In a few weeks I will be teaching a quilt workshop, the theme is to (a) use up some of that stash and (b) go wild and creative and (c) not to think too much. So I decided I'd better make another quilt to show the participants what I have in mind! The idea is the same as in the Improv quilt top I made a few years ago, a free take on the traditional log cabin pattern. The colour inspiration is my daughter's new room that goes in grey, turquoise, pink, black&white and a hint of yellow. This is where she likes to sit and read (she is 10 years old and is reading the 5th Harry Potter in English, we speak Swedish at home, that child is a genius)!The other night we watched a documentary about the composer John Cage, which inspired me to make a quilt where I pick the fabrics "by chance". What I did was to fill this bag with fabrics in the theme colours from my stash and placed it by my sewing machine.
I found 12 smaller pieces in different sizes in my scrap basket that became center pieces for the blocks and then I started sewing. I closed my eyes and randomly picked a fabric from the bag. When possible I chose the size of the strips "by accident" too. Like here on this black fabric that was already cut into, the strip naturally became 4 inch wide.
This is so fun! I just hope it won't end up looking like a catastrophe, I promise to show you the result anyway :)
It's too early to say, this is what I left by my sewing machine earlier today, can't wait to get back to work tomorrow!
It would be great fun if you would like to join me on this! If you do, feel free to post your links here!
Really impressed with your daughters language ability, and just a little jealous.
Posted by: Claire | 18 January 2013 at 01:56 PM
That looks great! I've been meaning to make a quilt for my bed, maybe using some old shirts and clothes from the whole family and that sounds like a great way of doing it - also because I'm not very good at cutting squares and matching up corners very precisely!!
I'll be following your progress and might join you in a little while!
Posted by: Helene | 17 January 2013 at 04:45 PM
Good idea!! Paola - Italy
Posted by: Amore di Zia | 17 January 2013 at 09:22 AM
Food idea!! Paola - Italy
Posted by: Amore di Zia | 17 January 2013 at 09:21 AM
Oh, that looks like a lot of fun!! I love your pieces and I'm very inspired by you - just need the nerve to eventually get started quilting ...
This seem like a fun way to make something without over-thinking the process ...
Posted by: Eva | Little Cool Toys | 16 January 2013 at 10:18 PM
Love the idea of 'random' colour selection. Looking forward to seeing a little bit more!! Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | 16 January 2013 at 06:42 PM