Did you ever have a quilt that sat on your to-do list for a really long time?... I'm talking about more than just the flavor-of-the-month long time, but over a year or two long time? If you were to look at the quilts on my bucket list, I would have to say that I am a total sucker for a sampler quilt. While I love modern, bright, and bold fabrics in super saturated colors, there is a certain appeal to me to give those traditional quilts that inspired today's quilting movement a big nod.
It turns out that the Penny Sampler quilt from Rachel at Stitched in Color has been that on-my-brain quilt for quite a while now. I had actually almost purchased it last year, but because I had other things on my plate, I filed it away in the back of my mind. Well, it just wouldn't go away, and when Rachel posted that she would be doing another class... seriously, what was a girl to do? The pattern is set up as a six month, twelve month, or an on your own plan. I started out with the on your own version, but might switch to the six month group so I can join in on the fun.
This quilt will make it in my living room, and adorn a spot beside my highly honored and daily used quilt that my aunt made me. As I have been working on this quilt, there are several blocks that I feel like relate to my own personal story. Somehow this block makes me think of a neighboring German village:
My vision for this quilt is to actually stay with toned down and less saturated colors... I would really like this quilt to have the look of an heirloom that has been in the family for years. You really have no idea how hard it is to stay away from those strong popping color contrasts. I have used several Alison Glass batiks that I've been saving for just the right project. Instead of bright yellow, a muted gold takes its place. I have even thought about tea staining a few of the background fabrics to give it a worn look, but we'll just have to see if that actually happens.
My Penny Sampler is just one of my yearly goals projects, and I think a nice finish at your own pace project for the year.
Linking up to Let's Bee Social.
These are lovely blocks thus far and your color scheme is just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove these blocks, the fabrics and colors. I can't imagine tea dying them. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't. Others have ideas that I don't, and they seem to turn out well. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have tons of quilts that I have been thinking about for ages. Some of them I have even started or picked out fabrics for. It sounds like you have a great vision to keep you motivated on this one.
ReplyDeleteTea dying fabric - and you say I have crazy ideas? It is great to see how much fun you have with this design. Hope it gives you fun and relaxation for quite a while :)
ReplyDeleteThe diamonds look fantastic. Good luck with all the rest of the sampler.
ReplyDeleteMy mother in law tea stains silks and lace for her porcelain dolls. I am sure this quilt will look just stunning.
ReplyDeleteI am loving your progress so far and enjoyed reading about your plans for how you want this quilt to look. Sometimes it's nice to take ourselves down a different path than our usual route. Sounds like you are enjoying the journey!
ReplyDeleteFantastic Allison, I am looking forward to seeing your progress. I love the penny sampler design. As for tea staining... I always find that the stains manage to come all by themselves =)
ReplyDeleteYour color scheme and fabric selection are absolutely beautiful! And I love how you are personalizing the blocks to tell your story. I'm currently working on a quilt inspired by a trip one of my daughters and I recently took to the Andes, and it is so fun to pull from those memories to create something in cloth.
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