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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Chasing the Rainbow Challenge

When I realized I never posted pictures of my challenge quilt, I decided to use it as my entry in this year's Bloggers' Quilt Festival. Amy has again hosted this most fun event. Please be sure to go over and see all the great quilts (click on home to see the quilts)!! A few months ago our Guild had a challenge and I shared a few pictures of my quilt and of the rules. I had no idea how this quilt would look when I started it, but I must tell you, I was soooooo happy with the final results!! After I had pulled all the fabric that matched my swatch of challenge fabric, I just started making paper-pieced square in a square blocks. Not really sure how I would use them but did them in all colors and did some with the little center and some without. My initial plan was to completely surround the center medallion with blocks. I soon realized that would be chaos!!


So I put some blocks in opposite corners and decided to quilt in "ghost" blocks to complete that border. Since the quilt rules said the quilt had to be 36-40" square, I had to add strips to the applique piece to make it square.


The tiny innermost border is a different color on each side, green, red, black, gold. I also added little sashes in between the blocks to make the math fit and to make it easier for the points to lay flat. It's a little hard to see, but each of the quilted "ghost" blocks are done in a different color - just like the pieced blocks. I added quilted sashing where needed to make the math work in this part too. When you're making up a quilt with no pattern, there are no rules LOL!! The final element was the diagonal quilting in the border. It's also hard to see, but the quilting changes color from the center out.


I love the blue leaves on this. I've never done a black quilt before, and I'm so excited about the way this turned out. I'll be taking it to my office, so you'll see it again :).


Here's the kitty - a little hard to see. But he's there in the center of the flower.
Hope you enjoy the show.


Until next time,


-Karen

15 comments:

Valentina said...

Karen!!! I love it! Oh wow, you really know how to take on challenge, girl! Amazing: I love the applique, I love the blocks, the quilting is super! and I could go on and on... and those mini borders?
What an amazing quilt to share! Thank you, sweet friend! enjoy your sunday, kisses, V.

Elaine said...

I love this quilt. The colors - the dark background, the patchwork and especially your applique. Very, very nice.

Claudia said...

I think this is one of my favorite quilts in the festival. I love your design, fabrics and quilting. It's just beautiful.

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Your quilt is stunning! Thanks for sharing.

Kim Brackett said...

I'm anxious to see this one in person! it's so gorgeous. You did a great job with the challenge rules.

Vivian said...

You're such a creative quilter, Karen. I love this quilt. You obviously enjoyed the adventure of the challenge, and each and every part of the quilt has something interesting to see.
Of course, your description wouldn't be complete without giving us a peek at your little kitty. The skinny little band of color next to the binding is a wonderful touch!

Carla said...

Karen, your creativity really shines in this quilt! Lovely!

QuiltSue said...

That is stunning. There's no more I can say that hasn't already been said.

Miri said...

Beautiful quilt! I love the asymetry of the little blocks around the center medallion! Great applique medallion!

Amy Friend said...

Lovely design. I think you made a good call with the border--I like the way that turned out. What nice workmanship too.

Barb said...

Wow! what a fabulous quilt!
Your quilting stitches and motifs are wonderful!
I love the berries

Lori said...

What a fantastic quilt!!
Anything I try to design always falls flat. Yours sparkles and is so beautiful!

stitchinpenny said...

I am so impressed with the beautiful applique. Itseems to draw me into your quilt.

Karen said...

There is certainly a lot of work involved in this quilt. The design is wonderful and the colours look great. Beautiful quilting, too. It will look great in your office!

Eileen said...

Just wonderful! Love black backgrounds and with your vibrant colorful design it's so fun. Thanks for sharing and have a great day