A few weeks ago I was reading my friend Beth's blog, and I really liked a quilt she was working on. It's a wonderfully simple Churn Dash and Stars that she found here. I love her patriotic version, but I was imagining a throw quilt to put at the end of the bed in our guest room. That room is "done" in light aqua and chocolate brown (so 2 years ago!), but it lacks any pizazz. The quilt has an optical illusion of circular motion, that appeals to me, without having to piece any curves, plus it only needs three fabrics to look fabulous. What was I waiting for? I hurried down to the quilt shop, and after some deliberation - (is this enough contrast, are the colors perfect, do I really want these?) I made my purchase and couldn't wait to get started. Not that I don't have a ton of unfinished projects waiting for me, but this one has a purpose, an immediate need, right? I was a little apprehensive about my aqua fabric. It's a little on the light side, but I didn't choose a chocolate brown, I went with a more medium version, so it will be fine, right?
Just to make sure, I decided to scan my fabric choices into EQ7, and work up the design with my fabrics.
Okay, it's a little heavy on the brown, but I think I can live with it. So, I cut out all of the blocks, and put all of the churn dash blocks together. Wow! This is really going together fast! Next step, the star blocks. I put the first two together, and as I was working on them, the doubt started creeping in. Time to lay out these two blocks with a few of the churn dash blocks and check out the contrast.
I almost couldn't see the star blocks. The aqua in this photo is actually brighter than the real thing. I knew that I would never like the way the blocks would work together because I would totally lose the circular motion that I love so much. Plus, I don't need another unfinished project to hide away in my closet. Out comes my aqua/turquoise fabric stash, and I start cutting all over again. I'm much happier with the results, even though the "simple three color quilt" went by the wayside. I have the top, without borders, pieced, and you can tell by the two blocks of the original aqua fabric that I left in that I made the right decision. They almost disappear!
Now, what am I going to do about the border?
I think its gorgeous! Your work is devine! I am so glad you went for the brighter turquoises for sure...keep up the great work...and borders? I dunno, see what speaks to you.
Cousin ( ha-ha) Marsha
Posted by: Marsha Linker | May 25, 2011 at 10:49 AM