Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Another new project

I finished one block in the Joseph's Coat quilt along, hooray! You can read all about the quilt along at Don't look now. There is also a flickr group set up where you can view the progress and colour schemes of the participants.

My DD at Sew Stitched Up is also taking part and She's just posted about her colour scheme.
I confess, I did a practice block first that got ditched. Yes, totally failed on the precise test first time round. I'm never one to give up so back to square one to fix the gremlins and now I think I have it sorted, no room for errors in this block. It has to fit together like a jigsaw.

I'm now happily sewing block two. This is how they'll fit together but they are separate blocks for now. I just took this photo so you can see how they'll end up looking.

After all the complex, time consuming projects I've been working on this year, I felt like doing something that would be a quick quilt. Here's a sneak peek. Oh wait, do I hear you say that's teasing? Ok then, no teasing, I'll tell you what I've been up to today.
Kathie ( Inspired by Antique Quilts) and I had a chat about going back to the simple patterns and using our stashes since that is why we have them.We both admire antique quilts and both love the scrappy repeated blocks. This inspired the following, thanks Kathie!

I cut lots of 2 1/2" strips out of some leftover light cream and cut 2 1/2" strips of stash fabrics. I have to say, I auditioned three different styles and colours first before deciding on these.
I feel like using warm fall colours for a change.
I feel like I want to go back to those basics I was talkng about on my last post.
I feel like something that says simple patchwork and what's better than a 4 patch or a nine patch for that matter.
I feel like something humble but graphic at the same time.
Version #1 has a few different colours. This isn't appealing to me today.

Version #2 has the dark green and the blue removed. I like it better, sometimes less is more. I think I like the blendy look.
Now I'm thinking of taking out the green and doing it in the golden colours and reds. Must have red! I've always wanted a golden or yellow quilt, This could be close enough. Feel free to offer an opinion here. I'll let you know how this one progresses. They aren't pieced yet so I can change things.

46 comments:

LeKaQuilt said...

Wow - do I like your new prosject ? Ohhyes!!! Beutiful!!!

Abby and Stephanie said...

I'm drooling over the blues/greens in Joseph's coat. Your precision is masterful! I do love the blendy-ness of #2. :o)

Barb said...

I agree with your editing. Very nice, makes me wanna run upstairs and fill my design wall-
The JC is lovely -
barb

Anonymous said...

Very yummy.

cheers
Christine

Anonymous said...

Wonderful first block for you Joseph Coat quilt. Have you already sewn the outer peals too ?

alobsiger said...

Your JC block is wonderful, Janet! I'm still trying to wrap my head around how the blocks go together but will leave that to Kellie's cleverness. I ordered some background yesterday. Stash and traditional patterns, a great combination!

Anonymous said...

I can't say one bad thing about anything when I come for a visit! Your work just amazes me and color...wow I love it!

Miriam said...

I love your colour combination for the Joseph's Coat Quilt.

Kaaren said...

I agree...less is definitely more. Why is it that the simplest of designs can be the most beautiful...to these eyes, anyway.

I absolutely love it, Janet! I think I'm going to start cutting strips this afternoon.

Crispy said...

The final choices for the Joseph's Coat are wonderful and your precision in getting the points lined up properly is awesome. I agree that the cool green is not needed with the warm golds and reds, this is going to be a beauty.

Crispy

Nedra said...

You sure have an eye for color. I want to sit next to you and learn as you play. I love the Joseph's Coat, plus the way you've worked with color on the simple 9-patch. Wonderful!

Carol said...

Your Joseph's Coat is just beautiful...great colors. Oh you and Kathie are really on to something here...simple is VERY good!

ranette said...

My goodness....I'm amazed at all that you get done Janet!!! The JC is looking wonderful (I haven't even started yet)

I prefer the softer, blendy scrap blocks...they feel worn and loved and that really appeals to me right now. Good job!

Unknown said...

Your Don't Look Now project is going to be just fantastic!! I love the color scheme. Your applique skills just knock me out!! I also love your "quick quilt" just beautiful.

Brenda said...

I like both versions of the 9-patches, but maybe the subtleness of the second one slightly more. I agree, it's fun to play with classic patterns.

Lori said...

I absolutely love the JC. And yes, it looks like it is a precision piece!
Personally I like the dark squares mixed in with the light ones, but I LOVE scrap quilts and almost always think more is better!!! LOL

Lurline said...

Who could choose - not me! - i love them both!
Hugs - Lurline♥

YankeeQuilter said...

The blendy option makes me think of autumn woods...

Janet said...

You come up with more challenges that make me want to try too. (Curves constantly call to me) These blocks are so dynamic. Thank you for following along while we were traveling and for your comments.

wishes, true and kind said...

Your Joseph's Coat is looking fabulous, and your new project is too! Despite being a lover of blue -- it did improve when it was removed. Great project!

Terrie Sandelin said...

The colors and fabrics on the Joseph's Coat are just wonderful. What a very, very beautiful quilt this is going to be. And I'm interested to see how those checkerboards turn out!

Rae Ann said...

Your choice of fabric is great. I love all of your fun projects! Can't wait to see them done!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Your Joseph's Coat is amazing! And for the squares, I like ALL of the colors together.

Karen said...

We all need a change every now and then. Doing something of simple design can be very striking.

Janet said...

I like your new project very much! I like the first option with the blue in it best but both are really nice. How big are you going with this project?

QuiltedSimple said...

Love your new project. Not sure which one I like more - they will both be beautiful
Kris

Thimbleanna said...

I LOVE your pretty Joseph's colors! I'm still having trouble visualizing how those blocks come together -- I should probably read over Kellie's instructions more closely. Your "simple" quilt is going to be amazing -- no matter now many beautiful and complicated patterns I like, I always gravitate back to the simple, humble square patch!

Sharon said...

Fantastic, I am so glad I found your blog. So many motivational pictures, too little time!

Barb said...

I love your quilt along quilt, I had thought about joining and really want to but time just will not permit it...and that last quilt you are showing is amazing...

by the way, I am having a Ginger jar Quilt giveaway on my blog...come over if you have a chance!!

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Loving this post Janet your jc block is amazing, I love your fresh colours. Your new quilt is looking fabulous, I do like the blended look too. xo

Betsy said...

Janet the don't look now project is just stunning. I agree, I like the second picture without the blues too but I am bias to orange and reds.

SO I'M Anna Fogg, an eclectic kinda gal said...

I LOVE what you say about the old, traditional blocks. I, too, have always been in love with that simplicity (although if you see my blog's latest post, you may doubt me - but t'is true)...and so I love that patchwork you've done. I love it all together. Because even though I love the old, I love to see it in Kaffe's and Amy Butler's, and Anna Maria Horner's...the best of both worlds...and so I'd juxtapose it all together...and your Joseph's Coat, oh my...still not sure if I'll do it.
~anna in md of www.bohemiancotton.blogspot.com/

PatchworkRose said...

Just Love your applique. I love both versions too. I need a touch of Kaffe in my life too. Those bright colours are just wonderful
Cheers
Lynne

Pokey said...

The blues in your Joseph's Coat are dreamy. I am always in awe of your work. I do love the ease of the checkerboard, and the beautiful simplicity of the project. That is the current creative bent happening at my house, in table runner finishes, or I should say, beginnings! (I'll be surprised if you don't add some applique to yours, though!) :-} pokey

Anonymous said...

I too like the softer color palette with more gold and red. ; ) It's lovely.

The Joseph's Coat project, is it being done as hand applique? Do the leaves have a finished edge prior to sewing or are you doing needle turn as you go? Your precision is remarkable. LOVE your color choices!!!

julieQ said...

I really like your Joseph's coat quilt. The colors you have chosen are so fresh and pretty. Love your color study!

Dresden Quilter said...

Wow, the Joseph's coat block is amazing. I like version #2 of your quilt better.

Robin said...

Your Joseph's Coat block is lovely! It looks like the trial and error really paid off and resulted in a gorgeous block. :)

I love the idea of using scraps/stash for a simple, back-to-basics quilt. I need to do something like that! I think I like your second version a little better... and the idea of golds/reds/warm tones sounds like a fabulous direction.

Ginger Patches said...

I like it the second way best, and an all golden quilt would be pretty too!! I don't think you can go wrong with those cute blocks :)

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Is that how they go together? I've got no idea, I feel like I'm driving in the dark! It looks great, and I like both colourways on the other quilt, can't wait to see it finished!

Passionate Quilter said...

I'm LOVING your Joseph's coat! I wanna do one! Your choice of fabrics is right up my alley! And as far as the 4 patch one...what if you blended the colors more, instead of keeping the color groups together? Or are they already pieced together. I do love simple, scrappy quilts as well.

Beth Karese said...

The Joseph's Coat looks great! What went wrong with the first block? Is it bringing together all those points?

My thoughts on your "simple" quilt? If you're after warm fall colors, then yes the green could come out. For me, I liked the second version better because the transition from the fabric in one block to the next feels more gentle. The pattern itself is busy. My eyes felt like they had a workout on the first pic. ;-)

Funny you should mention the desire for a simple project. Recently I've realized that, while I'm drawn to challenging projects, I'd really like to have a first (!) finish. Think I'll take a look through those pics of my wanna-do's. I also think it's finally time to dust off my old sewing machine for this one. lol.

Deb said...

Janet the JC quilt is lovely. And the way it fits together is perfect. Can't wait to see what you decide to do with the squares.

Kim D. said...

Wow your Joseph's Coat is gorgeous, love the colors. Beautiful colors also in your 4 / 9 patches.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Both the quilts you are working on are beautiful. Sometimes the quilt just tells you what colors it wants to be, and you just have to go with it. Much easier than fighting with it.

Nanette Merrill said...

Your block is so complicated. Yes! No room for error there.