This Blended Quilt Challenge has just been the most fun. In fact, I became a bit obsessed with the possibilities that were out there for making any number of exquisite quilts using the blended fabrics method. I picked an easy one to begin with: a medallion style quilt top. With a medallion quilt, you begin with a center panel or print and continue building rows around it, adding borders until it is the size you want in the end. These quilts can be quite large, and actually go together fairly quickly because not a lot of piecing is involved. This pattern is called "Memories of Versailles" and is from the Blended II book by Marsha McCloskey.
While I was waiting for the fabrics pictured above to arrive in the mail, I started playing around with some lovely florals from the Dominique line by Moda. I chose a pattern called "Burgundy Star", also from the Blended II book. My idea was to make a black, rose and green quilt. Here are some of the blocks I made:
I made a couple dozen blocks and laid them out on my "design bed" in the guest room, and made an interesting discovery. Some of the blocks just did not work with the others. I pulled those odd ball blocks out and guess what? I thought they were stunning set apart by themselves and may be even more interesting than the "good" blocks. So, I went back to the Bernina and made a couple dozen more blocks along the theme of the "odd ball" blocks. And this is what happened:
Sometimes the blocks you think aren't working can turn into a great creative idea when left to shine on their own. I think my quilt has kind of a British Colonial feel to it, in those wonderful neutral toiles and paisleys, with just a touch of black and sage to catch your eye. I ended up changing the Burgundy Star pattern by making more blocks and putting on two additional borders.
Of course I still have all my pretty black, rose and green blocks from the original blended quilt concept I had, and someday will turn them into a quilt as well. Some of you may recall I was playing around with a blended blue log cabin idea as well, and I know that one will get finished one day too! So many quilts to make.....
It has been incredibly enjoyable to work along with my very talented blogging friends, Perry, Cindy, and Lisa on this Challenge project. What a terrific way to get to know like-minded people and to share the passion for quilting. Not to mention, how the imposed Challenge Deadline forces you to keep up your sewing and get the quilt top finished! It has been a blast girls, let's do another one soon!
Please go check out Perry, Cindy, and Lisa's blog posts today to see what amazing and beautiful quilts they have made!