I completed a few more batik blocks and put them up on the design wall. And decision made!
Switch: a change or transformation.
Yes, that is what I have decided to do. I am switching things up on my 2 on-going projects---the watercolor floral quilt and the drunkard's path jacket in batiks.
My off-handed remark about making a quilt with the batik blocks set my thinking in that direction. Then Wanda's comment that they would be a beautiful quilt, was exactly right on. An artsy quilt that explores color and movement and doesn't really follow the rules or a set pattern was calling me. And that surprised me!
Why? I began as a very traditional quilter about 25 years ago.....buy a pattern, follow directions, and so on. And somewhere along the way, I have found my own way. I don't always follow the trends or the current thing that is in vogue. Maybe I am just kind of behind the times, or just off in my own world. I continue to work in watercolors and florals because it makes me happy and content. Remember---do what you love. Yet, I have found that I look to expand that technique by translating watercolor and value into other designs and patterns---traditional or not. In scrappy quilts, I push value to see what happens. And participating in the Journal Quilt Challenge this year has been such an inspiration and motivation to me. I have really enjoyed playing and seeing what others create. So all this came together in my head and gave me a big push/nudge/urge to turn the blocks into a quilt.
So what's the problem.....I wanted to do a jacket to try the technique for joining and bindings. I love the DP and NY Beauty blocks, but I just could not see myself wearing them---not on my body. Yes, they would be a striking jacket, but I would probably never wear it.
Switch: a change or transformation.
Yes, that is what I have decided to do. I am switching things up on my 2 on-going projects---the watercolor floral quilt and the drunkard's path jacket in batiks.
My off-handed remark about making a quilt with the batik blocks set my thinking in that direction. Then Wanda's comment that they would be a beautiful quilt, was exactly right on. An artsy quilt that explores color and movement and doesn't really follow the rules or a set pattern was calling me. And that surprised me!
Why? I began as a very traditional quilter about 25 years ago.....buy a pattern, follow directions, and so on. And somewhere along the way, I have found my own way. I don't always follow the trends or the current thing that is in vogue. Maybe I am just kind of behind the times, or just off in my own world. I continue to work in watercolors and florals because it makes me happy and content. Remember---do what you love. Yet, I have found that I look to expand that technique by translating watercolor and value into other designs and patterns---traditional or not. In scrappy quilts, I push value to see what happens. And participating in the Journal Quilt Challenge this year has been such an inspiration and motivation to me. I have really enjoyed playing and seeing what others create. So all this came together in my head and gave me a big push/nudge/urge to turn the blocks into a quilt.
So what's the problem.....I wanted to do a jacket to try the technique for joining and bindings. I love the DP and NY Beauty blocks, but I just could not see myself wearing them---not on my body. Yes, they would be a striking jacket, but I would probably never wear it.
I was sitting in my sewing room, as all this went through my head, and right in front of me--on the design wall--was the perfect answer. The floral blocks..... I could see myself wearing a jacket made with the floral blocks. They blend, create light and shadow--that could be useful! And they could be a background for some applique. So, the watercolor floral blocks are going to become the jacket and the batik blocks are going into a quilt.
I did a few quick sketches for a layout on the new jacket idea and I think I need a few more light blocks for it. Still have lots of strips so that won't be a problem.
Insight: Again I say to me----follow your instincts and do what you love. One of these days, I am going to get that firmly planted in my brain.
Insight: Again I say to me----follow your instincts and do what you love. One of these days, I am going to get that firmly planted in my brain.
Happy stitching.
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