Friday 19 July 2019

Sugar and Spice: done for now

I'm not sure I like the name 'Sugar and Spice', since I'm not especially keen on the nursery rhyme it brings to mind, but it seems to have stuck,  Maybe I'll come up with something better in the fullness of time.  For now, though, I'm done with this one.

Funnily, having been pretty downcast about this when I started piecing, I really like it a lot now. Mr Sew Slowly said, as he often does "they're not your usual colours".  I am coming to recognise that I seldom start with my favourite colours but that what sparks my interest and brings me (eventually) the most satisfaction is starting somewhere that feels a bit uncomfortable and getting to that point where I feel like I've cracked it.  I learn more this way too.

Having said which, I do love a nice bird fabric and this has ended up with more than its share.  This wasn't deliberate - I mostly pick things for variety in colour and pattern but nonetheless I have managed to squeeze feathers, magpies, parrots and elegant little waders into one quilt.

This goes into the quilting pile (note to self to get on with quilting - haven't done any for a couple of weeks and that's no way to make progress) and I shall start to contemplate making something flowery.  

20 comments:

Paulette said...

It turned out beautifully! I think Sugar and Spice is a great name.

Julierose said...

I really love this one--so soft and cool looking...just beautiful work...
hugs, Julierose

Libby in TN said...

This may be my favorite! But I think I say that about every one you finish ...

Quiltdivajulie said...

This almost feels like it could have been part of the mapping challenge! I love it . . . I understand your love/hate relationship with the name Sugar and Spice. Maybe you can come up with Sweet and _____ instead?

Robin said...

Wahoo! A finished flimsey. . . It can be your springtime quilt. The colors make me think of Bon Bons - ha!

Mystic Quilter said...

A big pat on the back for your beautiful finish!! I love fabrics with feathers on but only have a few with birds but I was able to get a half yard of fabric with owls - they are my favourites. Now I'm interested to see whether you do embark on a flowery quilt!

Ann said...

I love the background of pastels, those bright greens scattered judiciously, and the narrowness of the dark crosses. It all works together beautifully. And yes, I remember the lovely bird fabrics, too. They are one of your signatures. Congratulations on a wonderful top.

Lisa J. said...

It's stunning! It has such a range of values in it that make it so interesting. I love the dark pluses.

Kris said...

Oh I think it turned out great! I love the colors and the unexpected designs created. I love choosing not my favorite colors to see how they play too. I think it is great to explore like that.

cspoonquilt said...

Great design! I love all the soft colors mixed in with the occasional interruption of dark lines or little squares. Makes it fun to look at and study!

liniecat said...

Hmm know what you mean about the name … Placid Crossing sprang to mind as I read your concern !

Another remarkable work through and finish : )

Janie said...

Great top finish. Good balance of color and movement. I agree, that was a good explore.

Marly said...

I love how you've thrown out the "rules" about contrast. With almost all light fabrics you've focussed on the changes in scale to provide contrast. I think this is brilliantly dynamic result!

Kim said...

I love the name Sugar and Spice. With those pastel colours together with the mustard, green and black touches; 'tis the perfect name. This quilt top is a triumph, Kaja. It is always fascinating to me to see what path you go down with each quilt. Those birds add delightful whimsy and those thin line crosses are unexpected but brilliant. Now to quilt it......I cannot wait to see what you come up with.

patty a. said...

Congratulations on following thru on this top and finishing it. It turned out fabulous!

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

A wonderful quilt, and I love the name! The soft pastel paelette works well with the little brighter pops, the mustard is perfect!

audrey said...

Sugar and Spice is a good name to describe your feelings as the quilt developed! Congrats on conquering what initially seemed to be a tough challenge. I think this one is going to look incredible when the quilting texture is added. It's got that look that says 'don't underestimate me one little bit'.:)

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

I remember you being downcast about this one. It looks wonderful!! Pretty pastel colours, and I specially like the random pops of green, mustard and blacks. Oddly enough, 'Sugar and Spice' didn't make me think the nursery rhyme at all, it made me think of buttered toast with cinnamon sugar, and spiced cake and tea :)

-Soma

Sandy Panagos said...

It may not be your usual colors, but it is your usual wonderful result. Well done!

Carli The Quilter said...

Kaja,
These may not be your usual colors, but your unique style is emmerging again and again. I love this top and can hardly wait to see all quilted, yummy! I had originally missed this post until taking some Sunday fun time to visit the quilters I follow.
@carlithequilter aka Good Earth Quilting