Y'all, it's hard to tell in the photos, but this quilt has texture for daaaays. I used six different 50 wt. Aurifil threads, blending the thread colors through the quilt. It is quilted with a dense spiral design with four side swoops as I did on some of my color gradient minis (check out my yellow mini to get a really good look at the overall design on this quilt). Getting the spiral centered and balanced on the quilt took some planning, but I love how it turned out.
On the back of the quilt, I used my leftover scraps in a mixed-color strip, along with a rich, berry purple tonal main fabric. You can almost make out the distinct quilting lines in the photo of the backing.
The whole goal of the photo shoot for this quilt was to show off the color and texture. Getting the vibrant colors to show well was easy, but really capturing the texture was a little more difficult. The improv piecing is so busy that although the texture shows up well in person, in a photo it just blends right in. (ps- that is not a pucker in my backing, just a weird wrinkle where the quilt was folded)
To really show the texture, I had to take a photo indoors. Those quilting lines are about 1/4" to 1/2" apart throughout the entire quilt. Since I quilted this one with free-motion, the spacing and curve of the lines is organic, but I think the lack of perfect regularity really adds to the movement and charm of the quilt.
I set aside enough of my yellow scrap strips for a scrappy binding, and it blends right into the quilt without boxing the colors in. I love that it just disappears!
If you're looking closely, you'll see that this binding is actually finished by hand (gasp!). Unheard of for me, I know, but I love this quilt so much that I think I might enter it into shows, and I thought it deserved to be as perfect as possible.
I really do hate hand sewing, so it's a good thing that I have a quilty BFF that doesn't mind it. Barter is a beautiful thing, y'all. Since I made the Louisiana and Tennessee home pillows, my friend has been wanting a Texas Home pillow, and she and I agreed to a little deal. I made a Texas pillow for her in exchange for beautifully hand finishing the binding on my Gossip Queen quilt. Win, win all around!
This color blending technique is SO much fun, and much easier than you might think. It takes a little patience and planning, but the result is well worth it.
Since this technique uses the method from my book with just a little different execution, I've decided to add Using Scraps to Explore Color and Texture as a full-day class offering next year, in addition to the other classes from my book Stash Statement. I've just started booking for 2020, so if your guild is looking for a fun, unique workshop, be sure to contact me soon for more info and reserve a date on my calendar!
Okie dokie! Before we get our party on, let's check out some highlights from last week, shall we? Look at this gorgeous plus quilt by Alison at Little Bunny Quilts. Be sure you go check out all of the yummy quilting on this one.
I am all about scrappy texture (obviously), so I think this beauty by Katie Mae Quilts is just fantastic!
The transparency effect is so cool in this quilt by Anja Quilts-
And finally, this scrappy quilt by Sarah Goer Quilts is hot, hot, HOT!
Alright friends. Let's link up!
1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!
2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.
3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.
4. Spread the comment love far and wide!
5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!
*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop" when selecting your thumbnail photo. For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work! :)
