here, as well as the whole pattern as a free download on the Robert Kaufman site. The design is foundation pieced.