Most of my quilts these days are very traditional and take ages to make but I miss playing with the brighter free and easy ones I used to do way back when.
I decided that it would be a good idea to keep an afternoon or two free in the weekends to play in the sewing room and that way I could still stay focused during the week on the big slow burning quilts in progress. Sounds like a good plan to me.
These blocks are from the Freddy Moran and Gwen Marston book called Freddy and Gwen Collaborate Again.
It's a perfect fit for my weekend play, no pinning, no templates and no size restrictions.
Even better, I get to use red, red and more red fabric from the stash. Add some strips from the scrap bag and it's practically a free quilt.
I have to acknowledge LeeAnne over at Nifty quilts who inspired me with this version she put together after a block swap.
Sujata over at The Root Connection who delights me with the idea that any scraps can be put together and result in something fabulous.
Victoria of 15 minutes of play fame who taught me that I can even make my own new fabric by joining the scraps together.
Seeds are sewn by what we see and experience.
I bought this pattern years ago, it's very similar except it has several blocks done in the slashing style and is a bit more structured. Of course once you do a block or two, you can go in your own direction.
I'm giving away this pattern so if you think you'd like it, leave a comment saying so and I'll do a draw after Easter. Sorry, no anonymous comments.
To all those who celebrate Easter, have a wonderful weekend.
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42 comments:
so not what I expect when I come to your blog but I LOVE It and have not stopped thinking about Leeann's quilt since she posted and I do have a pretty good red collection to chose from. Free piecing like this just doesn't always work out for me. Never think it looks as good as the quilt I was inspired by!
I think this is the perfect thing for you to do on a weekend though very fun and freeing.
Kathie
I think your plan to play, unrestricted at weekends, is a great idea! Sounds like the perfect way for keep things fresh and alive! I never feel quite right doing unstructured piecing though! Perhaps I need to try again!
Isn't it satisfying to just slash and sew something fast (and furious) once in a while? I have made several quilts this way and I'm always surprised how stunning they look when they are finished. I love your reds you used for the background. I always love it when I see people use different reds, but funny enough never do it myself. I have no idea why though.
Looove all those red fabrics!!
I agree, the freedom of doing your own thing and making it up as you go does feel great!
Thank you for the link to LeeAnne's blog.
Very cool Janet! It is a little out of your comfort zone? I like how you have joined fabrics for the background!
Playing is what it is all about! Your reds look nice playing with all those colorful fabrics.
I am pretty sure I have the pattern so let some one else have my chance.
What a fun quilt. I love the movement. I too like to have side projects for the machine while tackling long term quilts.
I have Gwens book, so share the pattern with someone else.
Happy Easter
I love your new red quilt Janet, it s so different from what we usually see. Happy Easter to you and your family
It is so different from the quilts you usually show and it looks like so much fun. Think you plan to play is one I am going to try.
Thanks for the chance to win the book.
I really like that! It's very pretty! :0)
The reds sure play well with your scraps. I like the design of the quilt and the pattern. Very modern look. Maybe I will be the lucky winner. Thanks for the chance.
Oh my, Janet!!!!! I absolutely love this. What fun.
Nice and cheerful! It's fun to play!
What a fun diversion from your usual classic quilts. I've enjoyed veering off the usual path every now and then.
I do not need to be entered int he giveaway, but wanted to comment. Oh yea, love the red too!!
You know how sometimes a post pops up with a quilt picture and you know immediately who's blog you're reading? Well, I would never have seen that quilt and said "Heh...I'm on Janet's blog" LOL! So Fun! I love that you're playing around and that you like all styles. I've been wondering if something was wrong with me 'cause I love the brights and the florals and the reproductions...I love almost all of it. But, now I see I'm in great company! Have a wonderful Easter!
Sounds like a great plan. And a very fun block and colors!
I have made a habit out of wandering off to a new and relaxing project every now and then. You come back with so much renewed energy. Your reds are so yummy! Looking forward to seeing more of this free spirited quilt. I was happily surprised to see this image on the blogroll in my side bar. Love it!
Thanks for the shout out!
Love this pattern. So fresh and RED.
Anything in red is a good thing and it looks like you found a nice quick pattern :0).
Crispy
PS don't put me in the drawing, no machine work for this gal.
What a great use of scrap fabric and red to boot!
It looks amazing.
It is very liberating and fun to play once in awhile. Love what you've come up with!
It's great to "step outside" and play a bit, I love these blocks and have admired Leannes as well. No need to include me in the giveway, just wanted to comment on the fun piecing you've got going on.
Oh my, but you have some beautiful reds going on in there! It's fantastic! I love scrappy anything, and this is stunning! Yay!
I love your red and scraps quilt! Freddy and Gwen's is one of my favorite quilts of all time. It is a fun one to work on. Thanks for mentioning mine. I'm honored.
I am on a slow burner project and haven't stitched on my machine for weeks. I know what you mean about having some 'free' stitching time, and hope to use some of the holiday weekend to 'play' on something new.
I like your red blocks and I'd love to do something similar!
I would love to enter your pattern giveaway!
I like your improvised blocks.
Thanks for the chance to win the Tartanz pattern. I have Jan's Daisiez pattern and would love to try another of her designs.
I know what it's like to spend months working on a quilt and it looks like so much fun to just play! Great des.
Fabulous book and fabulous blocks! Stargazey has fun patterns. I made the Stargazey Hearts a few years back and sent it off to the inlaws in NZ. Thanks for the chance to win. :-)
A real fun quilt - sounds like you enjoyed even so different. The kids will fight over that one! Boy, you must have a super stash, all those reds!
Hugs - Lurline
Have looked for that pattern for a long time. Would love to win
I love that idea of free play! Love all your red fabrics! I'm a traditionalist at heart in quilting and once in a while like to do something different. This pattern would be great to play with at my quilt retreat in April!
I love what you come up with when you're seeing red! Improv is so good for the soul and using scraps is like make something from nothing! These blocks are really wonderful Janet!!
Looks like you are having fun. The red blocks look great, but don't enter me as it would never get made! Have a great Easter!
I like the red blocks! Thanks for the giveaway too!
Just needed to say thank you for a fabulous post and I have been and clicked on the links and now I am hooked. You are as ever a wonderful inspiration.
I love the pattern..
Love your quilt so far, and love all things Stargazey! Thanks for the chance to win!
I would love to make one in red! Enter me in the drawing!
I would love to make one in red! Enter me in the drawing!
This looks like a really fun pattern...Julierose
Have fun with your red beauty, Janet! This is on my one day list, too. I love the start of yours
; )
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