I am resolved to finish all my UFOs before tackling a new project but sometimes... exceptions can be made IF there is a good reason and I believe I have a very good reason. My son-in-law will graduate from Duke Divinity School in May and I wanted to make something special for him. I've been planning this for a while and now it's time to get moving.
Inspired by Crooked Cobblestones 4 - Cross (link) by quilt artist Wanda Hanson of Exuberant Color, which is way beyond my meager skills, I thought I could do a smaller wall hanging using batik squares in a colorwash rather than cobblestone blocks. I've admired Wanda's colorwash quilts (link) and drooled over Debbie of Stitchin' Therapy's watercolor quilts (link) as well... so I decided to give it a try.
I don't think a single fabric square is in the same position as it was when I first started laying them out. The project is on the dining room table and I squint my eyes to look at it as I pass by. It's amazing how what looks okay one day, the next... one square just screams to be moved the next.
Debbie (Stitchin' Therapy) has a great tutorial all about designing/making a water color quilt (link), which has all kinds of wonderful tips and advice.
One thing I did today after taking the above photo, is to use my photo editor to change it to black and white so I can study the light-to-dark progression...
I'm still quilting on UFO #2 and will continue to play with the fabric squares until the UFO is finished... hopefully in the next week or two. Then I will start sewing these squares together. I have until the end of April to early May to finish this wall hanging. I even have the wood strip to use in the hanging pocket.
See? I have been planning this project for a while...
Your son is going to love it!! I like the idea of taking a photo and then editing it to black and white to see the change in value.
ReplyDeleteHey girlfriend! What a fabulous New Project!! What a treasure you are creating!! Loved the video with Angela! I just did a demo at our guild and I hope I got across to them the same points! It's been cold here in Texas, too. But I know the extra snow is going to make for a great spring here! Think of you often and hope all is going well!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs!
This is going to be beautiful! Congratulations to the graduate to be.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of Wanda and Debbie, too.
I love how the water color quilt looks. thanks for the links, I hope to try one someday...
ReplyDeleteLooks like you've done some might good planning. It is beautiful. He will love it.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Beautiful project for a special event. You've had some great mentors and you obviously learned well!
ReplyDeleteOh my word, Freda, it is absolutely gorgeous. Your son-in-law will love it, I'm sure. :o)
ReplyDeleteLooking good! I also am a fan on these two quilt artists.
ReplyDeleteIt's really beautiful--I'm sure he'll treasure it for many years!
ReplyDeleteNow, how did I miss this post?? Ugh, I have been sick and only reading a few times. So.........this is beautiful! You have the hang of it and doing the right things by taking your time and trying the black and white trick. Batiks are harder to blend as they all seem slightly greyed in color, yet you have got it together. I do like the way you are working from one color to the next, ala Wanda's style. Your base will come together as the ground so nicely. Good job, and look forward to your result. He is going to love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift you are making! My sister works with your sister, Eleanor, and steered me to your blog. A young group of girls made a Lenten banner a few years back and it's on my blog: https://runandsewuilts.wordpress.com/2013/02/13/ash-wednesday-banner/
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