I have two challenge quilts to share with you today. Many of you know that I am part of an online art group, The Endeavourers. We have quarterly challenges using themes members suggest (those themes are drawn from the suggestions for each challenge). The challenge for this quarter was “motion”. Why do I have two challenge quilts?
Once I settled on what I wanted to do for this challenge, I went in search of what I could use to show motion, and I happened upon this orphan block in my stash of improv bits. I surrounded it with a deep teal solid fabric, because I think it makes the block pop. I thought the block had some fun movement to it. I created that block awhile ago from some scrap units given to me by one of you (thank you if you know who you are – I’ve had them so long I’ve forgotten).
So then it just sat on my design wall (photo is at a weird angle, it was not that distorted). I needed some time to think about how to quilt it. Thankfully, I had finished this early, so I had plenty of time to consider the finish. I decided that I should make a smaller practice top so I could mess around with quilting ideas. Using another orphan block (made from leftovers from this little quilt I made a few years ago), I stitched up a little quilt top. Once that was done, I came across some quilting inspiration in one of Cindy Grisdela’s quilt books. So I thought I’d try that. Here is what I came up with.
I thoroughly enjoyed working on this practice quilt, so much so that I decided I had one challenge quilt done if I really messed up the larger one. For this little 14.5″ square quilt, I used Aurifil 40 wt. thread in Mustard (#5022). Using my Acufeed foot, I quilting the wavy lines freehand, then used the serpentine stitch in the upper right corner. It was a very satisfying finish.
So back to the larger quilt, which measures 24″ x 31.5″ finished. My plan was to do the same quilting as I used for the practice quilt, but I didn’t want to use a deep teal thread on the light block area. I considered using just a light tan/beige for the quilting, as well. I kept thinking about motion using thread and came up with a different idea.
Using a mix of threads, Aurifil 40 wt. in Beige (#2314), Aurifil 50 wt. in Turquoise (#2810), Neon Orange (#7000), and Neon Yellow (#7001), I stitched wavy lines freehand vertically through the quilt. I started with the Beige 40 wt. thread and then added the other threads. Then, for something a little different, I stitched horizontally with more freehand waves, but only in the bottom section of the quilt.
I have mixed feelings about the outcome. It doesn’t look quite like I thought it would. It does, however, show motion and moves the eye, I think, so I’m somewhat happy about that.
Part of the reason I enjoy these challenge quilts is the opportunity to have some fun and see if my ideas will work. Of the two, the little quilt is definitely my favorite of the two challenge quilts for this theme.
Our next theme is “favorite book” and I’m already thinking of a plan. That quilt is due May 1st.
Happy Monday, all!
Wendy
Oh what fun! Both pieces are gorgeous and certainly reflect the idea of movement. This was a big challenge! I really like the way you quilted the teal background — makes me think of rippling water
I love both quilts! I especially see the motion in the second one, which reminds me of a Star Trek Borg cube hovering above an ocean – just much prettier!
I lovelove the little one! The improv, the particular shade of blue with the sea of motion… And the lime (?) green improv pieces and binding just POPS!
I really like the binding on the practice piece. I really like for the dark teal place that the block is positioned very asymmetrically, I think that helps it have a since of motion.
Your challenge quilts are always so interesting to look at and read about, Wendy! I enjoyed seeing how you used color, shape, and thread designs to show motion. Your ideas worked!
It’s great to be able to try things, isn’t it? They both definitely show movement!
I always enjoy seeing what you are up to. I admire that you include what threads, colors and fabric you used.
Happiest of days
Two different quilts and two different quilting designs. I love that you experiment with different ideas to find out if they will work. I, too, like the little one better, but I think it is because it is a brighter color. The quilting on both is well done. Congratulations. I’m looking forward to your next challenge reveal.
I think movement is hard in quilts, but both pieces have some of it. The experience of liking the practice piece better always surprises me. I like both and I think the quilting in the teal piece definitely adds to the movement. Both are really fun!
There are so many things I like about both of these. They’re art. If art means that I want to look… look again… move away, then go back for another look. I would hang either of these on my wall and love looking, following the lines… wondering why… trying to match up, happy not to be able to… love, Love, LOVE! A+
Both quilts turned out beautifully. Even better you used up orphan blocks and put them into wall worthy pieces. The quilting on both is fun. The little green one is my favorite of the two.
The quilting is awesome on both pieces and I really like the quilting on the dark blue bordered piece – it really pops!
You have a win win with these challenge quilts. I love how you quilted them!!