Way back in March, one of my oldest and dearest friends turned forty.
I wanted to mark her birthday in a meaningful way, so I offered to make her a quilt. I wasn't sure if it was something that she would like, but I knew that my friend appreciates handmade and I hoped that she would like a quilt to snuggle under.
When she accepted my offer, I was really happy, but almost immediately nerves started to appear.
My friend and I have really different tastes and I worried that I wouldn't be able to make something that she would love. To get me started, I asked her what colours she would like me to use. The answer came back as teal, aqua, grey and orange (phew! my comfort zone colours).
I was tempted to ask her lots of questions about what she wanted, but I decided to trust my instincts.
I wanted to make something special and personalised so it seemed only fitting to choose one of my own designs. The obvious choice was linked squares, but I wanted to play about with it a bit.
I love the idea that the links on the quilt signify our friendship. We may now live on opposite sides of the world, but this friend is always there for me and our pasts are closely linked.
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| Not the proper layout, but it gives an idea of the way the colours work |
I started piecing it today, but as yet I am unsure exactly where I am going with it. The yellow was a spontaneous decision. I regretted it almost immediately, but now that I am beginning to see how the blocks will come together, it is growing on me more and more.
You could say that starting work without a clear finalised plan is a dangerous way to work but I like it! I enjoy the potential to change my mind as I go along and the possibility to follow a different tangents when I feel like it.
Tonight I have been playing with various different layouts. I'm not sure if any of these will be the final layout, but they give me some options at least...
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| Don't worry- I definitely won't be going for lilac! |
Which is your favourite?
Looking amazing, can't wait to see it finished! Lisa xx
ReplyDeleteLucky friend!! and a lovely idea :)) I really like the choice of yellow! and I think the middle design would be my favourite.
ReplyDeleteSewing and making it up as you go is all part of the enjoyment!
I like them all, but I think the exact block you have made throughout. If she doesn't like it, let me know and I'll send you my snail mail address....:D :D
ReplyDeletejust in case we ever get to that point.... if you ever offer to make me a quilt, my answer is a resounding YES! Who would say no to that? Love what you have done here and I love the first layout...
ReplyDeletemiddle is my fav - it will be amazing when it's all done x
ReplyDeleteIt's always so much more nerve wracking making something for a close friend isn't it!! I think it's looking fabulous so far! I quite like the first layout I think! Or maybe the second....
ReplyDeleteLucky friend. I am sure she will just love to have something made by you. So special. My vote is definitely for the top layout. I like the alternate blue and orange with the continuity of the yellow and dark grey. Only thing, I'd also like to see it with the orange and blue reversed... so 5 blue, 4 orange. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting pattern. I like the first layout the best.
ReplyDeleteAmazing idea. I like the top one best, alternating the tangerine with the aqua fabric just gives it that tad more visual interest.
ReplyDeleteHa! If I ever have a clear idea of what I'm doing, then it never ends up there. Personally I like the two tone block (top one) - the light and dark shades really give extra dimension to your pattern IMHO.
ReplyDeleteMostly I work without final plan and when I promise to make something I have so many doubts and worries. I say the one in the middle.
ReplyDeleteI think I like the middle one. It will be a great finish. I have loved this block since you first posted it :-)
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome! I like the first option on the layout the best, but all three would be great.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful present it will make. I like the second option best. Good luck deciding. x
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! My favourite is the second layout, or the first......or the second. It's hard to choose, they both look great!
ReplyDeleteI like the middle one! Great block and those colors work wonderfully with that design!
ReplyDeleteI am stopping by from the WIP hop, hop by if you get a chance! http://domesticdeficitdisorder.blogspot.com/2013/07/wip-wednesday-july-24th-edition.html
I love the second layout.....great idea!!
ReplyDeletemmmm middle is my pick but every now and again I think the top one... what a wonderful gift - it's going to be amazing! x
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