Tuesday 15 May 2018

First decisions

Well, this is not going to be what I first thought, which was (possibly) something incorporating log cabin type blocks.  I did like the little block I mocked up for the previous post, but there were several things wrong: the first was that it just felt a bit predictable; the second, that cutting my fabric to make squares or rectangles would be quite wasteful, if I wanted to preserve the swallows whole; and finally it made the assumption that the whole quilt was about that one fabric - I think I want to try and find a way that it plays equally in relation to the other choices but doesn't hog the limelight, if that makes sense.

Anyway, since this was the fabric giving me pause for thought, I wanted to get the first cut over with.  Once I sat and looked at it properly, it seemed to make more sense to cut on the diagonal (picture included here so you can see what I mean), which has led me neatly back to string blocks. 
So what I am trying, for now at least, is these little blocks (6" square).  Some with three strips, some that just have one corner replaced and some that are a single fabric.
I'm using the swallows up first, but adding in the other fabrics as I go along. 
Of course this may be no indication at all of what the final quilt will look like, but it's where I'm starting.
(An interesting aside, is that the fabric I am least comfortable with so far is the one that comes from the same range as the swallows, which is designed to co-ordinate perfectly.  Probably says more about me than it does about the fabric!)

13 comments:

patty a. said...

That was smart to open up the fabric and study the pattern the birds were laid out. The string blocks works perfectly with the diagonal layout of the birds! I really like the mix of fabrics. That dark navy blue fabric gives a wonderful contrast against the rest of the fabrics.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

The birds look great in a diagonal setting, and the fabric combinations work really well. Which fabric is uncomfortable to you?

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I agree that opening up the bird print and looking at the repeat was a really smart idea, and I like the lines you are creating so far with the blocks. It will be fun to see how you arrange them as you continue to make more.

Janie said...

I'm liking the yellow/blue contrast.
And that the blues go from dark to turquoise to light.
Taking shape!

Robin said...

Such a cute focus fabric. I would have been so nervous making that first cut. I'm glad it worked out for you. The blocks are so interesting. They make me want to see more.

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

Oh gosh, I think I need to come be with you for a while just to get over my fear of doing stuff like this.......maybe when I get back from London I can play some.

Mystic Quilter said...

Oh great, another start on a new quilt! The swallow fabric is gorgeous with a good range of colours, exciting to watch another quilt of yours progress.

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

Oh that is very clever and not predictable at all. The colours look beautiful together.

-Soma

audrey said...

Lovely! Always exciting to see a new start around here and wonder where the adventure will take you this time! I often have trouble with fabrics from the same line playing well in the same quilt. Must be our contrary gene acting up.:)

Carli The Quilter said...

Looking like you know the expression is your style. Random and playful.

Cathy said...

Nice use of the birds and a very nice beginning.

Mary Marcotte said...

I'm betting that every snippet from the corners are going to make other corners. I know your frugality with tiny pieces. (Said with a smile, of course.)
Those X blocks that work together but don't match exactly is the kind of improv that sometimes scares me. I wish I had your bravery when it comes to jumping in. If you keep going with this idea you'll have a very interesting quilt indeed.

Sandy Panagos said...

It is so much fun to watch you create! I think ALL those fabrics look great together.